2, Mar 2026
Study Reveals Extensive Benefits of Emergency Department Clinical Trials
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that participation in emergency department-based clinical trials delivers substantial benefits that extend far beyond improved patient outcomes. The study, co-led by Gail D’Onofrio, MD, MS, Albert E. Kent Professor of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, offers compelling evidence that clinical research can be a catalyst for positive change across multiple domains.
The cross-sectional survey, co-led by Joseph E. Carpenter, MD, from Emory University School of Medicine, examined investigators who participated in the ED-INNOVATION (Emergency Department–Initiated Buprenorphine and Validation Network) Trial, which spanned 33 emergency departments (EDs) across 23 states. The trial compared initiation of extended-release injectable buprenorphine with traditional sublingual buprenorphine and treatment engagement after the emergency department visit, addressing evidence-based care for opioid use disorder (OUD) in acute care settings.
Strengthening the research pipeline
According to D’Onofrio, ED INNOVATION lead investigator, “Participation in clinical trials can improve patient care while also strengthening the emergency medicine research pipeline—an area in need of sustained support and development. By engaging emergency department physicians in research activities, the trial built capacity, expanded investigator expertise, and positioned sites for future federally funded studies.”
Transforming institutional culture
The study documented remarkable institutional impacts from trial participation. One survey respondent noted that involvement in the clinical trial “completely changed the culture of our ED,” highlighting how research engagement can fundamentally reshape clinical practice environments. Participating institutions reported widespread practice changes that extended well beyond the trial’s specific focus, demonstrating how clinical trials can drive sustainable quality improvement in emergency care.
Career advancement and professional development
Individual clinicians experienced significant professional benefits from their involvement in the multi-site emergency medicine clinical trial. Site directors became more research-active, submitting additional funding proposals following their participation. Some clinicians obtained advanced certification in addiction medicine as a direct result of their trial participation, demonstrating that National Institutes of Health-supported clinical research can serve as a pathway to specialized expertise, leadership development, and career advancement.
Community engagement and partnership
The ED-INNOVATION trial successfully engaged a diverse array of community partners, including organizations and settings that could reach at-risk patients. This community-oriented approach demonstrates how clinical research can extend its impact beyond hospital walls to support broader public health initiatives and address social determinants of health.
Implications for the future
The findings come at a crucial time when clinical research infrastructure faces mounting pressures. The study underscores the multifaceted value of investing in emergency medicine clinical trials, suggesting that research funding generates returns not only through improved patient care but also through institutional development, workforce enhancement, and community strengthening.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Mar 2026
Why Wealth Changes How We Think About Fair Prices
By Kirsten Hilgeford
When it comes to the price of financial services such as loans, mortgages, and insurance, the perception of what is “fair” has a lot to do with how wealthy you are. In the study “Seeing Like a Company or a Customer: Selective Empathy in Pricing,” appearing in the February 2026 issue of the American Sociological Review, authors Barbara Kiviat (Columbia University) and Carly R. Knight (New York University) examine how Americans evaluate the fairness of risk-based pricing—where consumers who are predicted to be high-risk/costly are charged more.
Grounding their approach in previous sociological research on empathy, Kiviat and Knight demonstrate that either side of an economic transaction—company or customer—can become the object of empathy. To establish this, Kiviat and Knight conducted three studies on risk-based pricing, focusing on transactions between customers and companies. In the first study, they analyzed two nationally representative surveys to examine the relationship between household income and beliefs about the fairness of charging high-risk people more for insurance and credit. The authors uncovered a pattern in which wealthier individuals, regardless of their economic self-interest or ideology, were more likely to accept the moral legitimacy of tying prices to a person’s behavior.
The authors then proposed the new lens of “selective empathy” to apply to their remaining two studies. Selective empathy is when an individual disproportionately directs their empathy to and takes the perspective of either the company or the customer in evaluating pricing arrangements. Kiviat and Knight found that wealthier individuals are more likely than lower-income individuals to empathize with companies—and less likely to empathize with high-risk consumers.
“Our findings show that support for pro-business pricing practices is not simply about self-interest,” said the authors. “Instead, wealthier Americans more easily see things from a company’s ‘point of view,’ making these practices appear fair even when they consistently burden high-risk consumers. This class-based split in perspective matters to how people judge the fairness of our economy.”
The authors note that their findings ultimately “reveal that risk-based pricing—even in its most institutionalized, ostensibly innocuous form—reflects a class-based understanding of market fairness.”
2, Mar 2026
America’s First X-Ray: How Yale Advanced Medical Imaging
Mar 02: The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen marked a major advance in science and medicine, making it possible for physicians to see inside the human body for the first time without surgery. Medical scientists quickly recognized the potential of X-rays as a diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying broken bones and other internal injuries. Röntgen’s first X-ray, of his wife’s hand, clearly revealed bones and joints, offering an early demonstration of how X-ray imaging could transform medical diagnosis.
News of Röntgen’s discovery quickly spread through the global scientific community, generating widespread excitement and experimentation. Scientists around the world were excited about Röntgen’s work. In the United States, Yale physicist Arthur Wright was among the first to explore the new technology. In January 1896, barely a month after Röntgen introduced X-rays to the world, Wright successfully produced an X-ray image, making him the first in the country to work with the technique. He published hist findings in Engineering and Mining Journal and Electrical Engineer magazine, helping to introduce X-ray imaging to American scientific and medical audiences.
Interest in Wright’s work was immediate and intense, drawing widespread attention from both the scientific community and the popular press. An X-ray image he produced of coins and other metal objects, along with a photo of his X-ray machine, appeared on the cover of Scientific American on Feb. 15, 1896, introducing many readers to the emerging technology for the first time.
Public interest was equally strong on campus. When Wright presented his findings at Yale, the auditorium was filled beyond capacity. According to one newspaper account, students continued climbing through the windows more than 30 minutes into the lecture, even though only those in the first few rows could hear.
X-rays lead to the rise of medical imaging
Within just four years, by 1900, X-rays had become indispensable in diagnosing fractures and locating foreign objects within the body. Over time, the technology evolved into advanced imaging tools such as CT scans and MRIs, transforming clinical decision-making, and saving countless lives. Today, seven out of 10 Americans undergo some form of medical or dental imaging each year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
While Wright’s X-ray experiments captured national attention and marked a turning point in medical imaging, they represented just one facet of his broader scientific legacy. His career began long before the advent of X-rays and continued through decades of innovation and leadership in building Yale’s physics department.
No stranger to firsts, Wright received the first doctoral degree awarded in the United States from Yale University in 1861. From 1863 to 1868, he taught Latin and later physics at Yale, returning in 1872 as professor of molecular physics and chemistry—a title later changed to experimental physics.
In the 1880s, Wright played a key role in securing funding for the nation’s first dedicated physics, Yale’s Sloane Physics Laboratory, where he later produced his X-ray images. In 1966, Yale expanded this legacy by establishing the A.W. Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory, enabling the study of medium-mass and heavy nuclei. Today, research in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics continues at the Yale Wright Laboratory, which opened its current facility in 2017.
From diagnosing disease to imaging health
More than a century after Wright’s first X-ray photograph, the technology he helped pioneer remains central to modern medical practice. From routine chest X-rays to complex interventional procedures, X-ray imaging continues to provide a noninvasive window into the body, supporting diagnosis, guiding treatment, and shaping generations of clinical decision-making.
Wright’s early work at Yale not only brought Röntgen’s discovery to American scientists and physicians but also helped establish a foundation for continued advances in medical imaging.
Today. Yale remains at the forefront of imaging science. In June 2025, the University marked another major milestone with the launch of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. The institute brings together advanced imaging research centers—including its PET and MRI laboratories, the scientific descendants of Wright’s early X-ray experiments—with experts in artificial intelligence and data science.
The institute focuses on developing new imaging tools that can detect disease earlier and with greater precision, using advanced computational methods to help predict and track illnesses. This work reflects a broader shift in medicine—from diagnosing disease after it appears to understanding, monitoring, and protecting health. Rather than identifying illness only once it has progressed, researchers aim to detect subtle changes before symptoms emerge and to better define what healthy organs and tissues look like over time.
“Part of the paradigm shift is to move from imaging disease to imaging health,” says Georges El Fakhri, PhD, Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, professor of therapeutic radiology, and of biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine.
The future of medical imaging owes much to a scientist who, inspired by a sudden discovery in Germany, helped lay the groundwork for radiology as a transformative tool in medicine. Today, Yale carries that legacy forward—uniting advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and clinical insight to extend and reimagine what Wright began.
2, Mar 2026
Spring Just Got Stylish: Michael Kors Unveils Spring 2026 Watch Collection
Mar 02: Michael Kors welcomes Spring 2026 with an elevated edit of timepieces that capture the season’s fresh energy and refined glamour. Blending iconic silhouettes with contemporary detailing, the new collection introduces gemstone dials, radiant metallic finishes, sculptural bracelets and bold chronographs designed for both her and him.
Balancing playful sophistication with timeless appeal, the Spring 2026 lineup features warm rose gold tones, striking greens, sharp monochromes and statement straps. Each watch transitions effortlessly from everyday polish to standout occasions, embodying the brand’s signature blend of luxury and wearability.
FOR HER
Essex Collection (MK4998, MK4999, MK4997)
The classic Essex tank returns in refreshed finishes for Spring. From a rose gold-tone design paired with a sleek five-link half-moon bracelet and matching dial, to a chic two-tone variation with a crisp white dial, and a radiant gold edition with a coordinating gold dial, the Essex redefines everyday elegance with a refined yet modern sensibility.
Petite Lexington (MK7578)
A seasonal standout, the Petite Lexington features a luxe tiger’s eye dial — a personal pick from Michael himself. The rich, dimensional tones lend a fashion-forward edge to the timeless silhouette, complemented by a gold strap that enhances its sophisticated appeal.
Bryant (MK7600)
The bestselling Bryant returns with a bold green dial set within a warm rose gold-tone case. Its signature multi-link bracelet ensures comfort and polish, delivering a contemporary pop of color to a classic design.
FOR HIM
Lexington Chronograph (MK9257, MK9256)
The iconic Lexington is reimagined in two versatile interpretations. One features a rich brown leather strap with a striking two-tone 45 mm case and crisp white dial, while the other pairs a sleek black leather strap with a bold silver-tone case. Subtle vertical dial textures and precision chronograph movements enhance both functionality and style.
Prescott (MK9252)
Distinguished by its refined octagonal case and monochromatic aesthetic, the Prescott balances strength and sophistication. Finished in all black and equipped with a chronograph movement and linear bracelet, it transitions seamlessly from boardroom meetings to after-hours engagements.
With the Spring 2026 watch collection, Michael Kors continues to celebrate individuality and effortless glamour. Designed to complement both everyday dressing and elevated occasions, these timepieces serve as the ultimate finishing touch for the season ahead.
2, Mar 2026
Imtiaz Ali, Huma Qureshi, Ali Fazal & More Shine at Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026
Mumbai Mar 2: The landscape of entertainment in India has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with streaming platforms redefining how audiences consume content. The Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026 celebrated this revolution in spectacular fashion on 27th February at NESCO, Goregaon in Mumbai, bringing together the biggest names and brightest forces shaping the OTT ecosystem today.
Now in its fourth edition, ITSA 2026 delivered its grandest and most successful night yet – a landmark celebration that firmly cemented its position as India’s definitive awards platform for streaming entertainment. The evening witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with the biggest stars, leading creators, top executives, and key decision-makers from across the OTT and digital entertainment ecosystem gathered under one roof.
The red carpet sparkled with unparalleled glamour as marquee names including Huma Qureshi, Manoj Bajpayee, Ali Fazal, Ishaan Khatter, Boman Irani, Rasika Dugal, Imtiaz Ali, Soha Ali Khan and Munawar Faruqui led an unforgettable night of celebration. They were joined by an exceptional roster of winners such as Tanya Maniktala, Anand Tiwari , Vineet Kumar Singh, Deepak Dobriyal, Harman Baweja, Surya Sharma, Rahul Bhat, Sufi Motiwala, Rajat Bedi, Abhishek Sharma and many more – making it a night defined by excellence, recognition, and industry-wide celebration.
Hosted by the charismatic and dynamic duo Nakuul Mehta and Mukti Mohan, the ceremony delivered an electrifying atmosphere that perfectly reflected the scale, energy, and cultural impact of India’s streaming boom.
Beyond the talent in front of the camera, the evening also honoured the vast creative and technical ecosystem powering the OTT revolution – including directors, writers, editors, cinematographers, production designers, and technicians whose contributions continue to elevate Indian content onto the global stage.
The industry’s most influential streaming platforms – including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5 and Amazon MX Player – had a commanding presence, with their shows and talent winning across major categories. Leading production houses such as Abundantia Entertainment, Applause Entertainment, Hoichoi, Pocket Aces, Pritish Nandy Communications, Ultra, Shemaroo and many more were also present, underscoring the awards’ importance as the premier gathering point for India’s streaming industry.
The scale of the event extended far beyond Hindi entertainment, with strong representation from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Odia, and Gujarati content – highlighting ITSA’s commitment to celebrating the full diversity and depth of India’s OTT ecosystem.
Media presence at ITSA 2026 was equally unprecedented. From national television networks and leading digital publishers to top paparazzi agencies and entertainment portals, the red carpet and ceremony received extensive coverage, reinforcing ITSA’s standing as one of the most significant and widely followed entertainment events in the country.
The evening was made possible with the support of our esteemed partners. Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers joined as the Presenting Partner, adding timeless elegance to the celebrations, while DS Spice came on board as the Official Spice Partner.
As the IP Owner, Anil Wanvari contributed to the Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026 as the primary organizers and visionary leaders behind the event.
Mishaal Wanvari and Prerna Wanvari, as directors of the ITV group, oversee the operational execution and integrity of the 4th edition’s IP, ensuring it remains the “gold standard” for the industry.
ITSA 2026 was more than an awards ceremony it was a defining industry moment. With its scale, star power, industry participation, and cultural significance reaching new heights, ITSA 2026 has firmly established itself as the biggest and most influential awards platform dedicated exclusively to India’s OTT and streaming ecosystem.
2, Mar 2026
upGrad Integrates OpenAI Stack Across Curriculum in Industry-First Move
New Delhi, March 2: upGrad, Asia’s leading higher education and upskilling company, announced a milestone strategic partnership with OpenAI at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to integrate advanced generative AI capabilities across its learning ecosystem.
Through this partnership, upGrad becomes the first Indian skilling platform to embed OpenAI’s latest tools — ChatGPT, Codex, and the ChatGPT Atlas browser — directly into its learning ecosystem, creating a seamless bridge between real-time AI interaction and credentialed learning
A central pillar of this partnership is the transition from basic conversational AI toward applied technical utility, and through this, upGrad learners will have access to:
- Dedicated ChatGPT Foundations certifications that go beyond basic prompting to provide deep technical expertise.
- Engineering & Data Labs with OpenAI Codex integrated into upGrad’s Data Science and Full-Stack Development programs to support complex technical assignments.
- Research and workflow automation through ChatGPT Atlas, complete with its native “Agent Mode” to streamline research.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder and Chairperson, upGrad, said,
“upGrad’s collaboration with OpenAI is an important step in making AI skills a core part of India’s workforce DNA. Real transformation happens when access meets ambition, and this is about giving our learners direct access to frontier AI tools. The more we invest in capability at scale; the faster India moves from being a talent supplier to a product and innovation hub.”
This announcement underscores upGrad’s commitment to India’s “AI for All” vision. By combining OpenAI’s global research and technology with upGrad’s outcome-oriented pedagogy, the collaboration democratizes access to high-end AI literacy for learners across the country.
2, Mar 2026
Honda Cars India Registers Total Sales of 7,212 units in February 2026
New Delhi, Mar 02: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, announced that it recorded total sales of 7,212 units with domestic sales of 5,629 units and exports of 1,583 units in February 2026.
Sharing his thoughts on the sales performance, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “We maintained our sales momentum through February, driven by strong popularity of Honda Amaze as a practical sedan with outclass safety. Honda City and Elevate also recorded steady volumes with exciting promotions during the month. As we approach the final month of the fiscal, we remain optimistic about market performance.”
The company had registered 5,616 units in domestic sales and 4,707 units in exports during February 2025.
2, Mar 2026
Oil prices could hit USD 100/bbl as Strait of Hormuz traffic halts
LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, Mar 2: Higher oil and gas prices are certain as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt 15% of global oil supply and 20% of global LNG supply, with oil prices potentially exceeding $100/bbl if tanker flows are not quickly restored, according to Wood Mackenzie. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iranian government, military and nuclear facilities, Iran warned shipping away from the waterway and insurers withdrew coverage, effectively halting tanker traffic.
The disruption creates a dual supply shock: not only are current exports through the Strait halted, but OPEC+ additional volumes and ultimately most of OPEC’s spare capacity—typically a key lever for balancing the global oil market—are inaccessible while the waterway remains closed.
“The key question is when do vessels re-establish export flows,” said Alan Gelder, SVP of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. “No doubt, tanker rates and insurance will increase dramatically, but these costs would only be a small part of the oil price impact associated with a curtailment of oil flows if they last for more than a few days.”
Given the uncertainty around events, it is plausible that it takes a few weeks for export flows to re-establish themselves in the most optimistic scenario (in which the Iranian regime elects to co-operate with the US), Gelder added.
“During that time, oil prices are heavily risked to the upside,” Gelder said. “The most recent comparison is during the early days of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, when the fear of loss of Russian supplies drove the oil price to over US$125/bbl.”
In the current scenario, oil prices over US$100/bbl are possible if transit flows are not re-established quickly, according to Gelder.
OPEC+ production response
The group of eight OPEC+ countries responsible for voluntary production cuts – Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman – agreed on 1 March to resume unwinding the April 2023 1.65 million b/d cut. They will increase production by 206,000 b/d in April and meet again on 5 April to assess next steps.
“The OPEC+ decision does not come as a surprise, due to the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran tensions, and that the market for non-sanctioned crudes is tight,” said Gelder. “There is, however, a risk that the OPEC+ decision is moot if flows do not resume through the Strait of Hormuz.”
While there are potential alternative supply routes available to Middle East producers—including Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to the Red Sea and additional Iraqi volumes via the Mediterranean—no alternatives can fully compensate for the loss of exports that transit the Strait of Hormuz. Strategic stock releases by IEA member countries could provide some relief, but IEA members account for less than half of global oil demand.
Gas market implications
A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be equally disruptive for global gas and LNG markets, according to Wood Mackenzie. Around 81 Mt (110 bcm) of LNG transited the Strait in 2025—primarily from Qatar—accounting for nearly 20% of global LNG supply.
“Disruptions to LNG flows would reignite competition between Asia and Europe for available cargoes, particularly at a time when European storage levels are below seasonal norms and around 10% lower than at the same point last year, following a severe cold spell in January,” said Massimo Di Odoardo, Vice President, Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie. “With approximately 1.5 Mt (2.2 bcm) of LNG exports at risk for each week that flows through the Strait of Hormuz are halted, both Asian and European markets would need to draw more heavily on existing storage and would increase the need for restocking over the summer. This would tighten market conditions well beyond the eventual resumption of trade through the Strait.”
Precautionary closures of the Leviathan and Karish gas fields in Israel—which supplied more than 10 bcm to Egypt last year—could add further pressure, as Egypt would likely increase LNG imports to offset lost volumes. Potential disruptions to gas exports from Iran to Turkey, which accounted for more than 7 bcm in 2025, could compound the supply strain.
A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be comparable in scale to the curtailment of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which sent prices soaring to nearly US$100/mmbtu at their peak and averaging US$40/mmbtu in 2022, according to Di Odoardo.
“This time, however, the reaction is unlikely to be as extreme,” added Di Odoardo. “Unlike the prolonged disruption of Russian pipeline flows, a blockage in the Strait could be viewed as temporary, tempering the upside. Still, Monday will see a dramatic price jump at market opening, and any signal that disruptions could drag on would add further fuel to the rally.”
Looking forward
“The nearest historical analogue in our view is the Middle East oil embargo of the 1970s, which increased oil prices by 300 percent to around US$12/bbl in 1974,” said Gelder. “That is only US$90/bbl in 2026 terms. Eclipsing this in today’s market concerned about significant losses of supply seems very achievable.
“The global economy is now far less oil intensive than 50 years ago. The shock at the time of the oil embargo was the pace and scale of the price increase. Oil prices would need to reach well over US$200/bbl to exert a similar level of shock to today’s global economy.”
1, Mar 2026
Philips Evnia Unleashes 200Hz Speed Demon Gaming Monitor: Built for Middle Eastern Gamers
Cairo, Mar 1 – MMD Singapore the manufacturer of Philips displays, announced the regional launch of its latest competitive gaming monitor, the 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ, designed to deliver championship-level performance and immersive visuals to the passionate gaming community across the Middle East. This 24 and 27 inch Fast IPS monitor combines blistering 200Hz speed with cutting-edge image clarity technologies, offering gamers the critical edge needed for victory.
The Middle East’s gaming scene is renowned for its intensity and competitive spirit. The Philips Evnia gaming monitor meets this demand head-on with its ultra-fast 200Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.3ms (Smart MBR) response time, effectively eliminating motion blur and ghosting. This ensures every panning shot in an FPS and every high-speed turn in a racing game is rendered with stunning sharpness, giving players a seamless and lag-free advantage.
“Gamers in our region deserve equipment that matches their skill and ambition”, said Carol Anne Dias, Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for Philips Monitors. “The 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ are engineered for those decisive moments where a split-second can mean the difference between victory and defeat. We’re bringing hyper-responsive performance and rich, immersive visuals to a broader audience of dedicated gamers”.
Beyond raw speed, the monitor features Stark ShadowBoost, a proprietary technology that illuminates dark scenes in games without overexposing bright areas, ensuring enemies lurking in shadows are clearly visible. The Smart Crosshair feature dynamically changes color based on the background for maximum visibility, enhancing targeting accuracy.
For a truly captivating visual experience, the monitor supports HDR10 content, delivering a wider range of colours, superior contrast, and more lifelike images. Gamers can further personalize their experience through the Evnia Precision Center software, which offers intuitive controls to fine-tune settings for different game genres or create custom profiles.
Designed with players well-being in mind, the monitor incorporates LowBlue Mode and Flicker-Free
The monitors are now available for purchase in the UAE with Naam Electronics. The monitors come with 3 years warranty.
1, Mar 2026
App aids Substance Use Recovery in Vulnerable Populations
By Mark Reynolds
Although drug overdose deaths declined in the U.S. last year, the rate of substance use disorder is rising, and the problem remains undertreated: Fewer than one in five people with substance use disorder report that they’ve received any treatment for it. An especially vulnerable group are those who use substances and do not have stable housing, who research shows are both far more likely to experience overdose and much less likely to receive treatment for their condition compared to those who have secure housing.
A new study has shown that a mobile app developed by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is effective at helping this at-risk population take steps toward recovery. Among people who misused opioids or other substances and lacked stable housing, those who used the app reported significant reductions in their opioid and non-opioid substance use after a month compared to those who did not engage with the app. App users also improved their health literacy and showed improvements in key mental health measures associated with successful treatment compared to their baseline measurements.
The study was published Feb. 1 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Vidya Eswaran, MD, an assistant professor in the WashU Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine and lead author on the study, knows firsthand from her work in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital emergency department that patients struggling with housing insecurity have distinct needs, including inconsistent access to care and greater mental health burdens, that can make substance-use treatment harder to sustain than for patients in stable living situations.
“There is a lot of overlap with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and have substance use disorders, so it is important to make sure that the interventions that we provide are addressing the needs of this specific subpopulation,” said Eswaran. “Some people might think that these groups would not have a mobile phone or the digital literacy to use an app like this, but the results show people were not only using it, but also getting benefit from it.”
App inspired by online addiction-support communities
The uMAT-R (pronounced “you matter”) app was developed and launched in 2018 by a team led by Patricia Cavazos-Rehg, PhD, a professor in the WashU Medicine Department of Psychiatry and senior author of the new study. It was designed to provide free, easy-to-access support for people with any substance use disorder, including misuse of opioids, stimulants and hallucinogens, with the goal of reducing overall overdose deaths. It works on iOS and Android smartphones.
uMAT-R provides information on treatment options and social support resources within the user’s community, as well as user-specific tools such as a sobriety tracker. It also provides educational content on managing withdrawal, maintaining sobriety and improving mental health. Participants can communicate through a chat function with trained coaches (called “e-coaches”) who are available Monday through Friday and offer advice and encouragement.
The app is not yet publicly available; participants are generally enrolled while receiving care for substance use disorder at a treatment center or other health care facility in Missouri, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where patients are screened and enrolled through the WashU Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine’s Emergency Care Research Core staff. Other participants have requested enrollment through the research team after learning of the app through word of mouth. Cavazos-Rehg, who is also on the faculty of the WashU School of Public Health, noted that such peer-to-peer information sharing is characteristic of the online substance use disorder communities that provided the initial inspiration for the app.
“I observed how folks use social media venues to support each other, even during times when they were feeling most alone or stigmatized,” said Cavazos-Rehg. “They would ask questions on social media about clinical care and seek out resources for mental health help. This inspired me to develop a tool for people who are going through mental health problems or are in recovery support.”
Cavazos said that a long-term funding commitment from the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought the project to life. “They recognized that a lot of life happens outside of traditional in-person mental health and substance use treatment settings, and that mobile apps can be affordable, accessible tools that can improve the health and wellbeing of people, especially during critical times when other types of help may not be readily available,” she said.
The new study included data from a subset of uMAT-R users who were enrolled in the app between 2020 and 2024. Of 972 initial enrollees, more than 70% self-identified as having insecure housing — which could include living in shelters or on the street, living in a treatment facility or hospital, or staying in someone else’s home. Of those individuals, 378 completed a follow-up survey after a month of using the app, forming the study’s sample.
Participants completed an intake survey to assess substance use patterns, cravings and baseline level of health literacy — defined as the ability to find appropriate health information and resources in order to make health care decisions. The survey also included two measures of mental health, both correlated with depression: perceiving themselves to be a burden to those around them, and having a sense of not belonging. One month later, participants completed a new survey to identify any changes in these measures, and this information was correlated with patterns of app usage.
The researchers found that participants who used uMAT-R were about 50% less likely to have used non-opioid illicit drugs after a month compared to those who didn’t log on. And participants who messaged with the e-coach were about 50% less likely to report opioid use than those who did not use the function. Higher levels of app use were associated with greater reductions in illicit drug use overall. uMAT-R use was also associated with reduced substance cravings and lower perceived burdensomeness, and using the chat function was associated with improving health literacy and reducing feelings of social alienation and isolation, when compared to the baseline intake survey.
“These results speak to the promise of what mobile health and digital health technologies can bring to the treatment of hard-to-reach populations,” said Eswaran, who is planning a similar study for recently incarcerated people with substance use disorders. Going forward, “there’s potential to think creatively about how we adapt and refine tools like this even more to support vulnerable populations.”
Eswaran V, Dong F, Li X, Szlyk HS, Dell NA, Kasson E, Williams J, Cavazos-Rehg PA. Leveraging a digital health intervention to improve recovery outcomes among people with substance misuse experiencing housing insecurity. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Feb. 1, 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113022
The uMAT-R app is funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Funding for this study was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant 1H79TIO80271, the National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R34DA050453 and R44DA055161 and the National Institute of Nursing Research grant T90NR021683. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
