SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " DEATH " 2,155 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
What if death from aging becomes preventable? The science is no longer purely theoretical
Most medicine waits for aging to produce a recognizable disease and then tries to treat that disease. A growing field of researchers is pursuing a more ambitious idea: intervene earlier in the biologi...
Kenya reports first-ever Ebola death
Kenya has reported its first-ever Ebola death, the health minister announced on Tuesday, after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo died after returning to the country....
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Arts District business pushes for safe space for teens after 15-year-old’s shooting death at First F
Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
Scientists find planet made on new matter recipe, and it formed after a Red Giant ate a solar system
Death of a star may not be game over for the inner solar system after all
Authorities ID body of man found behind Fairview business
Authorities identified the man found dead behind a Fairview, Oregon business as 49-year-old Kerry Cottrell. Investigators suspect a medical condition, with the medical examiner to confirm cause and manner of death.
Pennsylvania passes 1,000 measles cases as PA health secretary says CDC is minimizing five measles associated deaths
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visited a Pittsburgh pharmacy to raise awareness about respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu, while addressing the state's rising measles cases.
Reggie McFadden death: Comedian and actor dies at 57
'In Living Color' actor and comedian Reggie McFadden has died at the age of 57. His family received word from the State Department of his death in Tanzania.
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak is the largest in decades in the U.S.
There have been 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, Pennsylvania state officials said.
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak is the largest in decades in the U.S.
There have been 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, Pennsylvania state officials said.
Tributes to Justice Melissa Hart
It was an extremely busy few weeks in court-related news, but the biggest and most unexpected development was the death of former state Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart.
Utah health dept. issues warning after 4 deaths linked to certain herbal supplements
Four deaths in Utah were tied to
Health officials issue urgent warning after four Utah deaths tied to herbal supplements
Utah health officials issued a public health warning after four deaths across the state were linked to certain herbal supplements, including kratom products and
How a controversial camera system is monitoring mental health patients
The Lampard Inquiry started back in September 2024 and I remember going to the first hearing in Chelmsford. Subscribe The bereaved families made placards of their loved ones, they stood outside in silence and then laid flowers to mark the moment. Now, two years on, in a process meant to last another two years, there’s been a development. Last week, we were told the chair, Baroness Lampard, pictured below, could be looking at making interim recommendations. Throughout the process, she has remarked that although this inquiry is looking at almost 2,000 people who were under the care of Essex mental health services from 2000-2023 when they died, the findings could have national implications for other trusts. ‘Records 24 hours a day in patient’s bedroom’ So why has this happened? One system that the inquiry is going to take a closer look at is a controversial monitoring system called Oxevision. It monitors some vital signs of patients remotely by using a camera placed in a room. It’s used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts. But campaigners, particularly the group Stop Oxevision, have asked for this technology to be removed from mental health wards as soon as possible. I spoke to a member, Hat Porter, today and they described to me what they thought this technology did and explained their concerns: “It records 24 hours a day and it’s located in a patient’s bedroom, which is obviously somewhere you’d usually expect to be a private place. “Our concerns are that the use of the technology has been has been kind of implemented as a substitute for proper in-person support, that it’s kind of over relied on and that there’s a lot of misunderstandings and that the presence of a camera, which has often been used without people’s consent, sometimes without even their knowledge, that that has a really big impact on privacy, dignity and human rights.” ‘Not sufficient’ I put it to them that the company behind Oxevision would dispute their claims about consent and in videos I’ve seen online from NHS trusts, they make it clear that the technology is complementary to trained staff and not a replacement. [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/the-nottingham-inquiry-what-lessons) [ How the Nottingham inquiry shines a spotlight on other key mental health care failings ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/the-nottingham-inquiry-what-lessons) Victoria Macdonald · Feb 12 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/the-nottingham-inquiry-what-lessons) A team of lawyers has been working on the inquiry and with bereaved family members who have concerns about this technology. I spoke to solicitor Priya Singh, from Hodge Jones & Allen, who made the point that questions usually asked by nurses would be missing from using devices like this. “It’s not sufficient to say, oh, the patient is moving around. Somebody must go in and say, are you okay? Are you distressed? Do you want help? Is there anything I can do? Share Channel 4 News “How are you spending your time? So I think a lot of our families cannot see the function of it when ultimately the patient should only really be observed when they’ve been prescribed to be observed, they can be observed more, but that more should really be happening face to face.” The Chair will hear evidence over the next two weeks and then a decision made after that, which could have national impact if she does decide this technology should be investigated or even removed. The Department of Health and Social Care said: “The Government is committed to ensuring that lessons are learned from the Lampard Inquiry to improve patient safety. “We are confident that the Inquiry will play an important role in identifying wider learnings for the health system following the tragic events in Essex and will contribute to improvements in patient safety.” We approached LIO Health, which runs Oxevision, for comment. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
Gypsy Rose Blanchard addresses 'significant tension' with Ken Urker's sister
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is responding to criticism from Ken Urker's sister following the death of Urker, the father of her daughter.
The #2 Movie on Netflix Is a Thrilling Documentary About a Charismatic Serial Killer
"The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part" follows the twisting story of Thomas Randolph, also known as the "Black Widower," of whose six wives, four ended up dead.
A ‘phoenix’ planet was born from the ashes of its dead star
Finding the potential planet hints that our sun’s death could lead to the creation of new worlds.
HOMETOWN HEALTH: Are you protected against measles? fifth U.S. death reported
One of the largest national medical organizations in the United States has a message it wants people to hear.
Russia hospitalizes almost 200 people after researcher's death from plague: reports
Nearly 200 people are under medical observation in Russia’s Irkutsk region over suspected exposure to plague, according to local media reports.
Coffee-Rich Diet May Be Linked to Better Breast Cancer Outcomes, But Experts Urge Caution
A new study is again drawing attention to a popular morning beverage: coffee. Researchers found that women with breast cancer who consumed higher amounts of polyphenols, naturally occurring plant compounds abundant in coffee and many plant-based foods, experienced lower rates of breast cancer-related death over a long-term follow-up period.
Readers Write: Health care, AI, Minneapolis City Council and Public Schools, the death penalty
Be an informed health care voter this November.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Is Advocating For Stricter Online Harassment Laws After Fiancé's Death
Ken Urker was found dead on his 34th birthday at his home in Louisiana.
How the shooting death of a Houston father is igniting Latino politics in Texas
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed on his way to work by ICE agents, who said he used his vehicle as a weapon. An outraged community is demanding justice — and change.
Iconic singer’s death at 63 rocks music world: ‘Was such a powerhouse bluesy vocalist’
Her family announced her death on social media.
Iconic singer’s death at 63 rocks music world: ‘Was such a powerhouse bluesy vocalist’
Her family announced her death on social media.
Daughter of MP murdered five years ago says politicians still at risk
Katie Amess questions if anything has changed to protect politicians five years after her father's death.
Daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess says politicians still at risk
Katie Amess questions if anything has changed to protect politicians five years after her father's death.
Health Policy Watch | COVID-19 drops out of world’s top 10 causes of death for first time since pandemic began
The virus directly killed an estimated 0.9 million people in 2023, ranking 14th, as global life expectancy climbed back to near its pre-pandemic level.
Questions persist around horse deaths at Humboldt County Fair
The events attending veterinarians said the incidents were ‘bad luck accidents,’ but also pointed to laxness of rodeo regulation versus horseracing.
Watch Jack Osbourne go undercover to scare guests inside late dad’s tribute haunted house
Watch Jack Osbourne go undercover to scare guests inside late dad Ozzy Osbourne’s Universal Halloween Horror Nights haunted house one year after the rocker’s death.
Obituaries: Dolores Sibonga, Dennis Haskins, Benjamin Satterley and more
Notable deaths also include Angela Stribling and "Mighty Sparrow" Slinger Francisco.
Ebola death toll in DRC passes 4,000, as health workers are fighting to get paid
8,300 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in eastern Congo on May 15.
Southport fire chief files lawsuit against Novant Health after mother’s fatal fall
Southport’s fire chief has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Novant Health and an attending doctor, alleging hospital staff ignored warnings that his 67-year-old mother was at high risk of falling before a fatal bathroom fall triggered an untreated brain bleed.
Attitudes on the death penalty have changed since Christa Pike was convicted. Using the issue for politics hasn’t
When Christa Pike tortured and killed her classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995, support for the death penalty was near its peak in the United States.
COVID-19 Drops Out Of World’s Top 10 Causes Of Death For First Time Since Pandemic Began
COVID-19 dropped out of the world’s 10 leading causes of death in 2023 for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020, and only two years after it topped
Southport fire chief files lawsuit against Novant Health after mother’s fatal fall
Southport Fire Chief Charles Drew has filed a wrongful-death suit against Novant Health, alleging lapses in care led to his mother’s fatal fall and brain bleed.
Chad Lowe's daughter Fiona's cause of death confirmed by coroner
The official cause of death for Fiona Lowe, the 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and niece of Rob Lowe, has been confirmed by the L.A. County medical examiner. Chad Lowe's family announced her death earlier this week.
An Ebola treatment center was burned down as the death toll in Congo passes 4,000
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people, authorities said, as they struggle to contain what has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's partner Ken Urker dead at 34
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's partner, Ken Urker, has died. He passed away on his 34th birthday. Blanchard confirmed Urker's death in a statement to TMZ late Thursday, Oct. 2.
How big is Pennsylvania's measles outbreak?
News of a fifth measles death in Pennsylvania underscores a longstanding issue about the disease. The full scope of the outbreak — in the state and in the country — isn’t known or even knowable.
Do dying people know the end is near? This is what science has discovered
People who work around death often describe an unsettling phenomenon: some dying patients seem to know the end is approaching before anyone explicitly tells them. They may start saying goodbye, giving instructions, withdrawing from ordinary routines or talking about deceased relatives. Research suggests that awareness of approaching death does occur in many patients—but it is far from universal, and scientists still cannot explain every way that awareness appears. Some people remain mentally cle
Are we getting closer to bringing people back after death? Inside the science of resuscitation
For most of history, a heart that stopped beating marked the practical end of life. Modern medicine has changed that. CPR can keep blood moving, defibrillators can restart certain heart rhythms, machi...
Congo's Ebola outbreak has recorded over 4,000 deaths as authorities struggle to contain the virus
Congo's Ebola outbreak has now recorded more than 4,000 deaths as authorities struggle to contain the virus.
Congo's Ebola outbreak records more than 4,000 deaths as authorities struggle to contain the virus
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now recorded more than 4,000 deaths, authorities said as they struggle to contain the spread of the virus.
Former CDC director on politics of measles: ‘A death is a death’
Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, appeared on “The Final 5” to discuss the nation’s growing measles outbreak. Frieden said the measles vaccine is safe and effective and remains the only way to stop the spread, while criticizing political arguments over how to classify measles-related deaths. Frieden also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in medicine, saying AI can be a powerful tool for doctors and patients but cannot replace trained medical professionals.
Chad Lowe's daughter Fiona's cause of death at 13 released
The cause of death for actor-director Chad Lowe's daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe, has been released.
Coroner warns of risk of future deaths at mental health unit where patient was killed
Hugo Flint-Cahan, 34, was fatally attacked by Rolando Torres-Pena, 22, at a mental health trust in east London.
Military Leaders Will Examine Ways to Limit Civilian Deaths in War
U.S. Central Command will hold a daylong conference at its Tampa headquarters after seven months of war in Iran.
Marion man found not guilty of murdering son seeking outside mental health evaluation
A Marion man found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his son to death is seeking outside mental health evaluation at the facility he’s in.
Suspicious death investigation underway after body found behind Portland area business
Authorities launched a suspicious death investigation in Multnomah County after discovering a body believed to belong to a man in his 40s or 50s behind a business in a Fairview shopping center.
Scientists Found a “Third State” Of Being Between Life and Death
Frog and human cells can reorganize after removal from their host, raising open questions about biological death and potential uses in regenerative medicine.
Health board admits failings that led to dementia patient's death
Andrea Imrie, 82, died a week after she fell and sustained catastrophic head injuries at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth.
Ocean Floor “Pools Of Death” Could Be Key To Explaining The Origins Of Life On Earth, And Possibly Further Afield
Besides their importance for the search for life on other planets, these pools could help us find major mineral deposits.
Pieces of History
Chapter 5 of “The American Plague,” the acclaimed 2006 book about the yellow fever epidemic that decimated Memphis in the 1870s, details the life, work, and death of Dr. William James Armstrong as he attempted to care for the stricken.
Chad Lowe’s father remembers granddaughter Fiona after her death at 13
Chad Lowe’s father Chuck shared a tribute on social media following the death of his 13-year-old granddaughter Fiona.
How Is The Federal Government Counting Measles Deaths?
Recently Secretary of HHS Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., changed how the federal government tracks deaths in its official measles tally, after Pennsylvania reported four deaths. This Policy Watch reviews the two roles, strengths, and weaknesses of the two public health surveillance systems at the center of this change: the Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS).
Tributes to 'dedicated' former Manx politician George Waft
Former MLC George Waft is praised for his commitment to the community following his death at 89.
Viewpoint: Kennedy’s ‘bad science’: MAGA embrace bolsters HHS secretary’s influence and popularity
Pennsylvania has recorded four measles deaths this year — the state’s first in 35 years — yet the federal government’s official measles death count still
Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death
Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-associated death as cases climbed to 943 across 39 counties amid a growing outbreak.
UN Decade of Healthy Ageing midpoint report finds progress, calls for greater investment
New evidence in the Secretary-General's report to the 81st UN General Assembly, prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in coordination with the UN system, finds more countries acting on healthy ageing than ever before – but longer lives will not become healthy, dignified ones without faster, more sustained investment at country level.(NEW YORK, 28 September 2026) The Secretary-General transmitted to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly the mid-term progress report on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), marking the midpoint of the ten-year global effort to improve the lives of older people. The report was prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in coordination with the UN Inter-Agency Group on Ageing and with inputs from thirteen UN entities, the World Bank Group and civil society partners. It finds real progress in countries – and persistent gaps that must close before 2030.The number of people aged 60 and over passed 1 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, with the fastest growth in low- and middle-income countries. Longer lives are not automatically healthy ones: globally, the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy at age 60 widened between 2000 and 2023, and an estimated 71% of excess deaths from COVID-19 between 2020 and 2023 were among people aged 60 and over. “Longer lives are one of humanity’s great achievements, but we cannot congratulate ourselves while leaving millions without health and support,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director, Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, WHO. “The first half of the Decade has shown what is possible. The second half must be about scaling and financing the progress to meet the needs and rights of older persons.”Real progress, unevenly sharedThe report finds that more countries than ever now have legislation against age-based discrimination – up from 44.5% in 2018 to 57.7% today – and over half now have national long-term care policies, up from 49% in 2023 to 56.7%, dedicated programmes to build age-friendly environments (54.6%), and comprehensive health and social assessments of older people (54.6%). New WHO guidance on services for long-term care and for Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) delivered in communities is enabling systemic change as an increasing number of countries incorporate these services within national universal health care benefit packages. A host of UN agencies and other partners support training, increasing health workforce competencies and use of digital health tools.“This report shows the Decade of Healthy Ageing is working,” said Dr Ritu Sadana, Head of the WHO Secretariat for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. “More countries are legislating against ageism, providing integrated care, strengthening long-term care systems, and creating age-friendly environments than ever before, in all regions and income levels. But progress is uneven and in one area, regressive: fewer countries report active multi-stakeholder forums on ageing, down from 53.1% in 2020 to 43.3% today. The second half of this Decade must turn commitments into results, in every country.”The financing gap: this Decade's binding constraintFinancing remains the binding constraint: more than a third of reporting countries (33.8%) have very little or no dedicated resources to develop long-term care, with similar shortfalls across the Decade’s other priority areas. Less than half of countries (45.4%) have legislation providing access to assistive devices (including hearing aids, spectacles or rollators), which are key to enabling older people to maintain productive, independent and dignified lives. Only 22.7% of countries can track older people’s health over time – the largest gap across the Decade’s core progress indicators. Nationally representative information is needed in each country, as policies and interventions cannot be designed as if all older adults of a given age share similar needs and capacities. The report calls for sustained investment through national budgets, country-owned plans, development cooperation and innovative financing mechanisms to fully close these gaps by 2030.“The Decade was designed as a whole-of-UN effort, and this report shows it in action,” said Amal Abou Rafeh, Chief of the Programme on Ageing Section at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and Permanent Co-Chair of the UN Inter-Agency Group on Ageing. “Thirteen UN entities, the World Bank group and civil society organizations contributed to this report, with WHO as the lead technical and implementing agency. That is the model of coordination the second half of the Decade will need to scale, with countries leading legislation, funding and implementation, engaging older people.”“Investing in healthy ageing is not simply a cost; it is one of the highest-return investments a government can make,” said Fiona Stewart, Global Lead for Ageing and Pensions at the World Bank Group. “Countries that invest early in integrated and long-term care see savings that outweigh the upfront cost many times over. The evidence in this report makes the economic case; what is now needed is predictable financing at country level to act on it, along with efforts to support older entrepreneurs and the silver economy.”Older people's own voicesThe report also draws on the direct experience of older people themselves, including a multilingual global survey conducted by the International Federation on Ageing that reached more than 1000 older people across 58 countries. WHO and UN partners called on Member States to use the second half of the Decade to accelerate implementation, strengthen data systems, and secure the financing needed so that the gains of longer lives reach older people everywhere. About the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2020, the Decade is a global collaboration bringing together governments, UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, academia and older people themselves to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities. It is coordinated by the World Health Organization together with the UN Inter-Agency Group on Ageing. The Decade's mid-term progress report was transmitted to the General Assembly by the Secretary-General, prepared by WHO, and is available in 6 languages.Full Report available: A/81/366 Implementation of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030): Note by Secretary-General [ العربية | 中文 | English | Français | Pусский | Español
Pennsylvania confirms fifth measles-associated death as US outbreak grows
Cases have more than doubled since August as a dispute with federal health officials over the death count continues.
5th measles-associated death of 2026 reported in Pennsylvania, health officials say
Fifth unvaccinated person dies of measles; CDC still not counting all deaths
State health officials race to vaccinate residents by giving over 8,500 doses.
Pennsylvania reports 5th measles-associated death as outbreak continues
Cases in the state, home to the country’s largest ongoing measles outbreak, have climbed to 943 across 39 counties.
Congolese politician is killed for defending Ebola efforts as mistrust complicates response
BUTEMBO, Congo (AP) — Mourners gathered Wednesday to bury a Congolese politician who was beaten to death after publicly defending the government’s response to Ebola, a killing that highlights the mistrust health workers say is hampering efforts to slow the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history.
PAHO and MSD for Mothers sign agreement to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic
Two-year initiative will support countries to reduce maternal mortality, prevent unintended repeat adolescent pregnancies, and strengthen efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and other infectionsWashington, D.C., 30 September 2026 (PAHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and MSD for Mothers have signed an agreement to help reduce preventable maternal deaths in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic by strengthening adolescent health and improving maternal health services.
3rd person with measles dies in Lancaster County: Pa health department
An unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles has died, bringing to three the number of measles-associated deaths here and five total in the state, according to the
5th measles-associated death reported in Pennsylvania, health officials say
An unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who tested positive for measles has died, state health officials said.
Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 5th measles-associated death in Lancaster County
A fifth measles-associated death has been reported in Pennsylvania, according to the state's Department of Health.
Selma Blair Set for Coming of Age Film 'Schmoolie the Deathwatcher'
In the Theresa Burkhart Gallagher-penned project, Isaac Krasner is set to play the title character Schmoolie alongside a cast that also includes Luenell, Ariel Martin, David Mazouz and Sania Halifa.
Chad Lowe announces death of 13-year-old daughter Fiona
The family of 'Life Goes On' star Chad Lowe announces the death of 13-year-old daughter Fiona. 'She was the light of our lives,' the family wrote and included information for a mental health lifeline.
Bethesda Maps Fallout 76’s Biggest Year Yet, Expanding the Map toward Fallout 3’s Capital Wasteland by Summer 2027
Bethesda has mapped out a truly exciting year of free updates for Fallout 76, including a new map expansion into the Capital Wasteland.
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn unpack the band’s ‘bold’ doc ‘Unshatter’
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn tell Entertainment Weekly about the process of creating their new documentary ‘Unshatter,’ which details the band’s reunion after Chester Bennington’s death.
Is there really an afterlife? Here’s what science can — and can’t
The question of what happens after death sits at the edge of science because researchers can study dying brains, people who survive cardiac arrest and unusual experiences near death—but they cannot di...
Air Conditioning is Health Infrastructure
In 2023 alone, more than 2,300 people died in the United States directly from extreme heat. Expanding access to residential air conditioning could reduce heat-attributable deaths and adult emergency department.
CDC measles death count still lags Pennsylvania’s
Pennsylvania officials count four measles-related deaths this year. The CDC only counts two.
Can death be reversed? New science is testing where life really ends
Death sounds absolute. Once the heart stops, blood stops circulating and oxygen no longer reaches the brain, most people assume there is a clear point beyond which nothing can be recovered. Modern res...
What happens to the body in the first hour after death? Science reveals a surprising sequence of changes
Death can look like a single moment: the heart stops, breathing ends and the person is declared dead. At the level of individual organs, tissues and cells, however, the transition is not synchronized....
When “DEI” research is cut, what happens to community health?
“I’m just going to run to the grocery store!” How many times have we said this without thinking about it? For most of us, it's usually an easy walk or a short drive to get the cheese we forgot. In reality, though, 13% of the U.S. population (about 39 million people) live in “food deserts,” which means living more than a mile from a grocery store in urban areas and more than 10 miles in rural areas. This was the case for people in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, where a quick run to buy food wasn’t an option. In the 1930s, federal maps marked the Hill as "hazardous" for lending, a practice known as redlining that steered investment away from Black neighborhoods. Decades of disinvestment followed, and residents went about 30 years without a nearby grocery store. This made it hard to keep healthy eating habits and contributed to chronic disease. When a grocery store finally opened in the area in 2013, researchers saw the opportunity and launched the PHRESH study, which initially compared the health of participants from the Hill district to those in the Homewood district. Over time, the study expanded to other factors such as brain health and Alzheimer's risk. Residents like Roderick Blair overcame initial hesitation to share their health data, trusting it would benefit their neighborhood. Then, in August 2026, the NIH abruptly canceled the study’s grant, citing that it was “subjective” and fell outside their scientific scope—an effect of the administration’s interpretation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Research like PHRESH can help determine what changes in a neighborhood actually improve health, so cutting it has left that question unanswered. Other canceled studies have examined health issues like maternal health, preterm birth rates, or sickle cell disease. Courts have reversed some of these grant cancellations, but not all of them. If we really want America to be healthier, research into why some communities get sicker than others is absolutely critical. The law that created the federal minority health research institute passed with bipartisan support in 2000. But these days, as evidenced by grant cancellations, the political shift in attitudes toward DEI means we often lose access to the health information we need to help all communities thrive. DEI vs. health equity vs. equality and the overlap (or lack thereof) The letters “DEI” evoke very different reactions depending on who you are in the U.S. DEI programs can address gender, disability, age, and other factors, but the fiercest debate centers on race. For some people, hearing DEI brings to mind policies that may have cost them a job or a college seat because they are white. Others see DEI as a matter of justice: a way to expand representation and opportunity for groups that have been historically marginalized. Both perspectives are rooted in lived experience, and both center on the same question: whether hiring and admissions practices are fair. Hiring and admission practices, though related, are not the same as health equity. Health equity is “the attainment of the highest level of health for all people.” It’s the recognition that some groups of people consistently experience worse health outcomes than others. For instance, black mothers die from pregnancy-related complications at three times the rate of white mothers, and rural Americans are more likely to die from issues such as heart disease and cancer. Equity is also often conflated with “equality,” which leads to misunderstanding of how to actually best support communities. Equality ignores the fact that we aren’t all starting life with the same resources or circumstances, whereas equity is about helping people get what they specifically need based on their situation so they have the chance to achieve the same outcome as anyone else. For example, if every household in Pittsburgh got a $30 grocery gift card, that would be equal. But during the decades the Hill District went without a grocery store, that card wouldn’t have helped much. Equity means making sure everyone can actually access a store in the first place. DEI policies can overlap with health equity in many ways. For example, they may help expand access to quality education and stable, well-paying jobs, which in turn can provide health insurance, safer housing, and improved finances—all of which can reduce health disparities. But to make that happen, we first need data to identify disparities in communities and to develop solutions that effectively address them. What we lose when the research stops Community data is important to health equity because: You can’t fix what you don’t see: Data show which communities are most affected by health factors such as infection, heart disease, and cancer. If we don’t know what is happening and where, then we can’t develop interventions to help. Poor health costs everyone: Chronic disease is expensive—both to the individual person and to the overall economy. Understanding what groups of people are most at risk allows us to develop interventions that can save everyone money. Disparities exist for many communities: Health equity includes disparities that exist due to a whole host of factors, such as family background, race and ethnicity, rural vs. suburban residence, gender and sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, and lower income. This means many Americans can benefit from research into differences in health outcomes and how to improve them. Trust is easy to lose: Some participants in the PHRESH study were initially vocal about their concerns about participating. But that trust was earned because the researchers kept their promises and centered their work on the community. When projects are canceled mid-cycle, researchers have no choice but to leave behind communities they had promised to help. This hurts trust in the long run. It’s also a very inefficient use of resources, and it will take significant time and effort to redo the work when the government realizes this work is important again. How should we talk about health equity? This is hard because the words “equity” and “DEI” are currently very politically charged. So whether you’re a public health professional, teacher, or friend, how we talk about this topic matters. The right framing can help people who might otherwise be skeptical see why health equity research is important and deserves funding. Here are some suggestions to help your conversations: Choose your words strategically: Who are you trying to reach with your message? Are they likely to be resistant to terms like “diversity” and “equity”? If so, find alternative words to use to still get the message across. It is frustrating to be in that position, but the goal of improving health is too important not to try to make inroads. Sometimes simply reframing can help the message reach those who need to hear it. Focus on the problem: The terms “health equity” and “DEI” are abstract. Make it more specific. For example, discuss differences in maternal death or ways to improve health outcomes in rural communities. These still have equity at their core but will likely be better understood by those you’re talking with. Focus on systems: Disparities exist, but if they are communicated poorly, people can mistakenly think the issue is the individual’s fault. Disparities are largely driven by failures of the system—such as lack of access to health care and a long legacy of racism. When discussing the disparities, frame them around these systemic issues to ensure blame isn’t placed on the individuals impacted. Tell stories: Personalize these policies by using stories from those impacted that connect to the data you’re trying to convey. This helps make the policies and outcomes more concrete and meaningful. Bottom line Some communities end up sicker than others. That’s just the facts. We can argue about the best way to do that research, but canceling it simply because it may be linked to DEI doesn’t make anyone healthier. It just leaves communities like the Hill district behind. And in the end, it causes us all to move backward in our efforts to improve health in this country. Love, EM Big thanks to MacKenzie Isaac & Legairre Radden, who reviewed this piece and generously shared their expertise and lived experience to help improve it. Dr. Liz Marnik, PhD, is Executive Director of The Evidence Collective and a science communicator and immunologist working at the intersection of public trust, science, and public health. To discuss communication training on topics like health equity and storytelling, email Liz at liz@yle.health or learn more on our website. Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) comprises a team of experts, ranging from physicians to immunologists to epidemiologists to nutritionists, working together with one goal: to “translate” ever-evolving public health science so that people are well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. The YLE suite of newsletters reaches over 475,000 people across more than 132 countries. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: Your Local Epidemiologist is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Caleb Flynn convicted of killing wife as she slept
Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of murder in the death of his wife.
“Saved by the Bell” actress recalls last time she saw late costar Dennis Haskins in sweet tribute
Several cast members from the teen comedy have sent love to Haskins following his death on Sunday.
After failed execution, health workers say Tennessee's rules flout medical ethics
As another death row inmate’s execution arrives, doctors and nurses in Tennessee say they want medical professionals removed from the execution process. They’ve also joined defense attorneys and nine Republican state lawmakers in demanding a moratorium on the death penalty and an overhaul of the state’s execution methods.
Orange County confirms first West Nile virus deaths of the year
The Orange County Health Care Agency said the deadly cases were "confirmed in older adults" this week.
Michele Singer Reiner's sister opens up about family's 'unimaginable' loss
Michele Singer Reiner‘s sister is opening up about the photographer's death nine months after she and husband Rob Reiner were fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home in December.
Angela Stribling death: TV and radio personality, and talented jazz singer
Pioneering BET host Angela Stribling has died. Stribling was also an accomplished jazz singer and radio personality, who lost a two-year battle with brain cancer.
Upstate bridge death ruled suicide, prompts mental health discussions
A man’s death at a Greenville County bridge has been ruled a suicide, sparking conversations about mental health challenges and available resources.
MSU health officials warn campus about dangerous synthetic opioid
Michigan State University health officials issued a warning to the campus community about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid linked to more than 100 deaths in the United States, including a 16-year-old boy in California.
California's Six Flags Magic Mountain closes X2 coaster permanently after history of injuries
LOS ANGELES — Six Flags Magic Mountain’s famous X2 roller-coaster ride is permanently closed, following a history of injuries, including some that led to deaths, park officials announced Tuesday. The
Slinger Francisco death: Singer known as the Mighty Sparrow was 91
"King of Calypso" Slinger Francisco, also known as the Mighty Sparrow, died in New York on Sunday at 91 following a brief illness, according to his daughter, Karen Francisco.
Tiffani Thiessen pays tribute to“ ‘Saved by the Bell”‘ costar Dennis Haskins after his death at 75
Thiessen remembered Haskins as “the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure he knew he was in our corner.”
California's Six Flags Magic Mountain closes X2 coaster permanently after history of injuries
LOS ANGELES — Six Flags Magic Mountain's famous X2 rollercoaster ride is permanently closed, following a history of injuries, including some that led to deaths, park officials announced on Tuesday.
Mario Lopez reacts to “Saved by the Bell ”costar Dennis Haskins’ death: ‘Heartbroken’
Lopez also shared an AI photo of the pair on the set of their sitcom.