American health philanthropy driving access, equity and system change
Moderna has won FDA approval for its mRNA flu vaccine mFlusiva for adults 50–64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and older. The decision follows a contentious review earlier this year, a unanimous advisory panel recommendation in June and political disputes inside US health agencies over mRNA vaccines. Retail availability is expected in coming weeks.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage has struck the Moon near Einstein Crater at about 5,400 mph, carving a new crater and launching a dust plume. South Korea’s Danuri orbiter has photographed the site and released images. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is scheduled to image the impact next week while scientists begin analysing ejecta and crater formation.
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified a rare object, MoM-BH*-1, described as a black hole star. It resembles a star in size but emits energy hundreds of billions of times stronger than a typical star, driven by a central black hole surrounded by a dense gas envelope. The finding could illuminate the origins of supermassive black holes and the abundance of little red dots seen in deep-space images.
JWST limb-resolved spectroscopy reveals a cloudy morning limb and a clearer evening limb on tidally locked exoplanet WASP-94A b, implying strong day-night circulation and challenging past assumptions about uniform planetary atmospheres.
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory has started collecting data, producing some of the most precise measurements yet of how neutrinos switch flavors. Initial results test the detector’s capabilities and set the stage for cross-checks with Hyper-Kamiokande and DUNE.
Health officials warn crowd settings at the World Cup heighten risks of infectious diseases, with measles and flu among the leading threats. Surveillance is tight as officials monitor stadiums, airports and bars for early signs of outbreaks. Experts stress vaccination and rapid response as travel ramps up.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year program that will image the southern sky every few nights. The telescope has started regular operations from its Chilean mountaintop site and is already returning new detections, including thousands of asteroids and transient views such as Comet 3I/ATLAS.
A JAMA Network Open study finds the vaccine reduces COVID-19-related hospitalizations by about 55% and lowers visits to emergency departments by 50%. The paper has drawn attention because of past political interference in CDC publishing decisions. The study uses a test-negative design and is part of ongoing assessments of vaccine performance amid evolving viral strains.
Coastal authorities have repeatedly stressed calm responses to rip currents as lifeguards warn that these powerful channels carry more than 100 drownings annually in the U.S., with more than 80% of beach rescues tied to them. This year, at least 21 fatalities have been recorded as scientists note currents can reach up to 8 feet per second. The public is urged to flip, float, and follow safety guidelines.
New research shows that laughter rhythms in humans and great apes are strikingly similar, suggesting a shared evolutionary past. Fresh recordings of children’s giggles align with decades-old ape tickling data, indicating a common ancestor and shedding light on the evolution of human speech.
NASA and partners are pursuing a high‑risk salvage to boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory into a higher, stable orbit. A Katalyst Space Technologies robot will capture Swift and lift it from 224 miles to about 373 miles, extending its life as solar activity threatens its destruction in October.
The NHS is expanding an AI-driven triage tool across app users, directing patients to the right service and reducing wait times. Trials show a 29% drop in GP phone queue lines, and the program is part of a larger £10bn tech overhaul. Safety, privacy, and digital inclusion remain priorities as the rollout reaches 200,000 patients this year and all users by 2028.
Health authorities have reported at least 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases and about 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since mid-May, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization has enrolled the first patient in a trial testing MBP134 and remdesivir; treatment centres are strained and insecurity and funding shortfalls are hindering response.
NASA has hired Katalyst Space Technologies to send Link, a three-armed drone, to grab the Swift Observatory and lift it to a higher orbit. The mission, launched from the Marshall Islands, aims to prevent Swift from burning up in Earth’s atmosphere and keep it scanning gamma-ray bursts and exploding stars.
NASA has outlined a campaign to return humans to the Moon and establish a permanent outpost by 2030, shifting from a mission-by-mission approach to a sustained lunar program. Artemis II has demonstrated new capabilities and sparked debate over the logistics, funding, and strategic value of a long-term lunar presence.
Researchers have detected erythrulose, a four-carbon sugar, in the interstellar medium near the Milky Way’s center. The finding supports theories that sugars essential to life could form in space and arrive on Earth via comets and asteroids. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that millions of tonnes of erythrulose may have rained down on Earth during the Late Heavy Bombardment.
Preliminary medical examiner findings indicate an aortic dissection linked to artery hardening has caused the death of a sitting senator. Reports describe sudden chest or back pain and rapid onset of life-threatening symptoms; speedy treatment is critical.
A body of studies is showing that a blood marker called p-tau217 can forecast an elevated risk of cognitive impairment in healthy older adults years before symptoms appear. The evidence is not yet clinical-ready, but it is guiding trials that aim to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease and is being tested in Scotland’s primary care setting.
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.
New guidance warns that extensive texting and scrolling are causing thumb and wrist pain, with risks of carpal tunnel and arthritis if untreated. Experts advise posture changes, breaks, voice-to-text and ergonomic aids as limits on device use begin.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires is driving hazardous air across multiple U.S. states. Health officials urge people to stay indoors and protect indoor air quality, with guidance on HVAC use and DIY filters. Experts warn that smoke can affect the heart, brain and pregnancy, and that air quality can remain poor for days.
The FDA has approved Lipfendra, Merck’s oral PCSK9 inhibitor, to lower LDL cholesterol in patients on statins. Trials show ~55-60% LDL reductions; the pill will be sold at about $315/month and must be taken on an empty stomach. Analysts see potential peak sales in the billions as injectable rivals face competition and access barriers.
Jenitar Na’amoana has given birth to four monozygotic girls at 28 weeks and four days after naturally conceiving; they remain in intensive care. The birth, at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, follows a high-risk pregnancy because the babies shared a single placenta. The family had four older children and the mother is supported by a medical team and a GoFundMe campaign.
A U.S. FDA advisory panel is evaluating seven peptide injections for potential compounding by licensed pharmacies. The panel's votes and the FDA's stance reflect ongoing debates about safety, efficacy, and industry influence amid rising wellness interest in peptides.
The CDC reports 2,318 measles cases in 2026, making it the worst year in decades. Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have prompted renewed concern over vaccination coverage as officials weigh loss of measles-free status.
The multistate cyclospora outbreak is now linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ central Mexico operations and has affected at least nine states, with thousands of cases and hundreds of hospitalizations reported. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall, and FDA and CDC investigations continue as officials warn consumers to avoid recalled lettuce.
FDA-confirmed cases linked to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs have prompted recalls across several brands and stores. About 98 illnesses have been reported since Nov. 21, with 26 hospitalizations. Authorities say eggs from Texas farms are a likely source, though not all cases are accounted for. A separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce remains under monitoring.
The Independent reports opening statements in Lindsay Clancy’s trial reveal that both sides agree she strangled her children in 2023. The disorder postpartum psychosis is rare but dangerous; experts say immediate help is essential as mothers with severe cases may harm themselves or others. The coverage contrasts postpartum psychosis with postpartum depression and baby blues, noting prevalence and risk factors.
CDC estimates 450 invasive mold disease cases in Atlanta-area hospitals from 2020–2024, with about one-third of patients dying in hospital. Rates translate to 3–5 cases per year per 100 inpatient beds, higher at large academic centers. Most patients have weakened immune systems or prior COVID-19 illness.
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.
New genetic analysis of Chilean mummies links smallpox to European strains, providing the strongest outside-Americas connection yet and clarifying how the disease spread during colonization. Two ancient infections date to 1492–1631, suggesting European origins for the American strains.
Across the U.S. and beyond, creative reuse centers sell donated art materials at steep discounts, diverting supplies from landfills. They save thousands of pounds monthly and help keep art affordable, with experts noting environmental and creative benefits.
Researchers have used CRISPR to edit dogs’ genes, producing two hypoallergenic beagles. The dogs’ saliva and fur no longer carry the allergy-causing protein, offering hope to millions with dog allergies. Commercial availability remains years away as health, ethical, and adoption considerations are debated.
President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal health officials to reduce the recommended childhood vaccine schedule to 11 core vaccinations, to split the combined MMR shot into separate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines once single-dose products are available, and to promote delivering immunisations at separate visits. Public health experts have said the changes are unsupported by evidence and will increase confusion and missed shots as the US faces a large measles outbreak.
The FDA has moved to close the GRAS loophole by requiring safety data for new ingredients and creating a public inventory. A parallel step defines ultraprocessed foods to help future regulation. Officials say the measures increase transparency but are not expected to alter consumer diets immediately.