Morning Rounds: Have regulations on digital trackers in health care gone too far?

Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world everyday. Sign up for our Morning Rounds newsletter here.

Good morning. Today we have Andrew Joseph’s dispatch from a Barcelona hospital that developed its own CAR-T, an intriguing clue to how obesity drugs work in the (mouse) brain, and a win for toothbrushing vs. pneumonia.

Apple pauses sales of latest watches in patent battle

If you had an Apple Watch on your wish list for the holidays this year, you may need to reconsider. To comply with an import ban from the International Trade Commission imposed in October, Apple is pulling Apple Watches with blood oxygen-measuring capabilities — that is, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — from its website Thursday and from its stores Sunday. The ITC has ruled that Apple infringed on the patents of pulse oximeter company Masimo. President Biden has until Dec. 25 to approve or veto the import ban, but Apple decided to pause sales first. Older versions of the Apple Watch that track heart rate and physical activity will still be available.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In