The U.S. federal biomedical and public health research agency
A large Berlin-led study presented at the ESC Congress links higher blood xylitol levels to an increased risk of major cardiovascular events. The association is dose-related and persists after adjustment for common risk factors, though the study is observational and cannot prove causation.
Kennedy has led a push to pull government flu-vaccine advertising amid a broader shift at HHS, with emails showing internal debate and political direction shaping public-health messaging during a severe flu season. The disclosures show tension between Kennedy’s policy moves and CDC leadership as a new administration implements its agenda.
Anthropic is launching an internal drug-discovery program to develop AI tools for life sciences, focusing on neglected diseases. The effort aims to create drug-discovery capabilities in-house and partner with industry, while navigating the costly regulatory path and uncertain clinical development timelines.
Pharma licensing assets from China has become the main source for Western drug developers, with Evaluate projecting China-based deals will exceed two-thirds of industry value this year. The shift prompts concerns about hollowing out U.S. biotech capacity while supporters argue it accelerates patient access to new medicines.
The Senate has held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Erica Schwartz, the nominee to lead the CDC, amid questions about how she would balance scientific independence with pressure from the administration on vaccine policy. Her background spans the Coast Guard and the surgeon general’s office, with the agency facing staffing turmoil and political scrutiny.
The Pentagon has rolled out annual testosterone screenings for service members aged 30 and older, with younger troops able to volunteer. Officials describe the measure as part of maintaining a “strong, resilient and capable” fighting force, while experts warn on possible health risks and ethical concerns about medical oversight.
The military is screening for low testosterone and offering therapy to qualified troops. Experts warn against overprescribing and emphasize that treatment targets those with clinically diagnosed deficiencies.
The Justice Department is conducting a compliance review of Harvard University’s foreign funding disclosures to ensure it does not discriminate against American students in financial aid. Harvard says it does not unlawfully discriminate and is reviewing the DOJ notice as part of ongoing scrutiny of foreign money in U.S. higher education.
A new lawsuit filed in Rhode Island targets FEMA and DHS policies, arguing that the administration is forcing states to modify elections systems and assist with immigration enforcement in exchange for federal funding. The suit claims DHS could revoke grants at any time and asserts that such conditions violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Spending Clause.
The Department of Justice has withdrawn grand jury subpoenas that sought New York Times reporters' testimony and phone records after a federal judge sharply questioned the government's handling of the leak probe into reporting about President Trump's new Air Force One. The DOJ has said the investigation remains ongoing.
Recent reporting shows chronic inflammation is linked to aging disorders such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Studies indicate inflammation may be a cause, not just a symptom, of broad health risks. Policy and lifestyle factors are under scrutiny as researchers push for preventative strategies.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted 8–5 to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a hearing on pandemic decisions and the origins of COVID‑19. Chairman Rand Paul has authorised sending the committees report to the DC US attorney for possible prosecution and has threatened to certify the citation to the Senate president if the chamber is not in session.
A Senate hearing has spotlighted newly released diary pages from Fauci, fueling accusations that the scientist privately contradicted public statements as lawmakers push for questioning under the Fifth Amendment; experts note the diary entries document uncertainty in early pandemic days and ongoing debates about origins and gain-of-function research.
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
Fauci has invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing on his COVID-era policies. Rand Paul has moved to refer him to the Justice Department for contempt, arguing the presidential pardon does not shield him from self-incrimination. The diaries raise questions about private misgivings vs public statements, and about the origins of the virus and lockdowns.
Republicans on a Senate committee have voted to refer Dr. Anthony Fauci for possible contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a recent hearing. The measure, backed by committee chair Rand Paul, moves toward potential federal action despite a pre-emptive pardon covering actions through January 2025. The legal question centers on whether a pardon blocks Fifth Amendment protections in this setting.
Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute have used generative genome models to design and synthesise bacteriophage genomes; 16 of the lab-made viruses proved viable and a cocktail of them rapidly killed E. coli strains resistant to natural phages. Experts have warned the work has raised urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions about AI-designed genomes.
The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has weighed on U.S. salad chains and suppliers. Sweetgreen and Salad and Go have cut outlooks or filed for bankruptcy amid consumer fears, while Taco Bell is recovering from earlier sales shocks. Recall activity spans Mexico and 27 U.S. states, with health officials tracking the outbreak across the country.
A fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has killed 14 newborns and injured several, triggering top-level inquiries. Prime Minister Sharif has ordered investigations and disciplinary action against hospital officials and a private security contractor, while officials promise compensation for affected families.
The Justice Department has seized web domains linked to two hacking platforms, QScan and QTRouter, and federal agencies have said the tools were used since 2018 to probe and breach U.S. networks including NASA, the Federal Reserve, Energy Department labs, NIH and the U.S. Senate. Authorities say a Nanjing firm tied the platforms to Chinese intelligence and military customers.