US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians

Research shows that decades of policy choices shaped today’s fragmented health care system – which is precisely why reform is so difficult.

Zachary W. Schulz, Senior Lecturer of History, Auburn University • conversation
June 6, 2025 • ~11 min

RFK Jr. says annual COVID-19 shots no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women – a public health expert explains the new guidance

Public health experts and professional health care associations have expressed concern that the guidance goes against research on the vaccine’s benefits in pregnancy.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 29, 2025 • ~10 min

From furry friends to fish, turning up the heat helps animals fight germs − how Mother Nature’s cure offers humans a lesson on fever

Fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing − it’s actually a useful response to infections.

Harry Bernheim, Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology, Tufts University • conversation
May 23, 2025 • ~7 min

WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing

The US withdrew from treaty negotiations on President Trump’s first day in office.

Nicole Hassoun, Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
May 22, 2025 • ~7 min

FDA will approve COVID-19 vaccine only for older adults and high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

The FDA’s new framework for COVID-19 vaccines breaks from established procedure for how the government establishes vaccine guidelines.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 21, 2025 • ~10 min

FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

The FDA’s new framework for COVID-19 vaccines breaks from established procedure for how the government establishes vaccine guidelines.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 21, 2025 • ~10 min

Touch can comfort and heal, but also harm − a psychologist explains why gestures don’t always land as intended

The most comforting touch communicates care for the person receiving it – not just the intentions of the person offering it.

Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Trinity College • conversation
May 16, 2025 • ~8 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

The sudden dismissal of public records staff at health agencies threatens government accountability

Public records requested under the Freedom of Information Act have helped shape health policy and keep the government accountable – but recent staff cuts may make this impossible.

Reshma Ramachandran, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale University • conversation
April 16, 2025 • ~10 min

Ecological disruptions are a risk to national security

Overfishing, disease and environmental crimes cause social and political instability, economic strife and strained international relations.

Rod Schoonover, Adjunct Professor, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University • conversation
March 27, 2025 • ~9 min

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