Trump Admin Discord, Psychedelics & Health Care Updates – Feb 4 2026
- Recent developments suggest potential internal debate within the Trump administration regarding psychedelic research.
- Melissa Lavasani, founder of the advocacy group Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, suggested that conservative viewpoints among the President’s advisors may be contributing to the resistance.
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released new recommendations on February 3, 2026, advising that gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until patients are at least 19 years old.
Magic Mushrooms Decision Suggests Possible Discord Within Trump Administration
Recent developments suggest potential internal debate within the Trump administration regarding psychedelic research. In October, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a psilocybin treatment developed by Compass Pathways as a promising candidate for a priority drug review, which would expedite the regulatory process. However, this recommendation was vetoed by officials within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the White House before final approval, according to reporting from STAT News.
Melissa Lavasani, founder of the advocacy group Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, suggested that conservative viewpoints among the President’s advisors may be contributing to the resistance. “There are a few pretty conservative folks among the President’s advisers that have old school viewpoints on drugs,” she stated. “That’s been the challenge, trying to crack the egg with getting to those folks who have the president’s ear on this.”
Plastic Surgeons Take a Stance on Gender-Affirming Procedures
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released new recommendations on , advising that gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until patients are at least 19 years old. This stance represents a divergence from other major U.S. Medical groups that currently support gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary individuals. The recommendations apply to facial, chest, and genital procedures.
For context, the ASPS reported over 23,000 plastic surgeries performed on individuals aged 19 and under in . A separate study indicated approximately 4,000 gender-affirming surgeries were performed on transgender adolescents between and .
How Diabetes in Pregnancy May Be Linked to Epilepsy in Babies
A new Canadian study published today in Pediatrics suggests a link between maternal diabetes and an increased risk of epilepsy in children. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 2 million children born in Ontario between and , found that children whose mothers had diabetes—whether pre-gestational type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes—were at higher risk of developing epilepsy. The highest increased risk (40%) was observed in children whose mothers had type 2 diabetes before pregnancy, followed by type 1 (32% higher), and gestational diabetes (14% higher).
Lead author Bénédicte Driollet explained that the connection between diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders has been previously observed. This study distinguishes between different types of diabetes, suggesting varying levels of risk. The authors hypothesize that prenatal metabolic factors, particularly hyperglycemia, may influence fetal brain development and contribute to epilepsy. Driollet noted that diabetes is associated with other complications like preterm birth and congenital anomalies, which could also play a role. Given the rising rates of type 2 diabetes, particularly among young people, the study’s authors recommend increased neurological monitoring of children exposed to diabetes in utero.
In Research Areas, What’s Too Close for Comfort?
A recent study explores the balance between maintaining continuity and demonstrating independence in academic research. The study suggests that early-career life scientists benefit from remaining within the general research area of their former advisors, but only to a certain extent. Christopher Liu, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the importance of signaling independence and creativity alongside continued collaboration.
The Suburbs and Methadone Treatment Access
A commentary published in JAMA Network Open highlights disparities in access to methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. A study analyzing data from Connecticut census block groups revealed that areas with the highest per-capita overdose death rates often have longer travel times to the nearest opioid treatment program, particularly for those relying on public transportation. The median travel time by car was approximately eight minutes, but increased to 37 minutes via public transit, with a third of affected areas lacking adequate public transit access.
The commentary draws a parallel between the challenges of accessing methadone treatment and the uniquely restrictive nature of the system in the United States. This issue is further explored in STAT’s “War on Recovery” series, which details how rigid rules at methadone clinics can hinder patients’ recovery.
A Drug for Restless Leg Syndrome Wrecked His Life
Aaron Sanders shares his personal experience with pramipexole, a dopamine agonist prescribed for restless leg syndrome, in a new First Opinion essay. Initially, the drug provided relief from his symptoms, but after nearly 20 years of use, he experienced unforeseen and devastating side effects, including compulsive gambling, financial ruin, and strained family relationships. Sanders’ story raises questions about the long-term consequences of medications and the importance of considering potential risks.
What We’re Reading
- Long COVID affects millions of children. The largest pediatric trial so far launches this year, The 19th
- FDA Commissioner Marty Makary tries to soothe staff concerns over voucher program, STAT
- NIH grant disruptions slow down breast cancer research, KFF Health News
- Novo Nordisk sees lower sales, profits as Wegovy faces growing competition, STAT