Summary

Pediatricians face increasing challenges as measles cases rise, with some parents fearing exposure while others refuse vaccination.

Measles, highly contagious and preventable with a 97%-effective vaccine, has surged in West Texas, where immunization rates are below the 95% needed for herd immunity.

The U.S. saw its first measles death in a decade, yet vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s skepticism, persists.

Doctors urge early vaccination where possible and stress the risks, as measles can cause pneumonia, brain damage, or death. Public health experts warn the U.S. may backslide in containing the disease.

Summary

Health officials are warning against “measles parties,” where parents intentionally expose children to the virus to build natural immunity, amid a growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

The practice is highly dangerous, as measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and fatal brain disorders.

Experts stress that vaccination is the safest way to prevent infection.

Even vaccine-skeptic U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged parents to get the MMR vaccine.

Summary

Inflammation is a vital immune response that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries, but chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress, and lack of exercise contribute to chronic inflammation.

While blood tests for inflammation exist, they have limitations and aren't recommended for routine screening in asymptomatic individuals.

Experts recommend lifestyle changes, including a Mediterranean diet, exercise, and stress management, to reduce inflammation.

Summary

A UN-commissioned study finds that youth happiness has declined sharply over the past decade in English-speaking countries.

Traditionally, happiness followed a U-shape, with youth being a peak period, but it now increases with age instead.

Researchers link this shift to social media, cyberbullying, and reduced social interaction.

The mental health crisis may have significant consequences that affect education, workforce participation, and productivity. The UN is investigating whether this trend is a global phenomenon.

Summary

James Harrison, an Australian blood donor known as the "man with the golden arm," has died at 88.

His rare antibody helped create the anti-D medication, preventing a fatal blood disorder in unborn babies.

Over 60 years, he donated blood and plasma 1,173 times, contributing to over 3 million doses of anti-D given to 2 million mothers.

Honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia, Harrison leaves behind a lasting medical legacy. Researchers are now working to develop a lab-grown version of the life-saving antibody.

Summary

A Lancet report warns that by 2050, more than half of adults (3.8 billion) and a third of children worldwide will be overweight or obese, straining healthcare systems and increasing early deaths.

Currently, 2.11 billion adults and 493 million young people are affected. The crisis is most severe in China, India, and the U.S.

Obesity is rising faster among children, increasing risks of diabetes and heart disease.

Experts urge global public health interventions, especially in lower-income countries with limited healthcare resources.

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reversed his stance on a measles outbreak in Texas, now calling it a "top priority" after initially describing it as "not unusual." This shift comes after the first U.S. measles death in a decade was reported.

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine views, announced his department would send 2,000 MMR vaccine doses to Texas.

CDC data shows 164 measles cases reported across nine jurisdictions as of February 27, with approximately 95% of infected individuals being unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, Kennedy's HHS department plans to eliminate public participation in many agency policy decisions, contradicting his previous promise of "radical transparency."

Summary

Young adults increasingly seek refuge in autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos when feeling overwhelmed by in-person interaction, according to a new report from Revealing Reality.

The study found younger generations (18-44) are significantly more likely to feel overstimulated by social situations and noisy environments compared to older adults.

While ASMR content—videos triggering calming "tingles" through whispers, tapping sounds, and gentle movements—provides immediate comfort, experts worry this "digital soma" may prevent developing real-world resilience skills.

Summary

A measles outbreak in West Texas, centered in Gaines County, has infected 146 people, hospitalized 20, and killed one child.

The virus may have spread to Central Texas and New Mexico after an infected person visited public places in San Antonio.

Most cases involve unvaccinated children, with a local vaccine exemption rate nearing 18%. Health officials expect more infections but are offering free testing and vaccines.

The CDC is assisting Texas authorities, emphasizing that vaccination remains the best protection against the highly contagious disease.

Summary

The FDA canceled its March meeting to select flu strains for next season’s vaccine without explanation, raising concerns among health experts.

The annual meeting is important for updating flu shots, ensuring they are effective against evolving strains.

The cancellation follows a postponed CDC vaccine meeting and comes amid a severe flu season with 19,000 adult and 86 pediatric deaths.

The WHO will still hold its strain selection meeting, but U.S. officials have limited engagement due to Trump’s WHO withdrawal order.

Concerns grow over HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s influence on vaccine policy.

When questioned about a growing measles outbreak in West Texas that has claimed at least one life, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters "we have measles outbreaks every year."

Summary

An unvaccinated child in Texas has died from measles, marking the first U.S. measles-related death in a decade.

The outbreak, centered in Gaines County, has infected 124 people, mostly unvaccinated children, and spread into New Mexico.

At least 18 people have been hospitalized. Health officials stress the importance of the MMR vaccine, which remains highly effective.

Despite past measles elimination in the U.S., declining vaccination rates have led to outbreaks. Officials anticipate more cases and urge vaccinations to prevent further spread.

Summary

A Harvard-led study published in Microbiome found that eating one orange a day may reduce depression risk by 20%.

The research links citrus consumption to increased levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a gut bacterium associated with higher serotonin and dopamine production, which can boost mood.

The findings were confirmed in both women and men. While not a replacement for antidepressants, citrus may play a role in mental health strategies.

Researchers hope to conduct clinical trials to further explore the connection between diet and mental health.

A new study shows that exposure to high temperatures adds up to 14 months to older adults' cellular age.

Summary

A new study in ACS Food & Science Technology finds that brewing tea can help remove toxic heavy metals from water.

Researchers tested various tea types and tea bags, discovering that cellulose tea bags and finely ground black tea leaves were most effective at adsorbing metals like lead, chromium, and cadmium.

Longer steeping times significantly increased metal removal, with a typical three-to-five-minute brew reducing lead by 15%.

While not a global solution, tea consumption may passively reduce heavy metal exposure and its associated health risks.

Summary

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that anthocyanins, antioxidants found in fruits and flowers, may counteract the harmful reproductive effects of microplastic exposure.

Microplastics, which contain thousands of toxic chemicals, are linked to reduced fertility, hormonal disruptions, and testicular and ovarian damage.

Research indicates anthocyanins help protect sperm count, testosterone production, and ovarian function by reducing inflammation and preserving hormone balance.

Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of anthocyanins in mitigating microplastic-induced reproductive toxicity.

Summary

Two people in Wyoming and Ohio were hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, with one still in care. Both had contact with infected poultry.

The cases heighten concerns about reassortment with seasonal flu, potentially creating a more dangerous strain. No human-to-human transmission has been detected.

The CDC is monitoring outbreaks as the Trump administration considers shifting containment strategies. Studies suggest prior H1N1 exposure may offer some immunity, but experts warn protection is uncertain.

The U.S. has reported 70 human H5N1 cases since detection in cows last year.