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Building the data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Materials research generates vast amounts of data, but the information often exists in manufacturer-specific formats and the terminology is inconsistent, making it difficult to aggregate, compare, and ...
Video Tips to better manage your health in the new year
Tanvi Patel, vice president and general manager of Amazon Pharmacy, a “GMA” sponsor, shares tips to set your health up for success in the new year.
How to Colorize and Restore Old Photos With Generative AI
Put your precious memories back in the spotlight.
Samsung Raises Panther Lake-Equipped Galaxy Book 6 Pro’s Price By Nearly $477 Over The Previous-Gen Model
Samsung has increased the prices of its new generation Galaxy Book 6 Pro laptops by a whopping 25% vs the previous generation.
Millennial generation knocking early in Texas Senate race, trying to push out Boomers
Millennial Senate candidates giving up safe seats to challenge Boomers for higher office.
Diffuser Films Market Report 2026-2032: New Revenue Opportunities, Next-Generation Business Models, $3.78 Billion Industry Roadmap
Diffuser films enable thinner, brighter, sustainable lighting systems, with market shifts driven by precision engineering and sustainability Diffuser Films Market Diffuser Films Market Dublin, Jan. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Diffuser Films Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Diffuser Films Market has experienced significant growth, expanding from USD 2.48 billion in 2025 to USD 2.63 billion in 2026, with a projected growth at a CAGR
In a State Notorious for Scandal, Corruption Fighters Are Targeted
An anonymous negative ad campaign has been aimed at New Jersey’s departing attorney general. “It’s a warning to others,” one political scientist said.
San Francisco 49ers Expected Free Agents for 2026 Offseason
General Manager John Lynch will have his work cut out for him this offseason as he prepares the 2026 roster.
China, Chile to explore Atacama Trench with ‘tools no other country possesses’
Three-month expedition will plumb uncharted depths of eastern Pacific in quest for new life forms and insights into quakes and tsunamis.
The monk who discovered the laws of genetics—but was overlooked in his time
Mendel’s monastery garden experiments went largely unnoticed during his life, but their implications would ripple through science decades later.
Decades of suffering: Long-term mental health outcomes of Kurdish chemical gas attacks
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in trauma, somatic symptoms, and psychopathology in conflict-affected populations. He has worked for over a decade with survivors of massacres in the Kurdistan Region, integrating clinical practice with research. He is also a lecturer at the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok. His current research focuses on validating psychological instruments for Kurdish communities and exploring genetic and phenomic factors related to trauma-related disorders. In a new study in Frontiers in Psychiatry, he and colleagues showed exceptionally high levels of trauma among survivors of a notorious atrocity: the 1988 chemical attack on Halabja in Kurdistan. In this editorial, he summarizes their findings.
Gemini app rolls out ‘Answer now’ to skip ‘in-depth thinking’
Besides Personal Intelligence, Google this week rolled out an “Answer now” button in the Gemini app on Android, iOS, and web...
Textbooks Were Wrong: Human Hair Doesn’t Grow the Way Scientists Thought
A new imaging study challenges long-standing ideas about how hair grows and could lead to new treatments for hair loss. Scientists have discovered that human hair does not emerge because it is pushed upward from the root. Instead, it is pulled along by forces generated by a previously unseen netw
Viruses that evolved on the space station and were sent back to Earth were more effective at killing bacteria
Near-weightless conditions can mutate genes and alter the physical structures of bacteria and phages, disrupting their normal interactions in ways that could help us treat drug-resistant infections.
New report ranks US health by state. Here’s how Oregon compares
Oregon ranked 19th in the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings 2025 Annual Report, with high school completion, low uninsured rate, and high voter participation as stren…
Democrats claim path to retake Senate after landing major recruits
Green Day to open Super Bowl with ceremony celebrating generations of MVPs
The NFL has announced that Green Day will kick off the 60th Super Bowl with an opening ceremony at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
Scientists sent viruses to space and they evolved in surprising ways
When scientists sent bacteria-infecting viruses to the International Space Station, the microbes did not behave the same way they do on Earth. In microgravity, infections still occurred, but both viruses and bacteria evolved differently over time. Genetic changes emerged that altered how viruses attach to bacteria and how bacteria defend themselves. The findings could help improve phage therapies against drug-resistant infections.
WATCH LIVE: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's address to state's General Assembly
The technology that reveals what happens in 0.00000000000000000000001 second
A Canadian has been awarded for his ultra-fast pulses of light, a compass to discover the microworld
Bears' surge has White Sox hopeful of their own 'good, better, best' era
CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears fandom might not reside at the top of Chris Getz’s sports list as both a Michigan native and a member of the Grosse Pointe South High School Hall of Fame. But in his role as White Sox general manager, Getz appreciates the fervor, frenzy and unabashed
Memory loss does not progress the way scientists once thought
New research reveals memory loss with age follows a curved pattern, linked to widespread brain shrinkage rather than a single gene.
Eugene Science Center is raising funds to build outdoor science park
If the museum achieves its funding goals, the park could double the center’s square footage for hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
Ads coming to ChatGPT for some US users as OpenAI seeks to generate new revenue
OpenAI announced plans to test advertising in ChatGPT, marking a shift in how the company monetizes its popular AI platform.
Oklahoma Foundry, The Crucible, takes legal action to save business
Oklahoma's The Crucible, LLC, famous for casting iconic bronze statues nationwide, faces possible closure after its insurance denied a claim for a crucial motor generator, forcing the company to file a lawsuit to stay in business.
Fourth-generation, family-owned business plans $18 million project near Opportunity Corridor
Reese Consumer Health is plotting a move on Cleveland’s East Side, bringing jobs to vacant land overlooking the Opportunity Corridor. Construction on the $18 million project could start in the spring.
Trump Announces Members for Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ Including Rubio and Kushner
The president also tapped a U.S. general to lead an international peacekeeping force that will be deployed to disarm Hamas and occupy Gaza.
AI Attack Ad in Texas Senate Race Shows John Cornyn Dancing With Jasmine Crockett
A video from Ken Paxton, a Republican primary challenger to Senator John Cornyn of Texas, depicted A.I.-generated imagery of the senator twirling with Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic Senate candidate.
Global sports face challenges from 'AI slop' misinformation
A study by AI risk management platform Alethea into the surge in artificial intelligence-generated fake content, dubbed "AI slop," has warned sports teams, leagues and fans of the risks posed by increasingly sophisticated digital misinformation.
January 16, 2026
Some Parkinson’s patients may experience strange symptoms, like smell loss and sleep disorders, decades before diagnosis. Plus, a Pompeii construction site preserved in ash reveals secrets of the famously durable Roman concrete. And, Greenland sharks live for hundreds of years, but their eyes never seem to get old. What can they teach us about aging human eyes?
The Eugene Science Center plans to open an outdoor park to expand their exhibit space
The Eugene Science Center has been operating with the same 11,000 square foot space since moving to its current building in 1980. The center is planning to double its capacity with an Outdoor Science Park expansion this summer.
New Texas poll finds Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in Senate Democratic primary
Texas’ Senate Republican primary, meanwhile, looks headed for a runoff. The survey found U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a dead heat against Attorney General Ken Paxton, with neither eclipsing 30%.
AUDIO: NFIB President Brad Close on How Congress Can Support Small Business
ICYMI: NFIB President Brad Close joined the Small Business Rundown podcast to share how Congress can take action to support small businesses in 2026.
Apple's OLED MacBook Pro Launch Moves Closer With Panel Production
Development of Apple's rumored OLED MacBook Pro took another forward step this month when the next-generation production line responsible for manufacturing its displays commenced operation. Samsung Display is expected to make the panels for Apple's MacBook Pro, and has invested heavily in an 8.6-generation OLED production line located at its Asan campus in South Korea.
Why Jenrick’s Reform Defection Fractures UK Political Right
The dramatic sacking of a senior Conservative and his defection hours later to Nigel Farage's Reform UK all-but ended the chances of any deal to unite the British right, confirming the next general election as the most widely contested in decades. Some Tories had held out hopes they could forge a pact with the insurgent Reform party that has rapidly eclipsed them in voter affections. The fallout from leader Kemi Badenoch's shock decision to fire her rival Robert Jenrick on Thursday put that further from reach. Our UK Politics Reporter James Woolcock joined Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden on Bloomberg Radio to discuss. (Source: Bloomberg)
Chinese scientists unlock possible key to dark matter after almost 90 years
Researchers have made the first direct observation of a quantum phenomenon known as the Migdal effect.
Science shows very different psychiatric disorders might have the same cause
A sweeping new study of psychiatric and genetic records has the potential to change treatment for millions of psychiatric patients.
Science shows very different psychiatric disorders might have the same cause
A sweeping new study of psychiatric and genetic records has the potential to change treatment for millions of psychiatric patients.
Google’s Nano Banana is actually named after a person!
Google has finally revealed the full story behind the name of its image generator, Nano Banana, and it's as silly as you probably expected.
China’s slowing growth, bilateral tensions top US business concerns
Survey by American Chamber of Commerce in China finds that expectations for Sino-US ties have ‘improved significantly’.
Gene Munster Says Apple's Move From OpenAI's ChatGPT To Google Gemini Significantly Raises Chances Of New Siri Succeeding: 'Nice Job'
On Tuesday, Deepwater Asset Management's managing partner Gene Munster said that Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) switch from OpenAI's ChatGPT to Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Gemini gives Siri a much stronger chance of success. Apple Partners With Google Gemini To Reinvent Siri Munster took to X and said, "Odds of new Siri succeeding just went up," while praising Apple CEO Tim Cook for turning long-standing Siri shortcomings into an opportunity for future device and services gro
Polis delivers final state address to Colorado legislature
Watch live here. Gov. Jared Polis delivered his final State of the State address to the Colorado General Assembly this morning and outlined his agenda for this year’s legislative session, with a focus on housing, early childhood development, and the economy. He expectedly touted his accomplishments in the last seven years, as well as spelled […]
Ravenscroft School to hold celebration of life service for science teacher
The head of school, Derrick Willard, shared in an email that as the community continues to process the "senseless loss" of Zoe Welsh, the community has been reminded of the bright light she brought to the campus for generations of students.
These genes were thought to lead to blindness 100% of the time. They don't.
New research finds that retinal diseases thought to map one-to-one to genetic mutations are more complicated than that.
Yost: ‘sloppy work,’ not politics, sank attempt on pot-law referendum
Ohio's attorney general, David Yost, has rejected a petition calling for referendum on Senate Bill 56 that enacts sweeping changes to marijuana law, including a ban on hemp.
Polis to deliver final state address to Colorado legislature
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyifKnLhTJo Gov. Jared Polis will deliver his final State of the State address to the Colorado General Assembly this morning and outline his agenda for this year’s legislative session, notably in the areas of housing, early childhood development, and the economy. He is also expected to tout his accomplishments in the last […]
Apple's Google Gemini Deal Could Be Worth $5 Billion
Apple's newly announced partnership with Google to use Gemini models for Siri and Apple Intelligence could be worth as much as $5 billion, according to one analyst's estimate. The deal is structured as a cloud computing contract that will see Apple pay "several billion dollars to Google over time," according to the Financial Times (paywalled), citing a person familiar with the agreement. Gene Munster at Deepwater Asset Management puts the value at $5 billion for Google.
Business Briefs: Jan. 16, 2026
National Grid hosts in-person customer assistance events WALTHAM — National Grid continues its commitment to supporting customers with a series of in-person customer assistance events this month. With colder temperatures, these events are designed to help residents manage seasonal energy bills and explore cost-saving programs. At every location, National Grid customer service specialists will be available […]
Governor Stein Provides NC Strong Update: Promoting Safe & Healthy Families Across North Carolina
Today Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to reaffirm his commitment to a healthier North Carolina, including announcing new funding for rural health care and summer meals for kids and calling on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive state budget that fully funds Medicaid as federal Affordable Care Act tax credits expire. Governor Stein also gave an update on his successful work to keep people safe from malicious drones.
Outdoor exhibits set to transform Eugene Science Center's reach
The Eugene Science Center is planning an exciting expansion to bring education outdoors. This initiative aims to enhance STEM learning for the community.
Google separates, raises Gemini 3 ‘Thinking’ and ‘Pro’ usage limits
Gemini 3’s Thinking and Pro models no longer have the same usage limits, with Google separating the "shared pool" while raising limits...
'Massive' Russian losses in Ukraine push it toward breaking point: official
Up to 25,000 Russian soldiers are being killed every month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this week.
Comscore and Santikos Entertainment Announce Five-Year Circuit Wide Commitment to Cinema ACE and Enterprise Web Solutions
Comscore (Nasdaq: SCOR), a trusted partner for planning, transacting and evaluating media across platforms, today announced a five-year agreement with Santikos Entertainment to deploy Comscore’s next-generation theatre and circuit management solutions - Cinema ACE and Enterprise Web™- across all Santikos locations.
Minnesota’s biggest companies starting to feel heat from ICE surge
From Target to General Mills and Caribou Coffee, Minnesota’s largest employers are feeling pressure amid a surge of immigration officers in the state following the killing of Renee Good.
Scientists uncover a hidden type of diabetes in newborns
Researchers have discovered a rare new type of diabetes that affects babies early in life. The condition is caused by changes in a single gene that prevent insulin-producing cells from working properly. When these cells fail, blood sugar rises and diabetes develops, often alongside neurological problems. The findings help explain a long-standing medical mystery and deepen understanding of diabetes overall.
Massive brain study reveals why memory loss can suddenly speed up with age
A massive international brain study has revealed that memory decline with age isn’t driven by a single brain region or gene, but by widespread structural changes across the brain that build up over time. Analyzing thousands of MRI scans and memory tests from healthy adults, researchers found that memory loss accelerates as brain tissue shrinkage increases, especially later in life. While the hippocampus plays a key role, many other brain regions also contribute, forming a broad vulnerability rather than isolated damage.
China’s swipe at Starlink; 2,000-year-old ‘computer’: 7 science highlights
From China’s record-breaking hypergravity machine to geoengineering deserts, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
'Big Science, Small Pod' podcast: What makes seizures start?
Neurobiologist Matthew Weston explains what happens in the brain during seizures and how his lab is researching their genetic roots to help develop new treatments for children.
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
Is hyaluronic acid all hype? We look at the science
While hyaluronic acid is a common component of our skin and tissue and is marketed as a way to boost hydration, its skin benefits are more complicated than it appears.
Fluid gears rotate without teeth, offering new mechanical flexibility
A team of New York University scientists has created a gear mechanism that relies on fluids to generate rotation. The invention holds potential for a new generation of mechanical devices that offer greater ...
Trinity Health cuts 10.5% of revenue cycle jobs
Trinity Health is laying off employees in its revenue cycle department.
iOS 26.3 Hints at Improved iPhone-to-Android Texting Coming Soon
Starting with the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and that news could actually have even bigger implications for the Messages app on the iPhone.
A new generation of Chinese companies is expanding around the world
They are following a different playbook from that of their elders
Women’s health isn’t emerging
Women’s health has generated more than $100 billion in exits, according to a new report, evidence the sector is long past its infancy.
Games Workshop Rejects the Abominable Intelligence
The makers of 'Warhammer' declare heresy on generative AI, banning its use in the company's design process.
Apple expands Logic Pro’s AI features with a Synth Player and a “personal music theory expert” that can generate chord progressions from any audio or MIDI recording that you play it
Both the Mac and iPad versions will also be available on subscription as part of the new Creator Studio bundle
Apple rolls out Creator Studio to boost services push, adds AI features
Apple on Tuesday unveiled Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription bundle of professional creative software priced at $12.99 a month or $129 a year, as the iPhone maker steps up its push into paid services for creators, students and professionals. The company has used its services business, which includes its Apple Music and iCloud services, to drive growth in recent years, helping counter slower hardware growth and generate recurring revenue. Apple Creator Studio bundles some of the company's best-known creative tools into a single subscription, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro across Mac and iPad.
Flu prompts mask mandate at health system with Lancaster County operations
Starting today, masking is mandated for staff working in all Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health facilities who interact with patients.
Science Says Highly Intelligent People Tend to Be More Thoughtful, Generous, and Kind
'It’s smarter to be a giver than a taker.'
Scientists find a natural sunscreen hidden in hot springs bacteria
Researchers studying cyanobacteria from hot springs in Thailand have discovered a new natural UV-blocking compound with impressive antioxidant power. Unlike conventional sunscreens, it’s biocompatible and potentially safer for both people and the environment. The molecule is produced only under UV and salt stress and uses a unique biosynthetic pathway never seen before. This could help drive a new generation of eco-friendly sunscreens and skincare products.
Md. attorney general says state wins most appeals on denied health care claims, too many give up
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said a unit within his office has recovered or saved consumers $2.6 million by challenging denied health care claims.
‘Smearing the victim’: Minnesota’s attorney general accuses federal investigators of maligning Renee good
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison reacts to reports that the DOJ is investigating Renee Good’s possible ties to activist groups following her death. He says her background is “irrelevant” to the case and that it is an attempt to smear the victim.
Get your health results faster in 2026: Lab and test results immediate
Do you get care at a military hospital or clinic? Starting Jan. 20, you’ll be able to access lab results, radiology reports, pathology reports, and clinical notes immediately through the MHS GENESIS
AI Pushback: Governments Eye Action on Political Ads, Deepfakes
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to ban AI-generated images from state politics. Canada may restrict “deepfakes” after the uproar over Grok “undressing” photos. New Jersey restricts phone use in schools. Vermont beer-makers are struggling. As we mention here regularly, Decision Points primarily ...
ICYMI: Florida Releases Infant Formula Test Results Under Healthy Florida First - Florida Department of Health
Bartow, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the release of infant formula testing
Scientists Solve Mars Water Mystery With a Thin Layer of Ice
New climate modeling suggests that small lakes on ancient Mars could have stayed liquid for decades, even in a generally cold environment. Small lakes on early Mars may have stayed in liquid form for many years, despite average temperatures that were far below freezing. Researchers at Rice Uni
Vote for Week 6 Delaware HS Athlete of the Week, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists
Voting is free on Delaware Online. The winner will be announced on Jan. 16.
Legend Biotech Highlights Recent Business Updates at 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Exceeded 10,000 patients treated to date with CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)Increased CARVYKTI® manufacturing capacity with the physical expansion of the Raritan facility, now the largest cell therapy manufacturing facility in the U.S.Profitability expected in 2026, driven by continued CARVYKTI® revenue growth and operating margin expansion Treated first patient with in vivo pipeline candidate in investigator-initiated trial Preclinical data from primates provided early validat
Body Resurrects Cells Marked For Death, Solving a 50-Year Mystery
A burst of regeneration.
From Borges to Jennifer Aniston: Science begins to illuminate the mysteries of memory
How do cell phones affect our memories? What percentage of them are imagined? A group of neuroscientists is trying to unravel the secrets of one of the brain’s most common and least understood functions
Five MCPS Seniors Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars
Five Montgomery County Public Schools seniors have been named among the 300 scholars selected nationwide for the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the country’s most prestigious science and […]
Recall of cheese products upgraded to highest danger level over Listeria-causing bacteria: FDA
The FDA announced that a recall of cheese products has been upgraded to the most serious risk category after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
As China’s companies expand overseas, entrepreneurs want the passports to match
Local residency is becoming an essential asset for China’s business owners as they go abroad, granting benefits and networking opportunities.
Microsoft says you should upgrade to Windows 11 AI PCs if you want to be prepared for the next generation of computing
Microsoft says you may not be prepared for the next generation of computing if you don't upgrade to a Copilot+ PC with Windows 11.
Decoding the perfect steak: The hidden DNA behind Wagyu’s legendary marbling
A groundbreaking cattle genome has given researchers their clearest look yet at what makes Wagyu beef so special. By uncovering hundreds of new genes and hidden genetic variations, scientists can now pinpoint traits linked to marbling, health, and productivity with far greater accuracy. The advance could boost profits for beef producers while improving breeding outcomes across many cattle breeds. It also sets the stage for even more comprehensive livestock genomes in the future.
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
Macy’s Valley Fair shoppers thwart Rolex watch thieves
The smash-and-grab comes six weeks after a Black Friday shooting inside the mall, where three shoppers, including two women, were injured allegedly by a 17-year-old gang member targeting a 28-year-…
Navigating the rising costs of youth sports
The Aspen Institute estimates that the youth sports industry generates $40 billion in annual revenue.
How Stranger Things could inspire a new generation of physicists
Scientists hope the Netflix hit will encourage more teenagers to study physics because it explores wormholes, string theory and parallel worlds
GOP Sen. Mullin defends Trump admin’s response to deadly ICE shooting
New Orleans City Council Member Eugene Green wants to continue the work started in District D
New Orleans City Council Member Eugene Green begins his second term representing District D. He wants to continue the work on infrastructure, blight reduction and public safety started in his first term.
2026 NFL Wild Card Weekend picks, AI-generated score predictions
SportsLine's self-learning AI reveals has generated best bets for the 2026 Wild Card Weekend NFL schedule