Claims from the Trump White House about links between use of the painkiller acetaminophen – often sold under the brand name Tylenol in the U.S. – during pregnancy and development…
Category: Anthropology
Some new drugs aren’t actually ‘new’ – pharmaceutical companies exploit patents and raise prices for patients, but data transparency can help protect innovation
Pharmaceutical innovation saves lives. But not every “new” drug is truly new. Patents are designed to reward breakthrough inventions by granting the inventors temporary monopoly rights to recoup the costs…
Mindfulness won’t burn calories, but it might help you stick with your health goals
Most people know roughly what kind of lifestyle they should be living to stay healthy. Think regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep. Yet, despite all the hacks, trackers…
2 experts explain the true role of slavery and racism in the history of public health policy – and the growing threat ignorance poses today
On Sept. 3, 2025, Florida announced its plans to be the first state to eliminate vaccine mandates for its citizens, including those for children to attend school. Current Florida law…
Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
The Conversation, CC BY-ND Before the United States began vaccinating all infants at birth with the hepatitis B vaccine in 1991, around 18,000 children every year contracted the virus before…
More Americans meet criteria for high blood pressure under new guidelines
Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure – a condition called hypertension. Hypertension is the No. 1 risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In addition, hypertension increases…
New website tracks how Pennsylvania’s $2.2B in opioid settlement funds is being spent
Pennsylvania is due to receive US$2.2 billion dollars from the national opioid settlements, and a new database shows the public where that money is going. Starting in 2021, a national,…
Pneumonia vaccines for adults are now recommended starting at age 50 – a geriatrician explains the change
Autumn brings a chill in the air – and the start of another season of respiratory illnesses, which can be especially hard for older adults. Although vaccine recommendations have been…
Why Florida’s plan to end vaccine mandates will likely spread to other conservative states
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a plan in early September 2025 that he intends to make Florida the first state to end vaccine mandates across all schools and in other…
Vaccine death and side effects database relies on unverified reports – and Trump officials and right-wing media are applying it out of context
Trump officials intend to link 25 child deaths to COVID-19 vaccines, according to reporting from The Washington Post. These findings will reportedly be discussed during the Sept. 18-19, 2025, meeting…
