Summary

Texas hospitals are treating children with vitamin A poisoning linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promotion of the supplement as a measles treatment.

At Covenant Children’s hospital in Lubbock, patients with measles showed abnormal liver function due to excessive vitamin A intake.

Kennedy, the U.S. health secretary, claimed vitamin A dramatically reduces measles mortality. Experts warn his messaging confuses parents and downplays the proven protection of the MMR vaccine.

The U.S. faces its worst measles outbreak in decades, with nearly 500 cases across 21 states and two confirmed deaths.

Summary

The Trump administration plans to reverse hundreds of state-level bans on toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" and other harmful substances by changing EPA risk evaluation rules.

The move would pre-empt state laws restricting chemicals in consumer goods, weakening protections under statutes like California’s Prop 65.

Critics warn this will increase public exposure to carcinogens and hormone disruptors. The Trump EPA will assess chemicals by specific use rather than overall risk, likely exempting many products.

Though implementation may take years, advocates expect ongoing pressure from states and consumers to limit toxic chemical use.

Summary

A study published in Cancer finds regular exercise significantly boosts survival rates among colon cancer survivors.

Patients who exercised the equivalent of walking an hour daily, six days a week, lived longer — sometimes outliving peers who never had cancer.

Even those with recurrent cancer benefited. Researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 survivors and linked physical activity to reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and lower insulin levels.

Experts stress exercise is one of the most effective modifiable factors for both prevention and survival, especially amid rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults.

An analysis by the U.S. Defense Department’s intelligence agency concluded five years ago that the virus that caused COVID-19 could have been engineered in a Chinese laboratory and later escaped to spawn the pandemic that eventually killed millions of people, recently released documents obtained by US Right to Know show.

The never-before-published analysis by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) points out that the lab in question – the Wuhan Institute of Virology – was highly capable of genetic manipulation, and includes an assessment that the genome of the coronavirus strain that caused COVID-19 is “consistent with the hypothesis” that it was “a lab-engineered virus” that “escaped from containment.”

The analysis by scientists in the DIA, which is charged with collecting and analyzing medical and health intelligence as part of its operations, also concluded that the virus that became known as SARS-CoV-2 could have come from “a bank” of bat coronaviruses in the Wuhan lab that was under the research of senior virologist, Dr. Shi Zhengli.

Summary

A new international study led by the University of Southampton found ADHD medications cause small increases in blood pressure and heart rate but offer overall benefits that outweigh these risks.

Researchers emphasized careful monitoring, especially for patients with heart conditions. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications showed similar cardiovascular effects, except guanfacine, which lowered blood pressure.

Experts noted the drugs improve academic performance, reduce mortality risk, and lower chances of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Prescriptions have surged post-pandemic, but misconceptions about ADHD treatments still persist, experts warned.

Summary

An eight-year-old girl reportedly died of measles in Lubbock, Texas, marking the second child death amid a state outbreak nearing 500 cases.

Health officials confirmed the death but said the cause remains under investigation; the New York Times cited records identifying “measles pulmonary failure.”

The first death occurred in February, also involving an unvaccinated child. Most Texas cases stem from an undervaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County.

Nationally, over 600 measles cases have been recorded in 2025—more than double last year’s total—with five states facing active outbreaks.

Summary

Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts is investigating after five nurses from its fifth-floor maternity unit were diagnosed with benign brain tumors. The tumors, all benign, are three different types, the hospital said. A total of 11 staff reported health concerns.

The hospital, in collaboration with government agencies, found no environmental risk after testing possible sources like water, masks, and nearby medical treatments.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association disputes the hospital’s findings, citing limited nurse interviews and incomplete testing. The union is conducting an independent investigation.

Federal agencies have not commented. The American Cancer Society notes that such clusters require specific criteria to indicate a common cause.

Summary

Researchers warn microplastics can quickly leach into food, even with brief use of plastic containers or utensils.

Studies show heating plastic, especially in microwaves, speeds the release of micro- and nanoplastics, which have been found in human brains, arteries, and organs.

Health risks may include cardiovascular disease and hormone-sensitive cancers.

Experts recommend reducing plastic use, especially when heating food, by opting for glass, ceramic, or stainless steel alternatives.

Summary

A new study published in Nature Metabolism finds that sucralose, a zero-calorie artificial sweetener sold as Splenda, may increase hunger by altering brain activity.

In a randomized trial of 75 adults, sucralose heightened blood flow to the hypothalamus, associated with appetite, while sucrose reduced it and suppressed hunger.

Sucralose also failed to trigger metabolic hormones like insulin and GLP-1. The effect was stronger in people with obesity.

Researchers warn that artificial sweeteners may disrupt brain signaling and increase cravings, especially in children. Follow-up studies are underway.

The American Heart Association is supposed to work to prevent heart disease, the #1 killer worldwide. Surprisingly, the AHA openly opposed the SNAP reform bill, which would prevent the purchase of junk food with SNAP. Is the American Heart Association really trying to keep us on a “heart-healthy” diet? Find out in this video.

Summarizer

Dr. Eric Berg discusses the American Heart Association's surprising opposition to a bill in Texas aimed at restricting food stamp purchases of unhealthy foods like soda and candy. Despite the AHA's mission to prevent heart disease, they expressed concerns about participation in the SNAP program and the economic implications of the bill. The video exposes conflicts of interest between the AHA and the junk food industry, highlighting significant taxpayer subsidies to the soda industry that contribute to health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Berg argues for the need to shift SNAP funding toward healthier food options to reduce chronic disease and healthcare costs.

Key Points

AHA's Opposition to SNAP Bill

The American Heart Association opposed a Texas bill aimed at restricting food stamps for unhealthy foods. This opposition surprised many, as the AHA's primary mission is to prevent heart disease, which is linked to the consumption of sugary drinks and junk food.

Industry Influence on AHA

Dr. Berg highlights that the AHA receives significant funding from the junk food industry, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. The association's industry partnerships, such as the industry nutrition forum, illustrate the financial ties between them and large food corporations.

Economic Impact of Soda Subsidies

The video notes that taxpayers subsidize the soda industry through SNAP at a staggering $10 billion annually. This funding promotes the purchase of unhealthy foods, contributing to obesity and related health problems, thereby benefiting the big food and pharmaceutical industries.

Call for SNAP Reform

Dr. Berg advocates for reforming SNAP to support only nutrient-dense foods instead of processed options. Such changes could decrease the burden of chronic illnesses and reduce healthcare spending by fostering healthier eating habits among low-income individuals.

Junk Food Industry's Strategies

The soda industry’s campaign against the SNAP bill includes hiring social media influencers and using arguments around food freedom and insecurity to maintain their profits. This highlights a broader PR battle over health and nutrition policy.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by RFK Jr., cut over $2 billion from the “Immunization and Vaccines for Children” program, forcing widespread layoffs and clinic cancellations nationwide.

The cuts impact vaccine access for uninsured children and undermine vital public health infrastructure.

Kennedy, a known anti-vaccine activist, has downplayed ongoing measles outbreaks and halted key vaccine initiatives. At least 23 states and D.C. are suing HHS.

Health officials warn the cuts threaten immunization records, outreach, and care for vulnerable children, with potentially catastrophic public health consequences.

Summary

A study published in Nature of over 280,000 older adults in Wales found those who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years, with the strongest effect in women.

Researchers used a natural experiment created by a 2013 vaccine rollout to compare dementia rates between eligible and ineligible age groups.

Though the exact mechanism is unclear, experts believe the vaccine may reduce brain inflammation or boost immune protection.

The findings mark the strongest evidence yet linking shingles vaccination to reduced dementia risk.

Summary

Democratic leaders in 23 states and Washington, DC, sued the Trump administration over its abrupt rollback of $12 billion in public health funding.

The lawsuit seeks to halt the cuts, which include $11.4 billion from the CDC and $1 billion from behavioral health programs, arguing the funds were lawfully allocated by Congress for long-term health infrastructure.

Critics warn the move will disrupt pandemic preparedness and addiction services. HHS defends the cuts as aligned with Trump's new health priorities.

Summary

Texas has reported 400 measles cases since late January, with 41 hospitalizations and one child fatality, amid a broader U.S. outbreak now totaling 483 confirmed cases across 20 states, per the CDC.

Most Texas cases involve unvaccinated individuals, with Gaines County accounting for 67.5% of state cases.

New Mexico has reported 44 cases and one death. The 2025 tally already surpasses 2024’s total of 285 cases.

Experts link the surge to declining vaccination rates post-pandemic and warn of broader public health risks if immunization coverage remains low.

Summary

The Trump administration abruptly fired at least 10 principal investigators at the NIH Tuesday, including Dr. Richard Youle, a top Parkinson’s researcher and Breakthrough Prize winner.

The cuts, part of a broader purge by HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., are tied to a government slashing plan eliminating 1,200 NIH jobs.

Affected labs span key research in neurology, aging, HIV, and child brain disorders.

NIH leaders and scientists expressed confusion and alarm, warning the firings could severely disrupt clinical trials and critical research.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy requested Kennedy testify before Congress April 10.

Summary

Two new lab tests—one using blood, the other spinal fluid—aim to detect Alzheimer’s impact on memory, rather than just amyloid plaques.

Researchers say amyloid can accumulate without causing symptoms, so new biomarkers offer a clearer picture.

One test measures MTBR-tau243, a tau protein linked to memory loss, while another tracks two synapse-related proteins that predict cognitive decline up to 20 years in advance.

These NIH-funded tools could help doctors determine who would benefit from treatment and identify early-stage Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear.

Summary

Cases of bird flu in domestic cats are rising, with at least 126 U.S. infections since 2022—half in 2025—often linked to raw meat or milk.

The virus spreads quickly in cats and is frequently fatal. Three recent cases tied to raw poultry and unpasteurized milk led to two lawsuits and multiple pet food recalls.

Experts warn the virus could mutate and pose greater human risk.

Though no cat-to-human transmission has been confirmed, health officials urge caution with raw pet diets and stress the need for better surveillance.