WHO's recommendation against the use of artificial sweeteners for weight loss leaves many questions unanswered

The WHO report concluded that habitual use of nonsugar sweeteners is linked to a modest increase in diabetes, hypertension and stroke. But the research it’s based on has limitations.

Scott Kanoski, Associate Professor of Biological Science, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
June 8, 2023 ~12 min

What does ending the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US mean in practice? 4 questions answered

The emergency status allowed the federal government to cut through a mountain of red tape, with the goal of responding to the pandemic more efficiently.

Amy Lauren Fairchild, Dean and Professor of Public Health, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 10, 2023 ~11 min


Obesity in children is rising dramatically, and it comes with major – and sometimes lifelong – health consequences

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently released new obesity management guidelines in order to help address the growing obesity crisis in children.

Christine Nguyen, 2023 California Health Equity Fellow, University of Southern California • conversation
May 5, 2023 ~11 min

Does this cause cancer? How scientists determine whether a chemical is carcinogenic – sometimes with controversial results

The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer convenes a panel of scientific experts to review available evidence on whether specific chemicals or occupational exposures may cause cancer.

Brad Reisfeld, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
Jan. 30, 2023 ~9 min

Nasal vaccines promise to stop the COVID-19 virus before it gets to the lungs – an immunologist explains how they work

An effective nasal vaccine could stop the virus that causes COVID-19 right at its point of entry. But devising one that works has been a challenge for researchers.

Michael W. Russell, Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo • conversation
Dec. 14, 2022 ~9 min

Cigarette advertising aggressively targets kids in low- and middle-income countries, a new study finds

In places around the world that lack restrictions to combat the problem, tobacco companies are using marketing strategies aimed at children, like displaying tobacco products at kids’ eye level.

Jennifer Brown, Researcher in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
Aug. 10, 2022 ~5 min

Why declaring monkeypox a global health emergency is a preventative step -- not a reason for panic

By late July 2022, monkeypox was present in more than 70 countries with significant spread in certain communities. As a result, the World Health Organization began taking steps to fight the virus.

Kathryn H. Jacobsen, William E. Cooper Distinguished University Chair, Professor of Health Studies, University of Richmond • conversation
July 26, 2022 ~7 min

Why are drug names so long and complicated? A pharmacist explains the logic behind the nomenclature

Believe it or not, medication names are intended to be easy to remember and descriptive of the function they serve in the body.

Jasmine Cutler, Assistant Professor of Pharmacotherapeutics, University of South Florida • conversation
July 19, 2022 ~9 min


Is monkeypox a pandemic? An epidemiologist explains why it isn’t likely to become as widespread as COVID-19, but is worth watching

The monkeypox virus, which is commonly found in West and Central Africa, is now causing many infections in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

Kathryn H. Jacobsen, William E. Cooper Distinguished University Chair, Professor of Health Studies, University of Richmond • conversation
July 15, 2022 ~8 min

Dangerous counterfeit drugs are putting millions of US consumers at risk, according to a new study

Prescription opiods, stimulants such as those used to treat ADHD and the ingredients found in sexual dysfunction drugs like Viagra are some of the drugs that are being marketed to US consumers.

C. Michael White, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
May 25, 2022 ~6 min

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