Pandemic News and Research

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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. During a pandemic, transmission can be anticipated in the workplace, not only from patient to workers in health care settings, but also among co-workers in general work settings. A pandemic would cause high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts could range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.

Evidence shows ACA’S mandated benefits alone don’t drive up costs. The debate continues.

In January, when President Donald Trump unveiled his one-page outline to address health care spending, dubbed "The Great Healthcare Plan," he specifically mentioned the Affordable Care Act's role in driving up costs.

18 Mar 2026

Continuous Medicaid coverage lowered postpartum uninsurance, but disparities remain

Postpartum uninsurance declined among Black women in non-expansion states during the COVID-19 continuous Medicaid coverage policy, but racial gaps persisted, according to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

17 Mar 2026

Swedish study reveals COVID-19 may increase glandular fever risk

Even individuals who did not become seriously ill with COVID-19 may have developed a weakened immune system that could lead to serious illnesses in the future.

17 Mar 2026

Skipping breakfast may raise metabolic syndrome risk

The link between skipping breakfast and metabolic syndrome highlights the need for dietary strategies to improve cardiometabolic health in at-risk populations.

16 Mar 2026

Circular RNA produced by HIV boosts viral replication

For decades scientists have recognized that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a formidable viral pathogen.

13 Mar 2026

Study: Future growth of aesthetic surgery may lie far from traditional luxury markets

A new, national analysis published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests the future growth of aesthetic surgery may lie far from traditional luxury markets.

13 Mar 2026

Republicans fret over RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine policies while MAHA moms stew

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fielding pressure from the White House to relax his controversial approach to vaccine policies as the midterms near, but his most steadfast supporters are pressing for more aggressive action — like restricting covid-19 vaccines and pesticide use — to carry out the Make America Healthy Again agenda.

12 Mar 2026

Open-plan office layouts linked to higher bullying risk

Office design influences workplace bullying, with traditional open layouts linked to increased risks, underscoring the need for healthier work environments.

12 Mar 2026

DNA origami vaccine platform shows promise against multiple infectious viruses

The COVID-19 pandemic brought messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to the forefront of global health care. After their clinical trial stages, the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered on 8 December 2020 and mathematical models suggest that mRNA vaccines prevented at least 14.4 million deaths from COVID-19 in the first year alone.

11 Mar 2026

Primary care is in trouble. So doctors band together to boost their market power.

Western Massachusetts, a patchwork of rural communities and low-income cities, is a difficult place to find a primary care doctor if you don't already have one.

11 Mar 2026

Training game helps nurses spot fungal infections in breastfeeding

This educational game simulates breastfeeding complications, equipping nurses with skills to detect and manage fungal infections in the nipple-areola area.

11 Mar 2026

ADHD prescriptions surged during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study reveals COVID-19 reshaped stimulant prescribing patterns in Ontario, highlighting increased ADHD diagnoses and concerns over treatment appropriateness.

11 Mar 2026

Global study reveals how inequality limits access to exercise and why it matters for health

A global analysis of physical activity data from 68 countries shows large socioeconomic and gender inequalities in access to choice-based exercise, particularly active leisure. The study also synthesizes evidence linking physical activity to lower risks of severe infectious disease, depression, and cancer mortality, and proposes a new “physical activity for health and wellbeing” public health framework.

10 Mar 2026

Study reveals why US life expectancy gains stalled after decades of progress

A PNAS study analyzing US mortality from 1979 to 2023 reveals that life expectancy stagnation reflects both worsening outcomes in post-1950 birth cohorts and a broad mortality deterioration beginning around 2010. Cardiovascular mortality slowdowns, rising external causes, and cohort-specific patterns help explain the persistent decline in longevity gains.

10 Mar 2026