Whooping Cough Cases Explode in Queensland Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
Queensland experienced a record-high 14,783 whooping cough cases in 2024, a 16-fold increase from 2023, attributed to declining vaccination rates and the end of COVID-19 preventative measures; one infant death was reported.
Whooping Cough Cases Explode in Queensland Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
Queensland experienced a record-high 14,783 whooping cough cases in 2024, a 16-fold increase from 2023, attributed to declining vaccination rates and the end of COVID-19 preventative measures; one infant death was reported.
Progress
44% Bias Score
Record Number of Older Brits Hospitalized After Smoking Cannabis
A record 2,700+ older adults in England were hospitalized for cannabis-related issues between April 2023 and March 2024, a 56% rise since pre-pandemic levels and a 650% increase compared to a decade ago, due to self-medication and misconceptions about cannabis safety; additionally, 22 children under...
Record Number of Older Brits Hospitalized After Smoking Cannabis
A record 2,700+ older adults in England were hospitalized for cannabis-related issues between April 2023 and March 2024, a 56% rise since pre-pandemic levels and a 650% increase compared to a decade ago, due to self-medication and misconceptions about cannabis safety; additionally, 22 children under...
Progress
60% Bias Score
WHO Urges China to Share COVID-19 Origin Data
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, China, the WHO urged China to share data to understand the virus's origins; while China asserts it shared data, the WHO points to insufficient information hindering a full understanding, particularly concerning early 2020 data from the Huanan se...
WHO Urges China to Share COVID-19 Origin Data
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, China, the WHO urged China to share data to understand the virus's origins; while China asserts it shared data, the WHO points to insufficient information hindering a full understanding, particularly concerning early 2020 data from the Huanan se...
Progress
36% Bias Score
Smoking Shortens Life by 20 Minutes Per Cigarette, Study Finds
A University College London study shows one cigarette shortens life by 20 minutes; a pack a day equates to seven hours, leading to a 10-year reduction in lifespan for continuing smokers; quitting early next year could regain up to 50 days by year's end.
Smoking Shortens Life by 20 Minutes Per Cigarette, Study Finds
A University College London study shows one cigarette shortens life by 20 minutes; a pack a day equates to seven hours, leading to a 10-year reduction in lifespan for continuing smokers; quitting early next year could regain up to 50 days by year's end.
Progress
24% Bias Score
Belgium Expands Smoking Ban, Bans Disposable Vapes
Belgium expands its smoking and vaping ban to numerous public spaces, including zoos and playgrounds, with a 10-meter restriction around schools and healthcare facilities, and bans the sale of disposable vapes, aiming for a smoke-free generation by 2040; fines range from €208 to €8000.
Belgium Expands Smoking Ban, Bans Disposable Vapes
Belgium expands its smoking and vaping ban to numerous public spaces, including zoos and playgrounds, with a 10-meter restriction around schools and healthcare facilities, and bans the sale of disposable vapes, aiming for a smoke-free generation by 2040; fines range from €208 to €8000.
Progress
32% Bias Score
Smartwatch App Shows Promise in Smoking Cessation
A University of Bristol study tested a smartwatch app using motion sensors to detect smoking and provide support messages; initial findings show 66% of participants found the device acceptable, and 61% found the messages relevant, suggesting potential for aiding smoking cessation.
Smartwatch App Shows Promise in Smoking Cessation
A University of Bristol study tested a smartwatch app using motion sensors to detect smoking and provide support messages; initial findings show 66% of participants found the device acceptable, and 61% found the messages relevant, suggesting potential for aiding smoking cessation.
Progress
36% Bias Score
2025 Public Health Outlook: Bird Flu, Social Media, Weight-Loss Drugs, and Vaccine Progress
The year 2025 may see rising bird flu cases, potentially signaling human-to-human transmission; increased regulation of adolescent social media use due to its mental health impact; growing awareness of weight-loss drugs' side effects; and progress in preventing cervical cancer and malaria deaths thr...
2025 Public Health Outlook: Bird Flu, Social Media, Weight-Loss Drugs, and Vaccine Progress
The year 2025 may see rising bird flu cases, potentially signaling human-to-human transmission; increased regulation of adolescent social media use due to its mental health impact; growing awareness of weight-loss drugs' side effects; and progress in preventing cervical cancer and malaria deaths thr...
Progress
44% Bias Score
Severe H5N1 Case in Canada Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Surveillance
A 13-year-old Canadian girl with asthma and obesity experienced severe multi-organ failure from H5N1 infection, requiring ECMO, dialysis, and plasma exchange, unlike most other US cases that have been milder; this, along with mutations suggesting human adaptation, has prompted calls for increased su...
Severe H5N1 Case in Canada Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Surveillance
A 13-year-old Canadian girl with asthma and obesity experienced severe multi-organ failure from H5N1 infection, requiring ECMO, dialysis, and plasma exchange, unlike most other US cases that have been milder; this, along with mutations suggesting human adaptation, has prompted calls for increased su...
Progress
48% Bias Score
England to Expand Water Fluoridation Despite Safety Concerns
England plans to expand water fluoridation to millions more people to improve dental health, despite concerns about potential negative effects on IQ and cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by conflicting studies and the transfer of responsibility for the program from local authorities to the Departme...
England to Expand Water Fluoridation Despite Safety Concerns
England plans to expand water fluoridation to millions more people to improve dental health, despite concerns about potential negative effects on IQ and cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by conflicting studies and the transfer of responsibility for the program from local authorities to the Departme...
Progress
36% Bias Score
2025 Economic Forecast: Sluggish Growth, Rising Unemployment, and Increased Inflation
The author predicts sluggish economic growth (1% by Q4 2025), rising unemployment (5.5-6%), and inflation nearing 4%, driven by tariffs, manufacturing disruptions, and wage increases from deportations. High interest rates and political uncertainty add to the risks.
2025 Economic Forecast: Sluggish Growth, Rising Unemployment, and Increased Inflation
The author predicts sluggish economic growth (1% by Q4 2025), rising unemployment (5.5-6%), and inflation nearing 4%, driven by tariffs, manufacturing disruptions, and wage increases from deportations. High interest rates and political uncertainty add to the risks.
Progress
40% Bias Score
Belgium Expands Smoking Ban, Bans Disposable Vapes
Belgium expands its smoking and vaping ban to various public spaces, including zoos, playgrounds, and areas near schools and healthcare facilities, with significant fines for violators; the country also bans the sale of disposable vapes, aiming for a smoke-free generation by 2040.
Belgium Expands Smoking Ban, Bans Disposable Vapes
Belgium expands its smoking and vaping ban to various public spaces, including zoos, playgrounds, and areas near schools and healthcare facilities, with significant fines for violators; the country also bans the sale of disposable vapes, aiming for a smoke-free generation by 2040.
Progress
44% Bias Score
RIVM Delays Chemelot Health Study Until 2026
The Dutch RIVM will delay a comprehensive health study of residents near the Chemelot industrial park in Zuid-Limburg until at least the first half of 2026, due to the complexity of measuring numerous chemicals and the lack of precise exposure data. This follows a November 2023 request from the Prov...
RIVM Delays Chemelot Health Study Until 2026
The Dutch RIVM will delay a comprehensive health study of residents near the Chemelot industrial park in Zuid-Limburg until at least the first half of 2026, due to the complexity of measuring numerous chemicals and the lack of precise exposure data. This follows a November 2023 request from the Prov...
Progress
36% Bias Score