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☆ More people need transplants than there are organ donors. Pigs might offer a solution
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

The need for more transplant organs is immense and growing. Researchers have transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys and hearts into people who were brain-dead to test whether they work in humans. Although Larry Faucette was too sick for a human heart transplant, University of Maryland doctors said he seemed physically strong enough for a genetically modified pig heart. It was more than a decade after the first heart transplant but long before such procedures became relatively routine. “We learned that the pig heart is an adequate substitute for a human heart.

Persons: Lawrence Faucette, Ann, he’d, ” Ann, Larry Faucette, Ann Faucette Ann, Larry, didn’t, ”, Robert Montgomery, “, Shelby Lum, ” Montgomery, Xenotransplantation, Art Caplan, Caplan, Babe ”, ” Caplan, They’re, eGenesis, people’s, Dr, Mike Curtis, Sanjay Gupta, ” Curtis, hasn’t, Julie O’Hara, Jim Parsons, Jayme Locke, couldn’t, Locke, Parsons, NYU —, Montgomery —, O’Hara, ” Locke, David Bennett Sr, Mary, David Jr, Bartley Griffith, Bennett, they’ve, Muhammad M, Mohiuddin, Larry Faucette’s, David Bennett’s, ” Griffith, xenotransplantation Ann Faucette, Wilbur, White’s, Ann Faucette, NYU ethicist Caplan, they’re, NYU’s Montgomery, UAB’s Locke, Steve Wood, ’ Curtis, “ I’m, it’s, ” O’Hara, Bennett’s, Larry Faucette —, ” Bennett’s, Faucette, who’d, Griffith, would’ve, Kate, Lucy, Nadia Kounang Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, University of Maryland, FDA, National Institute of Allergy, NYU Langone Transplant Institute, NYU Langone's Transplant, NYU Grossman School, Medicine’s Department of Population Health, “ Disney, University of Alabama, Transplant Institute, Parsons Family, Birmingham, NYU, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Doctors, University of Maryland Medical Center, Uno, UAB, CNN Health, NFL Locations: Frederick , Maryland, United States, Montgomery, “, Midwest, Yucatan, Maryland

☆ Drug study brings animal-to-human organ transplants a step closer, scientists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Scientists say they are closer to understanding the best way to make the human body receptive to an organ donation from another species, an effort that could help solve an ongoing shortage of organs. More than 100,000 people in the US are on the transplant waiting list, and an average of 17 die every day while waiting. Doctors have spent decades experimenting with alternatives, and many now see potential in replacing failing human organs with genetically modified pig organs. Xenotransplantation, as cross-species organ transplantation is called, is still in the early stages. There are no human clinical trials taking place that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but the researchers behind a study published Thursday in the Journal of Clinical Investigation say their findings might bring human trials even closer.

Persons: Jayme Locke, Locke, that’s, Sheri Krams, ”, Krams, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Mandy Ford, Ford, ” Ford Organizations: CNN —, US Food and Drug Administration, Investigation, University of Alabama, Heersink, of Medicine, FDA, Transplantation, Heersink School of Medicine, Stanford Medicine, UAB, Parsons Model, CNN, CNN Health, Emory Transplant Center Locations: United States

☆ US drug shortages are forcing ‘impossible choices’ for Americans, experts tell Senate committee
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Dr. Jason Westin regularly witnesses the power of lifesaving cancer drugs. But because generic cancer drugs are often in shortage in the United States, he says, he and his patients have been put in a terrible position. Makers of generic drugs don’t have to share information about the supply chain, so buyers currently choose based only on price. Hernandez told the Senate committee that of the top 50 generic drugs paid for by Medicare Part D, 16 were marked up 1,000% or higher. Until there is some kind of legislation that addresses drug shortages, Wosińska and the other experts agreed, they will continue.

Persons: Jason Westin, ” Westin, that’s, they’d, Sen, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Crapo, Generics, ” Crapo, “, ”, Crapo, Inmaculada Hernandez, ” Hernandez, Dr, Marta E, it’s, ” Wosińska, Ron Wyden, ” Wyden, Hernandez, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Anderson Cancer Center, US, Finance, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Republican, Food and Drug Administration, Westin, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Centers, Medicare, Medicaid Services, Brookings Institution, CNN Health Locations: M.D, Houston, United States, Nashville, Idaho, China, India, San Diego, Oregon, generics

☆ China says seasonal germs, rather than ‘unusual or novel pathogens,’ behind spike in pediatric respiratory illness, WHO says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Some of those increases are a little earlier than usual, but WHO said they were “not unexpected.”Similar early surges in respiratory illnesses were seen in other countries after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. At Thursday’s teleconference, WHO said, the Chinese officials reported enhanced surveillance of respiratory illnesses that may be contributing to increases in reported cases of disease. Even with the spike in cases, China also said that its hospitals are not overwhelmed with patients. WHO has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems since mid-October, when it initially noted an increase in respiratory illnesses in children in northern China. WHO said it will continue to closely monitor the situation, stay in close contact with national authorities in China and provide updates when appropriate.

Persons: teleconference, ”, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Katherine Dillinger Organizations: CNN, World Health Organization, WHO, Chinese Center for Disease Control, Beijing Children’s, Media, International Society for Infectious Diseases, CNN Health Locations: China, Beijing, United States

☆ Georgia will be first US state where pharmacies sell medical cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —For the past year and a half, medical cannabis company CEO Gary Long has spent a lot of his time reassuring Georgia’s small-town mayors about what will soon be coming to their local pharmacy: medical marijuana. The Georgia Board of Pharmacy is currently processing applications from pharmacies around the state that want to sell low-dose THC products. National chains such as CVS and Walmart won’t be selling THC products in Georgia, but Long said 130 local pharmacies have already agreed to sell his product exclusively. Making medical cannabis so accessible in such a traditionally conservative Deep South state like Georgia caught some by surprise. Californians have been able to buy medical cannabis since 1996 and adults there got the right to use it recreationally in 2016.

Persons: Gary Long, that’s, ”, Long, Coke, Andrew Turnage, Jimmy Kimmel, “ I’ve, ” Long, Jonathan Marquess, ” Marquess, it’s, Jay Wexler, “, Brian Kemp, Marquess ’, Marquess, there’s, ” Turnage, Aaron Smith, ” Smith, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Turnage, I’ve Organizations: CNN, Botanical Sciences, Georgia, of Pharmacy, CVS, Walmart, Medical Cannabis Commission, Georgia General Assembly, US Drug Enforcement, Boston University School of Law, Justice, Gov, Pharmacy, Georgia Pharmacy Association’s Academy of Independent Pharmacy, National Cannabis Industry Association, Get CNN, CNN Health Locations: Georgia, United States, Connecticut, Massachusetts

☆ FDA advisers to discuss future of ‘artificial womb’ for human infants
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

An artificial womb for humans would be a scientific advance that could help solve a major health problem. An artificial womb is not designed to replace a pregnant person; it could not be used from conception until birth. The artificial womb could be able to help the baby develop further through those vital final stages when the lung and brain are developing. In each study, the artificial womb is constructed a little bit differently. If an artificial womb was ultimately approved for use with humans, doctors will have to have conversations with parents about how successful such an intervention could be.

Persons: Prematurity, there’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, World Health, US Centers for Disease Control, Pediatric, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Newborn, University of Michigan, University of Toronto, CNN Health, FDA Locations: White, Japan, Australia

☆ What to know about Merkel cell carcinoma, Jimmy Buffett’s rare cancer
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who died September 1, had Merkel cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that’s diagnosed in fewer than 3,000 people in the US every year. Merkel cell carcinoma happens when something makes them grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma typically shows up on a person’s face or neck or in other areas that are often exposed to the sun, like the arm. A Merkel cell carcinoma may be mistaken for a cyst, but cysts can be painful while these spots often are not. The American Cancer Society says cancer is detected in the lymph nodes of 1 in 3 people who have Merkel cell carcinoma.

Persons: CNN — Singer, Jimmy Buffett, Merkel, Friedrich Merkel, don’t, Merkel, Buffett, it’s, carcinoma, There’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, you’ll Organizations: CNN, US Center for Disease Control, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, American Academy of Dermatology, CDC, CNN Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, US Dermatological Association, Environmental Locations: United States

☆ Pain after a heart attack linked with higher risk of death over next eight years, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Someone in the US has a heart attack about every 40 seconds, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease including heart attack is the leading cause of death in the US, but most people survive their first heart attack and go on to lead a normal life, according to the American Heart Association. Additionally, pain could be a deterrent to lifestyle changes that might lower someone’s risk of another heart attack, such as exercise. Dangas said the new study could remind doctors to pay particular attention to their heart attack patients who talk about pain. Cardiac rehabilitation cuts the risk of death in the five years after a heart attack by about 35%, according to a 2016 study.

Persons: CNN —, George Dangas, ”, Dangas, “, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, they’ll, They’ll, Linda Vixner Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, American Heart Association, Sinai Hospital, CNN Health, School of Health, Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun Locations: Sweden, Mount Sinai Queens, New York City, Dalarna

☆ Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The study authors said it’s the first nationally representative study of the potential effects of particle pollution on dementia in the US, and the link to dementia was most robust in areas with pollution from agriculture and wildfires. Pesticides are neurotoxins to animals, she said, so those may be the particles in agriculture pollution that are affecting human brains, as well. As for wildfires, the smoke doesn’t just come from burning trees; things like homes and gas stations burn too, becoming the particle pollution that people breathe in. The new study cannot determine the exact mechanism connecting particle pollution and dementia, but scientists have some theories. A study in England found that adults living with the highest annual concentration of air pollution had 1.4 times the dementia risk as those living with the lowest annual concentration.

Persons: it’s, ”, Sara Dubowsky Adar, Boya Zhang, Adar, Caleb Finch, William F, It’s, Masashi Kitazawa, Kitazawa, ” Kitazawa, Finch, Zhang, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, ” Zhang, “ Organizations: CNN, US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Pesticides, ARCO, William, Kieschnick, University of Southern, World Health, Alzheimer’s Association, University of California, Alzheimer’s, CNN Health, World Health Organization Locations: United States, University of Southern California, Irvine, Canada, England, California

☆ ‘The greatest feeling in the world’: Deep brain stimulation helps stroke survivor regain independence
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Nicholas thought he’d be playing for life, but the music stopped for him one night in 2017. About a year after his stroke and after months of PT, his doctors thought that was about all the progress he’d make. After a few months, Nicholas started to realize that the device was helping. He estimates that he’s 40% to 50% better than after physical therapy alone. “I had hope.”Machado believes that deep brain stimulation, in addition to physical therapy, could help improve movement for many more people even years after a stroke.

Persons: Stan Nicholas, Nicholas, he’d, couldn’t, ” Nicholas, it’s, ”, Dr, Andre Machado, Cleveland Clinic, “, ‘, Machado, ” Machado, Nicholas, didn’t, we’ll, Nicholas ’, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Nature, CNN Movement, Cleveland, CNN Health Locations: Cleveland, United States

☆ More gay men can give blood as ‘one of the most significant changes in blood banking history’ gets underway
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Over the years, the ban eased a little, but still excluded most gay men from donating. She remembers the agony gay men felt after the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub. After 49 people were killed and 53 wounded, hundreds of people waited in line for hours to donate blood. The organization said that “for decades” it has “strongly” advocated for scientifically based changes to the FDA policy about men who have sex with men. Critics say it’s not enoughOnly about 3% of Americans donate blood studies show and there are often shortages over the summer and the holidays.

Persons: Kody Kinsley, Kinsley —, ” Kinsley, Kinsley, “ It’s, “, Roy Cooper, I’ve, ”, Rodney Wilson, ” Wilson, Jed Gorlin, ” Gorlin, Gorlin, OneBlood, Susan Forbes, Forbes, ” Forbes, Jason Cianciotto, doesn’t, they’ve, Cianciotto, I’m, ” Cianciotto, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, “ There’s, we’ll, Wilson Organizations: CNN, North, North Carolina’s Department of Health, Human Services, US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, Blood Centers, York Blood Center, CNN Health, PrEP Locations: North Carolina’s, North Carolina, United Kingdom, Canada, Orlando, GMHC

☆ With climate change, health care providers should be more mindful of heat-related illness, doctors say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Heat stroke is one of the most common and most deadly heat-related illnesses, and it becomes a significant problem during heat waves. Even healthy young people can get heat stroke, particularly if they are working or exercising outside when temperatures are high. Sorensen’s Global Consortium is trying to make it so every health care provider considers weather as a factor in health problems. “It doesn’t have to get as hot in Northern states as compared to Southern states, presumably because of differences in societal, physiological, cultural, health care adaptations,” Dresser said. Harvard is also piloting a program that will send targeted alerts to nurses, doctors and other health care professionals at clinics in areas with dangerously high temperatures.

Persons: It’s, ”, Caitlin Rublee, Dr, Cecilia Sorensen, ” Sorensen, “ We’re, Rublee, “, Sorensen, ’ ” Sorensen, I’m, Caleb Dresser, ” Dresser, Sanjay Gupta, Dresser Organizations: CNN, University of Colorado School of Medicine, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Global, Health Education, Columbia University, Colorado ER, Sorensen’s, Harvard Center for Climate, Health, Global Environment, Get CNN, CNN Health, Harvard Locations: United States, Midwest, Colorado, Southern

☆ It’s so hot in Arizona, doctors are treating a spike of patients who were burned by falling on the ground
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —It is so hot in Maricopa County, Arizona, that people are being brought into the emergency room with significant, sometimes life-threatening burns. For the past three or four weeks of this record heatwave, people have been burned just by falling on the ground. There are also burn patients in the ICU, and about half of those patients are people burned after falls. Despite the extreme heat, most places aren’t seeing burn injuries right now. Pets face injuries, tooAnimals can also get burned walking on hot concrete or asphalt, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Persons: “ Summers, ”, Kevin Foster, ” Foster, Foster, Dr, Cecilia Sorensen, hasn’t, Sorensen, ” Dr, Frank LoVecchio, ” LoVecchio, LoVecchio, Rena Carlson, ” Carlson, Sanjay Gupta, Carlson, “, CNN’s Monica Garrett, Jason Kravarik, Stephanie Elam Organizations: CNN, Arizona Burn, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Global, Health Education, Columbia University, “, Health Medical Center, American Veterinary Medical Association, Get CNN, CNN Health Locations: Maricopa County , Arizona, Arizona, United States, South Florida, Colorado, Pacific, Phoenix, ”

☆ Drug shortages’ effects on cancer research may be felt for years to come
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But these shortages aren’t just bad for current patients, experts say; their effects on cancer research may be felt for years to come. The National Cancer Institute, the federal government’s main agency for cancer research and training, told CNN that at least 174 of its own trials may be affected by the shortages. Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs are prescribed for 10% to 20% of all cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute. Crucial work on hold“With drug shortages, trials have become almost like an impossible task. “These drug shortages come and go, and there’s no real rhyme or reason, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason in terms of which institutions have shortages.

Persons: Joe Biden, it’s, ’ ”, Shadia Jalal, Indiana University Melvin, Jalal, She’s, they’ve, ” Jalal, “, ”, haven’t, “ We’ve, Mark Fleury, Fleury, you’re, ” Fleury, Dmitry Walker, Merck, We’ve, ” Walker, there’s, Biden, Lawrence Feldman, ” Feldman, Feldman, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, ‘ Organizations: CNN, National Cancer Institute, American Society of Health, Cancer, Indiana University, Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematology, Oncology, IU School of Medicine, Hoosier Cancer Research Network, Veterans Administration, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Cancer Society, WVU Medicine, US Food, Pharmacists, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, University of Illinois Medical Center, CNN Health Locations: United States, China, Chicago

☆ ‘Forever chemicals’ in water: Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with PFAS, government study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Almost half of the tap water in the United States is contaminated with chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” according to a study from the US Geological Survey. Experts say it’s important for people to understand their risk of exposure through tap water. Water filters may help somewhat if tap water is contaminated, and there are moves to regulate some PFAS chemicals in US drinking water. This US Geological Survey map shows the number of PFAS detected in tap water samples from select sites across the nation. In August 2023, the EPA said it is conducting the “most comprehensive monitoring effort for PFAS ever” at large and midsize public water systems and hundreds of small water systems.

Persons: Jamie DeWitt, There’s, ”, DeWitt, They’re, Graham Peaslee, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, “, Peaslee, ” Peaslee Organizations: CNN, Geological Survey, National Institutes of Health, US Environmental Protection Agency, Survey, Eastern Seaboard, Environmental Health Sciences, Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Utilities, EPA, of Physics, University of Notre Dame, CNN Health Locations: United States, Great, Central, Southern California

☆ Australia’s having an intense flu season, and it could be a signal of what’s to come in the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —It’s only June, but scientists in the US are already thinking about flu season. As always at this time of year, they’re keeping a close eye on Australia, which saw an early start to its flu season. “We closely monitor what happens in countries throughout the Southern Hemisphere this time of year, just to see what’s happening during their flu season. If many people opt out of the flu vaccine, cases could rise. So while Reed and her colleagues will be watching Australia’s flu numbers and running their calculations, it’s still not totally clear what 2023’s flu season will bring for the US.

Persons: CNN — It’s, don’t, Care, It’s, ”, Carrie Reed, Reed, “ We’ve, Thomas McAndrew, “, Taylor Swift, ” McAndrew, William Schaffner, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, –, it’s, ” Reed Organizations: CNN, Australian Department of Health, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Department of Community, Population Health, Lehigh University . “, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, CNN Health, World Health Organization, agency’s Department of Health, Care Locations: Australia, Southern, Chicago, agency’s

☆ Simpler hysterectomy may improve quality of life for some women with cervical cancer, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Thanks to more effective screening, more women have been presenting with cervical cancer at a younger age and an earlier stage of the disease. “Simple hysterectomy can now be considered as a new standard of care for patients with low-risk early-stage cervical cancer,” Plante said. “This is a really big deal for women with cervical cancer,” said Moore, who wasn’t involved with the study. If the findings lead to a change in practice for surgeons, it could “change the trajectory of cervical cancer globally,” she said. Cervical cancer is not common in the US or Canada, Moore said, but it is endemic in low- and middle-income countries.

Persons: Dr, Marie Plante, Plante, ” Plante, ”, Kathleen Moore, Virginia Kerley Cade, Moore, Sanjay Gupta, ” Moore, Stephanie V, Blank, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Universite Laval, Studies, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Cancer Society, Virginia, Developmental Therapeutics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, World Health Organization, Get CNN, CNN Health, Mount Sinai Health Locations: Chicago, Quebec, Canada

☆ Drug cuts risk of breast cancer recurrence for some early-stage patients, trial shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A drug used in people in the early stage of the most common kind of breast cancer – HR+/HER2- breast cancer – significantly reduced the risk of the cancer returning after treatment, according to a new study. HR+/HER2- breast cancer has tested positive for progesterone and estrogen receptors and negative for HER2. Endocrine therapy generally works well, but for patients with HR+ or HER- breast cancer, there’s still a 10% to 40% chance that the cancer will come back, some studies show. The new trial found that when Kisqali is added to endocrine therapy, it reduces the risk of recurrence by 25% across a broad population of patients with early breast cancer. About 90% of patients who have breast cancer are diagnosed in the early stages.

Persons: there’s, Kisqali, ”, Dennis J, Slamon, Sara Tolaney, ” Tolaney, Anupama Goel, Goel, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Alberto Montero, ” Montero, Montero Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Novartis, UCLA, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oncology, Dana, Farber Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, CNN Health, UH Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Locations: Chicago, Ohio, –

☆ HPV vaccine: Some studies say one and done might be better
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains that cause most HPV-related cancers. But not every country has the same vaccination options, which is part of the reason WHO has been pushing to change the way doctors give the HPV vaccine. A one-and-done approach to the HPV vaccine could be a huge help around the world, experts say. But she’d also like more people to get the HPV vaccine. So I think that’s really, really important,” Abraham said.

☆ Face masks are still a good idea at the doctor’s office, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

But they remain in many medical offices, and a study published Monday says they might still be a good idea. The study, published in the journal the Annals of Internal Medicine, also found that there wasn’t a significant difference in protection between surgical masks and N95 respirators in a health care setting. Because gold standard evidence about their protectiveness is not available, they say, masks for patients and health care personnel should be considered a good safety measure. Lab studies show that surgical masks and respirators are good at limiting the spread of aerosols and droplets from people who are sick with the flu, coronaviruses and other respiratory viruses. “We all realize the importance and utility of a mask,” Madad said.

☆ US government is testing avian flu vaccines for birds, but ending the historic outbreak isn’t that simple
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Eradication and vaccinationAs of April 26, the CDC says, nearly 58.8 million poultry have been affected by avian flu since January 2022. The virus has been detected in at least 6,737 wild birds, and the number is likely to be much higher. Vaccinated birds would be protected, but with this highly infectious disease, they still could shed some virus that could infect unprotected birds. Partial protection means more birds will be spreading the virus,” Gallardo said. The US has the largest poultry industry in the world, with 294,000 poultry farms.

☆ Regular internet use may be linked to lower dementia risk in older adults, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggested that older people who regularly used the internet were less likely to develop dementia. Scientists still don’t know what causes dementia, so the new research can’t pinpoint the exact connection between internet usage and brain health. A 2020 study found an association between cognitively stimulating jobs and a lower risk of dementia, for example. Research also suggests that most older adults most frequently use the internet for basic tasks like email, news or online banking. And learning new skills may be protective against dementia, studies suggest.

☆ Lunchables are going to be rolled out directly to students. Here’s what’s in them
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New CNN —Kraft Heinz has succeeded in getting its ready-to-eat packaged Lunchables into school lunch programs starting this fall, in a major new initiative. The USDA referred CNNBusiness to Kraft Heinz for further details about the cost and nutritional content of its Lunchables for schools. Kraft Heinz declined to provide additional details about the cost and other nutritional content, including sodium and saturated fat content. School food nutrition guidelines getting stricterKraft-Heinz says that Lunchables will minimize school "labor needs and costs" in its promotional materials. “As school nutrition guidelines get increasingly complex, we’ve seen companies leaving the K-12 segment, said Pratt-Heavner.

☆ FDA fines e-cigarette makers for selling products illegally in ‘wakeup call’ to tobacco manufacturers
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

BAM Group LLC, Great American Vapes LLC, The Vapor Corner Inc and 13 Vapor Co LLC did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. “Holding manufacturers accountable for making or selling illegal tobacco products is a top priority for the FDA,” said Dr. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “These actions should be a wakeup call that all tobacco product manufacturers – big or small – are required to obey the law,” King said. The agency can seize products, file injunctions to not sell the products, and the companies can face criminal prosecutions. “With these fines, FDA is finally speaking a language these manufacturers understand,” Sward told CNN.

☆ 3M will stop making hazardous ‘forever chemicals’ starting in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —3M, the conglomerate behind Post-It notes and Scotch tape, will stop making controversial per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by the end of 2025. The chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are found in hundreds of household items and used to make coatings and products that can repel water, grease, heat and oil. Over the past decade, chemical manufacturers have voluntarily stopped producing two of the most commonly used forever chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA. At the federal level, the US Food and Drug Administration phased out the use of certain PFAS chemicals in 2016. The FDA and manufacturers agreed in 2020 to phase out some PFAS chemicals from food packaging and other items that came into contact with food.

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