May 22 2 million killed, $4.3 trillion in damages from extreme weather over past half-century, UN agency says By Associated Press The stark recap from the World Meteorological Organization came as it opened its four-yearly congress among member countries, pressing the message that more needs to be done to improve alert systems for extreme weather events by a target date of… Continue reading
May 21 Watch 6:10 Not getting enough sleep? Here's how researchers say it affects your health By John Yang, Andrew Corkery More than 50 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep disorders, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. New research suggests that being in tune with the body's circadian rhythm — a 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep cycles —… Continue watching
May 20 Watch 6:35 The promises and potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence in medicine By John Yang, Andrew Corkery, Harry Zahn AI is finding its place in all sorts of scientific fields, and health care is no exception. Programs are learning to answer patients’ medical questions and diagnose illnesses, but there are problems to be worked out. Dr. Isaac Kohane, editor-in-chief… Continue watching
May 19 Here are the restrictions on transgender people that are moving through U.S. statehouses By Andrew DeMillo, Associated Press Hundreds of measures targeting transgender people have been proposed in statehouses this year, and several have moved forward this week. Continue reading
May 19 Nebraska lawmakers pass 12-week abortion ban, restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors By Margery A. Beck, Associated Press An emergency clause attached allows the measures to take effect as soon as that happens. The bill's passage was a blow to opponents, who strongly objected to both bans. Continue reading
May 19 In El Salvador, transgender community struggles for rights and survival By María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — Transgender people in El Salvador face violence and discrimination in their deeply religious country. They are unable to obtain IDs that are consistent with their gender identity, making daily life a struggle. Continue reading
May 18 RSV vaccine for pregnant women protects their newborns but is it ready for sale? By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press Pfizer's research shows a late-pregnancy shot is 82 percent effective at preventing severe RSV in the infants' first months of life. While FDA scientists say it appears safe, they have some questions about premature birth. Continue reading
May 18 New Hampshire bill that would force schools to inform parents about trans children fails By Holly Ramer, Associated Press Democrats passed several "poison pill" amendments to weaken the bill before it was defeated 195-190 on a vote to "indefinitely postpone" it. That means the topic can't be taken up for the rest of the session. Continue reading
May 17 Watch 9:01 Appeals court hears arguments in case over access to mifepristone By Geoff Bennett, Matt Loffman, Ali Schmitz Access to medication abortion faced a critical test Wednesday in the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel of Republican appointees heard arguments about whether the abortion pill mifepristone, first approved by the FDA more than 20 years… Continue watching
May 17 What illness did King George III have? By Dr. Howard Markel Though he had a long reign of almost 60 years, he is remembered now for being the monarch who lost America, and for suffering periodic bouts of serious illness and erratic behavior, leaving him unable to rule for his last… Continue reading