HHS removes thimerosal from flu shots amid antivaccine pressure, FDA reviews fluoride supplements for kids, and Sarepta defies FDA's request to halt its muscular dystrophy drug, highlighting regulatory clashes and public health debates.
NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz teams up with Dr. Akshay Syal to blind-taste two versions of Coke—one made with corn syrup (the current U.S. formula) and one with cane sugar (often found abroad). They compare flavors and discuss the health implications of each sweetener, all while dancing around the odd political footnote: Trump recently demanded Coke switch back to sugar.
Editor’s Note: It’s a lighthearted but revealing look at how small recipe tweaks can spark big debates—about taste, health, and even politics. The Trump angle is quirky, but the real takeaway is how two nearly identical sodas can divide opinion (and why corporations stick with cheaper ingredients, even if they’re less "natural"). A fun reminder that even everyday products have backstories worth sipping on.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department is taking steps to remove thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, from flu vaccines—a move celebrated by antivaccine groups who claim it causes autism. However, the CDC maintains there’s no scientific proof linking thimerosal to harm.
Editor’s Note: This decision highlights the tension between public health policies and activist pressure. While the science doesn’t support the autism link, the change could sway vaccine-hesitant communities—but it also raises questions about whether policy is being driven by evidence or advocacy. Either way, it’s a big deal for the vaccine debate.
Scientists have just released a groundbreaking global atlas mapping fungal biodiversity, and it’s full of surprises. Turns out, some of the richest fungal hotspots aren’t where we expected—like arid regions and tundras, not just tropical rainforests. This could reshape how we understand ecosystems and even where to look for new medicinal or agricultural breakthroughs.
Editor’s Note: Fungi are way more than just mushrooms—they’re essential to life on Earth, from breaking down dead matter to forming symbiotic relationships with plants. This atlas isn’t just a cool map; it’s a tool that could help us protect overlooked ecosystems and uncover hidden fungal treasures. Who knew deserts could be such fungal goldmines?
This piece is a quick rundown of the latest chatter in the health care sector, spotlighting companies like Lonza, Medpace, and Sarepta. Think of it as a snapshot of what investors and analysts are buzzing about—whether it's deals, breakthroughs, or market moves.
Editor’s Note: If you're tracking biotech, pharma, or health care stocks, this gives you the highlights without deep diving. It’s not about earth-shattering news, but staying in the loop on shifts that could ripple through portfolios or hint at bigger trends. Handy for investors or anyone curious about where the industry’s pulse is beating.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles has stopped providing care for transgender patients due to federal pressure, even though California state laws were supposed to protect access for trans youth. This move reflects a broader trend under the Trump administration, where federal policies are clashing with state efforts to safeguard LGBTQ+ healthcare.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one hospital—it’s a sign of how federal influence can override local protections, leaving vulnerable groups in limbo. For trans youth and their families, losing access to care can have serious consequences, and this shift could embolden similar rollbacks elsewhere. It’s a high-stakes tug-of-war between state and federal power, with real lives caught in the middle.
The FDA is taking a closer look at fluoride supplements—like tablets or drops—that doctors often prescribe for kids in areas without fluoridated water. The Trump administration is considering a ban, signaling concerns about their safety or necessity.
Editor’s Note: Fluoride has long been used to prevent cavities, especially in kids, but if these supplements get banned, families in places without fluoridated tap water might need to find other ways to protect their kids' teeth. It’s a small but important shift in how we approach dental health for vulnerable communities.