Word of the Week: how a bacteria unrelated to fish got its name "salmonella"

It turns out a lot of older adults have been onto something by getting vaccinated—new research shows updated vaccines are doing an even better job at shielding seniors from common illnesses, and there’s promising (though still early) evidence they might help reduce dementia risk too.

Editor’s Note: Vaccines aren’t just for kids—they’re a big deal for older folks, too. This isn’t just about flu shots anymore; newer vaccines are proving to be powerful tools for keeping seniors healthier longer. And if the dementia link pans out, it could reshape how we think about aging and prevention. That’s worth paying attention to.

Months after devastating wildfires, pets in affected areas are still struggling with trauma and depression, according to animal behavior experts. Dogs, in particular, are having a hard time adjusting because they rely on familiar routines and environments—when those disappear, it shakes their sense of security. Trainers and vets are emphasizing the need to establish new, stable routines to help them recover.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires don’t just upend human lives—they leave deep emotional scars on pets too. This story sheds light on the often-overlooked aftermath for animals, reminding us that recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes but also helping our four-legged family members heal. It’s a call to pay attention to their emotional needs in disaster recovery efforts.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to be leaning on the ancient "miasma theory"—the idea that diseases spread through bad air or vague environmental influences—rather than modern germ theory, which links illnesses to specific pathogens. This old-school thinking might be shaping his controversial stances on vaccines and public health policies.

Editor’s Note: If a top health official is making decisions based on centuries-debunked science, it raises serious concerns about the direction of public health policy. This isn’t just an academic debate—it could have real consequences for how diseases are managed and how much trust people place in health leadership.

Texas is making a bold move by approving $50 million to study ibogaine, a psychedelic substance derived from a West African shrub. The research will focus on its potential to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, especially in veterans. While ibogaine is illegal in the U.S., this funding signals growing openness to alternative therapies—though skeptics warn about safety risks.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Texas throwing money at a fringe idea. It’s a sign that mainstream institutions are starting to take psychedelics seriously as medicine, particularly for tough-to-treat conditions like PTSD. Veterans’ advocacy groups have pushed for this, arguing that traditional treatments fall short. But the big question remains: Will the science back up the hype, or will safety concerns keep ibogaine on the sidelines? Either way, it’s a step toward rethinking how we approach mental health.

A charity report reveals that Wales has the highest rate of surgical abortions in the UK, a fact doctors describe as "astonishing"—especially since Wales lags behind Northern Ireland, where abortion was only legalized in 2019. The data suggests disparities in access to less invasive abortion methods, raising questions about healthcare equity and policy implementation.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about numbers—it's a red flag for how reproductive healthcare is being managed in Wales. If a region with more recent legalization (Northern Ireland) is outperforming Wales in providing less invasive options, it hints at systemic gaps in services or education. For people needing care, this could mean fewer choices, longer waits, or more stressful experiences. It’s a story that demands a closer look at why these disparities exist and who’s being left behind.