Latest KFF Health News Stories
Amid The Heat Wave, Bacteria Shut Many Massachusetts Beaches
High bacterial levels detected in the water are closing many beaches in New England . Also in the news, where mold is most prevalent in New York, possible covid upticks in Massachusetts, E. coli sickened a California town, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Never A Sniffle: Scientists Find Genetic Hints Behind Covid Symptom-Dodging
News outlets report on fascinating research into why about 1 in 5 people who contract covid experience no symptoms, even as others suffer aftereffects for months. It may all be linked to a particular gene. Separately, scientists link obstructive sleep apnea to severe covid.
Juul Seeks FDA Authorization For New Vape That Aims To Curb Underage Use
Juul is applying for FDA approval of its new high-tech vaporizer that prevents unauthorized refills and uses an app to restrict underage access.
As Teen Mental Health Worsens, Study Links School Year To Suicide Risks
Researchers find that suicide risks for kids and teens rise during the school year. A separate study shows an increase in hospitalizations and ER visits for suicide attempts and ideation rose among children and teens from 2016 to 2021. In other mental health news: loneliness, cognitive decline, and dementia.
UN Warns Brain Implants Must Not Violate Human Rights
The UN’s ethical framework for neurotechnology includes warnings that tech should be regulated to ensure human rights lines aren’t crossed. And as Elon Musk’s Neuralink prepares for human trials, a regulator said it found no animal research violations at the company.
Study: Hospitals Made Profits During Covid, Counter To Industry Narrative
New research shows that operating margins rose during the pandemic in most hospitals studied, leading to questions if federal aid was too generous or misdirected. Meanwhile, hospitals are struggling to profit from CAR-T cancer drugs.
Criminal Group Accused Of Hacking Health Data Of 1.2 Million In Florida
Tampa General Hospital says the stolen data includes Social Security numbers. Also in Florida, a judge is sending disabled children home for care after the state kept them in institutions.
Viewpoints: Administrative Burden Makes Care Overly Difficult; How To Solve Obesity
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Texas Women Denied Abortions Testify Dramatically Against State Ban
News outlets cover the emotional testimonies of Texan women who were denied abortions, in a case challenging the state’s strict abortion ban. One women vomited on the stand while discussing her baby’s fatal birth defect. CNN reports on a link to abortion bans and rising infant mortality.
US Heat Waves Significantly Increase Health Care Costs: Study
A study ties summer heat events with significantly inflated health care costs, to the tune of about $1 billion each year, and that number is expected to only rise. As extreme heat hits parts of the U.S., the WHO urged governments to keep watch for those most at risk.
House Panel Marks Up Slew Of Health Care Bills
The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 15 bills funding and shaping policy for federal agencies like the CDC and FDA as well as issues like telehealth, opioids, and pandemic preparedness. The Senate HELP Committee will mark up its health package starting on July 26.
CMS Orders Some States To Pause Medicaid Redeterminations
Concern over a higher than anticipated number of Medicaid beneficiaries losing coverage over issues outside of eligibility has prompted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to review state processes for federal requirement violations — but so far it’s not penalizing any states.
HHS Funding To Wuhan Lab Suspended Following Safety Review
The Biden administration has halted federal research funds to the Wuhan Institute Of Virology after a months-long safety and security review of the lab at the center of covid origins questions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Will Narrow E-Cigarette Rules Harm Smoking Cessation Progress?
The coming FDA restrictions on menthol cigarettes and high bar for menthol e-cigarettes, paired with little federal action on smoking cessation programs, has some experts worried that progress on reducing smoking could reverse.
Teladoc Partners With Microsoft To Use AI For Patient Visit Documentation
The telehealth provider plans to add Microsoft’s voice-enabled generative artificial intelligence tool in order to help its clinicians document visits with patients. Also in the news: two senators propose studying potential biosecurity risks created by artificial intelligence.
J&J Sues Government To Block Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
Johnson & Johnson becomes the latest drug maker suing the government, saying that the Inflation Reduction Act “breaks the agreement at the heart of the patent and regulatory laws.” Meanwhile, the Biden administration is asking CVS and Walmart to help promote the law intended to lower drug costs.
Florida Reports Seventh Case Of Locally-Contracted Malaria
The latest detection of malaria spreading in Florida brings the national total to 8 cases. A Florida dengue infection was also reported. Meanwhile, in San Francisco worries over a new, more dangerous strain of illegal fentanyl. Also in the news: toxic algal blooms, and more.
J&J Ordered To Pay $18.8 Million To Man Over Talc-Cancer Claims
News outlets cover a decision by a Californian jury that hit Johnson & Johnson with a $18.8 million compensation bill to a man who said in a lawsuit he developed cancer after exposure to baby powder. More access for a TB drug, big investments into drug discovery and more are also in the news.