Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Cause Of Alzheimer’s May Have Been Found
Scientists at University of California-Riverside have been looking at the different forms of the tau protein, and its role in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers. Among other medical innovations: an experimental drug successfully targeted genetic kidney disease.
Study: Higher Risk Of Death After Covid Recovery
More studies on the impacts of covid infections on health: a higher risk of death and of central nervous system complications.
Facebook Blocks Covid Disinformation Network Based In China
The group of over 600 Facebook and Instagram accounts were linked to a China-run influencing operation. Other disinformation networks were also targeted by Meta, Facebook’s parent company. Separately, a Johns Hopkins program aims to fix misinformation that influenced young people.
Living Alone Now More Common For US Adults
Census Bureau data show 37 million people live alone now, up from 33 million in 2011. Trust in scientists and science is also in the news, with global data showing it rising, possibly linked to the pandemic. Separately, Planned Parenthood patient data in California was hacked.
Mask Mandate For Air And Public Transit Travel Likely To Continue
The Biden administration intends to extend the mask mandate for air, train and public transit travel, while it continues to press for more vaccinations. News also on HIV/AIDS.
Biden Launching Winter Booster Boost, Free Home-Test Plan
President Joe Biden’s plan to tackle covid in the winter will include a campaign to improve uptake of booster shots, and access to free at-home testing (with private insurance footing the bill). Travel restrictions, mask recommendations and more are also expected.
Moderna Loses Patent Fight Over Covid Vaccine
Good and bad news for Moderna. Its vaccines work very well, according to a new study. But the company lost a critical patent battle for the covid vaccine to Arbutus Biopharma.
Biden Wants Companies To Implement Vaccine Mandate While It Winds Way Through Courts
Contradictory and shifting court rulings in challenges to federal and local vaccine and mask requirements leave behind a patchwork quilt of policies and bans across the U.S. Meanwhile, covid case numbers are marching back up. In Nebraska, nearly all hospitalized patients are unvaccinated.
Omicron Variant Evolution Studied
Experts suggest omicron may have mutated in a non-human host. Yet the lack of testing and genomic sequencing of test samples hampers efforts in the United States to study the variant the fast-spreading variant.
A Californian Has First Detected Omicron Case In US
It was “inevitable,” as Dr. Anthony Fauci had said. The individual is said to be suffering mild symptoms, was vaccinated (but without a booster shot) and had traveled from South Africa. Officials across the country are upping preparations and actively looking for more cases.
Supreme Court Seems Likely To Alter Roe Decision
Consensus among journalists who listened to the Supreme Court justices’ questions in the Mississippi abortion case is clear: Roe v. Wade is doomed.
First Edition: December 2, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Future Of Roe Is Uncertain; HIV Still Devastating Lives
Editorial writers weigh in on Roe and HIV.
Different Takes: Faith Leaders Important In Vaccine Push; Should We Model Japan’s Covid Regulations?
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
EU Could Approve New Shots For Omicron In Months
It could take just three or four months for approval, the EU drug regulator said. Mexico has changed its plans for boosters, a deal is near to make and sell J&J’s shot in Africa, and Israel is mulling mandatory vaccination.
Philadelphia’s Drug Deaths May Top Record This Year
Fatal overdoses were up 10% over 2020 for the fist six months of 2021. Meanwhile, in Michigan the governor seeks $300 million for covid tests in schools, but in Dallas the Children’s Medical Center has disbanded its gender-affirming care program.
Study Finds Vast Disparities In Hospital Pricing For Medical Scans
The study, which compares commercial prices among hospital, shows how little influence consumers have over pricing. Another report finds hospital labor costs continuing to increase.
Authorization Sought For Clever Test That Tells If You Need A Covid Shot
The immunity level-sensing test comes from a Houston startup which is seeking emergency approval from the FDA. Separately, studies link covid infections to myocarditis in college athletes, and long haul covid with chronic fatigue, among other stories.
With Conservatives At The Helm, High Court Hears Abortion Case Today
The arguments concern a Mississippi law that would restrict abortions after 15 weeks, well before the threshold that the landmark Roe v Wade decision set. Groups opposed to abortion have strong hopes that the court — bolstered with three justices chosen by President Donald Trump — will overturn Roe or curb its scope.
Biden To Unveil Strategy Aimed At Ending HIV Epidemic By 2030
On World AIDS Day, President Joe Biden is set to direct federal efforts toward the ambitious goal. He also wants to direct resources toward aiding an aging population living with HIV. News outlets explore other global progress made against the virus.
