Latest Health News
Congress Rejects Trump Global Health Funding Cuts
US Congress approved $9.4 billion for global health in the 2026 State Department funding bill, rejecting Trump's requested cuts and providing more than double the administration's $3.8 billion proposal. The bipartisan measure supports PEPFAR at $4.6 billion and UNFPA at $32.5 million, though it excludes WHO funding. This aims to maintain services in poorest countries despite prior clinic closures.
Novel Cholera Vaccine Shows Promise in Phase 1 Trial
A new oral cholera vaccine demonstrated encouraging results in early trials, potentially improving on WHO-recommended killed whole-cell vaccines that stimulate intestinal immunity against Vibrio cholerae. The vaccine targets prevention in outbreak and endemic areas, addressing severe diarrhea and dehydration risks.
This advances global cholera control efforts.
Moderna COVID Vaccine 53% Effective Against Hospitalization
Moderna's 2024-25 updated COVID vaccine showed 39% effectiveness against medically attended illness and 53% against hospitalization in adults, especially high-risk groups, per US claims data. The observational study highlights ongoing protection needs in the 2024-25 season.
This underscores vaccine impact post-pandemic.
Heart Failure Deaths Accelerated in US Since COVID
US heart failure mortality rose sharply since 2020 after prior declines, hitting younger adults and Black Americans hardest due to care disruptions and worsening diabetes, obesity, hypertension. Research in Journal of the American College of Cardiology links this to pandemic effects.
Indirect COVID impacts exacerbate chronic conditions.
WHO Addresses Sudan Outbreaks Amid Health System Collapse
Sudan faces cholera, dengue, malaria, measles outbreaks fueled by poor conditions, overcrowding, and immunization breakdowns, with WHO aiding responses despite attacks on care and supply shortages. Peace is deemed essential for recovery.
Global aid cuts worsen vulnerabilities.
Progress Toward Eliminating Cervical Cancer Globally
WHO highlights World Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, pushing 90-70-90 targets: 90% girl vaccination, 70% screening, 90% treatment by 2030, with successes in Australia, Rwanda, and others like Bhutan to Tanzania. Nearly 60 countries added HPV vaccines.
Elimination proves achievable in low-income settings.
AI Spots Dangerous Blood Cells Missed by Doctors
Generative AI analyzes blood cells more accurately than experts, detecting leukemia-like abnormalities and self-assessing uncertainty for reliable disease diagnosis. This enhances detection of rare issues.
It promises improved clinical confidence.
Post-Stroke Nanomaterial Protects Brain Tissue
Northwestern's injectable nanomaterial, delivered IV post-ischemic stroke, crosses blood-brain barrier to reduce damage, promote repair without toxicity in mouse models. 'Dancing molecules' enable axon regrowth and plasticity.
Potential for stroke, TBI, ALS applications.
New Alzheimer's Target: Hydrogen Sulfide Protein
Johns Hopkins identified a brain protein producing protective hydrogen sulfide gas, low in Alzheimer's; boosting via broccoli, garlic may shield cells. This offers a novel treatment avenue.
Dietary sources could aid prevention.
Method Restores Exhausted Blood Stem Cells
Cincinnati Children’s study reveals technique to revive stressed hematopoietic stem cells using mouse models mimicking aging, improving transplant outcomes and aging health. Single-cell analysis pinpointed metabolic fixes.
Human applications eyed for better therapies.
Magnetic Nanomaterial Kills Bone Cancer, Regenerates Bone
New magnetic nanomaterial targets and eliminates bone cancer cells while supporting bone regeneration simultaneously. This dual-action advances orthopedic oncology.
Preclinical promise for integrated treatment.
Harvard Wins $100M for Infectious Disease Surveillance
Harvard Chan researchers secured $100 million MacArthur grant to build advanced surveillance system for infectious diseases, enhancing global outbreak detection. Led by Christian Happi.
Boosts preparedness amid disruptions.