RFK Jr.’s lawyer has asked the FDA to revoke approval of the polio vaccine, a move that has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief. The sheer audacity of this request is almost incomprehensible, given polio’s devastating history and the vaccine’s crucial role in eradicating the disease. It’s a chilling prospect to consider the resurgence of a disease that once crippled millions, leaving countless individuals with lifelong disabilities and claiming countless lives.
This action represents a profound disregard for public health and the remarkable progress made in controlling this horrific illness. The sheer joy and relief experienced by generations past upon the vaccine’s arrival are being callously ignored, replaced by a dangerous disregard for the very real consequences of dismantling crucial public health measures.… Continue reading
A California child fell ill with flu-like symptoms after consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, prompting an investigation into a potential H5N1 bird flu case. Initial CDC tests for H5 flu were negative, though further testing is ongoing. The milk producer, Raw Farm, had already recalled several lots of milk and cream after bird flu was detected in their products. The child recovered fully, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
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Seventy-seven Nobel laureates condemned President-elect Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing Kennedy’s promotion of anti-vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories as jeopardizing public health. The letter highlighted Kennedy’s opposition to numerous health initiatives and his attacks on respected health agencies. The Trump transition team dismissed the Nobel laureates’ concerns, defending Kennedy’s appointment. Kennedy’s nomination sparked widespread criticism from Democrats, while many Republicans remained silent.
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More than 75 Nobel laureates have issued a powerful plea to the Senate, urging them to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy. This unprecedented show of concern from some of the world’s most brilliant minds highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the potential dangers of Kennedy’s ascension to a position of influence.
The sheer number of Nobel laureates involved speaks volumes about the depth of their apprehension. This isn’t just a handful of scientists expressing a personal opinion; it’s a significant portion of the global scientific community raising a collective alarm. Their collective expertise across a multitude of fields lends significant weight to their concerns.… Continue reading
The Environmental Protection Agency’s recent ban on trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (perc) marks a significant step in protecting public health. These chemicals, known carcinogens, have been used for decades in various consumer and industrial products, silently contributing to cancer rates.
The ban on TCE, a common ingredient in degreasing agents, furniture care products, and auto repair supplies, is comprehensive. Its widespread presence in everyday items underscores the pervasive nature of this carcinogenic risk. The fact that these chemicals were so readily available for so long raises concerns about the effectiveness of previous regulations and oversight.
Similarly, the ban extends to most commercial and all consumer uses of perc, a prevalent industrial solvent historically employed in dry cleaning and auto repair.… Continue reading
Marin County health officials are investigating a potential H5N1 bird flu case in a child, the second such case in California this year. The investigation, involving state and federal agencies, aims to determine the child’s exposure source, which remains unknown in several recent U.S. cases. This potential case, if confirmed, would be the 61st human case of H5N1 in the U.S. in 2024 and the third with an unknown source of infection. The ongoing investigation includes consideration of recently recalled raw milk, though a direct link to transmission is unconfirmed.
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk declared the global war on drugs a complete failure, citing its inability to reduce drug use or related crime. He advocates for a human rights-centered approach prioritizing health and well-being over punishment, urging the inclusion of drug users’ perspectives in policymaking. This shift necessitates evidence-based strategies, replacing punitive measures with harm reduction and public health initiatives. The Commissioner emphasizes the need for a transformative approach, as highlighted in the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, to address the devastating impact of the current system.
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Mark McAfee, a major raw milk producer whose products have faced multiple recalls due to bird flu contamination, has been contacted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s team for a position advising on raw milk policy. This aligns with Kennedy’s stated intention to loosen raw milk restrictions if confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. McAfee’s potential appointment exemplifies the administration’s broader trend of placing industry leaders in regulatory roles. However, the safety of raw milk consumption remains highly contested, given its documented links to various bacterial and viral infections, including potential bird flu transmission.
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Sierra Leone launched a nationwide single-dose Ebola vaccine campaign, targeting 20,000 frontline workers. This initiative, a collaboration between the government, Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, marks the first such campaign in West Africa, following the devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak that killed nearly 4,000 Sierra Leoneans. The vaccine offers protection against a disease that previously claimed a significant portion of the country’s healthcare workforce and left lasting trauma on survivors. The campaign is seen as a crucial investment in public health and a step toward preventing future outbreaks.
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New research estimates that lead in gasoline, phased out in the US in the 1980s, is responsible for approximately 151 million mental health disorder diagnoses. This widespread exposure, affecting roughly half the US population, resulted in increased susceptibility to various mental illnesses, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The study highlights the lasting neurotoxic effects of lead, impacting cognitive function and personality traits even in undiagnosed individuals. Further research and governmental action are necessary to address the ongoing threat of lead exposure from remaining sources in older homes and certain industries.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker