Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is increasing globally among people younger than 50, with many cases occurring before the recommended screening age. Incidence shows distinct geographic, birth-cohort, anatomical and sex-specific patterns, while established risk factors include obesity, metabolic conditions, poor diet and sedentary behavior. Emerging evidence also points to early-life and…

Older pedestrians face a higher risk of dying in motor vehicle crashes, even though they are not injured at greater rates than younger pedestrians. In 2023, nearly 8,200 pedestrians age 65 and older were injured and more than 1,500 died, with the death rate exceeding the average for all ages. Fatality rates for pedestrians 70 and older remained flat from 2008 through 2024. Slower walking an…

AI-assisted communication can improve speed and polish, but overreliance on it may weaken the authenticity and trust that make organizational communication effective. Communications professionals increasingly help leaders explain strategy, navigate change and connect with employees, making an authentic leadership voice more important as AI-generated content becomes widespread. When executives…

An outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people with E. coli and Salmonella across 15 states, underscoring the ongoing risk of foodborne illness from contaminated foods. Four people have been hospitalized, while 46 cases involved E. coli, seven Salmonella, and two both infections. Nearly 70% of reported illnesses occurred in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with some cases linked to rest…

A leadership change at the CDC could affect how public health information is communicated as the agency undergoes broader organizational changes. Caroline DeBerry has been appointed acting director of communications and acting deputy director of public affairs, while Nina Witkofsky, the previous communications leader, moves to a new role as chief transformation officer. DeBerry will also serv…

September 1 marks Respiratory Protection Day, highlighting the essential role of respirators in protecting workers from airborne hazards across healthcare, construction, manufacturing, mining, emergency response, public safety and other industries. Millions of U.S. workers rely on respiratory protection, underscoring the importance of selecting and using respirators correctly. A NIOSH resourc…

Mpox is continuing to spread at low levels in the United States, suggesting the virus may be transitioning toward endemic circulation rather than remaining linked primarily to travel. In 2024 and 2025, 76% of U.S. mpox cases occurred among unvaccinated people, who were nearly 10 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who received both Jynneos vaccine doses. Mpox remains most common a…

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is increasing among U.S. adults, with the sharpest rises reported among middle-aged and older populations. Analysis of more than 180,000 adults from 2021–2024 found CUD increased from 7.3% to 9.3% among men and from 4.5% to 5.6% among women; moderate-to-severe CUD also rose for both groups. Researchers point to increasing cannabis potency, greater availability and…

The FDA is developing a regulatory approach for medical devices that use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), with the agency seeking public input on how to evaluate their risks and performance. The proposed framework would consider both a device’s clinical significance and level of autonomy, while a new “competency assessment” could combine non-clinical testing with clinical confirmatio…