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If not pet, why pet shape? Science says raccoons aren't quite there : Short Wave
Dogs are man’s best friend. And it’s no secret that we at Short Wave love cats (Regina has four)! Both of these iconic pets have been domesticated – evolved and adapted to live alongside humans – for millennia. And a recent study suggests that the common raccoon may be on its first steps towards joining them. So how do scientists look for signs of domestication and what do those signs mean? And could you have a litter box trained raccoon in your lifetime? We talk to the study’s lead author, Raffaela Lesch, to find out.Interested in more animal science stories? 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.
Michael Bolton in 'very good health' as daughters share positive update on brain cancer battle
Michael Bolton's daughters share positive health update as singer battles glioblastoma brain cancer with family support and strong recovery progress.
Parkinson’s breakthrough changes what we know about dopamine
A new study shows dopamine isn’t the brain’s movement “gas pedal” after all. Instead of setting speed or strength, it quietly enables movement in the background, much like oil in an engine. When scientists manipulated dopamine during movement, nothing changed—but restoring baseline dopamine levels made a big difference. The finding could reshape how Parkinson’s disease is treated.
Ottumwa schools expand brain health program to junior high
Ottumwa High School's Brain Health Room program, designed to help students manage emotions, has expanded to the junior high school, offering a safe space for students to reset.
Did Jim Carrey really work with a CIA trainer to play the Grinch? How the actor endured the hellish role
While filming 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' Jim Carrey worked with a CIA trainer versed in torture endurance. Here's the full story, including the tactics he used to survive his long hours in the makeup chair.
A Lifestyle Rx For Keeping Your Brain Young
By Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay ReporterSUNDAY, Dec. 21, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Think the good thoughts. Manage stress. Get your Zzzzzs. And build a strong social support system. New research shows that these factors — all of which are within your control — are powerful anti-aging tools. "You can ...
Men’s brains may age faster than women’s, suggests major new study | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Brain ageing is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, yet women are more at risk of Alzheimer's than men.
This Week in Science: 3I/ATLAS Passes Earth, a Runaway Black Hole, And More!
Our weekly science news roundup.
Can cheese protect brain health? This is what the science says
A controversial study suggests that consuming these dairy products may have a protective effect, but experts aren’t so sure
Legacy Health tells striking workers they will lose health coverage on Jan. 1
A small number of highly trained clinicians at Legacy are on indefinite strike over wages.
Frain’s FridA10 Notebook: Saint Louis’ dominance is a welcomed sight
At 10-1, Josh Schertz and his Billikens are rolling… Can anybody stop them in conference?
Health officials warn of possible rats in toilets after heavy rain, flooding
You may come face-to-face with an unexpected problem in your home after the recent heavy rain and flooding.
Ukrainian drones hit a Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time, security official says
A source in the Security Service of Ukraine told Business Insider that the attack was carried out more than 1,240 miles away.
Trump’s health cuts leave ‘huge void’ in Buffalo, New York – and patients fearing lack of care
After a traumatic brain injury, Rita Buckley worries the skills she worked hard to regain will atrophy as the largest healthcare provider in the area closes clinics
Glowing neurons let scientists watch the brain work in real time
A new bioluminescent tool allows neurons to glow on their own, letting scientists track brain activity without harmful lasers or fading signals. The advance makes it possible to watch individual brain cells fire for hours, offering a clearer, deeper look at how the brain works.
Enhanced Games switch was 'no-brainer'
Swimmer Max McCusker says it was a "no-brainer" to compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games next year.
Delaware small businesses saw $14M through this federal program
Mum Mum Meka’s Training Academy owner Tameka Stanford-Daniels received a loan through the program that allowed her to sustain her child care center.
Councilors advocate for science on Capitol Hill
ASBMB Councilors meet with their elected officials to advocate for basic scientific research funding and training the next generation of scientists.
Bucks' Antetokounmpo says his focus is on his health rather than rumors about his future
Giannis Antetokounmpo said Thursday he’s focused on getting healthy and helping the Milwaukee Bucks turn their season around, not on rumors about his future plans. Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters for the first time since a Dec. 3 ESPN report indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, were talking with Bucks officials about whether he’s best suited to stay in Milwaukee or get traded. Antetokounmpo strained his right calf in a victory over the Detroit Pistons that night and hasn’t played since.
New flu strain emerging as a severe health threat
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins 'America's Newsroom' to warn of a new strain of the flu that is spiking hospitalizations across the country and newfound risks of medical marijuana's link to psychosis.
The top global health and healthcare stories from 2025
From climate change health impacts to transformative discoveries for brain health, here are the top health stories of the year.
McNeese’s Small Business Center to Help Entrepreneurs Win 2026
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University is inviting entrepreneurs in southwest Louisiana to a free training in January titled “Winning 2026: Strategic…
Russia’s return to sports competitions ignites outrage in Ukraine
Kyiv denounces steps that “whitewash the aggressor” even as Moscow’s full-scale invasion continues unabated.
Dr. Quidley appointed to SCCM Bedside Care team
Dr. April Quidley will contribute to the development of a critical care training program with a focus on pharmacy intervention
I booked a business-class ticket on the new Amtrak Acela train. It wasn't worth the $180 price tag.
I rode in business class on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train from NYC to Washington, DC, for $180. It was a great experience, but not worth the price.
I booked a business-class ticket on the new Amtrak Acela train. It wasn't worth the $180 price tag.
I rode in business class on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train from NYC to Washington, DC, for $180. It was a great experience, but not worth the price.
Advancing health equity for people on the move
On International Migrants Day, WHO celebrates the contributions of 304 million international migrants and calls for health equity for people on the move. This year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development”, underscores that refugee and migrant health is a right, essential for resilience and thriving communities. WHO works with Member States and partners to build inclusive, culturally sensitive health systems, guided by its Global Action Plan on Refugee and Migrant Health. Recent initiatives include the WHO Dashboard on global experiences, leadership training through the Health and Migration School, and free competency courses for health workers. WHO urges continued action to remove barriers, invest in migrant-sensitive systems, and achieve health for all.
McGraw was ‘Raised on K-State’ - Kansas State University Athletics
They train together, father and son, running hills in northeast Kansas, even now — especially now — as Lawson McGraw finishes his senior year at Blue Valley ...
10 Ohio colleges and universities were not in alignment with the science of reading, audit shows
Ten Ohio colleges and universities’s educator training programs were found to not be in alignment with teaching the science of reading, according to an audit from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Russia gave Putin its annual review of the Ukraine war. Here are 10 highlights.
Russia disclosed several new figures on Wednesday, including how much it's specifically spent on the war and how many soldiers it hired in 2025.
What your mouth can reveal about your health
Scientists are discovering that the oral microbiome—home to hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi—may help predict everything from cancer risk to heart and brain health.
Where’s the snow: Is weather affecting business in Big Sky?
Big Sky ski rental shops report slower business due to warm weather limiting terrain, though tourism officials remain optimistic about bookings.
As flu season hits, new ‘K’ variant has health experts concerned and urging vaccinations
A new strain of influenza has become the most prevalent form of the virus this year.
Maternal health bus, midwife training coming to Alabama
A new maternal health initiative is coming to Alabama to establish a community-driven effort.
Inside GM’s $242M push to rebuild America’s skilled trades workforce
General Motors is investing $242 million in a skilled trades apprenticeship program, training 600 new journeypersons yearly through hands-on experience.
Amid talk of a brain drain, some scientists leave U.S. behind
“A large part of what we loved about the United States is no longer there”: Amid talk of a brain drain, some scientists leave the U.S. behind.
RFK Jr., unconstrained by Congress, presses ahead to reshape health care
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., unconstrained by Congress, is pressing ahead in his mission to reshape health care.
Brain scans reveal 'dial' that helps keep us from getting lost
A brain-scan study reveals key components of the brain's navigation system, which may help us better understand early symptoms of dementia.
Ohio audit: Cleveland State, nine other universities not compliant with ‘science of reading’ law
Ten Ohio colleges and universities – including many of the state’s largest – aren’t following a new state law to train future educators only in the phonics-based “science of reading” method of teaching kids to read.
What Your Sleep Profile Reveals about Your Health
Psychological data and brain scans show how sleep can improve our lives, our bodies and our relationships
World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Trump’s ugly Rob Reiner post undercuts the GOP’s post-Charlie Kirk claims to civility
One of the downsides of serving in President Donald Trump’s movement is that the moral high ground is extremely unsteady terrain.
How Roots Chicken Shak is Building a Radical New Business Model for Restaurant Franchises
The company is choosing franchisees based on shared values, then giving hands-on training to prepare them for success.
Trump offers ‘platinum’ security guarantees for Ukraine, but US officials caution offer won’t last forever
American officials on Monday described significant progress in talks to bring Russia’s war in Ukraine to an end, suggesting beefed-up security guarantees for Kyiv had advanced the peace talks — but that the US offer would not be on the table forever.
On Politics: Republicans are giving Kathy Hochul a re-election gift
It was already going to be hard for Elise Stefanik, the Republican congresswoman, to beat Gov. Kathy Hochul next year.Now she’ll have to contend with Bruce Blakeman, who recently announced his plans to run for governor and will, at the minimum, make life more difficult for her in the Republican primary. Stefanik has come out swinging against the Nassau County executive, attacking him as a perennial candidate who is too liberal for Republican primary voters.Stefanik should win. A large chunk of the GOP primary vote is concentrated north of the New York City suburbs, where she is strongest. She has the support of the state party chair, Ed Cox, and a wide array of politicians and local organizations. She is a loyal ally of Donald Trump and a frequent presence on cable TV.
Latest round of talks between Ukraine, U.S. conclude as Trump seeks swift peace
There were no immediate comments on the talks in Berlin that involved Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner
Germany warns rejecting Ukraine loan would harm EU countries' finances
Krichbaum's claim is the opposite of Belgian PM Bart De Wever's, who argues the 'reparations loan' would actually increase EU government borrowing costs
Silverman: Colorado sports fans must rewrite some history to climb aboard the MAGA train
Can Colorado’s sports stars really be our heroes if they came from other countries? Not in the new MAGA-American way.
What's behind the wellness claims for the synthetic dye methylene blue?
Taking drops of a medical dye is trending in wellness and biohacking circles. Some influencers claim it boosts longevity and brain health. Scientists say the hype has gotten ahead of the research.
The US-China science race that isn't a race
Science’s center of gravity is moving—but the real story isn’t who “wins.” Rather, it’s how the global research network is being rewired and what that
OPINION: Colleges too often drop the ball on student-athlete mental health
Despite changes at the NCAA, conference and institutional levels to improve access to, education about and training for mental health services, they remain insufficient to meet the growing mental-health needs of student-athletes.
Refugee and migrant health system review in Lithuania
Lithuania has experienced a substantial increase in the number of refugees and migrants, particularly following the 2021 Belarus border situation and the mass displacement from Ukraine in 2022. By late 2024, over 91,000 Ukrainians had been cumulatively registered in Lithuania, with about 47,000 holding valid temporary protection status. This increase, alongside sizeable communities of Belarusian nationals, Russian citizens and other regular migrants covered under compulsory health insurance contributions, has brought new challenges for Lithuania’s health system, especially related to continuity of care, interpretation support and equitable access across municipalities. This report presents the findings of a joint review of the health system in Lithuania, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, and other partners. The review examines the capacity of Lithuania’s health system to provide services for refugees and migrants. It focuses on the health challenges facing refugees and migrants, the policies and systems in place to address these challenges, and the opportunities to strengthen long-term health system capacity. Furthermore, the report offers practical recommendations for addressing the barriers refugees and migrants face in accessing health services.
Patrick Mahomes injury update: Chiefs QB hurt vs. Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was injured in the fourth quarter and had his left knee looked at by trainers.
You Might Soon See 8GB Laptops Everywhere, as Manufacturers Are Likely to Make High-RAM Configurations Unaffordable
Memory shortages are anticipated to pose constraints on laptop manufacturers, as a new report states that 8GB memory will become common.
Florida's Latino families being squeezed financially by high health care, child care costs
The findings, released by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, paint a portrait of a rapidly growing electorate that is highly engaged on economic and social issues but increasingly strained by the rising cost of living in the Sunshine State.
UNC Brewing Science Program Goes Down the Drain
The University of Northern Colorado has canceled its Brewing Laboratory Science program as part of 50 total staff layoffs implemented due to a projected $14 million budget shortfall, causing dismay among enrolled students. Sean Johnson, the program manager for eight years, who helped forge local commercial partnerships, has been laid off with his remaining classes moving online. Students praised the program's practical science and networking opportunities. Affected students expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, the university's prioritization of larger programs, and the sudden loss of learning opportunities and mentorship. UNC's Chemistry department stated the decision was part of university-wide budget cuts and is focused on supporting affected students.
Science & Medicine: A breakthrough for glioblastoma patients that may lengthen lives
A new technique for delivering radiation to glioblastoma brain tumors may allow doctors to use much higher doses while preserving healthy brain tissue. UT Health San Antonio's Andrew Brenner, MD, PhD, says this may give patients more time.
Florida's Latino families being squeezed financially by high health care, child care costs
The findings, released by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, paint a portrait of a rapidly growing electorate that is highly engaged on economic and social issues but increasingly strained by the rising cost of living in the Sunshine State.
Meet the maternal health doc working to close the race gap
‘Women’s health has always been in the forefront of my brain’
Rivian's autonomy chief says lidar is 'very affordable' and a 'no-brainer' decision
Rivian's autonomy chief James Philbin told Business Insider that the cost of lidar, a sensor that can be found in robotaxis, is no longer expensive.
Full-length Replay: Juventus vs Napoli
From Juventus Training Center in Italy.
Josh O'Connor felt 'punked' filming 'Knives Out': Always 'raining on me, never on Daniel Craig'
Josh O'Connor says he felt 'punked' while filming 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' totally soaked and covered in mud for most of production: 'Always seemed to be raining on me and never on Daniel Craig.'
A dietitian and cancer survivor shares 3 diet tips she swears by — helping her to complete 27 triathlons
A dietitian who got into triathlon training after cancer treatment shares her best nutrition tips.
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
Americans are feeling the strain already with less than three weeks to go until the expiration of COVID-era tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
Ukraine's drone schools are rewriting their lessons constantly, sometimes every other week as front-line fighting evolves
Ukraine's drone schools are preparing soldiers to take on Russia and working to keep pace with an ever-changing fight.
An international relations expert explains U.S.-Europe political split over Ukraine war
There are tensions between the U.S. and Europe over how to end the Ukraine war. NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to Nathalie Tocci from Johns Hopkins University about what's fueling these political divisions.
🚨Breaking news: Mbappé brings big news to Xabi Alonso
The Frenchman has participated in part of the training with the group ahead of the match against Alavés. Undoubtedly, it is one of the great news of the day for Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso. Kylian Mb...
VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs
Strains on the system could grow with the elimination of as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled health care positions, including doctors, nurses and support staff.
Nine science-backed ways to prevent overeating this Christmas
Flavour perception and food presentation can affect our brain and make us feel fuller earlier, so we eat fewer calories
Doctor reveals why health care costs are so high
Health care costs are financially straining Americans, rising faster than inflation.
This military training camp team almost won a national championship
On Nov. 20, 1943, the eyes of a weary nation focused, just for a moment, on a battle playing out stateside.
Producers Guild Awards’ Children’s, Sports and Shortform Nominees Revealed
Winners will be announced at East and West Coast celebrations in February.
Watch Raines vs. Northwestern in Florida 3A football championship: Live stream, tickets
The game begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.
I visited an underrated city in Sweden before heading to Copenhagen, and it ended up being a highlight of my Europe trip
Malmö, Sweden, is just 20 minutes from Copenhagen, Denmark, via train. Affordable and fun, it's totally worth adding to your trip to Scandinavia.
Our Favorite Hobby-Friendly Gifts for Science Geeks and Gamers
These science-themed gifts mix brains and fun.
The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror
Halcyon Years by Alastair Reynolds; Paris Fantastique by Nicholas Royle; All Tomorrows by CM Kosemen; The Salt Oracle by Lorraine Wilson; The Witching Hour by various authors
Russia's wartime consumer boom is cracking as shoppers tighten their wallets
Russia saw a surge in consumer spending after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, even as sweeping sanctions hit the economy.
Google spinout proposes Oakland County data center nearly as large as Oracle megaproject
While controversy stirs around OpenAI’s Stargate data center project in Saline Township, another data center complex nearly as big is being quietly planned 45 miles northeast in Lyon Township.Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, a spinout of Google parent company Alphabet Inc., has submitted plans to…
Local business owner introduces monthly hands-on AI workshops
GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- A local business owner and educator is launching a new AI training series designed specifically for small business owners in Grand Junction. Nick Gumpert, owner of the UPS Store on 12th Street and Patterson Road, is introducing a monthly lineup of hands-on artificial intelligence workshops beginning in February. Gumpert said after […]
Runway releases its first world model, adds native audio to latest video model
Runway debuts a physics-aware world model that simulates reality to train agents and power video, robotics and avatar applications.
The Hidden Toll of Holiday Stress on Women’s Health
A recent survey suggests a widening gut-health gap, with women—often the default planners and hosts—bearing the brunt of holiday strain.
Brain science, social media and a modern moral panic
In brain scans, social media addiction looks the same as gaming and gambling addictions and substance abuse, says grad student Kylie Falcione at UCSB's Media Neuroscience Lab
Ukrainian 'Droid' lay in wait on a road at night and ambushed Russians with an M2 Browning
The ground drone is seen blasting a Russian MT-LB with .50 caliber rounds, in a rare extended look at how fighting robots are being used in the war.
Social media and ADHD diagnosis, new mpox strain in England and early firestarters
Science editor Ian Sample sits down with co-host Madeleine Finlay to discuss three eye-catching stories from the week
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Science Can’t Wait: Why Stable Funding Matters for Discovery
The end of the shutdown did not resolve the uncertainty facing US researchers, who continue to navigate delays and budget constraints that slow scientific progress.
The GOP's health care woes: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Ukraine at a crossroads.
The GOP's health care woes: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Ukraine at a crossroads.
Ukraine presents response to US peace plan as Trump says European leaders want a meeting
Ukraine delivered its response to the latest US-drafted peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia to the Trump administration on Wednesday, US and Ukrainian officials told CNN, as the contours of a tenuous potential deal take shape and the US president continues to make clear he wants the conflict resolved quickly.
UAMS to provide training for 75 community health workers in rural areas of the state
75 community health workers are slated to receive training by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, as
UAMS to Train 75 Community Health Workers with Support from Arkansas Office of Skills Development
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation will work with partners to continue building the community health worker (CHW) workforce across the state after receiving $375,000 in support from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development Training Grant Program. The Office of…
NY Warns 950,000 People to Lose Health Coverage Under Trump Cuts
Nearly 1 million New Yorkers are expected to lose health coverage as a result of President Donald Trump’s federal budget, a shift that will strain the city’s struggling public hospital system.
Mini brains, big questions: science is racing ahead of ethics
Brain organoids are revolutionising research, but their growing complexity raises unsettling ethical questions.
NYC Democrats Fight for Congressional Seat Showing Israel Divide
Dan Goldman is proud of his work taking on President Donald Trump — whether on immigration, Ukraine or the US Constitution. The Democratic congressman even led the first impeachment proceedings against Trump before winning election in 2022 to represent a wealthy, liberal New York City district.
Healthworks: Empowering Penn State students through peer health education
Peer educators are trained student leaders who support their peers through workshops, one-on-one wellness services, and outreach events. First and second-year students from all academic majors who have a passion for health and wellness can apply now to become a peer educator for the 2026-27 academic year.
Is history repeating itself or will Emery 'seize the moment'?
"Arsenal's normally regimented defence had gone missing; Villa's title prospects were soaring," he wrote. Reading back that old report on the train to Villa Park on Saturday refreshed the memory of Gregory's gamble: early in the second half, trailing to two Dennis Bergkamp goals, he replaced Gareth Barry with Stan Collymore and sent Villa charging forward.
'Brain scars': The hidden forms of sexism that harm women's health
Subtle sexism that pervades everyday life often gets shrugged off. But research shows it can still have lasting psychological effects – including "thinning" parts of the brain.
Ukraine's ground robots are filling less than 1% of drone missions despite surging popularity
The battlefield is still dominated by aerial drones, which Syrski said are carrying out 60% of all strikes against Russian targets in the war.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle update adds an outfit suitable to eat chilled monkey brains in
The team at MachineGames has issued a new update for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.