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Democrats ask what happened to millions earmarked for Trump’s library
ABC, Meta, Paramount and X reportedly agreed to pay at least $63 million in settlements with the president. The original fund was dissolved last year.
Where did magic mushrooms come from? Scientists just got closer to an answer
Scientists just discovered a new species of magic mushroom, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, that appears to have shared a common ancestor with the popular Psilocybe cubensis some 1.5 million years ago.
Do Middle-earth and Westeros make sense? Climate scientists modelled them to find out
It’s a seemingly whimsical exercise, but it serves serious purposes.
Arizona Is Now At the Center Of Election Investigations
Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are probing the results of the 2020 election in Arizona.
Original founders of Bossfight Entertainment re-launch studio as Bossfight
Developer was shuttered in 2024 by Netflix, which acquired the studio in 2022
This is the ‘iPhone Fold’ design that Apple rejected, says leaker
Leaker Instant Digital says Apple originally pursued a flip-style iPhone design for its first foldable, but rejected it. Here‘s why.
It’s tempting to offload your thinking to AI. Cognitive science shows why that’s a bad idea
The faster and easier option isn’t always the best.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month: free, confidential support available statewide | Health and Human Services North Dakota
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has officially proclaimed March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in North Dakota. March is also recognized nationally as a time dedicated to raising awareness about gambling-related harm and connecting individuals and families with support. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages everyone to learn the warning signs of problem gambling and to reach out for help when needed.
Stand Up for Science protests spread to more than 50 cities
Speakers at the Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, D.C. criticized cuts to research that serves the public and the politicization of science
How 'Christian Nationalist' Became an Epithet
Throughout American history, Christian nationalisms have bent in different and often contradictory directions.
Business owner’s pocket guide to Austin - The Points Guy
Recommendations on where to stay and what to do, brought to you by Capital One Business.
A measles surge, AI in warfare and accelerated global warming
Why measles cases are rising in the U.S., how artificial intelligence is shaping warfare, and what accelerated global warming means for the world
Is Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Quietly Redefining Its Business Model With the Las Vegas Sphere?
In recent months, Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas Sphere venue has seen strong consumer demand for its immersive “The Wizard of Oz” production, alongside expanding concert residencies and original films that are increasing venue utilization. This operational momentum is also encouraging discussions for additional Sphere venues in the U.S. and overseas, while attracting greater institutional interest such as Citigroup’s sizeable stake increase. With this backdrop of “Wizard of Oz”-driven...
Is Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Quietly Redefining Its Business Model With the Las Vegas Sphere?
In recent months, Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas Sphere venue has seen strong consumer demand for its immersive “The Wizard of Oz” production, alongside expanding concert residencies and original films that are increasing venue utilization. This operational momentum is also encouraging discussions for additional Sphere venues in the U.S. and overseas, while attracting greater institutional interest such as Citigroup’s sizeable stake increase. With this backdrop of “Wizard of Oz”-driven...
MacBook Neo vs M1 MacBook Air: you decide - M4 lite or M1 plus
The new MacBook Neo is in the same performance ballpark as the M1 MacBook Air. Here's how the newest budget notebook compares against the original Apple Silicon MacBook Air.
Budget cuts at Environment and Climate Change Canada threaten Arctic science
For decades, ECCC research scientists have been integral to the work of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme.
The real science behind the mind-melding world of Hoppers
Consciousness and animal communications experts weigh in on whether the mind-melding science in Hoppers could ever be possible
San Antonio entrepreneur turns story, chorizo into thriving business
Maria Flores, a Mexican-born entrepreneur, replicated the flavor of her grandmother's chorizo and placed it in jars. It's now sold at H-E-B.
The surprising science behind why daylight saving time is good for wildlife
You might have a love-hate relationship with daylight saving time, but research shows that urban wildlife may stand to benefit
The McCarthy Revivalists
Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions.
Pete Hegseth's Troubled Soul
The defense secretary appears unable to approach matters of of life and death with even the slightest bit of reverence or humility.
Public health needs steady budgets – and federal funding uncertainty cause real harms, even if the money is later restored
Public health depends on long-term planning, and when that planning is interrupted, some programs never recover.
Why do millions of people love watching Rob Anderson tear apart their favorite ’90s movies?
Rob Anderson's "Are You Afraid of the '90s?" one-man musical debuts at the Belasco March 7, combining his viral recaps with original songs.
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
Why Trump Soured on Kristi Noem
Congressional questions about contracts, ads, and extramarital sex ended her tenure.
Meet Chad Olivier, one of the Capital Region 500
Chad Olivier has been working in the Capital Region financial services industry for more than 25 years. Originally a stockbroker, he pivoted to financial advising to focus more on building relationships with clients. Today, Olivier owns the wealth management firm The Olivier Group. His professional involvement extends beyond the office to his membership in the […]
Apple no longer offers M3 Ultra Mac Studio with original highest RAM configuration
A year ago today, Apple unveiled the M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio desktop computer. In addition to Thunderbolt...
IBM scientists unveil the first ever “half-Möbius” molecule, with the help of quantum computing
A team at IBM Research has assembled a strange new ring-shaped molecule that bends around like a more complicated Möbius strip
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Distrust of Public Health
The Trump administration wants Americans to have more conversations with their physicians. But it also can’t seem to stop disparaging the medical establishment.
Stand Up for Science will hold second rally against Trump administration
Public health chaos and research funding cuts are inspiring nationwide pro-science protests against the Trump administration
Study finds sea levels are higher than we thought, placing millions more at risk
Climate change's rising seas may threaten tens of millions more people than scientists and government planners originally thought because of mistaken research assumptions on how high coastal waters already are, a new study said.
The Texas Senate Race Is About to Get Very Ugly
A runoff, resentments, and the question of whether a Democrat can win statewide
Ubisoft confirms Assassin's Creed: Black Flag remake
Ubisoft just confirmed Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the original game. This could come out by the end of the year.
The Business of Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry, the steamy hockey romance show, was made for about $2 million per episode. That is remarkably cheap for an hour-long drama.Today on the show, a conversation with Heated Rivalry creators Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady about their television miracle on ice.It’s not just that the show was made efficiently and cleverly. Heated Rivalry comes from a Canadian economic system of making TV and movies that is completely different from how we do things in the US.In this episode of Planet Money, in partnership with the Pivot podcast co-hosted by Kara Swisher, we hear about a Canadian production model for making TV and movies and how it’s different from the U.S. model. And we learn what the experience of making Heated Rivalry teaches us about the current state of both industries.Live event info and tickets here.Pre-order the Planet Money book and get a free gift. / Subscribe to Planet Money+Listen free: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.The original Pivot episode from New York Magazine and The Vox Media Podcast Network was hosted by Kara Swisher, produced by Lara Naman, Zoë Marcus and Taylor Griffin and engineered by Brandon McFarland. Nishat Kurwa is Vox Media's Executive Producer of podcasts. This episode of Planet Money was hosted by Kenny Malone, produced by James Sneed, edited by Jess Jiang and fact-checked by Lara Naman. Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.
Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn
Republican strategists hope the endorsement will make the Texas Senate race less expensive and less competitive.
Control Resonant: 7 Things We Just Learned About The Sequel
Control Resonant also features a better map than the original game, thankfully
Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’: why laser weapons are no longer science fiction
‘Directed energy weapons’ are a cheap way to hit a lot of targets – and militaries around the world are taking notice.
A Possible US Government iPhone-Hacking Toolkit Is Now in the Hands of Foreign Spies and Criminals
A highly sophisticated set of iPhone hijacking techniques has likely infected tens of thousands of phones or more. Clues suggest it was originally built for the US government.
Pete Buttigieg in the Wilderness
He has a beard, a splitting maul, and a house in Michigan. Is that enough to convince America that he’s a man of the people?
Stressed out by politics? You’re not imagining it, and research shows that social media is largely to blame
Political content on social media finds you even if you’re not looking for it, and it tends to do so through a sensationalized and emotionally charged lens.
Scientists make a pocket-sized AI brain with help from monkey neurons
A new study suggests AI systems could be a lot more efficient. Researchers were able to shrink an AI vision model to 1/1000th of its original size.
Is spring training becoming too expensive?
This was originally going to be an article titled, “Why spring training is dead to me”. I was going to discuss the reasons why I’ve basically given up on attending spring training games. One of the main factors was simply the cost, and there’s the general perception that it’s no longer a cheap alternative to […]
Submission Period Now Open for the 2026 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications; $640,000 To Be Awarded
Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. The awards honor exceptional science communicators, science journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work that addresses issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine for the general public.
Women’s heart health, Artemis update, female reindeer antlers mystery
What a worrying forecast says about women’s heart health, what’s happening with NASA’s Artemis II moon mission and why female reindeer have antlers
Women’s heart health, Artemis update, female reindeer antlers mystery
What a worrying forecast says about women’s heart health, what’s happening with NASA’s Artemis II moon mission and why female reindeer have antlers
Anker's Soundcore Space 2 Headphones Sent My Ears to Heaven
They cost $30 more than the originals, but the Anker Soundcore Space 2 headphones are the best ones I've heard at Mobile World Congress.
Mystic & Aurora Ticket easily obtainable in Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch
Two things which were notoriously difficult to get in the original versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen were the Mystic and Aurora Tickets which could only be obtained via limited items that were…
Speedy WR Named Perfect Free-Agent Signing For Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to add a ton of speed to their offense this offseason. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Speedy WR Named Perfect Free-Agent Signing For Steelers
Kansas revoked transgender people’s IDs overnight – researchers anticipate cascading health and social consequences
With invalid driver’s licenses and birth certificates, transgender people are at risk for more than just steep fines and imprisonment.
2026 QB Prospect Receives Comp to Steelers WR DK Metcalf
One of the quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft has been compared to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: 2026 QB Prospect Receives Comp to Steelers WR DK Metcalf
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Nugget Trick Lets You Get Rich Fast (It Still Works on Switch)
An old glitch from the original Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen games still works in the Nintendo Switch versions.
Four Conditions Make Cash Transfers Save Lives
The success of other countries shows how cash-transfer programs can work in the United States.
Pokémon Winds & Waves Will Be Released "Exclusively" For Switch 2
Game Freak is moving on from the original Switch hardware
Glyphosate is driving a rift in MAHA. Here’s what the science says about its effects on health
The Trump administration wants to boost manufacturing of glyphosate, the world’s most common weed killer. Here’s what that could mean for health
Glyphosate is driving a rift in MAHA. Here’s what the science says about its effects on health
The Trump administration wants to boost manufacturing of glyphosate, the world’s most common weed killer. Here’s what that could mean for health
Representative Jasmine Crockett Claimed I Wasn’t Kicked Out of Her Rally. Here’s the Audio.
Representative Jasmine Crockett claimed I wasn’t kicked out of her rally. Here’s the audio.
Digital health's ACCESS about-face
Several entrepreneurs and investors who originally snubbed the government's ACCESS Medicare payment program are now championing it.
Women’s basketball weekend TV guide: Arizona State vs Texas Tech is must-watch
Arizona State has the chance to get an NCAA Tournament resume-boosting win on Sunday when it travels to Texas Tech in a must-watch Big 12 game.
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
How a teen’s AI model could help stop poaching in rainforests
A 17-year-old’s breakthrough AI may finally give wildlife rangers the real-time edge they need to stop poachers
Pokémon Continues 30th Celebrations with the Unveiling of <em>Pokémon Winds</em> and <em>Pokémon Waves</em>, the Newest Entries in the Pokémon Video Game Series<br />
Pokémon Day Video Presentation Packed with New Updates Across the Franchise, Including PokémonXP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, Pokémon Champions, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and More Pokémon FireRed Version and LeafGreen Version Released Today in Commemoration of the Original Pokémon Video Games
Texas Comptroller ends Austin’s ability to certify historically underutilized business
The Texas Comptroller office ended the Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with the city of Austin which allowed them to certify business on behalf of the Texas Comptroller's office. MOAs originally allowed ...
Texas Comptroller ends Austin’s ability to certify historically underutilized business
The Texas Comptroller office ended the Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with the city of Austin which allowed them to certify business on behalf of the Texas Comptroller’s office. MOAs originall…
David's Bridal Enters Entertainment Arena With Launch of Original Series
BREAKING BRIDAL -- Real Weddings. Zero Rules. Spotlighting How Modern Couples Are Rewriting Traditions & Breaking the Wedding Mold, David's New Documentary-Style Series blends culture, content, & commerce; Shifting from Legacy Retailer to Wedding ...
The First Couple of a Dysfunctional DHS
A forthcoming book reveals new details about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.
At-home microbiome tests reveal dramatically different results
The science and the regulations to underpin these test “just aren’t there yet,” researchers say
Steelers Not Expected to Release Highly-Expensive Veteran
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to hold onto one of their most expensive players. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Not Expected to Release Highly-Expensive Veteran
Trump’s Favorite Voter-ID Bill Would Probably Backfire
Congressional Republicans are trying to pass a strict “election integrity” law that seems almost custom-designed to disenfranchise their own supporters.
How to win The Traitors, according to science
Experts say that to win a game like The Traitors, competitors should look for verbal clues over physical ones—and be friendly and open
MAHA, Subdued
The nominee for surgeon general kept her most eccentric wellness beliefs largely in check at her confirmation hearing.
The Democrats Who Got Weird During the State of the Union
They found a bizarre, crass way to push back against Trump.
Is It Aging, or Is it ADHD?
Middle-aged Americans are grappling with a new possible explanation for their slowing brain.
Samsung Unveils All New Galaxy Buds4 Series With Ultimate Sound
Samsung audio innovation delivers original sound as intended and intelligent adaptive controls for every environment
Tubi Expands Teton Ridge Entertainment Partnership with New Sports Documentary Film "Gonzaga:The Slipper Still Fits"
SAN FRANCISCO – Tubi (www.tubi.tv), Fox Corporation's (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) free ad-supported streaming service, today announced the debut of sports documentary GONZAGA: THE SLIPPER STILL FITS as part of its exclusive partnership with Teton Ridge Entertainment. The documentary features a close look at one of college basketball's most impressive programs, focusing on the perennial Cinderella team that has become a powerhouse. The documentary premieres on Friday, March 6 as a Tubi Original.
Tubi Expands Teton Ridge Entertainment Partnership with New Sports Documentary Film "Gonzaga:The Slipper Still Fits"
SAN FRANCISCO – Tubi (www.tubi.tv), Fox Corporation's (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) free ad-supported streaming service, today announced the debut of sports documentary GONZAGA: THE SLIPPER STILL FITS as part of its exclusive partnership with Teton Ridge Entertainment. The documentary features a close look at one of college basketball's most impressive programs, focusing on the perennial Cinderella team that has become a powerhouse. The documentary premieres on Friday, March 6 as a Tubi Original.
The cost of casting animals as heroes and villains in conservation science
New research shows how these storytelling choices can distort science – and how to move beyond them.
Despite likening new Xbox head's job to a "palliative care doctor", original co-creator doesn't actually think Xbox is dead
Seamus Blackley, one of the co-creators of the original Xbox, has assured the community he doesn't actually think Xbox is "dead".
OG Final Fantasy 7 Re-Release Sends Steam User Review Rating Plummeting to 'Mostly Negative'
Final Fantasy 7 — and by that, I mean the original, not the three-part remake — is clocking up negative reviews after developer Square Enix re-released the game on Steam with quality of life improvements that seem to have had the opposite intended effect.
I’m educated and a fan of science. So why do I follow superstitions?
Do you dry your hair before going out to avoid catching a cold? That’s even if you know viruses are the real cause? Here’s what’s going on.
Mays Business School Unveils Renovated Phillips 66 Trading Room - Mays Business School News
Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Phillips 66 Trading Room, a specialized finance classroom that supports experiential learning across multiple finance programs. Originally established in 2000 and renamed in recognition of Phillips
Dark Sky’s Original Creator Made Another Weather App
The legend that was Dark Sky weather is no more. Apple bought that incredible weather app years ago, incorporated some of the tech into its own weather app, and then shut... #AcmeWeather #DarkSky
Completed $12M NuLu project reshapes busy Louisville business district for pedestrians
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday the completion of the $12 million NuLu Streetscape project, a plan originally conceived 16 years ago to turn the city's busiest new business district
Technology Originally Developed for Space Missions Now Integral to Everyday Life
Groundbreaking “camera-on-a-chip” technology that was originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for use in space missions is currently employed in billions of devices like cell phones that are used daily by people worldwide.
Could pro hockey anchor Phoenix's entertainment district?
At a panel discussion hosted by the Urban Land Institute, sports and real estate leaders discussed the future of downtown Phoenix.
Science knows of 21,000 bee species. There are likely thousands more
A new paper provides the first statistically derived estimate of bee species richness around the world. But this is about more than bees.
Trump’s Suddenly High-Stakes State of the Union
The president is visiting Congress in a dramatically different place from where he was a year ago.
These shoes are best for hip and knee arthritis, according to science
Until now, health experts have assumed stable and supportive shoes are the best for people with osteoarthritis. But a new study shows this isn’t always the case.
How I booked my first business-class flight with points
These are the steps I took to book my first business-class flight with Virgin Atlantic for a trip to London, including how I transferred Amex points for the redemption.
Dentsu Entertainment, Iconic Arts partner to create brand-oriented IP
The companies will help brands develop original IP tied to culture, with a focus on anime and serialized entertainment.
Hicks Commentary: Quality of Life Is a Smart Business Attraction Tool
This column was originally published on the Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research Weekly Commentary blog. By Michael J. Hicks February 22, 2026 Quality of life matters more to businesses than it does to households. That may seem counterintuitive, but the data are unambiguous and the implications for economic development are profound.
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
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