Latest KFF Health News Stories
NIH Mulls Lifting Ethics-Induced Moratorium On Human-Animal Stem Cell Research
Some bioethicists had been concerned about the possibility that animals could start thinking like humans or about what would happen if the chimeras were allowed to breed.
Scientists Optimistic About Zika Vaccine After ‘Striking’ Results From Monkey Trial
But researchers warn that an approved-vaccine for humans could still be years away.
California Confirms 2 Babies Born With Zika-Linked Microcephaly
“This is a sobering reminder for Californians that Zika can cause serious harm to a developing fetus,” says Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, blood banks take steps to protect the nation’s supply, few mosquitoes are seen in Rio as Olympics get started, spraying begins in Miami and more.
Obama To Congress Over Zika: Do Your Job
The president stops short of explicitly calling for a special summer session, but implores lawmakers to act on the “critical” public health situation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Marketplaces And The Health Law’s Fate; Privacy, Data And Health Apps
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On Zika And Other Public Health Crises
Opinion writers offer different perspectives on efforts to combat Zika, antibiotic resistance and tuberculosis.
Longer Looks: Mental Health In Massachusetts; Treating Cancer; Demystifying Zika
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington, Missouri and California.
Federal Medicaid Officials Encouraging States To Use Home Care Instead Of Nursing Homes
The effort comes as states begin moving toward more home-based care. Also, consumer advocates in Alabama decry the effects of Medicaid budget cuts there.
Flint’s Federal Emergency Declaration Soon To Expire, But Much Work, Support Still Necessary
Federal, state and local officials say they remain committed to fixing Flint’s drinking water system.
Low-Cost Device To Create Artificial Airway May Reduce Preventable Battlefield Deaths
Students have invented a device, relying on a 3D printer, that would pump air into the lungs of someone whose airway is obstructed — a condition that is attributed to 10 to 15 percent of preventable battlefield deaths.
3.7M Patients’ Information Potentially Exposed In Banner Health Breach
The health system, which has locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming, says it has hired a computer forensics firm, contacted law enforcement officials and is taking steps to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile a urology group in Ohio is scrambling to assess the damage from a possible attack.
Taxpayers May Be On Hook For $1.8M Over State’s Planned Parenthood Fight
After a Wisconsin measure related to admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions was deemed unconstitutional, Planned Parenthood is seeking attorney fees from the state. In other news, the Texas Department of State Health Services is holding a public hearing on a new law regulating fetal remains.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Put On Chopping Block For States Tightening Insanity Pleas
NPR’s Shots continues its report on the use of the “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea.
Fentanyl Use Increasingly To Blame In Opioid Overdose Deaths
Massachusetts, one of the few states to report overdose estimates, has had more deaths in the first half of 2016, and fentanyl was detected in two-thirds of the cases.
Microbes In Farm Dust May Provide Clue To Why Amish Children Have Fewer Cases Of Asthma
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that close contact with animals may help protect against asthma.
Outdated Treatments Could Fill Gaps Where Cutting-Edge Immunotherapy Stumbles
Immunotherapy works by preventing tumors from disabling the immune system’s killer T cells. But if no T cells are swarming the tumor in the first place, the drugs don’t help. That’s where chemotherapy or radiation can come in. Also in the news are studies on sickle cell, sleep, heart disease, UTIs and more.
Gilead Strikes Back At Complaints That Its Drug Pricing Is Straining Payers’ Budgets
Meanwhile, news outlets also report on how the pharmaceutical industry is facing a strong challenge with a California ballot initiative while the Biogen buyout buzz is causing ripples in the Massachusetts biotech community.
A Look At Presidential Candidates’ Plans For Medicare, Social Security
NewsHour examines what could be in store for two key benefits programs. Also, the new Medicare rule for hospital payments again targets high readmissions rates.
