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San Antonio archbishop: Profit, politics play roles in inhumane migrant treatment
"These detention centers … cannot have empty beds, because otherwise they don't make money," said Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller. "It's business, business, business, business, business."
Does growing vaccine hesitancy include pet inoculations?
When physicians discuss vaccine hesitancy, they’re usually talking about human vaccines. But there’s evidence that as skepticism and opposition...
MSU computer science professor teaches use of AI combined with human knowledge
MSU computer science professor teaches use of AI combined with human knowledge
Scientists create cartilage scaffold that helps the body regrow bone
Researchers in Sweden have engineered a cell-free cartilage scaffold that can guide the body to rebuild damaged bone. By removing the cells but preserving the structure and natural growth signals, the material acts as a blueprint for the body’s own repair process. In animal studies, it helped regenerate bone without triggering strong immune reactions. The team now plans to scale up production and begin testing the approach in humans.
Hegseth's remarks highlight the government's reluctance to show human costs of war
Remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that the American press emphasizes U.S. casualties in the Iran war because it “wants to make the president look bad” are a reminder of something that has endured across many decades and conflicts: the tension and trepidation about news that reminds Americans of the human cost of war.
HHSC Highlights Resources During Kidney Month | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is recognizing National Kidney Month in March by spotlighting resources and programs available for Texans.
Scientists Are On the Cusp of Releasing the First Universal Vaccine
Microbial threats against human health are only growing. Luckily, researchers are developing new vaccines that are up to the challenge.
Scientists Are Tracking Down the Exact Location of Human Consciousness
It sounds like an oxymoron, but we could find the origin of consciousness in our brains using the brains of those who are unconscious.
Rice Business event explores how AI can innovate hiring, finance, health care and more
At the second annual Innovation and AI Summit, Rice Business faculty led conversational panels on how artificial intelligence will affect digital transformation, finance and human capital.
Will humans and animals ever be able to converse? Here’s what science says.
In the movie Hoppers, scientists “hop” human consciousness into animal-like robots to talk to other species. We asked the experts their thoughts on how conceivable the plot is.
Algae is a 'little vacuum' for microplastics. Midwest scientists think it could clean up the problem
Tiny shards of plastic called microplastics are all over the environment and even inside human bodies. Researchers have found a type of bioengineered algae that can clean up these pesky particles.
Michael Pollan explains why AI will never replicate human consciousness
Michael Pollan tells Scientific American why the science of consciousness may ultimately be too subject to our own conscious minds to crack
Body language in sports isn’t mystical. It can win or lose the next play
This isn't a character flaw; it's human wiring. The question is: What we can learn to do about it?
Friday briefing: Can the politics of cruelty around asylum help Labour in the polls?
In today’s newsletter: Labour’s new asylum framework marks a decisive shift in how the UK treats people granted protection and exposes tensions between electoral strategy, public service pressures and the party’s historic commitments to human rights
Will humans and animals ever be able to converse? Here’s what science says.
In the movie Hoppers, scientists “hop” human consciousness into animal-like robots to talk to other species. We asked the experts their thoughts on how conceivable the plot is.
San Antonio archbishop: Profit, politics play roles in inhumane migrant treatment
(OSV News) — Days after a meeting among several Catholic bishops serving along both sides of the Texas-Mexico border — a regular gathering for the “Tex-Mex” bishops — OSV News spoke…
Anyone Else Worried About the New Virus That’s Hitting California?
I’m sure RFK Jr. isn’t.
Go behind the science with Rodolfo Dirzo
The Stanford ecologist traces quiet shifts in the natural world – and how they circle back to human health. PhD student Phil Roberge takes us on a tour of his lab.
Scientists Reconstruct The Face of a 3.7-Million-Year-Old Human Relative
See 'Little Foot' in amazing detail for the first time.
New American revolution brewing in Boston after RFK Jr. sets health safety sights on Dunkin'
Brown Brain Fair invites Rhode Islanders to explore the science of the brain
The free, family-friendly event on March 15 welcomes visitors for a day of fun and exploration, featuring games, art projects, lightning talks and demonstrations that highlight the wonders of the human brain.
Scientists discover the protein that malaria parasites can’t live without
Scientists have uncovered a crucial weakness in the malaria parasite that could open the door to new treatments. Researchers identified a protein called Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) that acts like a traffic controller during the parasite’s unusual cell division process, ensuring its genetic material is properly separated as it multiplies. When scientists switched off ARK1 in laboratory experiments, the parasite could no longer replicate correctly and failed to complete its life cycle in both humans and mosquitoes—effectively halting its ability to spread.
How These Three AI Healthcare Companies Are Restoring The Human Touch
Healthcare is chaotic for patients, families, and clinicians. AI steps in to restore what really matters: human connection, clarity, and calm.
Health officials revoke licenses on transport company after three clients found dead
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services have revoked
"I'm sick of having to repeat myself" - Crimson Desert PR shuts down accusations it's "hiding" console footage ahead of immanent launch
Crimson Desert's marketing director is "sick of having to repeat" himself, as some express concern Pearl Abyss is "hiding" console footage of the upcoming game.
NY health commissioner McDonald battles RFK Jr.'s vaccine skepticism
The state Department of Health reaches its 125th year and pushes back against the vaccine skepticism of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Aubrey Plaza co-stars in a new animated TV series about an unhappy cat
Aubrey Plaza co-wrote and co-stars in a new animated series about an unhappy cat seeking emancipation from humans. It's coming to Prime Video.
The global fallout of RFK Jr's vaccine policies
In his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is changing how the United States approaches vaccines. But those changes aren’t limited to the United States. NPR global health correspondent Gabrielle Emanuel joins Short Wave to talk about two examples of how the global public health landscape may be shifting. First, the United States’ ultimatum to an international vaccine group. Second, the uncertain fate of a vaccine trial. Some researchers are calling the trial a “unique” opportunity, and others are calling it “unethical.” Read more of global health correspondent Gabrielle Emanuel’s work here.Interested in more global health? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
A History of HeLa Cells: How the Immortal Cells Advanced Biomedical Science
HeLa cells are the most famous human cells in science. Discover how cervical cancer, HPV proteins, and bioethics shaped one of medicine’s biggest breakthroughs.
This Dean Refuses To Panic About The AI Reckoning In Business Schools
As AI upends classrooms, curricula & careers, Marion Debruyne is betting on literacy, agility, and what she calls an ‘ultra-human’ future.
New SNAP Purchase Restrictions Take Effect April 1 | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC reminds SNAP recipients that they can no longer buy candy or sweetened drinks with their Lone Star Cards in Texas starting April 1, 2026.
Exclusive: March meeting of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force postponed
The March meeting of the U.S. advisory panel that determines what cancer screenings and other preventive health measures insurers must cover has been postponed, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Meta's AI display glasses reportedly share intimate videos with human moderators
Users in Europe of Meta's AI smart glasses may be unknowingly sharing intimate video and sensitive financial information with moderators outside of the bloc.
Schools are using AI counselors to track students’ mental health. Is it safe?
As hundreds of schools implement an automated monitoring tool, educators say that students can find talking to chatbots ‘more natural’ than confiding in a human
Meta Ray-Bans send 'sensitive' videos to human data annotators
A new report says that video feeds from Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are sent for review by human data annotators...
AHCA/NCAL Submits Comments on Health Information Interoperability Proposed Rule
AHCA/NCAL submitted comments recently to the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to ...
Would aliens do physics, or is science a human invention?
Shaped by a different biology or culture, other intelligent civilisations – if they’re out there – might understand the universe in a completely different way than we do. Physicist Daniel Whiteson explores what that could tell us about physics and ourselves
Teeth smaller than a fingertip reveal the first primate ancestor
Tiny, tooth-sized fossils have just reshaped the story of our deepest ancestry. Paleontologists have discovered the southernmost remains ever found of Purgatorius—the earliest-known relative of all primates, including humans—in Colorado’s Denver Basin. Previously thought to be confined to Montana and parts of Canada, this shrew-sized, tree-dwelling mammal now appears to have spread southward soon after the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Bridging Brain Science
Professor Andrew Delamater explores how minds—human and animal—learn from experience.
Mysterious Roman-era board game that eluded scientists for a century finally solved by AI
The cutting-edge gamebot, named Ludii, "played the game against itself and identified a few variants that are enjoyable for humans to play."
Sheffield names Dearborn official to become city's new Chief Public Health Officer
Ali Abazeed replaces Denise Fair Razo. After working with the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, he helped establish Dearborn's health department.
The ancient human ancestor ‘Little Foot’ gets a new face
A new digital reconstruction of the face of an early Australopithecus specimen helps add details about the origins of our own species.
Honor's humanoid robot shows off impressive dancing skills
Honor brought a humanoid robot to Barcelona.
First Steps? Honor's Humanoid Robot Makes Its Debut With a Moonwalk and a Backflip
Honor's move into robotics feels like a bold move, and it turns out that its first humanoid has some bold moves of its own.
China's Honor shows off smartphone with robotic camera arm and teases a humanoid robot
Honor debuted a Robot Phone on Sunday at the Mobile World Congress as it looks to stand out from rivals like Samsung and Apple in the smartphone market.
'Silent failure at scale': The AI risk that can tip the business world into disorder
As AI systems become more complex the risk of surpassing human comprehension, not intelligence, could lead to chaos, artificial intelligence experts warn.
Cook County public health grant threatened by federal funding cancellation
Grant funding for Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is at risk after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) canceled millions of dollars in public health investments for Minnesota. The Public Health Infrastructure Grant awarded Cook County more than $30,000. Statewide, about $38 million in public health funding was canceled, effective...
Wellness peptide craze: why people are injecting drugs 'not for human consumption'
Growing numbers of people are injecting unregulated peptides for health reasons - but one expert says they are "lab rats".
Scientists Found 6,000-Year-Old Human Remains. No Other People Share Their DNA.
If they have no ancestors or descendants, then who are they?
Scientists Found 6,000-Year-Old Human Remains. No Other People Share Their DNA.
An analysis of bones from ancient people has discovered DNA that does not directly connect them to any other ancient or modern population.
How the body really ages: 7 million cells mapped across 21 organs
Scientists have built a massive cellular atlas showing how aging reshapes the body across 21 organs. Studying nearly 7 million cells, they found that aging starts earlier than expected and unfolds in a coordinated way throughout the body. About a quarter of cell types change in number over time, and many of these shifts differ between males and females. The research also highlights shared genetic “hotspots” that could become targets for anti-aging therapies.
RFK Jr. visits Austin ISD to learn about healthy school meals as parents protest
The health and human services secretary visited Cunningham Elementary on Friday, less than two months after his department introduced new dietary guidelines that impact school meals across the country.
RFK Jr. suggests buying liver or ‘cheap cuts’ instead of steak
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday suggested people eat liver or “cheap cuts” in response to the high cost of beef. “This is true all over the cou…
DOE climate report 'demonstrably incorrect', say scientists in new analysis
A leading climate scientist has sought to set the record straight over "demonstrably incorrect" claims made in a major U.S. government report that misrepresented his work and downplayed the role of human ...
70% of European soils are degraded: experts warn of a hidden biodiversity crisis - Futura-Sciences
Pesticides are the products used to eliminate unwanted plants and animals. Agriculture has relied on them for decades. Over time, however, doubts have grown. Research has confirmed what many feared: pesticide use comes with unintended consequences, including risks to human health – particularly for those who handle these chemicals regularly....
Amazon CEO: Many jobs won't need as many humans due to AI
"You won't need as many human beings doing those same jobs," Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said, predicting AI would also create new jobs as well.
Health Rounds: Researchers find cellular clues to explain faster pain recovery in men
The immune systems of men appear to be better equipped to shut down pain, which could explain why chronic pain is more common in women, research in mice and humans suggests.
Two ETSU lectures highlight health and humanities
ETSU’s 2025-26 Great Lecture Series concludes on March 6 with lectures by Drs. Brandi Eveland-Sayers and Scott Honeycutt.
How LabOS AI-powered smart goggles could reduce human error in science
A new wearable AI system watches your hands through smart glasses, guiding experiments and stopping mistakes before they happen
Ultrahuman bets on redesigned smart ring to win back U.S. market after Oura dispute
Ultrahuman’s Ring Pro promises 15-day battery life and a $479 price tag as the wearables maker expands its health-tech push.
Santiago de Chile Declaration launched to advance clean air and environmental justice in Latin America
The Santiago de Chile Declaration calls for urgent, coordinated action to reduce air pollution and advance environmental justice across Latin America and the Caribbean. Launched with support from World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization, the Declaration frames clean air as a human right and sets out concrete regional and national priorities to protect public health—especially for vulnerable communities.
A genetic analysis reveals new details on ancient couplings between humans and Neanderthals
Ancient linkups may have happened more frequently between female humans and male Neanderthals, according to an new genetic analysis.
Research suggests mating direction bias between Neanderthals and humans
Scientists say DNA evidence indicates male Neanderthals and human females interbred more often than opposite
Humans and Neanderthals interbred — but it was mostly male Neanderthals and female humans who coupled up, study finds
A preference for pairings between male Neanderthals and female Homo sapiens may answer the question of why there are "Neanderthal deserts" in human chromosomes.
Neanderthal males and human females had babies together, ancient DNA reveals
When ancient humans mated, dad was a Neanderthal, mom was Homo sapiens.
Mosquitoes began biting humans more than a million years ago
A DNA analysis suggests mosquitoes shifted from nonhuman primates to early humans nearly 2 million years ago.
MasterClass Launches MasterClass Executive, the First AI-Native Business School Experience
MasterClass, the personalized learning platform unlocking human potential with the world's best, today launched MasterClass Executive, the first business school experience for the AI era, built with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and with collaboration from OpenAI.
Talking Up the Science of Food Systems
With an academic foundation rooted in animal and poultry science, Bavisha Gulabrai is leveraging a doctorate in agricultural education and human sciences to help people better understand how food is produced and why those practices matter.
Startup founder shares where to leverage AI, and what it can't replace
Tim Desoto built a shopping startup using AI, despite no tech background. He shares where AI helped him — and where human perspective still matters.
Habitat’s largest fundraiser set for March 28
Habitat for Humanity of Laredo’s largest fundraiser, Golfing for Roofs, tees off in March to support local home construction projects.
Science is winning the war on cancer
Our podcast on science and technology. A better understanding of how cancer develops in human cells is leading to new ways to prevent it
Repeal of EPA 'endangerment finding' endangers human health
Climate change is happening, it is human-caused and it is damaging human health, two doctors write.
Five ways NOAA scientists helped improve human and marine life in 2025
Our 2025 NOAA Science Report focuses on advancements that contribute to NOAA’s robust research and development enterprise, help reduce the impacts of hazardous weather, and promote sustainable use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources.
Scientists Used ’Dancing Molecules‘ to Heal Lab-Grown Mini-Spines. One Day, They Could Cure Paralysis.
By fine tuning the motion of molecules, scientists created an injectable therapy that encouraged the growth of neurites and neurons in damaged spinal organoids.
Scientists Found a Protein That Could Keep Your Brain From Growing Old
As we age, neuron production declines in the human brain, but scientists just identified the protein key to regenerating neural stem cells.
WHO Director-General visits Jordan to recognize strong collaboration on health system delivery, emergency relief and advancing mental health
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, today concluded the first day of his two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, underscoring the strong partnership between WHO and Jordan across the areas of universal health coverage (UHC), mental health and humanitarian health action.
Trump surgeon general pick Dr. Casey Means to appear in Senate hearing
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and close ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been tapped for the role of the nation’s doctor.
32 Products That Will Probably Confuse Regular People But Delight The Weirdos
Only a certain kind of human is going to understand the necessity of this Froot Loops–inspired body oil and judgmental light-up frog, and that's more than okay.
40,000-year-old signs show humans were recording information long before writing
More than 40,000 years ago, Ice Age humans were carving repeated patterns of dots, lines, and crosses into tools and small ivory figurines. A new computational study of more than 3,000 of these Paleolithic signs reveals that they were not random decorations but structured sequences with measurable complexity. Surprisingly, their information density rivals that of proto-cuneiform, the earliest known writing system that emerged around 3,000 B.C.E.
Scientists finally solve the mystery of the horse whinny
Horses have a vocal trick no one fully understood until now. Scientists have discovered that when a horse whinnies, it produces two completely different sounds at the same time. One is a deep tone created by vibrating the vocal folds, similar to how humans sing. The other is a high-pitched whistle generated inside the larynx, something never before confirmed in a large mammal. This rare ability, known as biphonation, likely helps horses send multiple emotional signals in a single call.
READY, SET, IMPLEMENT! Lifelines in Crisis: Prioritizing Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health in Humanitarian and Conflict-affected Settings
Conflict, climate change and displacement are driving a global “permacrisis,” with over half of maternal and child deaths occurring in fragile settings. This PMNCH webinar explores rights-based, resilient approaches to protect WCAH and SRHR, strengthen local systems, and accelerate integrated health action in crisis contexts.
Scientists are pushing back on warnings that microplastics damage your health, saying people are just obese and calling some studies ‘a joke’
Some scientists are saying previous studies warning of the damage microplastics may cause are exaggerated and are false positives triggered by human fat.
Scientists are pushing back on warnings that microplastics damage your health, saying people are just obese and calling some studies ‘a joke’
Some scientists are saying previous studies warning of the damage microplastics may cause are exaggerated and are false positives triggered by human fat.
Understanding human behaviour for pandemic preparedness with epigames
Nature Health - Understanding human behaviour for pandemic preparedness with epigames
Human-Free Businesses? AI + Agents + Robots = Eastworld Labs
AI is coming for white collar knowledge work. Robots are coming for blue collar physical work. Eastworld Labs is planning to accelerate both ...
Earliest known writing dates back over 40,000 years
Stone Age artifacts in Germany are editing writing's timeline.
Attacks on Ukraine’s health care increased by 20% in 2025
Since the beginning of the full-scale war on 24 February 2022, WHO has documented at least 2881 attacks on health care in Ukraine, affecting health workers, facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses.
Merck to create separate cancer business to offset Keytruda patent loss
Merck said on Monday it will split its human-health business into two divisions, separating its cancer franchise from its non-oncology medicines.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma pledges "no bad AI" at Xbox
Sharma says "AI has long been part of gaming and will continue to be" but that "great stories are created by humans"
Merck Evolves Human Health Operating Structure to Support Portfolio Execution
Merck Evolves Human Health Operating Structure to Support Portfolio Execution
Merck Evolves Human Health Operating Structure to Support Portfolio Execution
RAHWAY, N.J., February 23, 2026--Merck Evolves Human Health Operating Structure to Support Portfolio Execution
Merck to create separate cancer business to offset Keytruda patent loss, WSJ reports
Drugmaker Merck is separating its human-health business into two divisions to offset pressures related to the patent loss of its top-selling drug Keytruda, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Opinion | The Human Cost of the Trump Administration’s War on Science
The ripple effects of cutting H.I.V. research funding.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
Uniting to respond to mental health impacts of digital violence
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), from doxxing and cyberstalking to cyberbullying and online harassment, is reshaping how women and girls navigate digital spaces. Globally, an estimated 23% of women have experienced digital violence. In Indonesia, reported cases of TFGBV reached 1,791 in 2024, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Yet very few survivors seek help, leaving lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing. As part of the multi-UN agencies UNiTE campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) co-hosted a talk show on 6 December 2025 to spotlight this urgent issue. The event brought together voices from Meta, the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association and Dr Vivi Syarif, a WHO Fides content creator, creating a cross-sectoral dialogue on the magnitude and mental health impact of digital violence. The talk show introduced psychological first aid as a vital initial intervention that communities can provide to survivors. This intervention aligns with the Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, a framework that has been standardized for over a decade. The "look, listen, link" approach focuses on ensuring safety and urgent needs, reassuring survivors and connecting them to appropriate services. In addition to this public health approach, Meta also outlined mechanisms to respond to digital violence and reaffirmed its commitment to building safer digital spaces by continuously updating community guidelines based on user feedback. Such collaborative discussions help connect community engagement initiatives with daily digital life. They empower audiences not only to understand how the health sector and industry are responding, but also to educate others, promote first-line support and encourage referrals to appropriate help. By fostering awareness and engagement, these dialogues strengthen collective resilience against digital violence. Written by Jessie O. Yunus, National Professional Officer (Gender, Equity, Rights and Disability Inclusion), WHO Indonesia
Trump Administration Ending Humanitarian Aid to Seven African Countries
The State Department will let lifesaving projects expire because “there is no strong nexus between the humanitarian response and U.S. national interests,” according to an internal email.
Tech companies are making their robots cute to try and win over humans
Whether they’re delivering food or folding your laundry, consumer-facing robots are increasingly being designed to be more palatable to the humans who interact with them.
Politics and sport, connected since ancient times
The fact is that we can no more remove politics from athletics than we can remove athletics from humanity, R. Bruce Anderson writes.