Health

9 stories

healthJul 14, 2026 · 7:02 PM

Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, widely celebrated for his role in the "Miracle on the Hudson" landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009, has publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. Sullenberger, who successfully landed a commercial airliner on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board, shared this personal health update, aiming to bring greater awareness to the condition. Sullenberger's decision to share his diagnosis is part of a personal journey, but he also expressed a hope that his openness will encourage others to seek medical attention if they notice symptoms of Alzheimer's. The emphasis on early detection and seeking support is a key message he wishes to convey. His announcement highlights the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals and families, regardless of their public profile. The "Miracle on the Hudson" remains a significant event in aviation history, with Sullenberger's actions lauded as heroic and exemplary. His diagnosis marks a new chapter, as he navigates life with Alzheimer's disease while continuing to advocate for awareness and understanding of neurological health.

Capt. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot, reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis

healthJul 5, 2026 · 1:02 AMHIGH PRIORITY

USC Scientists Engineer 'Endless' Supply of Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells

Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have announced a significant advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy, developing a method to generate an effectively endless supply of cancer-fighting T cells. This breakthrough addresses a critical limitation in current cell-based cancer treatments, which often struggle with the scalability and consistency of immune cell production. The USC team has engineered a 'master cell bank' of T cells that can be continuously replenished. This approach is akin to stem cell technology, allowing for the generation of therapeutic T cells on demand. This innovation is expected to overcome the challenges associated with the slow and often insufficient expansion of T cells required for treatments such as CAR-T therapy. According to ScienceAlert, the ability to produce a virtually unlimited quantity of these immune cells could dramatically accelerate treatment timelines for patients and potentially reduce the overall cost of these advanced therapies. The researchers' work, detailed in ScienceDaily, marks a pivotal step toward making potent immunotherapies more accessible and effective in the fight against various cancers.

Scientists Just Unlocked an Endless Army of Cancer-Fighting CellsUSC scientists just unlocked an endless supply of cancer-fighting immune cells

healthJun 30, 2026 · 10:03 PM

FDA Authorizes Philip Morris to Market Zyn Nicotine Pouches as Less Harmful

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Philip Morris International to market its Zyn nicotine pouches, permitting the company to make claims that the product poses less harm than traditional cigarettes. This decision marks a significant step in the regulation of alternative nicotine products in the United States. The authorization was granted under the "Substantially Reduced Harm" (SRH) pathway. This means Philip Morris can now scientifically market Zyn with claims that individuals who completely switch from cigarettes to Zyn will reduce their exposure to a number of harmful chemicals. The FDA's review considered extensive scientific data submitted by the company. Despite the FDA's authorization, the move has drawn criticism from public health advocates. Concerns persist regarding the potential for increased youth use and addiction to nicotine products, even those marketed as less harmful. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing harm reduction strategies with preventing new generations from becoming addicted to nicotine.

FDA lets Philip Morris market Zyn nicotine pouches as less harmful than cigarettesFDA Authorizes Philip Morris to Market Zyn Nicotine Pouches as Less Harmful Than Cigarettes

healthJun 18, 2026 · 1:02 AM

UniQure Seeks FDA Approval for Huntington's Disease Gene Therapy

Biotechnology company UniQure is preparing to submit an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for its gene therapy aimed at treating Huntington's disease. The therapy, known as AMT-130, targets the underlying genetic cause of the debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. This move comes after a period of public discussion and debate between UniQure and FDA leadership concerning the clinical trial data supporting the therapy's efficacy and safety. The company has indicated it will proceed with its submission despite the previous disagreements, signaling confidence in its research and development. Huntington's disease is a progressive, inherited condition that leads to the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in severe physical and cognitive decline. The absence of a cure makes the development of effective treatments a critical area of medical research. UniQure's proposed therapy represents a novel approach, utilizing gene therapy to potentially halt or slow the progression of the disease.

UniQure to seek FDA approval for Huntington's disease gene therapy after previous clash with agencyUniQure

healthJun 16, 2026 · 1:02 PM

US Hospitals Warned to Disclose More Pricing Information or Face Fines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued formal warnings to more than 500 hospitals, demanding they comply with regulations requiring the disclosure of more comprehensive pricing information for medical services. This action, reported by the Associated Press, signals a stepped-up effort by the Trump administration to bring greater transparency to the often-opaque healthcare market. The warnings suggest that these hospitals have not adequately met the requirements of the Hospital Price Transparency Rule, which mandates that they make their standard charges for services and items readily available to patients. The administration argues that this information is crucial for empowering consumers to compare costs and make informed healthcare decisions, potentially driving down overall healthcare expenditures. Hospitals that continue to fall short of these transparency mandates could face substantial financial penalties. The HHS has indicated that further enforcement actions are possible if compliance is not achieved. This move underscores the administration's commitment to tackling high healthcare costs through regulatory pressure on providers.

Trump administration warns over 500 hospitals to provide more price information or face fines

healthJun 9, 2026 · 4:02 PM

Stellantis Recalls Over 1 Million Jeeps in U.S. Due to Fire Risk

Stellantis has initiated a recall of over 1 million Jeep vehicles in the United States, citing a significant fire risk. The affected models, primarily Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee from model years 2005 through 2018, are susceptible to overheating that can lead to fires even when the vehicles are not in operation. This widespread recall has been prompted by concerns monitored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Stellantis recalls more than 1 million Jeeps in U.S. that could catch fire even when turned off, feds sayStellantis recalls 1 million Jeep vehicles: "Overheating" can trigger fire

healthJun 1, 2026 · 1:03 PM

Moderna Partners with Global Health Coalition for Bundibugyo Ebola Vaccine Development

Biopharmaceutical giant Moderna has entered into a significant partnership with a global health coalition with the explicit goal of developing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This collaboration aims to expedite the creation and deployment of a vital medical countermeasure against this particular variant of the deadly disease. The move comes as the global health community continues to grapple with various strains of Ebola, some of which have proven particularly challenging to contain. While broader Ebola vaccines exist, the development of a specific vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain is seen as a critical step in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for future outbreaks. Details regarding the specific composition of the global health coalition and the timeline for vaccine development were not immediately available. However, the announcement underscores Moderna's ongoing commitment to infectious disease research and its role in addressing global health crises. The partnership is expected to leverage existing scientific knowledge and technological advancements to accelerate the vaccine's journey from research to potential availability.

Reuters

healthMay 29, 2026 · 10:02 PM

US FDA Approves MannKind's Inhaled Insulin for Children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for MannKind Corporation's inhaled insulin, Afrezza, for use in children aged four and older diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This decision expands the therapeutic options available for pediatric patients, offering a non-injectable alternative to traditional insulin regimens. The approval comes after a thorough review of clinical trial data that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Afrezza in this younger demographic. Previously, Afrezza was approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but its expansion to younger children represents a significant milestone in diabetes care for pediatric populations. This development is particularly impactful for children and families who may face challenges with the administration of multiple daily injections, a common requirement for managing type 1 diabetes. The availability of an inhaled option could lead to improved adherence to treatment and potentially a better quality of life for young patients.

US FDA approves MannKind's inhaled insulin for children

healthApr 7, 2026 · 2:13 PMHIGH PRIORITY

Idaho Scrambles to Reinstate Mental Health Services After Cuts Lead to Increased Deaths

Idaho is facing a public health crisis and scrambling to reverse drastic cuts to mental health services for individuals with severe mental illness, particularly those with schizophrenia. The state's decision to eliminate outreach programs has been directly linked to a significant increase in negative outcomes, including a rise in deaths among the affected population. Officials have acknowledged that the elimination of these services set off a "cascade of bad outcomes." The state is now reportedly working to reinstate some of the services that were previously cut, recognizing the severe and tragic consequences of their austerity measures. The urgency of the situation underscores the vital role these outreach programs play in supporting vulnerable individuals and preventing further harm. This situation serves as a critical case study on the immediate and devastating impact of budget cuts on essential public services. The scramble to fix the problem highlights the human cost of policy decisions and the importance of maintaining robust support systems for those with severe mental health conditions.

Idaho Cut Services for People With Schizophrenia. Then the Deaths Began.