Health news
Deadly Ebola Outbreak in Congo Alarming Global Health Experts as Cases Continue to Rise
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked a public health emergency, with hundreds of confirmed cases and no approved vaccine or treatment available. Global health workers are racing to contain what experts call one of the most concerning outbreaks in recent history.
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Scientists Discover Two Distinct Biological Subtypes of Autism in Landmark Study
Researchers analyzed brain scans from nearly 1,000 people with autism and found evidence that autism includes at least two biologically distinct subtypes, each marked by different patterns of brain communication. This discovery could help tailor future treatments to specific autism types.
Congo Reports Over 1,000 Suspected Cases of Bundibugyo Virus Amid WHO Response
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 1,000 suspected cases of Bundibugyo virus in its eastern Ituri province, with no approved treatment or vaccine available. The WHO Director-General is on the ground coordinating response efforts.
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Hantavirus-Exposed Cruise Ship Passengers Released from Nebraska Quarantine as Monitoring Continues
Five American passengers exposed to Andes virus hantavirus on a cruise ship have been released from the Nebraska quarantine facility and returned home, where they'll remain under 24/7 monitoring through June 22. All exposed individuals remain symptom-free after the rare multi-country outbreak.
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WHO Chief Warns of Surging Ebola Crisis in Congo as Cases Top 1,000
World Health Organization Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province to address a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak with over 1,000 suspected cases. Officials are struggling to contain the spread despite urgent calls for international support.
↗ Linked storyHidden Molecular 'Switch' Identified as Driver of Damaging Brain Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
Scientists at Scripps Research uncovered a protein called STING that appears to fuel brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. The protein becomes chemically altered in a way that keeps damaging inflammation active, potentially opening new avenues for treatment development.
↗ Linked storyFish Oil Shows Promise for Type 2 Diabetes as New Study Reveals Metabolic Benefits
A new study found that omega-3 fish oil supplementation may help reduce insulin resistance in people with diabetes by improving blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation through immune cell shifts.
Intermittent Fasting Triggers Brain and Gut Rewiring, Reshaping Weight Loss Success
Scientists found that intermittent fasting not only leads to weight loss but also causes significant changes in the gut microbiome and brain, with obese adults experiencing improved metabolic markers alongside these biological shifts.
Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak Spreads in DRC and Uganda; U.S. Screens at Major Airports
The CDC is responding to an ongoing Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The U.S. has implemented enhanced screening at major airports and travel restrictions to prevent the virus from entering the country, though no U.S. cases have been confirmed.
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Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Travelers Quarantined as Monitoring Dispute Escalates
The CDC is responding to an Andes virus hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Multiple passengers are being monitored at a Nebraska quarantine facility, while disputes continue between White House officials and state authorities over home monitoring protocols for those who return.
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WHO Director Arrives in Congo Amid Unprecedented Ebola Outbreak with 1,000+ Cases
The World Health Organization's director traveled to Congo's capital to support containment efforts against the 2026 Ebola outbreak, which has caused about 1,000 cases and hundreds of deaths from the rare Bundibugyo virus strain.
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US Adult Cigarette Smoking Rate Hits Another All-Time Low
The CDC reported that US adult cigarette smoking dropped to a record low of 9% in 2025, with only 1 in 11 adults identifying as current smokers. The achievement marks decades of progress in reducing smoking, though advocacy groups warn that recent cuts to prevention programs may threaten this public health success.
Kenyan Court Blocks US Plan for Ebola Quarantine Facility for Americans
A Kenyan high court temporarily suspended a US plan to establish a 50-bed quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, citing constitutional concerns and public health risks. The court's decision came after opposition from Kenyan doctors and civil rights groups who feared the facility could introduce the deadly virus into their country.
WHO Declares Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency as Virus Spreads to Uganda
The World Health Organization has declared an outbreak of Ebola caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, with cases now confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak is particularly challenging because there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for this rare Ebola strain.
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Americans Who Contract Ebola Will Receive Treatment in Europe, Not U.S.
The Trump administration has announced that if additional Americans contract Ebola, they will be sent to Europe for medical treatment rather than brought back to the United States.
↗ Linked storyScientists Find That Ozempic May Be Reshaping Brain Structure and Function
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz discovered that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may alter brain circuits involved in attention, emotion, and motivation—not just appetite suppression. The findings raise new questions about the neurological effects of medications now taken by tens of millions worldwide.
Scientists Report GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic May Rewire Brain Circuits Beyond Appetite Control
Researchers have discovered that popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may be affecting the brain in unexpected ways, potentially reshaping circuits involved in emotion, desire, and other functions beyond appetite regulation. Scientists studying teenagers with a hormonal disorder found significant changes in brain scans after GLP-1 treatment.
Matthew Perry's Assistant Sentenced to 41 Months for Fatal Ketamine Conspiracy
Kenneth Iwamasa, assistant to late actor Matthew Perry, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute ketamine, including injecting the fatal dose that led to Perry's death.
Scientists in Japan Develop Vitamin K-Based Compounds That Regenerate Brain Neurons
Researchers in Japan have created new vitamin K compounds that show promise in helping the brain regenerate lost neurons, potentially opening new pathways for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The breakthrough combines vitamin K with components related to vitamin A to achieve unprecedented effectiveness.
↗ Linked storyChemical Tank Implosion at Washington Paper Mill Kills At Least One, Nine Missing
A chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, Washington, ruptured on Tuesday morning, killing at least one person and leaving nine others missing. Officials initially estimated the tank contained 80,000 gallons but later revised the figure to roughly 900,000 gallons of corrosive "white liquor" used in paper-making.
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FDA Approves Decnupaz, First CD123-Directed Therapy for Rare Blood Cancer
The FDA has granted approval to Decnupaz, a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The approval represents a significant advance for patients with this previously difficult-to-treat malignancy.
Japanese Scientists Develop Vitamin K Compounds That May Regenerate Lost Brain Neurons, Offering Hope for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Scientists in Japan have created potent vitamin K-based compounds that demonstrate the ability to help the brain regenerate lost neurons, potentially transforming treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The new compounds show approximately three times greater effectiveness at converting neural stem cells compared to existing methods.
↗ Linked storyUC San Diego Researchers Unveil Experimental Drug ION224 for Severe Fatty Liver Disease, Showing Striking Health Improvements
Scientists at UC San Diego have announced a potentially game-changing experimental treatment called ION224 for metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH), which affects millions worldwide. Clinical trial data shows patients experienced striking improvements in liver health by blocking a liver enzyme that drives fat accumulation and inflammation.
Beetroot Juice May Lower Blood Pressure by Reshaping Mouth Bacteria
A new study finds that nitrate-rich beetroot juice could help lower blood pressure in older adults by reshaping the bacteria living in the mouth in ways that support heart health.
Researchers Discover NIH Study Shows Why GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Work Differently for Everyone
New NIH research reveals that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) triggers different responses inside appetite-controlling brain cells, explaining why these popular weight-loss drugs don't work equally for all patients.
↗ Linked storyCommon Heart Drug Used by Millions Found Useless and Possibly Dangerous
A major international study challenges 40 years of medical practice by showing that beta blockers—routinely prescribed after uncomplicated heart attacks—offer no real benefit to patients, potentially upending standard treatment protocols.
Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda Declared Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, with nearly 1000 suspected cases and over 200 deaths reported.
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Scientists Discover Breakthrough in Chronic Nerve Pain Relief Using 'Recharging' Technique
Duke University researchers have uncovered a radically new way to treat chronic nerve pain by reviving damaged nerves through a recharging mechanism, offering potential relief for millions suffering from nerve-related pain without traditional medications.
Scientists Supercharge Immune Cells to Fight Aggressive Cancers with New Breakthrough
Researchers at McGill University have developed a method to enhance natural killer cells—key immune weapons—by temporarily blocking two proteins, helping them break through tumor defenses and fight aggressive cancers more effectively.
↗ Linked storyScientists Discover Cats Hold Key to Unlocking New Cancer Treatments for Humans
A landmark study analyzing nearly 500 cat tumors from around the world has cracked the genetic code of feline cancer, revealing striking insights that could revolutionize how scientists approach human cancer treatment development.
↗ Linked storyScientists Discover Natural Killer Cell Enhancement Strategy for Aggressive Cancer Treatment
<cite index="1-6">Scientists at McGill University have found a way to supercharge the immune system's natural killer (NK) cells, helping them break through the defenses tumors use to stay alive.</cite> This breakthrough represents a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy that could expand treatment options for patients with resistant tumors.
↗ Linked storyU.S. Implements Major Ebola Travel Restrictions as African Outbreak Spreads
The Trump administration has imposed unprecedented travel restrictions in response to a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from affected regions must now be routed through three designated airports for enhanced screening.
↗ Linked storyCalifornia Officials Warn of Chemical Tank Crisis at GKN Aerospace Facility
A 34,000-gallon chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California is in active crisis and officials warn it could either spill thousands of gallons of chemicals or explode, prompting urgent evacuation orders.
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NASCAR world mourns Kyle Busch, two-time Cup champion, dead at 41
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport's most prominent drivers, died Thursday at age 41, becoming the first active NASCAR driver to die since Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
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U.S. Measles Cases Surge to Nearly 2,000 in 2026 Amid 29 Outbreak Clusters
<cite index="25-2,25-6">As of May 21, 2026, 1,952 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026.</cite> <cite index="25-15">There have been 29 new outbreaks reported in 2026, and 93% of confirmed cases (1,815 of 1,952) are outbreak-associated.</cite> This surge reflects broader concerns about declining vaccination rates and public health infrastructure challenges.
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WHO Approves Historic Global Strategy for Emergency and Critical Care
The World Health Assembly approved a groundbreaking Global Strategy for Integrated Emergency, Critical and Operative Care (2026–2035) to strengthen health systems worldwide. The strategy addresses the top causes of death and disability affecting 38 million lives annually.
↗ Linked storyScientists Find Simple Walking Technique Relieves Arthritis Pain Without Surgery
Researchers discovered that a slightly modified walking angle can significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain in a year-long clinical trial. The finding offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for millions suffering from joint pain.
FDA Approves First-Ever Gene Therapy for Genetic Hearing Loss
The FDA approved a groundbreaking gene therapy treatment for genetic hearing loss, marking a significant advancement in treating a previously difficult-to-address genetic condition affecting thousands worldwide.
Study Suggests Current Vitamin B12 Guidelines May Not Adequately Protect Aging Brain Health
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that older adults with "normal" levels of vitamin B12 as measured by current health standards may still face increased risk of cognitive decline and brain damage.
WHO Approves First-Ever Global Stroke Resolution as Assembly Bolsters Health Emergency Response
The World Health Assembly approved the first-ever resolution on stroke prevention and care on May 22, while also endorsing a new emergency care strategy aimed at addressing 38 million annual deaths from treatable conditions.
↗ Linked storyHantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak Prompts Mandatory Quarantine Disputes as CDC Contains Rare Infection
American passengers from a cruise ship that became the center of a hantavirus outbreak are complaining about forced quarantine at a Nebraska facility after three deaths from the rare Andes virus strain.
↗ Linked storyAmino Acid Cysteine Discovered as Powerful Trigger for Intestinal Repair and Healing
MIT scientists identified cysteine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods like meat and dairy, as a potent activator of immune cells that promote intestinal healing. The discovery could lead to new dietary therapies for gastrointestinal damage from radiation and disease.
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GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Shown to Slash Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in Major International Study
A massive international review found that GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and premature death, particularly in people who lose substantial weight.
↗ Linked storyWHO Warns of Rapid Ebola Spread in Congo as Cases Surpass 500
The World Health Organization expressed serious concern about a rare Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda. More than 500 cases have been reported with at least 134 suspected deaths, triggering international health response efforts.
↗ Linked storyWHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Congo a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization expressed serious concern over rapid spread of a rare type of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 134 suspected deaths and over 500 confirmed cases reported.
↗ Linked storyEbola Outbreak Spreads Rapidly in Congo With Over 500 Cases
The World Health Organization has raised concerns over a rare type of Ebola spreading rapidly in Congo, with authorities reporting at least 134 suspected deaths and over 500 cases. A medical missionary was exposed while treating a patient and was evacuated.
↗ Linked storyWHO Expresses Concern Over Rapid Spread of Rare Ebola Variant in Congo
The World Health Organization has expressed concern over the rapid spread of Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a rare type of Ebola, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for which no vaccines or drugs are currently available. The outbreak represents a significant public health threat.
↗ Linked storyScientists Discover Why Women Face Dramatically Higher Alzheimer's Risk Than Men
A UC San Diego study of over 17,000 adults revealed that women are especially sensitive to common dementia risk factors, suggesting targeted prevention strategies for women could be key to reducing Alzheimer's disease rates.