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KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': On autism, it’s the secretary’s word vs. CDC’S

The secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., contradicted his agency's researchers this week with unsubstantiated or outright false claims about autism spectrum disorder and those with the condition.

17 Apr 2025

Toxins in kids’ mattresses and bedding raise health concerns, study shows

A Canadian in-home study found that young children are significantly exposed to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in their sleeping environments. Mattresses, bedding, and bedroom furnishings were identified as key sources, with several compounds exceeding expected levels.

17 Apr 2025

Research explores how photo-oxidized sterols kill melanoma cells

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Although less common, it is the most serious due to its high potential for metastasis.

16 Apr 2025

New study examines how obesity alters brain's reward circuits

Obesity is on the rise. Among U.S. adults aged 20 or older, 4 in 10 met the criteria for obesity in the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, up from roughly 3 in 10 two decades earlier.

15 Apr 2025

Fermented cabbage could help protect the gut, study suggests

Is sauerkraut more than just a tangy topping? A new University of California, Davis, study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that the fermented cabbage could help protect your gut, which is an essential part of overall health, supporting digestion and protecting against illness.

15 Apr 2025

London Lab Live 2025 set to launch as the UK’s flagship event for lab professionals

Set for 14-15 May 2025, London Lab Live will connect lab experts to discuss breakthroughs in AI, sustainability, and the future of scientific research.

From London Lab Live 2025 15 Apr 2025

Bacteria engineered for remote sensing through color signatures

Bacteria can be engineered to sense a variety of molecules, such as pollutants or soil nutrients. In most cases, however, these signals can only be detected by looking at the cells under a microscope or similarly sensitive lab equipment, making them impractical for large-scale use.

11 Apr 2025

New assay detects epigenetic changes caused by carcinogenic chemicals

Chemicals used as food preservatives, flavoring agents, dyes, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaners, and other industrial materials are being increasingly recognized as a health hazard.

10 Apr 2025

This bill aims to help firefighters with cancer. Getting it passed is just the beginning.

As firefighters battled the catastrophic blazes in Los Angeles County in January, California's U.S. senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, signed onto legislation with a simple aim: Provide federal assistance to first responders diagnosed with service-related cancer.

9 Apr 2025

Public health risks of urban wildfire smoke prompt push for more monitoring

When the catastrophic Los Angeles fires broke out, John Volckens suspected firefighters and residents were breathing toxic air from the burning homes, buildings, and cars, but it was unclear how much risk the public faced.

8 Apr 2025

New studies reveal how cytokines affect mood and behavior

Physicians have long observed a mystifying phenomenon: After a bout of infection or an autoimmune disease flare-up, some people experience prolonged mood swings, emotional dysregulation, and changes in behavior.

7 Apr 2025

Gut bacteria and blood metabolites directly affect children’s height, study finds

Researchers used Mendelian randomization to uncover causal links between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and short stature in children.

7 Apr 2025

Gut bacteria may reduce the effectiveness of common medications

A new study, published today in Nature Chemistry by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Yale University, shows how common gut bacteria can metabolize certain oral medications that target cellular receptors called GPCRs, potentially rendering these important drugs less effective.

3 Apr 2025

Phthalate exposure during pregnancy affects newborn metabolism

A newly published study by researchers from Emory University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Columbia University found that a mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can affect their newborn's metabolism and brain development.

2 Apr 2025

Study shows women can hear better than men

An international team of scientists has found that biological sex is the leading factor explaining differences in hearing sensitivity, with women having significantly more sensitive hearing than men.

From University of Bath 1 Apr 2025

Unveiling leptin signaling in the DMH for metabolic effects

Scientists at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have gained greater clarity in the brain regions and neurons that control metabolism, body temperature and energy use.

27 Mar 2025

Scientists link emulsifiers in processed foods to allergy and immune disorders

Review identifies common food additives in ultra-processed foods—particularly emulsifiers like carrageenan and polysorbate 80—as key drivers of gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and allergic diseases by disrupting intestinal barriers and activating proinflammatory pathways.

26 Mar 2025