’s anti-vaccine message is a dangerous threat to public health, The Washington Post
The Covid-19 vaccine mandate is gone, but hospitals are keeping it anyway, NPR
“This is not a sustainable situation”: How employers are dealing with high health care costs, Axios
How to care for Black patients in the wake of the Chauvin verdict, STAT
How do we help doctors who fail their exams?, The New York Times
Why is the U.S. government spending billions on drugs like Eli Lilly’s?, The New York Times
What the U.S. government’s plan to spend $15 billion on nursing homes will do, Axios
Latest from STAT
How a little-known rare disease drug maker used a patent loophole to build a $20 billion company, by Casey Ross.
Can an AI system predict which patients will have a heart attack?, by Casey Ross.
Opinion: The CDC’s new guidance on Covid-19 is incomplete and incoherent, by Monica Gandhi and Daniel Morgan.
“It’s a different world”: Covid-19 takes a toll on mental health providers, by Isabella Cueto.
Three more Covid-19 vaccines have been authorized in the U.S., by Andrew Joseph.
STAT+ subscribers can read the full roundup here.
What to read around the web
- “Covid-19 in children: A look at the numbers,” NPR
- “These are the most and least affordable states for children’s health care,” CNBC
- “The complicated science behind the AstraZeneca vaccine,” The New Yorker
- “Why the U.S. can’t kick its addiction to rare earth minerals,” Vox
- “A tale of two pandemics: The true cost of Covid-19,” Time
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may soon stop recommending the addition of fluoride to drinking water, according to a recent report from the Associated Press. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as fluoride has been widely used for decades to promote dental health and prevent tooth decay.
The move to halt the recommendation for fluoride in drinking water is based on new research that suggests potential health risks associated with the chemical. While fluoride has been proven to be effective in preventing cavities, some studies have raised concerns about its impact on overall health, including potential links to cognitive issues and thyroid problems.
The CDC’s decision to reconsider its stance on fluoride in drinking water is expected to have far-reaching implications. Many public health officials and dental professionals have long supported the addition of fluoride to water supplies as a cost-effective way to improve oral health, especially in underserved communities.
However, with mounting evidence of potential risks associated with fluoride, some experts believe that the CDC’s move is a necessary step to protect public health. It remains to be seen how this shift in recommendation will impact water fluoridation policies across the country.
In other news, a recent article from Defector explores the ethics of funding studies on transition regret. As more individuals undergo gender transition procedures, questions have arisen about the long-term effects and potential regrets associated with these treatments. The article delves into the complexities of studying transition regret and the implications for transgender individuals seeking medical interventions.
On a different note, abortion opponents are anticipating a reversal of the Biden administration’s policy that allowed the procedure to be performed at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. This change in policy is likely to reignite debates over reproductive rights and access to abortion services for veterans.
Meanwhile, the New Yorker reports that the dire wolf, a prehistoric predator believed to be extinct for thousands of years, has made a surprising comeback. Scientists have discovered a population of dire wolves living in a remote region, sparking excitement and curiosity among researchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Lastly, a Senate hearing scheduled by RFK Jr. to address health department cuts has been postponed for several weeks. The delay is expected to prolong the debate over funding for public health programs and services, with implications for communities across the country.
Overall, these recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding public health, medical ethics, and environmental conservation. As new information emerges and policies evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged in discussions that impact our health and well-being.
