SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " rising " 3,125 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
5 Questions: For Erik Langendal, small businesses are the rising tide that lifts all boats
Erik Langendal hadn’t exactly planned on going into the family business, Anders Langendal Boatbuilder & Sons, in the Clarke Shipyard at the end of East Front and Carpenter streets in Greenport. But a life lived on and ruled by the water was in his hardy half Swedish blood — and impossible to refuse. He knows...
Study finds sea levels are higher than we thought, placing millions more at risk
Climate change's rising seas may threaten tens of millions more people than scientists and government planners originally thought because of mistaken research assumptions on how high coastal waters already are, a new study said.
Irvine whiz kid says FBI probe sparked by science experiment was a ‘surprising situation’
A 17-year-old whiz kid whose Irvine home was at the center of an FBI and hazmat squad probe last week said the search was all because of his science experiment. Federal authorities said they were l…
Trump, tech companies sign voluntary pledge to protect consumers from rising electricity costs
President Donald Trump unveiled a voluntary pledge with major tech companies on Wednesday that the administration said will protect consumers from rising electricity costs spurred by artificial intelligence development.
Rising gas prices impact Madison business as war in Iran continues
Madison gas prices up roughly 40 cents from last week according to AAA
Should Rams trade Byron Young for more proven pass rusher?
The Los Angeles Rams are entering a ‘win now’ season in 2026 as Matthew Stafford enters his age 38 season and the team is coming off of a trip to the NFC Championship game. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Rams need to enter another ‘F Them Picks’ era, it wouldn’t be surprising to […]
Video: Nepal Election to Test the Political Power of Gen Z
Nepalis expressed hope for their country as people head to the polls on Thursday for the first election since a youth-led uprising against corruption toppled the government last September.
Starbucks is choosing this Southern state for its new corporate office
The new office will support the growth of Starbucks coffeehouses and "rising customer demand, in particular, the southeast region of the U.S.
What’s Driving Rising Business Costs?
An analysis of the cost increases that occurred among businesses in the New York-Northern New Jersey region in 2025, using the February regional surveys.
The Quiet Crisis Facing Black Woman-Owned Businesses
A quiet crisis is emerging for Black woman-owned businesses. Founders cite funding gaps, rising debt and harsher consumer expectations as threats to survival.
Nintendo Switch Online's March update to the Classics library is all about Mario, and one new game is particularly surprising
More Virtual Boy and GBA Mario games are being added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription in March 2026.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw Becomes First 2026 Republican Incumbent to Lose Primary
The result marks a rebuke by voters of the Texas Republican who was once viewed as a rising star in the party.
A property tax revolt spreads across states, but election-year cuts hit opposition
States across the country are pushing to cut property taxes as homeowners complain about rising bills
War with Iran means higher gas prices. How is that affecting your small business?
Rising oil prices tied to the conflict in the Middle East could add another strain for US small businesses already struggling under the weight of stubborn inflation and President Donald Trump’s hefty tariffs.
M5 Pro and M5 Max are surprisingly big departures from older Apple Silicon
Apple is using more chiplets and three types of CPU cores to make the M5 family.
Small Businesses Hold Steady, but See a Rocky Road Ahead
Small businesses maintained steady performance in 2025, but a Cleveland Fed survey shows optimism for 2026 has faded as rising tariff costs squeeze margins.
Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) Reports Strong 2025 Growth Led by FanDuel and International Expansion
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) is one of the stocks with explosive growth potential. On February 26, Flutter Entertainment reported strong top-line momentum for Q4 2025, with group revenue increasing 25% and adjusted EBITDA rising 27%. The company’s US division, anchored by FanDuel, remained a primary growth engine, posting a 33% increase in revenue and 90% in […]
Kentucky, Texas A&M meet with NCAA bubble stakes rising
Kentucky and Texas A&M will be in resume-padding mode when they square off Tuesday in College Station, Texas, in the penultimate game of the Southeastern Conference regular season for both teams.
Politics and Agricuture - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
From labor reform to the rising cost of growing our food, politics isn’t helping to fix the crisis agriculture is facing.
Workplace violence rising in health care as hospital shooting renews security concerns
While shootings inside hospitals remain extremely rare, violence in health care settings more broadly is a growing national concern.A patient and a visitor are
Patriots free agency profile: Vederian Lowe could be surprisingly popular
Previewing the Patriots offensive tackle as he heads into unrestricted free agency.
Target 7: The Rising Costs of Youth Sports
A decline in parks and recreation funding is causing a boom in travel sports, increasing costs within family budgets and leaving some would-be athletes behind.
MLV hires ex-NFL executive as league's first commissioner
MLV hired its first commissioner, a former NFL front-office executive, who will now lead the rising league.
Bernstein cuts Flutter Entertainment stock price target on rising U.S. competition
Bernstein cuts Flutter Entertainment stock price target on rising U.S. competition
The Costs of the Attacks on Iran
Rising oil prices, volatile stocks and potentially higher inflation are all weighing on investors’ minds as the military campaign continues.
The Making of the Music of Kirby Air Riders — Part 1 - News
Interviewees Masahiro Sakurai (middle) Director of Kirby Air Riders. Worked on the Kirby™ series, Super Smash Bros.™ series, Kid Icarus™: Uprising, and more. Noriyuki Iwadare (right) Composer. Best known works include the Grandia series, LUNAR serie…
March Madness predictions: Teams rising, falling in projected NCAA Tournament field
Here's a look at which men's college basketball teams are rising and falling in projected NCAA Tournament brackets ahead of March Madness
New research links testosterone therapy with serious health risks after total knee replacement surgery
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men and women has soared in recent years, with prescriptions rising from 7.3 million in 2019 to more than 11 million in 2024.1 Now, a large-scale study presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) points to serious health risks for testosterone users who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
As Trump urges GOP to retreat from anti-vax rhetoric, DeSantis doubles down on exemption bill amid rising measles cases
Florida advances exemptions as national GOP moderates vaccine tone
Nate Bargatze on comedy retirement, 'Big Dumb Eyes' tour and his surprising napkin phobia
The 46-year-old comedian and host opened up about his growing entertainment empire and plans for his future in stand-up comedy.
HPV-related throat cancers are rising in men, Louisiana doctors say. Here's what to know.
Incidence rates are rising for HPV-related throat cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, particularly in men over the age of 55. Here's what to know.
Why I’m Low-Key Relieved 'Tell Me Lies' Is Finally Over
'Tell Me Lies' has officially wrapped and while fans are emotional, there’s one surprising reason I’m actually okay with it ending. Read more here.
Scientists just created chocolate honey packed with surprising health perks
Scientists in Brazil have transformed cocoa waste into a functional chocolate-infused honey packed with antioxidants and natural stimulants. Using ultrasound waves, they enhanced honey’s ability to pull beneficial compounds from cocoa shells—no synthetic solvents required. The process is considered green and sustainable, and the product could find its way into gourmet foods and cosmetics.
US-Iran live updates: Israel, Iran trade strikes after Khamenei killed
The conflict follows weeks of rising tensions between the United States and Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear development programs.
A Texas Senate race is testing Democrats’ stomach for race and gender fights
Latino voters will probably decide the primary contest between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico -- two rising stars who are stylistic opposites.
Few will mourn Ali Khamenei and his evil legacy, says UK defence secretary
John Healey warns of ‘very real and rising threat’ from Tehran as US and Israeli military action divides political opinion
Women’s sports reach record NCAA participation as leadership roles keep rising
Women's sports participation reached a record 242,341 student-athletes in 2024-25, while women's representation continued to rise among athletics directors, head coaches and college presidents. The NCAA also recently approved four new women's championships and added women's flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program.
Wood County Youth Study reveals snapshot of rising vaping, mental health concerns among local students
…
For Trump, the Iran Attack Is the Ultimate War of Choice
There was no immediate threat from Iran. But the president saw a chance to push a weakened government over the edge, and is betting he can spark a popular uprising.
Surprising things about moving to Atlanta from Los Angeles
When moving from Los Angeles to Atlanta, I was surprised by things like the local queer culture, outdoor activities, and infrastructure issues,
Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro is the closest you can get to an iPad Pro on Android
Xiaomi's new tablet is unsurprisingly familiar.
Cricket in the Crossfire of Politics
As the 2026 World Cricket Cup unfolds under diplomatic strain, rising tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh show that the sport is no longer just a game but a stage where politics, nationalism, and media capital collide.
Textbooks challenged by new discovery about how cells divide
Scientists have uncovered a surprising new way that giant embryonic cells divide—without relying on the classic “purse-string” ring long thought essential for splitting a cell in two. Studying zebrafish embryos, researchers found that instead of forming a fully closed contractile ring, cells use a clever “mechanical ratchet” system.
Mavericks make surprising Tyus Jones roster decision
The Mavericks have decided to waive veteran guard Tyus Jones, allowing him to enter the buyout market and join a contending team.
Benavidez chosen to fill Senate District 21 vacancy after Michaelson Jenet resigns
A Democratic Senate District 21 vacancy committee Thursday night chose former Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County, to replace former Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet. Michaelson Jenet resigned on Feb. 13 to become the director of the David and Laura Merage Foundation for Combating Antisemitism. Benavidez served three terms in the House, rising to the position of […]
North Fla. Congressman Neal Dunn may have 'terminal diagnosis': report
Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly told GOP donors surprising news about U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn's health. What did he say?
Meet Alex Rosen, The Small Business Savant Mixing Art And Commerce
Once a rising star in the tech world, Alex Rosen is now directing her Stanford education and experience to help small businesses.
A lost moon may have created Titan and Saturn’s rings
Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may have been born in a colossal cosmic crash. New research suggests Titan formed when two older moons slammed together hundreds of millions of years ago—an event so violent it reshaped Saturn’s entire moon system and may have indirectly sparked the formation of its iconic rings. Clues come from Titan’s unusual orbit, its surprisingly smooth surface, and the strange behavior of the tumbling moon Hyperion.
Tuberculosis cases have been rising as public health agencies struggle to keep up
Tuberculosis is a costly disease, and cases have been rising back to pre-pandemic rates. Public health agencies are struggling to keep up.
Rising anger over ‘lop-sided’ and ‘immoral’ US health funding pacts with African countries
Zimbabwe refuses to sign agreement and Kenya faces a court case over data sharing as new aid deals come under scrutiny
Rising optimism among region’s business leaders suggests growth for Delaware
Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans. The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase, reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans […]
The politics of no sympathy for ‘IS families’ | Back to Back Barries podcast
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy discuss the debate over the Australian women and children in a Syrian detention camp, One Nation's rising poll numbers and the future of the capital gains tax
Seahawks’ NFLPA report card is sparkling, with one surprising exception
The Super Bowl champs fell short in one category of the yearly survey.
FCC probes sports streaming deals amid rising consumer costs
FOX Business correspondent Darren Botelho reports on the FCC’s probe into sports streaming deals and whether they are driving up costs and limiting access for consumers on 'The Bottom Line.'
40 Under 40
Crain’s annual recognition of Chicago’s rising business and civic leaders under 40.
Health insurance, inflation and federal funding cuts: Here’s what’s driving school budget increases this year
With inflation and health insurance rates rising, school district officials say they're running out of financial runway as they try to limit Town Meeting Day budget increases.
Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men
A massive study of more than 270,000 people has uncovered a surprising link between a common amino acid and how long men live. Researchers found that higher levels of tyrosine—an amino acid found in protein-rich foods and often marketed as a focus-boosting supplement—were associated with shorter life expectancy in men, potentially trimming nearly a year off lifespan.
Ayotte pitched tax credits for businesses with child care. Here’s how it’s going in the Legislature.
In her State of the State speech, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte called the rising cost of child care a “downward pressure” on families. Her solution: giving businesses tax credits so they can create their own.
WWE Superstar Says Tom Brady Is on His ‘RKO’ List
Randy Orton has added a surprising name to his “RKO list.” After Tom Brady referred to WWE as “cute” during a recent podcast appearance, the 14-time world champion responded with a playful warning. Orton now says that the seven-time Super Bowl winner is someone he would love to hit with his signature move. Tom Brady […] The post WWE Superstar Says Tom Brady Is on His ‘RKO’ List appeared first on Mandatory.
Six seats, big goals: What’s next for Bangladesh’s student-led NCP party?
From leading historic uprising to being junior partner in opposition alliance - the nascent party looks for a foothold.
Hiring vs. contracting becomes a high-stakes business decision
As companies navigate growth, uncertainty and rising labor costs, deciding between hiring an employee or engaging an independent contractor has become a strategic choice, not just an HR one, Fast Company writes. A panel of executives outlines 14 considerations, from whether the work is core and ongoing or project-based and time-bound. The guidance centers on […]
Former congressman, brother guilty in murder of Brazilian politician
The 2018 assassination of rights activist and Rio de Janeiro city council member Marielle Franco, a rising star in Brazilian politics, reverberated worldwide.
One type of olive oil has a surprising effect on brainpower during aging
New study reveals extra virgin olive oil may protect brain health by improving gut bacteria and cognitive function in older adults.
Healthcare Business Intelligence Market to Reach USD 20.04 Billion by 2035, Fueled by Value-Based Care Adoption and AI-Powered Analytics Innovation
Rising Demand for Predictive Analytics, Cloud-Based BI Platforms, and Regulatory Quality Reporting Requirements Accelerate Market Expansion Globally.Austin, United States, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthcare Business Intelligence Market Size & Growth Analysis: “According to SNS Insider, The Healthcare Business Intelligence Market size is estimated at USD 8.32 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 20.04 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 9.19% over 2026-2035.” The growth of the
Midterm underdogs rally around data center politics
Democrats in particular have seized on the prospect of rising energy costs in the fight for control of Washington and state capitals.
Colorado is turning its back on agriculture
Colorado’s farmers and ranchers already face significant challenges, including volatile commodity prices, rising input costs, labor shortages and unpredictable weather. They should not also have to contend with a state legislature that increasingly seeks to regulate how they protect crops and livestock. Yet that is precisely what Senate Bills 26-062 and 26-065 represent: a top-down […]
Arts District businesses push back on parking fee increase
Emotions ran high inside Third Street Theater as business owners, workers and community members in the 18b Arts District voiced concerns about rising parking fe
40,000-year-old signs show humans were recording information long before writing
More than 40,000 years ago, Ice Age humans were carving repeated patterns of dots, lines, and crosses into tools and small ivory figurines. A new computational study of more than 3,000 of these Paleolithic signs reveals that they were not random decorations but structured sequences with measurable complexity. Surprisingly, their information density rivals that of proto-cuneiform, the earliest known writing system that emerged around 3,000 B.C.E.
Leak: Samsung Galaxy S26 batteries include a surprising downgrade
An advanced report suggests the new Samsung Galaxy S26 line may have taken a hit in battery life.
Erin Wright’s Hyperreal Paintings Make Luxury Living Weird
Rising L.A. painter Erin Wright subtly critiques the glamour of the perfect home.
2026 NFL mock draft: Broncos make surprising 1st-round pick
The Broncos begin planning for the future in this 2026 NFL mock draft.
Can solar storms trigger earthquakes? Scientists propose surprising link
Scientists have proposed a surprising connection between solar flares and earthquakes. When solar activity disturbs the ionosphere, it may generate electric fields that penetrate fragile fracture zones in Earth’s crust. If a fault is already critically stressed, this extra electrostatic pressure could help trigger a quake. The idea doesn’t claim direct causation, but it offers a fresh way to think about how space weather and seismic events might interact.
Midterm underdogs rally around data center politics
Democrats in particular have seized on the prospect of rising energy costs in the fight for control of Washington and state capitals.
Is the YIMBY movement doomed?
For decades, rising home prices have been an engine for middle-class wealth. Now a growing movement wants to slow — or even reverse — that trend. Are the politics around new housing development inherently stacked against them?
A breakout year of growth and brand momentum
Fourth quarter 2025 was a great finish to a breakout year for Amer Sports led by our flagship Arc’teryx brand and rising star Salomon.
Galaxy S26 series leak reveals a surprising downgrade for battery health
Leaked Galaxy S26 EU labels suggest massive efficiency gains, but reveal a potential downgrade in long-term battery health and charge cycles.
KEA asks for lawmaker pledge against rising health insurance costs
The KEA and state retirement groups are the latest to sound the alarm over a state budget proposal that Republicans maintain is still a work in progress that needs more information.
🏥 Protecting Iowa’s Health Care
In rural Iowa, the nearest hospital isn’t just a building — it’s a lifeline. And in many towns, it’s the only one for miles. When that hospital struggles to hire nurses, absorb rising costs, and maintain key services, families feel it immediately — long before any announcement is made. Last week, I met with patients […]
Scientists reverse muscle aging in mice and discover a surprising catch
A UCLA study in mice reveals that aging muscle stem cells accumulate a protein that slows repair but boosts survival. This protein, NDRG1, acts like a brake, preventing cells from activating quickly after injury. When researchers blocked it in older mice, muscle healing sped up dramatically — but stem cells became less resilient over time. The work suggests aging may reflect a survival trade-off rather than straightforward decline.
Pharma lobbyists focus on a surprising new target: the FDA
Lobbyists told STAT they believe the odds of approval go up if a decision can be spun as a win for the Trump administration.
Chinese scientists engineer gene-edited tomato with popcorn aroma
By silencing two genes with CRISPR/Cas9 tool, Chinese team creates a tomato with a surprisingly sweet scent.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
Bhattacharya’s growing power in Trump’s HHS worries health experts
Public health experts and former federal staffers are uneasy over National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya’s rising influence over U.S. health policy as he temporarily takes on…
Triceratops had a giant nose that may have cooled its massive head
Triceratops’ massive head may have been doing more than just showing off those famous horns. Using CT scans and 3D reconstructions of fossil skulls, researchers uncovered a surprisingly complex nasal system hidden inside its enormous snout. Instead of being just a supersized nose for smelling, it likely housed intricate networks of nerves and blood vessels—and even special structures that helped regulate heat and moisture.
Supreme Court wades into US-Cuba business disputes, with billions at stake
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to explore legal questions arising from the fraught history of U.S.-Cuban relations when it considers the scope of a 1996 law that lets U.S. nationals seek compensation for property confiscated by the communist-led Cuban government.
Got $10,000? Axsome Therapeutics Could Be a Mental‑Health Moonshot by 2036
The biotech is slowly rising in prominence.
What Scientists Fear Most Is Happening in the Oceans - Futura-Sciences
To compile the report, 120 experts from around the globe analyzed satellite observations alongside direct measurements taken in the water. Their conclusion is stark. The rate of ocean warming has accelerated sharply since the 1960s and has nearly doubled since 2005. On average, global ocean temperatures are rising by +0.13°C...
Lawmakers consider property tax cap as mayors, business owners clash over impact
Some business owners say rising tax rates are forcing them to make tough decisions about staying open.
Medical tourism: US family went to Turkey for healthcare, saved money
Amid rising US healthcare costs, Cara West found relief in medical tourism. Her family saved thousands getting tests and scans done in Turkey.
Medical tourism: US family went to Turkey for healthcare, saved money
Amid rising US healthcare costs, Cara West found relief in medical tourism. Her family saved thousands getting tests and scans done in Turkey.
Scientists make surprising discovery about hazard lurking in air around us: 'We could at least narrow down'
"They are even still large after our study."
iPhone 18 Pro prices may not be higher than the iPhone 17 Pro despite rising costs
Apple aims to keep starting prices of the iPhone 18 Pro similar to the iPhone 17 Pro despite rising component costs, according to industry analysts.
Common pneumonia bacterium may fuel Alzheimer’s disease
A common bacterium best known for causing pneumonia and sinus infections may also play a surprising role in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that Chlamydia pneumoniae can invade the retina and brain, where it sparks inflammation, nerve cell death, and the buildup of amyloid-beta—the hallmark protein linked to Alzheimer’s. Higher levels of the bacterium were found in people with Alzheimer’s, especially those carrying the high-risk APOE4 gene, and were tied to more severe cognitive decline.
Wells Fargo Raises Outlook on Cardinal Health (CAH), Cites Broad Business Strength
Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH) is included among the 16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts. On February 10, Wells Fargo raised its price recommendation on Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH) to $256 from $237. The firm reiterated its Overweight rating on the stock. The decision followed a strong Q2 performance, which led the firm to lift […]
Roanoke business reacts to Supreme Court tariff ruling
Though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that most of Trump's tariff policy is not permitted, it will take another year for a Roanoke business to see rising cost subside.
NFL Analyst Reacts to Surprising Saints Mock Draft Selection
The most surprising Winter Olympics sports in history
Here are some of the most unusual Winter Olympic sports in history, from ski ballet and military patrol to dog sled racing and skijoring.
American cowboy legend Chad Berger discusses challenges of the cattle business
Chad Berger, owner of Chad Berger Bucking Bulls, discusses the changing American cattle business, highlighting rising steer prices, decreasing cattle numbers due to land development and an aging rancher population.
Scientists reveal how exercise protects the brain from Alzheimer’s
Exercise may sharpen the mind by repairing the brain’s protective shield. Researchers found that physical activity prompts the liver to release an enzyme that removes a harmful protein causing the blood-brain barrier to become leaky with age. In older mice, dialing down this protein reduced inflammation and improved memory. The discovery points to a surprising body-to-brain pathway that could inspire new Alzheimer’s therapies.