SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " The Nation " 2,324 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Xi is wrapping his visit to Washington with a peek at the Constitution
They are visiting the National Archives on Friday
Xi is wrapping his visit to Washington with a peek at the Constitution
They are visiting the National Archives on Friday
Xi is wrapping his visit to Washington with a peek at the Constitution
They are visiting the National Archives on Friday
Bruno Fernandes enters Portugal’s top 10 most-capped players
Bruno Fernandes made his 95th appearance for Portugal on Thursday as the Seleção secured a 1-0 win over Wales in the Nations League.The Manchester United midfielder started the game and completed t...
Fewer relegations, fewer leagues: changes to the Nations League
The Nations League is set for a small revolution starting with the 2028/29 edition.While the competition currently operates with four leagues, League D will disappear. To ensure the transition, UEFA h...
US politics live: Trump to wrap up Xi summit with a tour of US archives
Xi is expected to depart Washington after touring the nation’s vault of records, where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are held
Mets Have A Chance To Escape Basement This Weekend
The New York Mets are in Washington to play the Nationals in a battle of bottom-dwelling teams.
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's an offering of the best of this week's crop, picked fresh off the Toonosphere. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
Bellamy wants more from Wales after Portugal loss
Craig Bellamy believes there is "more to come" from his Wales side in the Nations League following their opening match loss in Lisbon.
Murphysboro BBQ festival brings teams from near and far
MURPHYSBORO — The 39th annual Praise the Lard Barbecue Cook-off is this weekend's hottest ticket, with participating teams planning months in advance for one of the national circuit's biggest contests.
UVM receives $19M grant to build a national neuroscience observatory
The National Science Foundation grant will support Larner College of Medicine neurology professor Davi Bock’s three-dimensional brain maps.
Nations League: Muriqi header sinks Republic of Ireland
Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats as the Republic of Ireland travel to Kosovo in the Nations League
😅Night of howlers: Cristiano and Adeyemi become a meme
The Nations League got underway and, as the matches have been played, the moments stealing the spotlight have arrived. Some very good, and others to forget. Cristiano Ronaldo had a very frustrating fi...
US cybersecurity agency releases election infrastructure plan
NEW YORK (AP) — The nation’s cybersecurity agency on Thursday released an election infrastructure security plan 40 days before November’s midterms, laying out potential threats to election systems and listing services it would offer to election officials to protect the vote. The plan, which Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had originally promised to release by […]
Princess Diana’s Painful Mental Health Struggles Revealed in Brother’s Explosive Memoir
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Princess Diana’s brothe...
Tolton film cast, director to appear at special Quincy screening
QUINCY — The story of Father Augustine Tolton, the nation’s first publicly recognized Black Catholic priest, will return to Quincy on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when the film “Tolton: From Slave […]
Probable Italy vs. Belgium line-ups and latest injury news
Italy tested Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito together for the Nations League clash, while Belgium are without injured Leandro Trossard, but could start Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne.It kicks off at...
Trump admin to end key part of arch review, effectively evading preservation law
The agency that oversees an important part of the National Historical Preservation Act says it will jettison a part of the approval process.
Energy Department will spend nearly $2 billion to squeeze more electricity from the nation's aging power grid
The money will go toward 31 projects across 26 states that are expected to produce more than 23 gigawatts of additional electricity capacity — enough to power 16 million homes.
Big business warns Trump against diesel export ban in joint letter
The national average for a gallon of diesel reached $6.51 on Thursday, nearly $3 more than the same period a year ago, according to data from AAA.
UT Health San Antonio ranks on Forbes list of ‘America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals 2026’
UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center and health system of The University of Texas at San Antonio, has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals 2026 by Forbes, earning a place among just 250 healthcare organizations nationwide recognized for creating strong workplace environments for healthcare professionals. The national recognition, […]
Löw: New Germany coach Klopp needs 'necessary time and space'
Former Germany coach Joachim Löw believes Jürgen Klopp can enjoy a successful spell with the national team but has urged patience from fans. Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss Klopp take charges of his first Germany match later on Thursday in the Nations League in the Netherlands.
Walker Kessler's ESPN Rise Sends Clear Message to Utah Jazz
A 25-spot rankings surge for the Lakers’ newest center exposes a harsh reality: elite production often stays hidden until paired with superstars and the national spotlight.
Is metascience being co-opted?
In July, the White House released a report that argued academia is deeply dysfunctional and in need of radical reform.Science: A New Golden Age sets out a litany of problems many academics will recognise: interminable waits for grants; short-term funding rather than support for longer, more ambitious projects; ballooning administrative requirements; pressure to publish, and many more. “The scientific machine is getting bogged down,” it says. At least on the face of it, Science: A New Golden Age is a triumph for the metascience movement, a loose-knit, global group of academics, philanthropists and think tankers that want far more testing and experimentation in how we fund public research and innovation. The report tells US research funders to set up internal metascience units to do just this. But it has also set alarm bells ringing that metascience is being conveniently deployed to help justify the defunding of US universities, which US vice president JD Vance has openly labelled “the enemy.” “Just because you have an issue with your plumbing in your house doesn't mean you light the entire house on fire and burn it to the ground,” said Colette Delawalla, chief executive of Stand Up for Science, a group campaigning against what it says are attacks on scientists by the Trump administration. No one is arguing that academia doesn’t need reform, but there’s debate over how far and how fast the system should be shaken up. Does public R&D need slow and steady evidence-based adjustment, or radical new experiments?One of the key arguments in Science: A New Golden Age is that there’s not enough funding for what it calls “mid-level” science: engineering-heavy projects that require tens of millions of dollars, involve ten to a hundred people, and last around five years. Such a project might develop a brain-computer interface for people with Alzheimer's disease, for example. As such, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) has already announced $1.5 billion to set up so-called X-Labs, effectively new research organisations to pursue breakthroughs in areas such as quantum sensing and new scientific instruments. Funding divertedBut there’s a catch: this money has squeezed NSF budgets for more traditional, fundamental research grants, Science reported in June, likely meaning less cash for university-based scientists. Science: A New Golden Age also makes various swipes at universities, accusing them of extracting overheads from scientists to fund administrative bloat. “We have become dependent on a narrow set of legacy institutions,” it says. The report doesn’t mention it, but the US government is simultaneously seeking greater powers over federal funding, which would allow political appointees at funding agencies to screen or cancel research grants mid-project. The White House is also seeking to slash the NSF’s budget by more than half in 2027, although similar cuts proposed for 2026 were blocked by Congress. Convenient hookThis has worried some that the metascience agenda could be misused as a kind of smokescreen to further weaken universities. James Wilsdon, executive director of the Research on Research Institute at University College London, said that the report contains lots of “interesting ideas” and agrees that in places, academia is a “pretty broken system.” But the risk is that metascience is being deployed as a “convenient hook” to support cuts and a “political land grab” to transfer grant power from scientists to political appointees in US funding agencies.So far, the metascience agenda hasn’t been seized on by radical right parties in Europe. But Wilsdon worries it will cross the Atlantic, politicising research reform efforts and making them more difficult to carry out. The report is already making some in Europe sceptical of the entire idea. “The system is not without flaws, but the metascience discussion is not likely to improve the system but rather to generate munition to undermine it,” said Claes de Vreese, a professor of AI and society at the University of Amsterdam. Peter Thiel protégéOfficially, Science: A New Golden Age has just one named author: Michael Kratsios, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a former chief of staff to Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel. He also served as chief financial officer of Thiel’s Clarium Capital Management. Since the 1990s, Thiel has criticised US universities for moving away from teaching what he views as the classic works of western civilisation, and drifting towards “anti-Western zealotry.” And since 2011, he has offered two-year fellowships of $250,000 to young people to skip or drop out of university, and instead start companies or pursue scientific research. “College can be good for learning about what’s been done before, but it can also discourage you from doing something new,” according to the Thiel Fellowships website. In other areas, the Trump administration has promoted academics with a longstanding interest in metascience. For example, the head of the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya, in 2020 co-authored a study arguing the funder backs overly conservative proposals, although he achieved wider prominence as a critic of pandemic lockdowns. Careless talk costs fundingEven before the Trump administration embraced the metascience agenda, some metascientists privately wondered whether they should be careful not to overstate dysfunctions in academia, in case this gets used as ammunition against universities. But others think being cautious with criticism is pointless. After all, last year, the Trump administration sought to cut funding from US universities on an entirely different premise: supposed antisemitism on campus. “I don't think these governments need a technical metascientific excuse to attack the universities, they will want to do so anyway,” said Will Stone, a researcher at Science Works, a new think tank advocating for a “metascience revolution” in the UK. “I think researchers should report what they find, even when the findings may be used to advance policies they disagree with,” echoed Russell Funk, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, who in 2023 co-authored a highly influential paper that argued scientific papers were becoming less disruptive over time. No justificationThat said, Funk thinks that metascientific research certainly doesn’t justify a weakening of universities. Instead, scientists need “time, resources and stability to pursue unfamiliar ideas,” he said. “Taking away those conditions works against the very goal the reforms are supposed to achieve.”The Institute for Progress, a Washington DC-based innovation policy think tank that has championed X-Labs and metascience units, also says that reforms should complement, not supplant, universities. “Unpredictable, unreliable, and reduced federal funding to researchers is destabilising to the very foundations of research and development and is bad,” said Jenn Gustetic, the institute’s director of metascience and R&D policy.Evolution or revolution?This points to a much bigger divide in the metascience community: how far and how fast should public R&D be shaken up? Does it need evolution or revolution? For example, Science: A New Golden Age says the science system relies too heavily on traditional “workhorse” project grants, the type that pay out around $250,000 a year to fund “hypothesis-driven science by small teams on tractable questions.” However, in criticising project grants, the report “decisively picks one side of a debate that is far from settled,” David Hilmer Rex, a metascientist based in Denmark, has written. In June, Pierre Azoulay, a metascientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, defended project grants, saying that the alternative of X-Labs “merits scepticism.”A-B testingOne challenge in metascience is that it’s easier to generate evidence for some types of change than others. Most straightforwardly, research funders can run A-B tests on different ways of awarding money. For example, Germany’s Volkswagen Foundation recently trialled distributed peer review, where applicants rate each other’s proposals, and measured its results against traditional review panels. Distributed peer review made quicker decisions, although awarded money to largely different ideas. However, much of the focus of the metascience movement has been on founding fast-moving and free-acting new research organisations and funders, in contrast to the alleged stodginess of mainstream academia or public innovation grants. A culture of speed and freedom are the animating principles behind Germany’s Sprind or the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria).Related articlesViewpoint: it's time to experiment with how Europe funds science European researchers sound the alarm that Trump rule changes will hit cooperationHowever, while it’s possible to closely study previously successful bodies, such as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa), for historical clues to their secret sauce, it’s impossible to guarantee in advance that the likes of Sprind or Aria will actually work as hoped. But advocates of new organisations say this inherent uncertainly shouldn’t stop us trying. “If we wait for definitive proof that something will work before we try it, I don't know where your proof is coming from,” said Stone. Trade-offsUp until now, experiments in metascience haven’t generally come with hard trade-offs over money. In the US, new ideas such as focused research organisations have often been funded by billionaire philanthropists. In Europe, new innovation agencies such as Sprind and Aria, or the Netherland’s new National Agency for Disruptive Innovation, haven’t needed explicit cuts elsewhere in the research system. But with the $1.5 billion establishment of X-Labs by the NSF, the trade-offs are becoming clearer. Some metascientists privately wonder whether a smaller pilot would have been more appropriate, given that the idea is untested. The Institute for Progress counters that the $1.5 billion X-Labs budget is spread out over a decade, so will account for less than 2% of the NSF’s annual budget. “It’s important to remember that [Darpa] was once an institutional experiment as well. Now it’s one of the most cited innovative funding models in the world,” said Gustetic.As for Europe?The US isn’t the only country placing metascience at the heart of its research strategy. Science: A New Golden Age looks admiringly at the UK, which in 2024 set up a Metascience Unit to scrutinise how it funds research. In Brussels, it’s more of a mixed picture. In 2018, the EU set up the European Innovation Council to funnel grants and equity to start-ups, although it’s sometimes criticised for awarding money too slowly. Recently, the council has started experimenting with challenges, where teams of inventors compete to overcome a technological challenge. The European Commission also wants to experiment with partially randomising grant winners, to cut down on bureaucracy. However, the Commission’s own advisers have said the EU’s own research schemes are too conventional. They want the Commission to establish a new dedicated unit to scrutinise and experiment with funding. But there’s no sign of a such unit emerging in Brussels’ plans for the next Horizon Europe programme, which from 2028 is set to distribute more than €160 billion over seven years. Sam Bogerd, director of breakthrough innovation at the Brussels-based Arq Foundation, an AI-focused think tank that also looks at metascience, says that Europe might have the opposite problem to the US: universities and basic research funding are still reasonably well supported, but there’s not enough experimentation. “We're not taking a close enough look at where this money can achieve the most, and I am worried that the good ideas around metascience will be tainted politically by their association with the Trump administration,” he said. He’s still lobbying for the Commission to set up an experimental unit. But in the meantime, the Arq Foundation plans to do its own research, and is currently hiring two metascience researchers to run the rule over how Brussels spends research funding.
Analysis | One Republican could hold back the party’s candidates in Pennsylvania. And it’s not Trump.
Pennsylvania Republicans are starting to worry that the state’s lopsided race for governor is directly affecting four of the nation’s most competitive House races.
American Bar Association Fights to Keep Power to Vet Law Schools
Losing its accreditation ability would be a blow to the nation’s largest association of lawyers and another example of how the Trump administration is reshaping higher education.
Commentary: Ohio is the nation’s No. 1 for business. Our challenge is to become No. 1 for students.
If Ohio wants to remain the best place for starting and growing a business, it also needs to become the best place for every student to learn, prepare for a career, and build a successful life.
NRF: 2026 Halloween spending expected to rise 3.82%
Despite higher gasoline prices, consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween-related items, up 3.82%, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey report. The percentage gain is not...
Michigan's Run Game Faces Major Test Against Iowa
Michigan's struggling run game will face one of its biggest tests of the season against an Iowa defense that ranks among the nation's best against the run.
TENNESSEE VOLS FOOTBALL: Carter semifinalist for Campbell Trophy
The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced Wednesday that Tennessee senior linebacker Arion Carter is one of 206 semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy – college football's premier scholar-athlete award.
States can soon order covid vaccines for low-income children, after delay
The Vaccines for Children program, which serves nearly half the nation’s youths, had been in limbo for almost a month, with doctors unable to obtain the shots.
Trump administration's ban of three prominent news outlets from White House is in court
The extraordinary showdown between President Donald Trump and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes moved Wednesday to a courtroom in the nation’s capital, where a judge is hearing arguments on whether the president’s move banning three news organizations from White House grounds violates the Constitution.
Serious business resumes for Wales boss Bellamy
With the Burnley interest firmly behind him, Craig Bellamy is focused on leading Wales in the Nations League, starting against Portugal in Lisbon.
Firm Advises Ayble Health on $16 Million Series A
On September 16, 2026, Ayble Health, the nation's leading AI-enabled virtual multidisciplinary GI clinic, announced the close of a $16 million oversubscribed Series A round led by Neon, with…
ICYMI: Protect College Sports Act Earns Support from Students, Coaches, ADs, Professors, University Presidents - U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Student athletes, coaches, professors, and presidents from universities and colleges from across the country have rallied behind the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and FBS Athletics Directors Association have all offered their support. Ruben Rojas Betanzos, a student athlete […]
Columbia, Maryland ranks as No. 1 city for women due to good job, health outcomes
Columbia, Maryland has been ranked the No. 1 city in the nation for women due to its favorable conditions for good job prospects and positive health outcomes, according to a new survey released by the financial website WalletHub.
NHHF Launches NHHF Action Fund as Hundreds of Health Leaders Gather in Washington
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) gathered health leaders, healthcare professionals, students, policymakers, and partners in...
Short-series science: Why one wild-card opponent fits Phillies better than the rest
The race for the National League Wild Card spots got a little wilder on Tuesday night. The Phillies defeated Milwaukee; […]
2026 NFL Mexico City pregame entertainment announced
The NFL announced that acclaimed Música Mexicana artist Majo Aguilar and Oakland-born Blaxicana singer-songwriter MXKA will perform the national anthems of Mexico and the United States prior to the 2026 NFL Mexico City Game
A Pod of Their Own’s Annual Dollars 4 Dingers event
Join us Saturday to raise money for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Georgia named No. 1 state for business for 13th straight year
Georgia has once again been named the nation’s top state for business by the magazine Area Development.
Klopp ready to 'get straight down to business' in Germany debut
Jürgen Klopp said he will get "straight down to business" in his debut as Germany coach in the Nations League opener against the Netherlands on Thursday. "I haven't heard of many friendly matches in Amsterdam so it's straight down to business," the new national team told journalists after the final training session on Wednesday.
Women's Health Care Affordability Challenges
As health care costs dominate the national political conversation, our 2026 KFF Women’s Health Survey shows the toll those costs are taking on women. Our new nationally representative survey of women and men ages 18–64 finds costs remain a major barrier for women, specifically — causing everything from delayed care to rationed medications to cuts in spending on basic needs.
National Grocers Association CEO warns America could be left with just 'five or six national chains'
The National Grocers Association warns America is facing an "inflection point" where independent grocers could vanish, leaving just five or six national chains.
Huskers dominant in recent NIL sales
UNL was ranked third in the nation in NIL sales amongst all universities. Nebraska volleyball players such as Harper Murray, Andi Jackson and Bergen Reilly placed amongst the top five spots for top-selling female athletes in August.
Dodgers notes: Blake Snell, Dalton Rushing, Will Klein
LOS ANGELES — It’s the final week of the regular season and the Dodgers are sorting things out as they prepare for the postseason, which they hope will start on October 3 in the National League Division Series rather than September 29 in the wild card round. Before Tuesday’s game, Blake Snell pitched a bullpen […]
Maui Wildfire Exposure Study gets $6M in federal funding to extend post-fire health tracking to 2031
Two grants from the National Institutes of Health will allow a critical post-wildfire University of Hawai'i study to continue and expand.
What Will Be Inside Trump’s D.C. Arch?
President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery has undergone a significant change in purpose since the project was first presented as a monument commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The 250-foot structure was designed to include public spaces, exhibits ...
APSA Joint Statement on the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program -
The American Political Science Association (APSA) and the undersigned organizations are writing to express disappointment in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) removal of STEM education and several major social science disciplines from eligibility for the [...]
Ravens Week 3 Power Rankings Round-Up
A look at where the Baltimore Ravens land in the national power rankings.
OU football recruiting tracker: 4-star linebacker Jay Schell commits
This post tracks OU football's recruitment out of high school. The Sooners currently have 27 commits in the 2027 class and are ranked No. 6 in the nation. They currently
Situation Report No.11: Earthquakes in Venezuela 2026 (M7.2 and M7.5)
Nearly three months after the 24 June 2026 earthquakes in Venezuela, the response has moved into early recovery while sustaining essential emergency operations. Efforts now center on maintaining continuity of care across mental health, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and neonatal care, NCDs, and rehabilitation, alongside restoring affected facilities, supporting transitional camps, and strengthening Health Cluster coordination as Emergency Medical Teams and international partners withdraw. Health system recovery is advancing, with 16 ASICs and 356 health facilities assessed (61% operational) and rehabilitation progressing under CERF, CFE and US funding, while fluctuating electricity, medication refrigeration and emergency-generator gaps continue to challenge the safe continuity of essential health services. Public health surveillance and prevention remain active, with 47,145 cumulative vaccine doses administered and 556 health professionals trained, while intensified surveillance in La Guaira and Miranda and mounting environmental risks from tropical rains and heatwaves continue to require sustained vector-control and water/sanitation action. Contraception remains the most consistent unmet need across assessed shelters, particularly among adolescents and young women, while mental health needs continue to rise across the transitional camps amid limited supplies and specialized personnel. PAHO/WHO continues to support the response with critically needed medical supplies and medicines, having shipped 46.6 metric tons to Venezuela to date, benefiting 72 actors and reaching 117,714 people with treatment through PAHO and partner donations, while sustained technical and logistical support to the Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS) has strengthened the national supply chain and ensured the continuity of health services through the coordination, reception, and mobilization of international donations of essential medical products.
In Memoriam: Dr. Lorenzo Morris, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Former NCOBPS President -
This obituary includes excerpts from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. APSA is saddened by the passing of Dr. Lorenzo Morris, a distinguished scholar, Professor Emeritus, and former Chair of the Department of Political [...]
In Memoriam: Dr. Lorenzo Morris, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Former NCOBPS President -
This obituary includes excerpts from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. APSA is saddened by the passing of Dr. Lorenzo Morris, a distinguished scholar, Professor Emeritus, and former Chair of the Department of Political [...]
NOAA Selects Superintendent for Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary
The city of Oswego is pleased to announce that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has selected Stephanie Gandulla to serve as the first Superintendent of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Gandulla, who currently serves as Research Protection Coordinator at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, brings extensive experience in marine resource protection, maritime heritage preservation, research, education, outreach and community engagement. Throughout her career with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Gandulla has worked closely with communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, local organizations and other partners to advance marine conservation and connect the public with the Great Lakes’ natural and cultural resources. She holds a master’s degree in Maritime Studies from East Carolina University and has extensive technical experience in scientific diving, marine operations, research and monitoring, interpretation and resource protection. As superintendent, Gandulla will provide leadership for the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and work with regional partners and stakeholders to advance its mission of protecting and conserving Lake Ontario’s significant marine resources and maritime heritage. “This is another exciting and important step forward in the process of establishing the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary,” said Oswego Mayor Robert A. Corradino. “Stephanie Gandulla brings tremendous experience and a proven commitment to protecting our Great Lakes resources while building strong partnerships with communities. We are excited to welcome her to this role and look forward to working with NOAA, Stephanie and our many partners as we continue moving this initiative forward.” Gandulla’s extensive experience throughout the Great Lakes region positions her to build upon the strong foundation established for the sanctuary and foster continued collaboration among communities, agencies, organizations and stakeholders. Gandulla’s first official day as superintendent is Sept. 21. The city of Oswego looks forward to welcoming Gandulla to her new position and continuing to support the collaborative efforts surrounding the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.
Rice rises to No. 16 in US News rankings as engineering, business programs climb
Rice has climbed one spot to No. 16 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, with the university also earning top 10 recognition for value, undergraduate teaching and student experience.
Is 50 the new 60?
Subscribe TL;DR: Younger generations are showing signs of worse health compared to earlier-born cohorts at the same age This backward “drift” is showing up both in mortality risk and chronic disease Worsening trends in obesity and diabetes are the most consistent signals Taking the long view, we’ve made astonishing gains in health and life expectancy in the last century. Global average life expectancy has more than doubled from 32 years in 1900 to 73 years in 2024. (But don’t forget, there were still old people when life expectancy was 32). As people lived longer, they also generally lived healthier along the way. It turns out that avoiding things that can kill you early, like malnutrition and lots of childhood infections, also keeps you healthier later in life. In a classic 2004 paper, Finch and Crimmins proposed that cohorts of children who benefited from fewer early life infections had less lifetime exposure to inflammation and cardiovascular disease later in life, accelerating mortality improvements at older ages. Poor nutrition in the womb has also been linked to a higher risk of later chronic disease. The upshot is that improvements in childhood health can pay dividends many decades later. The combination of better living conditions (nutrition, sanitation) and medical advances (antibiotics, vaccines, blood pressure meds, etc) meant that people’s healthy lifespan generally expanded, even as they lived longer. Aging researchers call this best-case scenario “compression of morbidity”—meaning we delay the onset of disease and disability even faster than the years of life we are adding. During my 20+ year research career, we could generally bank on the idea that younger generations would not only live longer but also keep getting healthier along the way. “60 is the new 50” as they say… Enter “Generational Health Drift” Sadly, this expectation of steady progress may be changing. You’ve probably heard that US life expectancy gains have slowed to a crawl in the past couple of decades. Mortality improvements are also slowing (though less dramatically) in many other high-income countries (you can read more about that in a review paper I wrote here). Mortality is a very blunt health measure, but it is often a good barometer for the broader population health trends happening underneath. And we are now seeing that younger generations may be in worse health at similar ages compared to earlier born cohorts. My collaborator Prof. George Ploubidis at University College London coined this worsening health in more recently born cohorts “generational health drift.” “Generational health drift” is bad news on multiple fronts. Most obviously, we don’t want our health progress to go backward. But the timing is also bad, since our populations are aging. In demographic terms, “population aging” means that the proportion of the population at older ages (i.e >65 years) is increasing. Fun demography fact: Current population aging is not due to the recent declines in the birth rates making the news, but declines in fertility decades ago, after the “baby boom.” As baby boomers reach older ages, the smaller cohorts behind them mean the percentage of older adults will increase. For example, the share of the population age 65 and older in the US increased from 12.4% in 2004 to 18.0% in 2024. This story of population aging was written long ago. Many worry that population aging will put pressure on health care and pension systems. But if people reach older ages in better health than in years past, those fiscal pressures would be less dire than projected. Healthy older people can also continue to contribute to society in many valuable ways, including paid work, caregiving, community service….even high political office 🤷. On the flip side, if younger generations reach retirement age in worse health and with more disabling conditions, this could magnify the societal challenge of population aging. Evidence for worsening generational health A recent paper that I LOVED in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by Dr. Leah Abrams and colleagues examined which birth cohorts (aka generations) were behind worsening US mortality. Behold the Lexis diagram (cue swooning demographers). Calendar time is on the x-axis, age on the y-axis. Birth cohorts can be followed over time as they age on the diagonal lines moving up and to the right. This figure plots the year-on-year % change in all-cause mortality at a given age. Green shading indicates mortality improvements over time, white is stagnation, and gray shading indicates worsening mortality. Following the diagonal line for those born in 1950, you can see a noticeable shift from green to gray that follows this cohort for most of their lives. This gray shading shows generally worsening mortality for the 1950 to 1959 birth cohorts compared to their predecessors across all ages. Concerningly for my GenX and elder millennial peeps, there was also a deterioration in mortality for birth cohorts born in the 1970s and 1980s, visible as dark gray areas at ages 30 to 45 during the 2010s. While some of these mortality changes reflect specific shocks such as the opioid epidemic, most deaths still occur from major causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. For cancer, the gray in the top left corner of the figure below reflects the legacies of smoking for older cohorts, followed by a period of green with improvements in cancer mortality as smoking rates declined. But the white/gray shading in the bottom right corner highlights a stagnation and reversal of the cancer trends, with cohorts born around 1970 to 1985 experiencing worsening cancer mortality. This deterioration was most noticeable for colon cancer mortality, possibly linked to obesity or dietary factors. Not just dying more, but less healthy along the way. A recent paper by Dr. Laura Gimeno of University College London (of which I am a co-author), found evidence that more recently born cohorts in Great Britain have stagnating or worsening health. A stylized picture of what“generational health drift” might look like: The review paper found: Rates of childhood overweight and obesity were highest among Gen Z. Rates of diabetes in the 40s almost doubled from 3.1% among the Baby Boomers to 5.9% in Generation X. Gen Z reported higher rates of poor mental health in adolescence compared to earlier-born groups. These UK results are consistent with studies showing worsening health across generations in the US as well. A 2021 US study found that more recently born cohorts had worse biological markers (like blood pressure and blood sugar) than earlier generations at the same age. A separate 2022 study of Americans aged 50 and over found that more recently born generations had a higher number of chronic diseases, with younger age of disease onset. A 2024 Lancet paper found that in the US, women born in 1945 had 33% obesity prevalence at age 50, rising to 48.2% for women born in 1970 turning 50. So what’s going on, and can we turn it around? We don’t have a definitive answer for what’s causing the deteriorating health of younger cohorts, but circumstantial evidence points to worsening trends in obesity and diabetes in both the US and UK. Remember that cohort trends reflect lagged effects of early environments, and younger generations have faced both earlier onset and more severe obesity across their lifetimes. Despite these very concerning trends, the future is not set in stone. We’ve reversed poor generational health trends before: drops in smoking are a major reason cancer and heart disease deaths fell so dramatically in recent decades. GLP-1 drugs may finally turn the tide against rising rates of obesity and diabetes, though it is still early days. But things could also get worse…for example from a return to higher levels of childhood infectious diseases that can have a lasting impact on health. See for example: [ ](https://jenndowd.substack.com/p/dont-you-forget-about-measles-the) [ Don’t You Forget About Me(asles): The Virus That Erases Immune Memory ](https://jenndowd.substack.com/p/dont-you-forget-about-measles-the) Jenn Dowd, PhD · March 24, 2025 [ Read full story ](https://jenndowd.substack.com/p/dont-you-forget-about-measles-the) Even as an optimist, emerging data on the “generational health drift” has my full attention. For most of my research career, we took it for granted that each generation would be healthier than the last. But if present trends continue, **50 could be the new 60….**and Gen Z celebrities will soon look older than Paul Rudd :). Stay well, Jenn Share the Health! If you found this post useful, please share it with a friend. Share
5️⃣ stories of the day: Atleti's complaints, Mbappé's step back..
Club football is on pause to make way for the national teams, but this weekend brought so much news that Tuesday is red-hot.So we’re going to run through the five stories you can’t miss to kick of...
UC Berkeley Engineering rises to No. 2 undergraduate program in U.S. News rankings
The college remains top public engineering program in the nation
Brain Health WA resource aims to reduce dementia risk
With Western Australia projected to record the nation's fastest growth in dementia cases, a new Curtin University-led resource aims to help people protect their brain health and reduce their risk.
MIT named the nation’s top university by U.S. News for 2026-27
MIT tops U.S. News and World Report’s 2026-27 rankings of the nation’s best colleges and universities.
Voting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls that they say could affect midterm turnout
Several of the nation’s largest left-leaning voter engagement and racial justice organizations are facing steep funding shortfalls and staffing cutbacks.
WATCH LIVE: Judy Woodruff and Jamelle Bouie discuss the freedom of the press at Monticello
This event streams live at 6 p.m ET on Sept 21, 2026 in the player above. More about the event: At a pivotal moment for the nation, this conversation will consider the role of journalism in sustaining a free society and the challenges facing the press in 2026 and beyond. The evening will feature a conversation between award-winning journalist Judy Woodruff and New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, Monticello’s 2026-2027 Fritz and Claudine Kundrun Fellow.
Georgia football is scoring at a historic pace
Georgia leads the nation in scoring with an average of over 59 points per game as they prepare to face a tough Oklahoma defense.
Congressional leaders warn White House against adding controls over NIH grants
Political officials are weighing the creation of a commission to review awards by the National Institutes of Health, The Post reported.
UWA awarded National Institutes of Health funding for research equipment
A grant from the National Institutes of Health is making way for new biomedical research opportunities for students and faculty at the University of West Alabama. The funding is UWA’s first National Institutes of Health (NIH) award, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s research growth.
UNO's Chun-Hua Tsai Earns Prestigious NSF CAREER Award
UNO Faculty, recognized by the National Science Foundation for developing AI systems that help people understand nutrition and make healthier dietary choices
Trump decries Democrats as ‘communists,’ even as he looks to impress China’s communist leader
WASHINGTON (AP) — Communism, President Donald Trump says, is the greatest threat the U.S. has ever faced. This summer, citing similarly grave concerns, he took the rare step of delivering a primetime address to the nation, accusing China of “sinister election meddling” in 2020 and reviving his yearslong push to dispute his loss in that […]
Kazakh scientists develop W Balance functional spread
Scientists of the Kazakh Scientific and Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry of the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Centre created a new technology and recipe for the functional butter-vegetable spread “W Balance,” Qazinform News Agency reports.
WAMU's Week Ahead: Postpartum mental health, week two of the Trayon White trial, National Museum of African American History's 10-year anniversary
This week WAMU will be checking in on what resources there are for mothers experiencing postpartum mental illness, the second week of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White's federal bribery trial and what the National Museum of African American History and Culture is cooking up for its 10th anniversary celebrations.
What States and Territories Have to Say About National Preparedness
Learn about the importance of maintaining public health preparedness at the national scale in this blog post.
USA TODAY Sports Super 25 high school football rankings, Week 6
Bishop Gorman's win over Mater Dei shifted the national rankings, and Carrollton's dynamic offense has pushed the Trojans into the top 10.
Republic of Ireland braced for testing Nations League
BBC Sport NI looks at how Republic of Ireland and their opponents - Kosovo, Israel and Austria are shaping up for the Nations League.
Culturally Relevant Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Care Strategies
(Feature Impact) Driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other risk factors, cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('fixed-big-ad-top-asset'); }); Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation’s largest ethnic minority group, yet many continue to face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal, “Circulation,” revealed how social, economic, cultural and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health, calling for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research.“Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health,” said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. “Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies… Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives.”Hispanic Cardiovascular Health by the NumbersCardiovascular risk factors – obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%) and high blood pressure (approximately 44%) – are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently among Hispanic adults compared with white adults.According to the report, only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association’s original Life’s Simple 7 metrics. Updated analyses using the Life’s Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns and levels of physical activity.Social and Economic Barriers MatterBiology alone does not explain cardiovascular health disparities. The environments where people live, work and age, along with social and economic challenges, impact heart health. In fact, approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('fixed-big-ad-middle-asset'); }); “Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor’s office,” Contreras said. “Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment.”Contreras emphasized the cultural values and practices of Hispanic people also influence how they perceive their health and healthcare options.“Family plays a central role in many Hispanic communities and can be an extraordinary source of strength, support and resilience,” Contreras said. “At the same time, family members are often called upon to translate medical information, navigate health systems and help make healthcare decisions for loved ones. Those responsibilities can shape how health information is understood and acted upon.”An Action Plan for Improving Hispanic HealthThere are practical opportunities to achieve equitable cardiovascular health and reduce disparities through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research and policies that address the underlying drivers of health.“Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level,” Contreras said, “from improving access to culturally responsive care and expanding research participation to addressing the social and environmental conditions that shape health.”By addressing both medical risk factors and the social conditions that shape health, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org.Photo courtesy of Shutterstock googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('fixed-big-ad-bottom-asset'); });
Culturally Relevant Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Care Strategies
(Feature Impact) Driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other risk factors, cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States.Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation’s largest ethnic minority group, yet many continue to face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal, “Circulation,” revealed how social, economic, cultural and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health, calling for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research.“Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health,” said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. “Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies… Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives.”Hispanic Cardiovascular Health by the NumbersCardiovascular risk factors – obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%) and high blood pressure (approximately 44%) – are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently among Hispanic adults compared with white adults.According to the report, only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association’s original Life’s Simple 7 metrics. Updated analyses using the Life’s Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns and levels of physical activity.Social and Economic Barriers MatterBiology alone does not explain cardiovascular health disparities. The environments where people live, work and age, along with social and economic challenges, impact heart health. In fact, approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults.#placement_976606_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid976606 = window.pid976606 || rnd;var plc976606 = window.plc976606 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=976606;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid976606+';place='+(plc976606++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');“Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor’s office,” Contreras said. “Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment.”Contreras emphasized the cultural values and practices of Hispanic people also influence how they perceive their health and healthcare options.“Family plays a central role in many Hispanic communities and can be an extraordinary source of strength, support and resilience,” Contreras said. “At the same time, family members are often called upon to translate medical information, navigate health systems and help make healthcare decisions for loved ones. Those responsibilities can shape how health information is understood and acted upon.”An Action Plan for Improving Hispanic HealthThere are practical opportunities to achieve equitable cardiovascular health and reduce disparities through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research and policies that address the underlying drivers of health.“Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level,” Contreras said, “from improving access to culturally responsive care and expanding research participation to addressing the social and environmental conditions that shape health.”By addressing both medical risk factors and the social conditions that shape health, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org.Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Braves Starter Martin Perez Gives Statement After Winning NL East
For the first time since the 2023 season, the Atlanta Braves have won the National League East division. Braves left-hander Martin Perez spoke to Wiley Ballard of BravesVision about the achievement while getting sprayed with champagne by teammates.“This is why you work so long, all year. I think we’ve been riding this together, and now […] The post Braves Starter Martin Perez Gives Statement After Winning NL East appeared first on HEAVY.
NSF Over Billion Behind on Grants; IES Says Will Give Funds
As the fiscal year’s end looms Sept. 30, the National Science Foundation has awarded significantly fewer grants than usual, and a judge has ordered an update from the Institute of Education Sciences on its research funding progress.
Union calls for halt to graded Ofsted inspections over health concerns
The National Association of Head Teachers says inspections in England may pose a "risk to life" for school leaders.
Chugiak student takes advocacy of darkness-related health issues to National Civics Bee
Elara Bradley, 13, won the state civics bee finals in June, punching her ticket to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., next month.
Week 3 Sun Belt Reaction
Week 3 of the college football season has concluded, and it’s becoming more and more clear which teams can realistically compete for the Sun Belt championship. The conference is looking deeper than expected, but against the elite teams in the nation, they aren’t quite at that level yet. Take a look to see how some …
DIALOGUE: NAMI Albany invites community to support mental health at NAMIWalks
One in five Americans live with a mental illness. The Albany chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness wants to remind the community that no one has to face it alone. Ngina Mandouma and Kelly Wesselman joined Sunday’s Dialogue to discuss their involvement with NAMI and to invite the community to support mental health for all through NAMIWalks.
DIALOGUE: NAMI Albany invites community to support mental health at NAMIWalks
One in five Americans live with a mental illness. The Albany chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness wants to remind the community that no one has to face it alone. Ngina Mandouma and Kelly Wesselman joined Sunday’s Dialogue to discuss their involvement with NAMI and to invite the community to support mental health for all through NAMIWalks.
DIALOGUE: NAMI Albany invites community to support mental health at NAMIWalks
One in five Americans live with a mental illness. The Albany chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness wants to remind the community that no one has to face it alone. Ngina Mandouma and Kelly Wesselman joined Sunday’s Dialogue to discuss their involvement with NAMI and to invite the community to support mental health for all through NAMIWalks.
DIALOGUE: NAMI Albany invites community to support mental health at NAMIWalks
One in five Americans live with a mental illness. The Albany chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness wants to remind the community that no one has to face it alone. Ngina Mandouma and Kelly Wesselman joined Sunday’s Dialogue to discuss their involvement with NAMI and to invite the community to support mental health for all through NAMIWalks.
Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it’s an ‘inexpensive price to pay’ for the Iran war
Voters across the nation say skyrocketing gas prices are causing financial hardships for their families.
Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it's an 'inexpensive price to pay' for the Iran war
Voters across the nation say skyrocketing gas prices are causing financial hardships for their families.
Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it's an 'inexpensive price to pay' for the Iran war
Voters across the nation say skyrocketing gas prices are causing financial hardships for their families.
D-backs anthem trumpeter makes AMAZING recovery after horn malfunction
PHOENIX -- During their run to the World Series championship in 2001, the Diamondbacks believed trumpeter Dr. Jesse McGuire was regarded by the organization as a good-luck charm when he performed the national anthem. McGuire performed the anthem numerous times during that postseason, including before Game 7. And every five
Science and Sense: The science of El Nino and drought busting
In the last few weeks, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revised its assessment of El Nino conditions that may affect our fall, winter, and spring weather (significantly). For
Postgame Quotes: “Shows That We Have a Great Squad"
(on Sky): “Life writes the most beautiful stories. Maxi Beier isn’t with the national team, but today he was the one who scored. I’m thrilled for him, and it ultimately shows that we have a grea...
Reaction: "It shows we've got a terrific squad!"
(on Sky): “Life writes the best stories. Maxi Beier isn’t part of the national team, but today he scores the goal. I’m happy! And in the end, it shows that we have a great squad, that we have a ...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Washington Nationals Game Discussion Saturday Night
Only two more games for the Cardinals season at Busch Stadium. Saturday night, it’s game 2 of the weekend homestand vs the Washington Nationals. Michael McGreevy is the starter for the Cardinals while it’s LHP Andrew Alvarez for the Nationals. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15pm and the game broadcast will be available through Cardinals.tv.
National nurses union hosts rally in Bangor against federal healthcare cuts
Maine organizations representing nurses met with the largest registered nurses union in the nation to push back against federal healthcare cuts in Bangor on Saturday.
Voting groups say funding shortfall could affect midterm turnout
Several of the nation’s largest voter engagement and racial justice organizations are facing steep funding shortfalls and staffing cutbacks
The nation’s premier business group is hitting the road to stamp out socialism
In a six-week trip, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hopes to convince midterm voters that free markets still offer the best hope for solving the nation’s economic woes.
Vought pushes for scrutiny of NIH grants in Oval Office clash
A heated debate took place in the Oval Office on Friday, with some Trump officials accusing the National Institutes of Health of funding grants that conflict with the president’s agenda.
Panther Creek and Green Level meet for annual game promoting mental health awareness
Panther Creek and Green Level High Schools held their third annual Mental Health Awareness game. Players wore "Live for More" shirts during warm-ups, while the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shared mental health information and resources with students and families.
Mapping tsunamis and building trust in Alaska’s coastal communities
For more than two decades, Elena Troshina has been traveling to Alaska coastal communities to support the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.
Book excerpt: "Go and Do Likewise" by Andy Beshear
The Democratic Governor of Kentucky writes about how the language of faith, which he believes has been co-opted by some politicians, can be used to bridge the nation's partisan divide.
National Science Foundation awards NMSU grant for chemical simulation
WRITER: Allison Brady, engr_media@nmsu.edu The National Science Foundation awarded nearly half a million dollars to New Mexico State University assistant professor Alejandro Gallegos to build...