Measles Cases are Rising in U.S. as Texas Outbreak Grows
A growing measles outbreak in Texas has reached 48 cases, all among unvaccinated individuals, marking the state’s largest outbreak in over 30 years. With cases now appearing in neighboring states, public health experts warn of further spread, especially among undervaccinated populations. Vaccine hesitancy and rising exemption rates contribute to increased susceptibility, echoing national trends…
Infant Mortality Rate Rises in States with Abortion Bans, Study Finds
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and other institutions found that infant mortality rates have risen in states with abortion bans enacted after Roe v. Wade’s overturning. Analyzing birth data from 2013-2023, researchers identified 478 infant deaths in 14 states with complete or six-week bans that they say could have been prevented.
The study highlights increase…
Editorial Cartoonists Were Early U.S. Public Health Advocates
Editorial cartoons played a vital role in early public health advocacy, using satire to expose issues like poor sanitation, unsafe food, and weak regulations. In the late 19th century, as urbanization increased reliance on manufactured foods, cartoonists highlighted the dangers of toxic additives in candy, stoking public outrage.
One 1858 illustration depicted Death stirring arsenic-laced con…
Eating Yogurt Regularly May Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer, a Study Finds
A new study from Mass General Brigham suggests that regular yogurt consumption may lower the risk of certain aggressive colorectal cancers by promoting a healthier gut microbiome. Researchers analyzed data from over 150,000 people and found that those who ate two or more servings of yogurt per week had lower rates of Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer, a type with poorer survival ou…
Flu Cases Rise Again, While COVID Takes a Back Seat
This winter’s COVID-19 surge has been the mildest since the pandemic began, with hospitalizations peaking at half the rate of last season. Experts suggest a strong summer COVID wave provided lingering immunity, while "viral interference" from the flu may also be suppressing COVID transmission.
However, flu activity is taking an unusual turn, with a second peak emerging after an early-season s…
How Communicators Can Safeguard DE&I With a Rebrand
As DE&I efforts face reputational challenges, communicators must adapt strategies to safeguard their impact. Despite misconceptions, research shows that DE&I enhances decision-making, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Companies can strengthen DE&I messaging by renaming teams for broader appeal, creating a DE&I communications task force for inclusive feedback, and developing…
Second Strain of Bird Flu Found in Nevada Dairy Cows
A new strain of bird flu has been found in dairy cows in Nevada, raising concerns about the virus's spread in cattle. This version matches the strain found in wild birds, poultry, and severe human cases. It’s the second known instance of cattle becoming infected after the virus jumped from wild birds, which suggests that cattle are susceptible to various H5N1 strains.
Experts stress the need…