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In 2025, the U.S. is facing a troubling resurgence of measles, a disease once nearly eradicated thanks to widespread childhood vaccination. Over 700 cases have already been reported this year, with Texas alone accounting for more than 540. This spike isn’t due to a new mutation or unforeseen outbreak—it’s largely driven by vaccine hesitancy, stagnant…
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In an interconnected world, global health security is more crucial than ever. With the rise of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the increasing frequency of pandemics, countries must work together to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the weaknesses in global preparedness, emphasizing the need for stronger healthcare infrastructure, real-time…
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In modern medicine, early diagnosis is often seen as the key to preventing serious health conditions. But what happens when we diagnose too much, too early? The rise of overdiagnosis—identifying conditions that may never cause harm—has led to unnecessary medical interventions, increased anxiety, and a growing burden on healthcare systems. From incidental findings in routine…
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Malnutrition and food insecurity are two deeply interconnected public health issues affecting millions worldwide. Malnutrition arises when individuals don’t receive the right balance of nutrients needed for proper growth, development, and overall health. It can manifest as undernutrition—where people lack essential vitamins, minerals, and calories—or as overnutrition, leading to obesity and related diseases. Food insecurity,…
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Sustainability is crucial for ensuring that future generations can thrive in a world that is both environmentally stable and socially just. It’s about finding a balance between protecting the planet, promoting social equity, and encouraging economic growth. With pressing issues like climate change, resource depletion, and pollution, adopting sustainable practices has never been more important.…
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Bird flu (H5N1) is spreading again in the U.S., and this time, it’s not just affecting birds. While the virus has mostly been found in poultry, there have also been cases in dairy cows, and a few people have gotten sick. This has experts worried that if the virus mutates, it could spread more easily…
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I recently started working with Stanford students on a research project about sustainability in Guajira, Colombia. We’re just starting to learn about the region, which faces big challenges like water shortages and deforestation. Guajira is home to the Wayuu people, and we want to find ways to help the environment while respecting their culture. We…
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Health inequities across the U.S. are a harsh reality, especially for marginalized and low-income communities. Rural areas often lack clinics and specialists, forcing people to travel hours for basic care. Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations face systemic barriers like bias in treatment and limited access to preventive services, leading to worse outcomes like higher maternal…
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Childhood obesity is a growing crisis, with unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity putting millions of kids at risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks dominate many children’s diets, while screen time often replaces outdoor play. This combination not only impacts their physical health but…
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Vaccine hesitancy is a big issue in Africa, where many people are reluctant to get vaccinated due to misinformation, distrust of healthcare systems, and difficulty accessing vaccines. These challenges don’t just slow down efforts to fight diseases—they also make health disparities worse. Solving this problem takes more than just science; it requires understanding the history,…