The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently cut millions in grants aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy, despite the growing relevance of immunization amid a measles outbreak. This decision has sparked concerns among public health experts, who argue that such cuts undermine efforts to increase vaccination rates and address health disparities. Additionally, there are fears that ongoi…

A new MMWR shows that the U.S. has seen a 50% rise in pedestrian deaths from 2013 to 2022, while other high-income countries experienced declines. In 2022, the U.S. pedestrian death rate was the highest among 27 peer nations—three times their median rate. With over 7,500 pedestrian deaths and 40,000 overall road traffic fatalities that year, the crisis demands urgent action. Public health pro…

Five years after the pandemic began, around 18 million U.S. adults are still grappling with long COVID, and new cases continue to emerge. Symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and shortness of breath remain poorly understood, with scientists exploring theories such as viral persistence, immune dysfunction, and microbiome imbalances. While research has advanced—examining blood clotting and exercis…

A new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology and the American Association of People with Disabilities highlights the risks AI-powered health technologies pose to people with disabilities. These technologies, which are increasingly integrated into healthcare, often fail to consider the unique needs of this community, potentially leading to discrimination. Researchers are now focus…

After being nearly eliminated in the U.S., measles is making a troubling comeback, with 164 confirmed cases across nine states and the first measles-related death since 2015. The highly contagious virus spreads through the air and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and immune suppression. The outbreaks are largely preventable—yet national vaccination rates have…

A study in King County, Washington (2016–2023) found that combining Medicaid enrollment data with claims data significantly improved the identification of tobacco users—especially men and those without chronic conditions. Relying only on claims data missed 14% of users, limiting opportunities for early intervention. By asking about tobacco use during enrollment, states can better connect Medica…

A recent KFF Health Tracking Poll reveals that the majority of adults—across political affiliations and demographics—oppose Medicaid funding cuts. Only 17% support reductions, with 42% advocating for increased funding and 40% preferring it remain the same. Medicaid’s widespread impact is clear, as over half of adults report personal or family connections to the program, and nearly all consider…

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that replacing butter with plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, and soybean oil, could reduce the risk of mortality by 16%, with a 17% decrease in cancer-related deaths.   The research, which analyzed 33 years of dietary data from over 221,000 participants, revealed that even modest changes in daily fat consumption, such as sw…

The CDC has launched a new webpage listing conflicts of interest reported by members of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), providing transparency about potential biases among experts advising on vaccines. The page includes conflicts declared by both current and former ACIP members since 2000, with nearly 200 items disclosed.   While some, like Yvonne Maldonado, cla…