MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research

The majority of children’s diets in the US consist of ultraprocessed foods, which a growing body of research suggests can lead to metabolic diseases and other conditions.

Paul Dawson, Professor of Food Science, Clemson University • conversation
May 26, 2025 ~7 min

Cuts to science research funding cut American lives short − federal support is essential for medical breakthroughs

The National Institutes of Health has been integral to scientific progress in treating countless human diseases. Without its support, patients will ultimately pay the price.

Patrick Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
March 28, 2025 ~13 min


Are you a rapid ager? Biological age is a better health indicator than the number of years you've lived, but it's tricky to measure

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Figuring out what influences longevity and how to identify rapid agers could lead to healthier and longer lives for more people.

Aditi Gurkar, Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 15, 2023 ~10 min

Long COVID: How researchers are zeroing in on the self-targeted immune attacks that may lurk behind it

A new study finds that misdirected immune responses can persist for months in those who are suffering from long COVID-19.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Aug. 31, 2022 ~9 min

Long COVID-19 and other chronic respiratory conditions after viral infections may stem from an overactive immune response in the lungs

While a strong immune response is essential to fight against viral infection, an immune system that continues to stay active long after the virus has been cleared can lead to lung damage.

Harish Narasimhan, PhD Candidate in Immunology, University of Virginia • conversation
Aug. 4, 2022 ~7 min

How mRNA and DNA vaccines could soon treat cancers, HIV, autoimmune disorders and genetic diseases

DNA and mRNA vaccines produce a different kind of immune response than traditional vaccines, allowing researchers to tackle some previously unsolvable problems in medicine.

Deborah Fuller, Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Jan. 24, 2022 ~9 min

If you want to support the health and wellness of kids, stop focusing on their weight

Weight discrimination, like teasing, is common among youth and linked to eating disorders and depression. Youth’s health and well-being would be best supported by not focusing on their weight.

Nicole Giuliani, Evergreen Assistant Professor of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon • conversation
Oct. 11, 2021 ~10 min

9/11 survivors' exposure to toxic dust and the chronic health conditions that followed offer lessons that are still too often unheeded

Those directly exposed to toxic dust and trauma on and after 9/11 carry with them a generation of chronic health conditions, which are placing them at higher risk during the pandemic and as they age.

Roberto Lucchini, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
Sept. 10, 2021 ~10 min


Health apps track vital health stats for millions of people, but doctors aren't using the data – here's how it could reduce costs and patient outcomes

Connecting health apps to health care can enable better care for patients with chronic diseases, and it has the potential to lower skyrocketing US health spending.

Saligrama Agnihothri, Professor of Supply Chain and Business Analytics, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
July 28, 2021 ~8 min

How many people get long COVID – and who is most at risk?

'Long COVID' – in which people have symptoms lasting more than a few weeks – is turning out to be very common. People hospitalized for COVID-19 are at highest risk, but they aren't alone.

Stephanie LaVergne, Research Scientist, Colorado State University • conversation
Feb. 17, 2021 ~7 min

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