Intestinal infections take a heavy toll on impoverished Black communities that have out-of-date sewage systems. These infections often spread through contaminated soil and water and are among the most common…
Category: Anthropology
Pivotal points in the COVID-19 pandemic – 5 essential reads
Experts have made it clear that the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, which was lifted on May 11, 2023, does not mean an end to the pandemic. But this…
Gay men can now donate blood after FDA changes decades-old rule – a health policy researcher explains the benefits
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on May 11, 2023, that it has officially dropped restrictions that prohibit gay and bisexual men from donating blood under many circumstances on…
What does ending the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US mean in practice? 4 questions answered
The COVID-19 pandemic’s public health emergency status in the U.S. expires on May 11, 2023. And on May 5, the World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 public…
FDA’s approval of the world’s first vaccine against RSV will offer a new tool in an old fight – 4 questions answered
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the world’s first vaccine to prevent the respiratory infection RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, on May 3, 2023. The new shot represents…
Disinfectants and cleaning products harboring toxic chemicals are widely used despite lack of screening for potential health hazards
The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. The big idea Concerns about unnecessary use of a common class of antimicrobial chemicals used in disinfectants reinforces recommendations…
Many people are tired of grappling with long COVID – here are some evidence-based ways to counter it
A patient of mine, once a marathon runner, now gets tired just walking around the block. She developed COVID-19 during the 2020 Christmas holiday and saw me during the summer…
Medicaid work requirements would leave more low-income people without health insurance – but this policy is unlikely to pass this time around
The legislative package the U.S. House of Representatives passed on April 26, 2023, by a narrow margin would pare federal spending over the next decade while also raising the debt…
Mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion – a clinical psychologist explains how these science-backed practices can improve mental health
Mindfulness and self-compassion are now buzzwords for self-improvement. But in fact, a growing body of research shows these practices can lead to real mental health benefits. This research – ongoing,…
Obesity in children is rising dramatically, and it comes with major – and sometimes lifelong – health consequences
In the past two decades, children have become more obese and have developed obesity at a younger age. A 2020 report found that 14.7 million children and adolescents in the…
