Health

Florida leaders working to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

Florida will work to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates in the state, building on the effort by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to curb vaccine requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you poop outdoors without contaminating the environment? A researcher explains how

By Shari Edelson, B. Derrick Taff, The Conversation

Across the world, researchers have documented the negative impacts our bodily wastes are causing in the sensitive environments where we seek recreation.

What to know about ‘AI psychosis’ and the effect of AI chatbots on mental health

By John Yang, Kaisha Young

The parents of a teenager who died by suicide have filed a wrongful death suit against ChatGPT owner OpenAI, saying the chatbot discussed ways he could end his life after he expressed suicidal thoughts. The lawsuit comes amid reports of…

Continue watching

Can RFK Jr. take COVID vaccines off the market? Here’s what vaccine law experts say

By Madison Czopek, PolitiFact

Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy can’t unilaterally ban COVID-19 vaccines, although access may be more limited this fall. Federal rules outline the vaccine license revocation process, and experts said a ban attempt would likely face legal challenge.

Protein is everywhere amid a new cultural obsession. How much do we really need?

By Ali Rogin, Claire Mufson, Laine Immell

It used to be that only fitness buffs and bodybuilders thought about how much protein they were getting. But now, everybody seems to be looking for more of it in their diet, and just about every food product has added…

Continue watching

What to know about flesh-eating screwworms (and why you don’t need to panic)

By Grace Abels, PolitiFact

Doctors found a flesh-eating worm in a Maryland resident but it's not the time to panic. The screwworms hitched a ride to the U.S. from El Salvador and overall risk to public health is low.

RFK Jr.’s deputy made CDC acting director as leadership exodus leaves agency reeling

By Mike Stobbe, Amanda Seitz, Chris Megerian, Associated Press

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not explained the decision to oust Susan Monarez less than a month after she was sworn in, but he warned that more turnover may be ahead.

CDC officials escorted from headquarters as chaos engulfs agency over director’s ouster

By Mike Stobbe, Amanda Seitz, Chris Megerian, Associated Press

The nation’s top public health agency was left reeling Thursday as the White House worked to expel the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director and replace her with a top adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

4 things to know about a new study on lithium and Alzheimer’s disease

By Genesis Magpayo

A recent study from Harvard Medical School asks whether the element lithium might be a key factor in whether someone develops Alzheimer’s disease.

Looking to get a COVID shot this fall? Here’s why it’s likely to be more complicated

By Tom Murphy, Associated Press

Will you get a COVID-19 vaccine this year? The answer may depend on your age, insurance coverage, health and finding a pharmacist who will provide the shot.