NIH: Exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ found in food packaging can lead to premature births

Currently, there are few guidelines about what levels of harmful chemicals are found in food packaging, if any, and if they are potentially harmful. Scientists say it’s time for a change.

Fentanyl risk from $1 bill? Drug safety expert dispels myths about second-hand exposure

In a viral Facebook post, a Kentucky woman says she had to be hospitalized after picking up a dollar bill from the ground that she thinks was laced with the drug fentanyl.

Philadelphia is one of the most stressed cities in America, study finds

A new study conducted by WalletHub revealed that Philadelphia is one of the most stressed cities in the country. The study also includes a ranking for Wilmington, Delaware and two cities in northern New Jersey.

White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among US children continues to rise, study suggests

The study estimated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. kids was 3.14% as of 2020. Meanwhile, there has been more awareness and a wider availability of services.

Judge dismisses Delaware AG's suit over PCB contamination

A Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Delaware’s Democratic attorney general against Monsanto Co. over environmental damage from toxic chemicals known as PCBs.

NYC COVID: Health department urges use of masks in public places and in crowds outdoors

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in certain settings, again, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say

Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.

Gates Foundation, women's tennis partnering on health issues

All sorts of requests reach the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, via all sorts of methods, but rarely does a meaningful entreaty come via LinkedIn message. That, though, is how Micky Lawler, the president of the WTA women’s professional tennis tour, first reached out to the group about a partnership during a sleepless pandemic night.

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces

The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.

New vaccine could protect against COVID-19 variants before they emerge

The vaccine works by using spike proteins from SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — and seven other related animal viruses with the potential to cause a pandemic in humans.

How abortion clinics in sanctuary states are handling a surge in out-of-state care

Juliana Serrano, Planned Parenthood vice president of advocacy and equity in Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, says her organization and sister affiliates have been planning for this since Roe v. Wade was first made law of the land nearly 50 years ago.

COVID-19 endemic stage could be two years away

The coronavirus pandemic could last for nearly two more years before becoming an endemic according to new Yale research.

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

CDC expanding monkeypox testing with commercial laboratories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced LabCorp will begin utilizing its largest clinical laboratory to increase nationwide testing capacity on monkeypox. 

Invasive snails spotted in Pasco County may cause meningitis in humans, Florida officials warn

Officials are warning residents in one Florida county to beware of the invasive giant African land snail, which can carry a rare rat lungworm that has the potential to cause meningitis in humans.