IVF in the USA; encouraging measles vaccines; just get some rest – Morning Medical Update

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IVF use nationally

In vitro fertilization became headline news this year when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos could be considered children under state law. How widespread are the assisted reproductive technologies that help people who experience infertility? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this summary.

Measles vaccines needed now

Measles has been reported in 17 states this year. The American Medical Association is “reminding physicians to talk with their patients about the health risks associated with not being vaccinated and to make a strong recommendation for vaccinations, unless medically inadvisable. We also urge physicians to educate patients on the signs and symptoms, severity and complications of measles given that many people are unfamiliar with the impact of the disease,” said a new statement from President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH.

Sleep deprivation in the blood

Staying up for hours on end results in more than fatigue. Lack of sleep hurts human performance and cognition and is a major contributor to car crashes and workplace accidents around the world. Now Australian researchers say they have found biomarkers in the blood that show up once a person has been deprived of sleep for at least 24 hours, according to this study and accompanying news release.