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Nick Saban recalls kind gesture from Jalen Hurts amid ex-Alabama football QB health concerns
Nick Saban will remember his former Alabama football QB Jalen Hurts as a \
Oak Ridge hosts Nuclear Science Week 2026 events
Oak Ridge invites the public to explore the future of nuclear energy during Nuclear Science Week this October.
New prediction for Cincinnati Democrat Greg Landsman ahead of race
Cincinnati Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman may have an easier path to reelection, according to a new race leaning from the Cook Political Report.
Get an exclusive new look at JFK assassination movie 'November 1963'
John Travolta, Dermot Mulroney and Mandy Patinkin star in crime drama "November 1963," which offers the mob's perspective on JFK's assassination.
The Knox Regional Health Science Education Center over the years
Here's photos that The Oak Ridger has run over the years from Roane State Community College of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center.
The Knox Regional Health Science Education Center over the years
Here's photos that The Oak Ridger has run over the years from Roane State Community College of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center.
Suburban women souring on Paxton could doom him in tight race
Interviews with these voters reveal a combination of apathy toward his candidacy and an active shift by some toward his Democratic opponent.
Justice Department charges more than 2 dozen in California sweep targeting noncitizen voters
Federal authorities are arresting more than two dozen foreign nationals in California who authorities said have illegally registered and voted in U.S. elections | KCBS All News 106.9FM and 740AM
Does your gut health predict a vaccine fever?
New research suggests your gut microbiome may influence whether you develop a fever after receiving a vaccination.
Five takeaways from the Eagles' statement on Jalen Hurts' health
Jalen Hurts is expected to recover fully, but his extended absence forces the Eagles to reassess their quarterback plans and struggling offense
What happened to Selena Gomez's voice? The harms of vaping, explained
Selena Gomez says vaping nicotine is what changed her voice. It can cause other serious health effects, too. Here's what to know.
Medical College of Wisconsin gets $50M gift to advance precision medicine
Precision medicine takes into account a person's genes and lifestyle, as well as the environment they live in, to treat their health care needs.
CCIA Study Finds South Korea Fines U.S. Companies Up to Seven Times More Than Korean Firms Relative to Business Activity
Washington – A new study by the CCIA Research Center finds that South Korea’s competition authority imposes penalties on U.S. companies at rates four to seven
IPCC scientists vow to press on with climate reports despite political deadlock
After governments again failed to agree a timeline, nearly 120 IPCC authors pledged to complete their assessment on time and with full scientific rigour
IPCC scientists vow to press on with climate reports despite political deadlock
After governments again failed to agree a timeline, nearly 120 IPCC authors pledged to complete their assessment on time and with full scientific rigour
Whitlam would push Australian PM Albanese to go ‘bigger and bolder,’ biographer says
Albanese read the biography in office, calling its author to discuss Whitlam’s political mistakes as he encountered them.
Android's brand-new 3D emoji are rolling out more widely
After initially being limited to the Pixel 11 series, Google’s Noto 3D emoji set is now rolling out to more Android smartphones.
City of Memphis investing millions in Soulsville housing, development
Also this week, early voting is underway and a judge is pondering whether to lift a ban on several people who were barred from Memphis City Council.
Oklahoma's superintendent candidates focused on policy, not politics
Both candidates for Oklahoma state superintendent hope for students to have individual experience during school careers.
Why the lieutenant governor race is this year's nail-biter
If John Loughlin beats Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, it would be the first time a Republican toppled an incumbent Democrat for lieutenant governor since 1966
Opinion: The best way to reduce child poverty? Help parents find good jobs
When caregivers have good, steady jobs, children gain greater economic stability, write authors from the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Lee Health: Growing Together for a healthier Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida is a dynamic and growing region. Throughout Lee Health’s 110-year history, our community has continued to grow and change and so ...
Don't miss these big holiday concerts coming to Jacksonville in 2026
Some of the biggest holiday touring acts are coming to Jacksonville in November and December. Here's a list.
Melania Trump pushed Trump on women’s health overhaul -- Exclusive
Melania Trump helped the president create a new Women’s Health Division at the NIH and a White House Women’s Health Task Force.
Vote now for Thibodaux Regional Health System Athlete of the Week (Oct. 12-18)
The poll is back open voting for the Houma Today/Daily Comet Athlete of the Week sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System. Vote for Oct. 12-18.
Vote now for Thibodaux Regional Health System Athlete of the Week (Oct. 12-18)
The poll is back open voting for the Houma Today/Daily Comet Athlete of the Week sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System. Vote for Oct. 12-18.
After Isaias, Pensacola Beach is getting back to business
Pensacola Beach restaurants, bars and shops are welcoming customers again as the island recovers from Hurricane Isaias.
From Medicaid to measles, midterms will shape your health
Health care does not run on two-year election cycles, but it is shaped by them. Voting gives you a say in the conditions that impact your health.
This family business survived 100 years to build on East TN's housing boom
Christmas Lumber nearly went under. Four generations and 100 years later, the Harriman family business is helping meet East Tennessee's housing demand.
Monroe County promotes infant safe sleep, parenting support programs
Monroe County families can access free newborn home visits and safe sleep education aimed at reducing preventable infant deaths.
Road projects in St. Clair Shores, Greektown challenge businesses
Businesses navigating adversity, some gains through road construction projects in St. Clair Shores and Greektown
Kenya confirms eighth Ebola case amid widening regional outbreak
Kenyan health authorities say latest patient was likely exposed to the country's first Ebola case.
The remarkable bond between a man and a deer
In his new book 'Penelope,' author Paul Bochner recounts 'one of the greatest loves I have ever known.'
A Look at the Future with Science Fiction Author Daniel H. Wilson
Daniel H. Wilson is a roboticist, and bestselling author of science fiction and techno-thrillers. A few of his bestsellers include Robopocalypse, techno-thriller about a global AI uprising and humanity's fight for survival. Also, Hole in the Sky, a Native first-contact story set on Cherokee Nation land in Oklahoma.
Congo’s Fast-Moving Ebola Outbreak Spreads to Eighth Province
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has spread to an eighth province in the country’s north, authorities said on Sunday. The Health Ministry has recorded two cases, including one death, in Nord-Ubangi province, bordering the Central African Republic. The ministry said both patients were men in their 20s ...
After Oliver’s OUI arrest, Minogue asks him to suspend campaign
Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence late Saturday night, authorities said, leading his running mate Mike Minogue to
Nearly 3-in-4 Americans say country is on the wrong track, poll says
A new poll found that 71% of adults think the country is on the \
Georgia-Carolina State Fair returns to downtown
The Georgia-Carolina State Fair returns downtown this week with rides, entertainment, and food.
Whatever you do, don't buy a Fitbit Edge on day one
Thinking of buying the Fitbit Edge? From early firmware bugs to Black Friday deals, here is why waiting for a few weeks is the smartest move.
Oklahoma voters, your family's politics don't have to be yours
Family political traditions are meaningful, but you should evaluate your own needs before casting your ballot.
Lower GLP-1 costs are here. Mochi cuts prices and adds lab testing
Mochi Health lowers costs for compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide while adding new blood testing services.
13 Years Ago, Rockstar Suffered a Leak Worse Than GTA 6
Before unauthorized clips of GTA 6 scandalized fans, GTA 5 made video game leak history for Rockstar and Sony
Jalen Williams' health, Chet Holmgren's resilience among top storylines for OKC Thunder
The OKC Thunder faces a new season with roster changes and questions about their path back to the NBA title. Here are five key storylines.
Sen. Warnock says Colom can win Senate race in MS like he won in Georgia
"Mississippi is a blue state," Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said. "It just doesn't know it yet."
Question 3 on November ballot is about RI’s future jobs
Rhode Island relies on too few industries. The CEO of the R.I. Life Science Hub explains why investing in life sciences is key to future growth.
Browns vs. Ravens not 'personal,' but 'strictly business' for Todd Monken
Todd Monken spent the last three seasons with the Ravens as their offensive coordinator. He's not allowing that to distract him as Browns face them.
On the issues: Governor candidates talk health care affordability
With more than 9% of Tennesseans uninsured, how does our next governor plan to tackle health care affordability?
Brunswick County fair returns with rides and fun
The Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo is coming back with amusement rides, livestock and live shows.
Rural voters in Kansas want practical solutions not politics
A new survey shows rural voters prioritize practical issues like health care and cost of living over partisan debates.
Circleville Pumpkin Show returns for its 119th year. Dates and details
Name an orange fruit with edible seeds that's not an orange. If you're stumped, visit Circleville from Oct. 21-24 and you're sure to find out.
Business Matters: Central Mass. by the Numbers, Sunday, Oct. 18
A look at business news in Central Mass. over the past week.
Portsmouth will be home to next US rep. Is its political power growing?
It might be coincidence both Stefany Shaheen and Anthony DiLorenzo are from Portsmouth. But some observers see election as power shift in NH politics.
In Ohio, a solidly GOP district is upended by domestic violence allegations
Several Republican voters who spoke to USA TODAY are still supporting Rep. Max Miller of Ohio despite allegations of domestic violence.
I grew up progressive. I became a conservative. Here's why
My parents watched 'The Daily Show' every night. I laughed along – until I didn't. How a kid from Detroit ended up to the right of his whole family.
LLCC's Haunted Lab to bring science fun to Springfield families
LLCC's Haunted Lab will offer science shows every 30 minutes along with hands-on activities for children and families.
Nestle, Unilever face regulatory action in India over misleading health claims
Investing.com -- India’s food safety regulator has issued notices to Nestle India and Hindustan Unilever over allegedly misleading nutritional and health claims on dietary supplements, as authorities intensify scrutiny of food manufacturers.
Why we investigated donations behind Ohio commissioner races
There's no contribution limits for county commissioner candidates under Ohio law.
Green Bay No Kings rally draws several hundred to urge early voting
In Green Bay, protesters under the national No Kings banner aimed populist messaging at President Donald Trump.
'No Kings' protesters rally against Trump, urge voters to turn out
‘No Kings’ demonstrators rallied across Michigan Saturday, protesting Trump administration policies and urging people to vote.
5 takeaways from Trump's Northern Kentucky midterm rally
Trump's wide-ranging speech touched on familiar Republican talking points with a few bizarre departures. Here's what to know about his NKY rally.
SMH and United Healthcare at odds on Medicare Advantage pact
Dispute does not affect traditional Medicare coverage or commercial contract negotiations
SMH talks with United Healthcare on Medicare Advantage pact stall
Talks could affect 33,000 SMH and First Physicians Group patients in 2027 if a deal is not reached by Dec. 31
‘No Kings Vote Early’ rally in Fall River draws a crowd
About 60 protesters against the Trump administration lined both sides of William S. Canning Boulevard, bundled up against cold winds.
Workers Can Govern, but They Need Power First
A new book makes the most rigorous case yet for why so few working-class people hold office. But by treating the lack of workers in office as a law of electoral democracy, its authors underrate how mu...
AHN takes lifesaving training into western Pennsylvania classrooms
AHN's new Building Bridges program teaches students CPR, Narcan use and other lifesaving skills while introducing health care careers.
AHN takes lifesaving training into western Pennsylvania classrooms
AHN's new Building Bridges program teaches students CPR, Narcan use and other lifesaving skills while introducing health care careers.
Keri Russell on politics, escapism and 'Diplomat' twists she literally forgot
Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell talk Season 4 of Netflix's "The Diplomat," its real-world parallels and too many twists to remember.
Big Tech’s enabling of the ballroom is the worst symbol of our times
The wealthiest companies since the robber baron days -- like Microsoft and Amazon -- greased the skids for an authoritarian vanity project the public doesn't want.
Meet the RI YouTuber exploring the creepiest abandoned landmarks
From ghost towns to shipwrecks, a Rhode Island filmmaker is preserving the stories behind some of the state's most fascinating forgotten places.
Amazon just did what Google couldn't do in 15 years: Make a great everyday Android tablet
With Alexa Tablets, Amazon is making welcome changes to its tablet strategy, and proving that it knows how to make a great Android tablet.
Weekend reads: Computer science conferences impose caps; Lancet strikes to continue; Is this the ‘mathocalypse’?
If your week flew by — we know ours did — catch up here with what you might have missed. The week at Retraction Watch featured: A company named Springer that isn’t the publisher is offering authors…
Linda Pauli named 2026 Athena Leadership Award recipient in Alliance
Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Alliance Awards luncheon on Oct. 16. Here are the winners.
Sunbelievable tanning, wellness business opens in Raritan
Sunbelievable has opened at Raritan Crossing in Raritan, bringing tanning, wellness services and retail products to the shopping center.
Texas' gerrymandered congressional map might come up short for GOP
Texas Republicans redrew congressional maps to add five more GOP seats at President Trump's request, but they aren't likely to pick up that many.
Staunton Pride is today. What to know about music, food and parking
Staunton Pride returns to Gypsy Hill Park with live music, drag performances, vendors, food and wellness resources. Here's what to know.
Casa Grande author releases new book
CASA GRANDE — Casa Grande author Jacqueline McDonald has released a new book about sin, redemption and the world-wide fight for Christianity.
Hackers Use Compromised ConnectWise Credential to Sign In to 173 Microsoft 365 Tenants
Attackers used a compromised ConnectWise Cloud Backup credential for unauthorized sign-ins across 173 Microsoft 365 tenants.
Tennessee baseball hosts fall scrimmage vs Lipscomb at Covenant Health Park
Tennessee baseball hosts a fall scrimmage against Lipscomb at Covenant Health Park on Oct. 16, 2026.
Proposed AI Governance Framework: Risk-Mitigation Recommendations for Health Plans
Senator Maria Cantwell has outlined a comprehensive AI governance framework intended to drive legislative and executive actions addressing potential AI risks — and for health plans, this framework could determine how AI can be used in prior authorization and other consequential clinical and administrative decisions. The framework explicitly calls out AI-assisted prior authorization — including CMS's WISeR model — as an area where meaningful human oversight is required. Read our alert for six risk-mitigation recommendations health plans should take now.
Trump Administration Restricts Drone Activity Along U.S.-Mexico Border
The new restrictions ban unauthorized drone flights within a nautical mile of the southern border, up to 400 feet in the air.
Berkeley Talks: Michael Pollan and Christof Koch talk psychedelics and consciousness
The author and neuroscientist explore how altered states challenge our understanding of the mind — and why consciousness is more than a problem to solve.
Talking Heads star David Byrne blends “story and science” for unique theater experience
Grammy, Oscar and Tony award winning musician, playwright, author David Byrne is always doing something interesting. One of his latest creative endeavors is his “Theater of the Mind” in…
Top Global Climate Science Body Meet Ends Without Deal on Review Timeline
By Sudarshan Varadhan and Kate Abnett Oct 16 (Reuters) - The meeting of the members of the world's leading authority on climate change ended on Friday without an agreement on a timeline to publish its next review of the latest science on the warming planet, four sources familiar with the ...
Top global climate science body meet ends without deal on review timeline
By Sudarshan Varadhan and Kate AbnettThe meeting of the members of the world's leading authority on climate change ended on Friday without an agreement on a timeline to publish its next review of the latest science on the warming planet, four sources familiar with the matter said.The meeting of rep…
Talarico raises record $64M in Texas Senate race against Paxton
Democrat James Talarico scored record-breaking numbers in Q3, widening his fundraising lead in the Texas U.S. Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton.
See progress of West Palm's Cox Science Center $150 million expansion
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is undergoing a $150 million expansion in West Palm Beach on September 14, 2026. See photos of progress.
Who’s in Charge of the Oklahoma Tribe Doing Business With Kalshi?
One tribal leader says Kalshi was duped by an impostor who had no authority to enter into an agreement with the company.
Pope Leo to make first appearance since cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV is set for his first public appearance since cancer surgery as doctors report steady improvement in his recovery.
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Democrats eyeing the presidency can’t stop talking about this issue
The attention from prominent Democrats reflects a spreading belief inside the party that a winning 2028 agenda must tackle Americans’ deep worries
He Wants AI Benchmarking To Be a Science, Not a Dark Art
Moritz Hardt, author of a new book on benchmarks, believes these “standardized tests” for artificial intelligence are fundamentally broken — but not unfixable.
Georgia amusement park to reopen as scheduled days after roller coaster death
Six Flags Over Georgia is expected to open for the first time since a man fell to his death from the Goliath roller coaster. Authorities are investigating the death, which
Plague is stoppable. The next health threat may not be.
The word plague is scary. Centuries ago, the Black Death killed tens of millions of people and changed the course of history. Plague still kills people around the world, and the word still evokes catastrophe. New fears of plague surfaced on October 2, when a lab worker in Irkutsk, Russia, died of pneumonia. Reports suggested that she may have contracted plague through a laboratory exposure. Understandably, people were alarmed. On October 7, the World Health Organization called for the Russian Federation to be transparent about what it knew. WHO issued an update on October 10. Russian authorities told WHO that testing did not identify plague and that investigations found no laboratory release. WHO said confidence in its risk assessment remained limited and that further clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory information was needed. The cause of the woman’s illness remains unknown, and WHO says a laboratory-associated exposure cannot be excluded. As I explained in a recent interview, this incident is very unlikely to lead to a pandemic. Plague is still active, including in the U.S., which sees a handful of cases each year. But it is a disease we can prevent and treat. Plague doesn’t spread readily, and it responds to antibiotics. The standard response—isolate the patient, trace contacts, and administer antibiotics and monitor for symptoms among contacts for seven days—works. We have even planned for antibiotic-resistant plague. At CDC, we developed a playbook for antibiotic-resistant plague and ran exercises on how to find and stop it. CDC guidance anticipates engineered resistance and recommends two different classes of antibiotics if there’s reason to suspect it. There is no evidence that resistance—or even confirmed plague—is involved in this incident. We have thought through how to address plague, but we’re not ready for the next major health threat that emerges from a lab or from animal spillover to humans. What should concern people is how little stands between the world and the next pathogen to get loose. Since peak COVID, epidemic preparedness has fallen off the political agenda, but the risk is greater than ever. More labs handle dangerous pathogens with more ways to make those pathogens deadlier, and more people live and work in close contact with animals. There are actions we can take now: We need better lab safety in every country. The number of labs that work with dangerous pathogens has increased worldwide over two decades, but there’s no enforceable international standard and no inspection regime; the Biological Weapons Convention, fifty years on, still has no verification mechanism. Labs that study dangerous germs need strong safety systems, training, and oversight. We need to reduce spillover events. Three in four emerging human infections start in animals, and there’s a lot we can do to reduce spillover risk, but the world is doing very little of it. Live-animal markets are one place to act. For instance, closing live-bird markets helped control H7N9 influenza in China. Reducing opportunities for people to encounter infected animals can prevent infections before they become outbreaks. In The Formula for Better Health, which is now out in paperback along with the hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook versions, I argue that labs do too many risky experiments with too many dangerous pathogens in too many institutions, and that every experiment should first answer one basic question: Is the likely benefit greater than the risk? Spillover risk can also be reduced: In the book, I discuss how Brazil cut its deforestation rate by 70% from 2004 to 2012 while increasing agricultural production and reducing risky contact between people and forest animals. We need faster detection and response. Delay costs lives. Strong surveillance, good labs, and trained responders can turn a single case into a small cluster of infections instead of an epidemic. Resolve to Save Lives has worked for nearly a decade to help countries find and stop outbreaks faster. The 7-1-7 target, which Resolve to Save Lives developed with partners in Uganda and elsewhere, provides a clear standard: detect within 7 days, notify within 1 day and complete all essential early response actions within 7 days. In Uganda’s Kasese district, for example, a review of a measles outbreak using 7-1-7 identified shortages of accessible funds, fuel, and vehicles that delayed the response. District leaders established funds they could access quickly. When, a few months later, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever appeared, the district detected it in three days, notified authorities in one, and mounted an effective response in two. Only one case was confirmed, and the patient survived. Because funds were available before the emergency, authorities were prepared and able to act. This kind of preparation can’t wait until the next crisis begins. Plague is an old disease we that know how to stop. The next threat may be harder to recognize, harder to treat, and easier to spread. Safer labs, less risk of spillover, and faster outbreak detection and response need sustained investment now, while we still have time to prevent the next emergency. Share
Billy Joel say's he can't perform again after neurologist's warning
Billy Joel says he can't perform on his neurologist's advice and needs further testing to determine whether he can return to the stage.
Newly identified green star leaves astronomers amazed
A star's color typically is governed by its temperature
CCIA UK Responds to CMA Investigation of Microsoft’s Business Software Ecosystem
London – The UK Competition and Markets Authority today announced the next stage in its Strategic Market Status (SMS) investigation regarding Microsoft's