Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide

The US eliminated measles in 2000, but the number of cases at home and abroad has experts worried.

Rebecca Schein, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease Pediatrics, Michigan State University • conversation
May 7, 2025 ~10 min

Whooping cough is making a comeback, but the vaccine provides powerful protection

Rates of the bacterial infection have gone up by 500% since last year, with babies and young children most at risk.

Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
April 29, 2025 ~10 min


Extreme heat can be dangerous for runners, cyclists and anyone spending time outdoors: 6 tips for staying safe

The heat comes from everywhere when you’re active outside on hot days – the Sun’s rays, the air around you, the ground and even your own body.

Susan Yeargin, Associate Professor of Athletic Training, University of South Carolina • conversation
June 20, 2024 ~7 min

EPA has lowered the screening level for lead in soil – here’s what that could mean for households across the US

The new level won’t trigger automatic cleanups, but it sets a lower threshold for taking precautions to reduce lead exposure.

Gabriel Filippelli, Professor of Earth Sciences and Executive Director, Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University • conversation
June 18, 2024 ~9 min

Millions of current smokers became addicted when they were teens – and nicotine marketing targets adolescents today just as it did decades ago

Online advertising featuring bright colors, cartoon figures and promotions by social media influencers entice adolescents to try tobacco.

Jon-Patrick Allem, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers University • conversation
May 31, 2024 ~7 min

50 years after the Bunker Hill mine fire caused one of the largest lead-poisoning cases in US history, Idaho's Silver Valley is still at risk

A fire and decades of silver and lead mining created the largest contiguous Superfund site in the nation in what today is one of the fastest-growing states. It includes popular Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Martin Schiavenato, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Gonzaga University • conversation
Aug. 30, 2023 ~11 min

RSV: A pediatric disease expert answers 5 questions about the surging outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus

Tens of thousands of children have tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus in the last months in what is the largest outbreak of the virus in recent years.

Jennifer Girotto, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Oct. 26, 2022 ~6 min

La Crosse virus is the second-most common virus in the US spread by mosquitoes – and can cause severe neurological damage in rare cases

Not all cases of La Crosse disease affect the neurological system, but those that do can be severe and sometimes fatal – especially in children.

Rebecca Trout Fryxell, Associate Professor of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Sept. 9, 2022 ~9 min


Listening to young people could help reduce pandemic-related harms to children

Making room for the input of children and adolescents in responses to the next pandemic would help maintain their health, education, well-being and more.

Jonathan Todres, Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Law, Georgia State University • conversation
June 2, 2022 ~10 min

PFAS are showing up in children’s stain- and water-resistant products – including those labeled ‘nontoxic’ and ‘green’

Tests found PFAS in school uniforms, pillows, upholstered furniture and several other items that are often next to children’s skin and near their noses and mouths.

Kathryn Rodgers, Ph.D. Student in Environmental Health, Boston University • conversation
May 4, 2022 ~7 min

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