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WATCH: Trump says 'Medicare for All' doesn't work
The president was asked about Democratic candidates who want to use Medicare to provide universal access to health care — and he said his approach to have confidential drug pricing deals was superior.
Health data breaches are surging. What to do when personal and medical records are exposed
Personal and medical information — including physical and mental health records — is increasingly being compromised in cyberattacks, with an average of 136,300 people affected per breach.
Health data breaches are surging. What to do when personal and medical records are exposed
Personal and medical information — including physical and mental health records — is increasingly being compromised in cyberattacks, with an average of 136,300 people affected per breach.
Health data breaches are surging. What to do when personal and medical records are exposed
Personal and medical information — including physical and mental health records — is increasingly being compromised in cyberattacks, with an average of 136,300 people affected per breach.
Health data breaches are surging. What to do when personal and medical records are exposed
Personal and medical information — including physical and mental health records — is increasingly being compromised in cyberattacks, with an average of 136,300 people affected per breach.
Health systems joining efforts to reduce homelessness
From developing housing to deploying mobile medical units, most of the nation's large health systems are investing in efforts to alleviate homelessness—and, in turn, reduce emergency care costs, new Cornell ...
Florida grand jury finds DeSantis administration misused $10 million, but no charges have been filed
Despite the lack of charges, the report ignited a new round of criticism aimed at Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top state Republicans over the charity receiving $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement intended to help poor children get health insurance.
Measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania spark feud among politicians and health officials
Medical experts say the brouhaha has diverted focus from an exploding public health threat.
Measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania spark feud among politicians and health officials
Medical experts say the brouhaha has diverted focus from an exploding public health threat.
Virtual e-health system safely monitors cardiac devices and cuts costs
A virtual e-health system (VIRTUES) was as safe and effective as standard care for monitoring the function of cardiac implantable electronic devices, with the benefit of cost savings and patient satisfaction.
GLP-1 drugs are almost single-handedly forcing employers to reconsider workers' health care
Another hospital system sues CVS Health, how Medicaid cuts will change everything, and more
Tulane Ventures brings behavioral health company to New Orleans
Tulane Ventures has invested $250,000 in Cabana, a behavioral health platform co-founded by a Tulane alumnus, as part of a $1 million seed round that also includes 1834 Ventures.Cabana combines clinical care, community groups and tech-enabled support to embed behavioral health support — outside of medical appointments — in the lives of patients battling physical ailments.
Marshall Health Network adds five pediatricians to its care team
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Health Network recently welcomed five pediatricians to its team of providers. Rita M. Ryan, M.D., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, is a board-certified neonatologist and nationally recognized neonatal lung specialist. She brings extensive experience as a clinician and pediatric leader, including previous service as pediatrician-in-chief at the Medical […]
Why do some proteins accumulate even on protein-resistant surfaces?
Proteins with exposed arginine can selectively accumulate even on protein-resistant coatings, as reported by researchers from Science Tokyo. Through an in-depth analysis of which and how proteins adhere to various anti-fouling surfaces, the team found arginine disrupts the protective water layer that normally blocks adsorption. Their results will help scientists develop safer and more effective biocompatible materials for medical devices, such as stents and advanced biosensors.
One injection could keep osteoarthritis drugs working for weeks
Scientists have created an injectable gel that can remain inside arthritic joints for weeks, slowly releasing medication while also improving lubrication. The approach could make it easier to deliver disease-modifying drugs directly where they are needed while limiting exposure elsewhere in the body.
Rising health care costs could take a bigger bite out of workers’ paychecks
Otto Graham says the increased costs of medication and rise in utilization are driving the potential effect for workers.
New Mexico Health Care Authority hosts news conference for Medicaid changes
Federal changes are coming to programs like Medicaid and SNAP in 2026 and 2027. The New Mexico Health Care Authority is hosting a virtual conference to help explain the changes
Rising health care costs could take a bigger bite out of workers’ paychecks
Otto Graham says the increased costs of medication and rise in utilization are driving the potential effect for workers.
Top salaries at Aunt Martha’s 2024
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness is a federally qualified health center that delivers integrated community health care that connects medical, behavioral and social support.
Top salaries at Aunt Martha’s 2024
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness is a federally qualified health center that delivers integrated community health care that connects medical, behavioral and social support.
Federal grant cuts hit Colorado studies to make healthcare more efficient
Dr. Lisa DeCamp thought she might have a win-win idea that would improve health for kids with asthma while saving Medicaid money. She may never know if it would have worked after the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ended her…
Proposed Medicaid Cuts Could Cost Maternal and Children’s Health Care Billions
An estimated $19.7 billion in Texas health care funding is at stake under proposed changes to Medicaid payments. The proposed rules from the Centers for
Adams County Health Department offers prevention tips as COVID cases rise in Missouri, Illinois
According to the latest CDC guidance, people who contract the virus can return to normal activities after symptoms disappear and they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
AI turns to health care for an image fix
Saving the world with new medical cures is better than being blamed for big electric bills.
Louisiana takes a step toward adopting Medicaid work requirements
Louisiana’s proposed work requirements for Medicaid enrollment largely adhere to the new guidelines Congress and President Donald Trump laid out last year. The new state regulations are expected to go into effect for Medicaid recipients in January.
Together, GLP-1s And GenAI Can Solve Healthcare’s Affordability Crisis
Two innovations offer a new path to healthcare affordability: GLP-1 medications and generative AI. Here's how to two could radically improve medicine and lower costs.
How Guthrie plans to help PA Medicaid patients
The health system is expanding its volunteer program to keep patients insured when the Trump administration’s stricter Medicaid rules go into effect.
Huawei shows Watch D3’s smarter BP monitoring before September 2
Huawei Watch D3‘s features have started emerging ahead of the September 2 launch event, and one such is a smarter BP monitoring capability. The firm has showcased the new medical smartwatch at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026. ESC Congress is one of the world’s top academic gatherings in cardiovascular medicine. The meeting […]
Home health, hospice deal-making on track to soar in 2027, report predicts
Despite concerns that a federal Medicare moratorium is stifling home health and hospice growth, a new analysis predicts merger and acquisition activity in the home health and hospice sector could be poised for a strong rebound in 2027.
Study: Rural, dual-eligible patients less likely to receive timely home health rehab
Medicare patients who were rural and dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid were less likely to receive home health rehabilitation services within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital, according to an August study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center sued after allegedly exposing dozens of patients to bloodborne pathogens
Many of the details are unknown, but a primary plaintiff in the lawsuit said the exposure stemmed from a contaminated solution used during a 2024 colonoscopy. An attorney representing the patient said as many as 100 people could have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
People with diabetes may have another reason to protect their cardiovascular health
Better cardiovascular health, measured using Life’s Essential 8, was associated with a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment among people with diabetes after accounting for genetic susceptibility. Associations with dementia varied by genetic risk, while higher LE8 scores were also linked to greater gray matter volume and lower white matter hyperintensity volume.
Scientists discover diamonds can generate electricity
Diamond was thought to be incapable of producing electricity through mechanical deformation, but ultrathin flexible diamond membranes have now shown a strong and repeatable piezoelectric effect. The unexpected discovery could open the door to diamond-powered sensors, tiny energy systems, and self-powered medical implants.
Patients opening up to AI over doctors for health questions
Healthvana’s AI tool is strictly conversational and refrains from providing medical advice, Palmeri said.
Why Republicans are focusing on transgender issues in competitive 2026 campaigns
Campaign ads in several midterm elections portray Democrats as “radical” on transgender youth medical care and sports participation. Republicans are leaning on a strategy that proved successful in 2024.
Rising health care costs could take a bigger bite out of workers’ paychecks
Otto Graham says the increased costs of medication and rise in utilization are driving the potential effect for workers.
North Carolina: Rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo prompts health warning
On Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County. They were first notified of a potential rabies exposure among four baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina on August 27. The goats were most likely exposed to rabies by a skunk that had entered the pen where they were kept in late July. The NC State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed rabies viruses in three of the baby goats on August 28; a fourth goat was not tested but is also assumed to have been infected. Based on information gathered on August 28, it was determined that no other animals on the farm pose a risk of rabies exposure to people. Learn about rabies Anyone who had contact with baby goats from the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo either at their location in Harmony, North Carolina, or at an off-site event, between July 28 and Aug. 27, 2026, may have been exposed while the animals were infectious. Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection. Individuals are encouraged to call before visiting an emergency department or urgent care clinic to determine if treatment is needed and where it can be accessed. Known potential exposure dates and locations include: July 28: Jurney’s Assisted Living, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County July 30: Private event in Mecklenburg County Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County Aug. 8: Private event in Watauga County Aug. 9: Private event in Burke County Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County Aug. 16: Private event in Durham County Aug. 22: Private event in Iredell County Aug. 23: Private event in Durham County Rabies is a deadly disease that can spread from wild animals to pets and people, primarily through a bite, scratch or when infected saliva touches broken skin or mucous membranes. Human rabies infections are extremely rare in the United States. No human cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011. Rabies is almost always fatal in mammals, including people, unless medications to prevent infections are given before symptoms develop. Symptoms can begin weeks to months after someone is exposed. Early symptoms are flu-like illness including weakness, fever or headache as well as a prickling or itching sensation where someone was bitten or exposed. In 2025, over 4,000 animals were submitted to the NC State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing, and of these, approximately 6% tested positive. In North Carolina the disease most often occurs in wild animals especially skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Experts clash over mental health issues in Clancy trial
Jury deliberations are expected to resume in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. The defense argues that Clancy suffered from postpartum psychosis and was overmedicated. Fox News' Madison Scarpino reports the latest.
Healthcare data breach exposes 3.75M patient records
The CareCloud data breach exposed Social Security numbers, banking information and medical records belonging to more than 3.75 million people.
New Medical Wing Proposed For Valley Hospital 4 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey
Renderings have been revealed for a proposed six-story, 200,000-square-foot expansion of Valley Hospital at 4 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey.
Cville Local Experts: Distinguishing the difference between home health and home care.
Whenever someone needs medical support in their home, albeit short or long-term, a combination of both home health and home care can support the family, the patient and relieve some of the financial burden.
Medicare's pilot GLP-1 discount program has a catch. Some sick patients don't qualify
Medicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month. But many people with the most serious illnesses won't get that discount.
How did nine children die in a 1991 Pennsylvania measles outbreak?
Several years ago, vaccine expert Paul Offit gave a speech to medical staff at a pediatric hospital, saying some parents choose not to immunize their children...
College running back MicahJo Barnett dies after medical emergency on sideline
Lifestyle Medicine and the Science of Cholesterol Reduction: A Systematic Review of Non-medication Approaches Among Adults
Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains highly prevalent despite advances in lipid-lowering therapy. Lifestyle medicine has emerged as a comprehensi...
Luzerne County Council zeroes in on inmate health care practices
Luzerne County prison inmate medical care procedures and costs were discussed at length during last week’s County Council work session.
WHO releases US$150 000 emergency funds to support Nepal’s flood response
The World Health Organization has released US$150 000 from the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to support urgent health and other needs of the communities impacted by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, one of the worst tragedies in the country in recent times. “The emergency funds will support immediate response priorities. WHO is committed to supporting Nepal through the response and recovery efforts,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. Earlier, within hours of the flash floods on 26 August, WHO mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, including an Interagency Emergency Health Kit that can cater to the health needs of nearly 10 000 people for 3 months, along with multipurpose tents.
How the medical team at the U.S. Open helps keep players safe and healthy
New study detects silent atherosclerosis in healthy young adults
Atherosclerosis, the process underlying most cardiovascular diseases, begins long before the first symptoms appear.
San Antonio businesses close after storm, power outages
Restaurants, libraries, medical clinics and entertainment sites around San Antonio are currently without power after the storm and will remain closed.
Peroxisome structure can help protect insulin and maintain beta cell health
Researchers at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center have identified a previously underappreciated role for tiny structures inside cells called peroxisomes in protecting insulin and maintaining ...
Balerdi lands in Rome ahead of Roma medical
Roma is preparing to welcome their fifth signing of this transfer window. The Giallorossi closed negotiations with Marseille in just a few hours for the transfer of Leonardo Balerdi, a right-footed Ar...
Former detainees with medical conditions detail fear of getting tuberculosis in Colorado ICE facility
Colorado health officials have sued to get more access to information around a confirmed tuberculosis case at the Aurora Immigration Processing Center.
Plans Announced for NYU Langone Health Medical Center in Melville, Long Island
Plans have been announced for a new medical center designed by Ennead Architects for NYU Langone Health in Melville, Long Island.
Ala. health system opens operations center with plans for up to 250 jobs
Huntsville Hospital Health System and Marshall Medical Centers opened a 32,000-square-foot operations hub in Arab to support scheduling, billing, customer service and other health care functions
Why it can take time and effort to find the right meds to help mental health
At the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, mental health professionals who treated her testified that she repeatedly sought changes to dozens of medications prescribed for depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
When Medical Science Refuses to Correct Itself
Science is supposed to be self-correcting. But what happens when the journals entrusted to uphold this principle become its gatekeepers?
Susan Collins and Democrats are fighting a TV ad war over her votes on Trump’s Medicaid cuts
As Democrats spend money to highlight her vote to procedurally advance the “big, beautiful bill,” Collins is running her own ads noting that she ultimately voted against the measure.
Statins can safely cut risk of heart attacks or strokes in healthy people aged over 70, world-first clinical trial shows
Australian-led trial finds low risk of side effects from common cholesterol-lowering medication for otherwise healthy older people
Digital technologies reshape clinical research and public health
JMIR Publications this week released seven feature News and Perspectives articles covering how digital tools are transforming clinical research, public health readiness, health care institutions, and consumer choices.
New Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Research Program Offers Valuable Lab Experience
The Undergraduate Program for Research Immersion & Scholarly Mentorship will enable undergraduate students in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences to gain meaningful research experiences in the institute’s labs.
Kiggans, CMS Administrator Oz Discuss Healthcare Affordability, Access in Coastal Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz...
Healthcare Freefall: AI arms race hits rural healthcare as hospitals fight to keep up
Editor’s Note: Colorado’s healthcare system is entering a period of accelerating instability — a “tsunami,” as multiple leaders describe it — driven by collapsing hospital finances, shrinking Medicaid reimbursements, disappearing services and a political fight over who is responsible for this unraveling. Healthcare Freefall is a multipart series examining how Colorado arrived at this moment, […]
Nearly 1 in 5 Medicaid-eligible Adults in Expansion States Are At Risk of Losing Health Coverage Due to Insufficient or Inconsistent Work Hours
A new study found that nearly 20 percent of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states are in danger of not meeting the minimum work hours that will be required nationwide beginning January 1. Women, unmarried people, White individuals, and those with limited education all had a higher risk of losing their health coverage due to noncompliance with these new requirements.
AHA recommends changes to home health payments, provider enrollment provisions in CY 2027 proposed rule
The AHA provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 28 on its calendar year 2027 home health prospective payment system proposed rule, focusing on two specific concerns.
Norton King’s Daughters’ Health breaks ground on new EMS Transport Hub
Norton King’s Daughters’ Health officially launched the construction of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Hub with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the hospital’s main campus,…
New Irvine hospital is a dream fulfilled | UCI Health
Dr. Thomas Cesario was a practicing UC Irvine School of Medicine physician even before the University of California bought the old Orange County medical center in 1976. After decades of pushing to get a modern hospital built on Irvine campus, he has finally seen that dream fulfilled. "We fought to have this hospital built for over 50 years, and a lot of sweat and anxiety went into that effort,” says the 86-year-old former medical school dean. “I'm thrilled that it’s now finally here."
Navy Medicine Advances Operational Health IT for Distributed Maritime Operations
CHESAPEAKE, Va. —Navy Medicine leaders, Fleet representatives, and operational health IT experts convened to accelerate the fielding of medical information capabilities designed to support patient movement, medical logistics and force readiness across distributed maritime operations, August 24-28. Hosted by The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) in Chesapeake, Virginia, the five-day Operational Health Information Technology Fielding Summit served to build upon work that began in 2024 and 2025, to refine Joint Operational Medicine Information Systems (JOMIS) software delivery, implementation, and training.
Vandalia Health expands free public access to naloxone at northern region hospitals
Vandalia Health is expanding access to life-saving overdose reversal medication by installing public naloxone distribution boxes at hospital entrances throughout its northern region. The first boxes are being installed at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center in Morgantown, Vandalia Health Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall, Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood and Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston. Additional boxes are expected to be install...
Florida health system settles Medicare Advantage fraud claims for $542M
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that Villages Health System self-reported the upcoding and fully cooperated with an investigation. The incidents occurred between 2020 and 2024.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Awarded Grant to Improve Diabetes Testing Access in Rural West Texas
The American Medical Association (AMA) awarded $50,000 to Adrian Billings, M.D., Ph.D., as part of a new grant to improve access to A1C testing in West Texas.
Radiologists urge CMS to quash proposal that would slash pay for 2nd services delivered in same visit
Outlined in the 2027 proposed physician fee schedule, Medicare wants to pay 50% of full price in certain scenarios where patients visit an office and receive a second service on the same day.
Imaging wait times rise after hospital system purchases private radiology practice
Intermountain Health in January finalized its acquisition of Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, a 40-year-old radiology group with a dozen locations around Las Vegas.
Imaging wait times rise after hospital system purchases private radiology practice
Intermountain Health in January finalized its acquisition of Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, a 40-year-old radiology group with a dozen locations around Las Vegas.
Steelers’ Will Howard Undergoes Medical Evaluation After Bills Game: Report
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski reported Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard needed evaluation from the medical staff after facing the Buffalo Bills. The post Steelers’ Will Howard Undergoes Medical Evaluation After Bills Game: Report appeared first on HEAVY.
New Business Licenses: 8.28.26
Chesterfield and Henrico report restaurants, medical billing services, janitorial services and more. (BizSense Pro required)
The US switch in shingles vaccines revealed an unexpected heart health pattern
In a natural experiment involving 72,920 propensity-matched US adults aged 60 years and older, recombinant shingles vaccination was associated with a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden over seven years compared with the live attenuated vaccine. Lower burdens of ischemic heart disease and heart failure were seen in both sexes, while ischemic stroke was significantly lower only among men, supporting further clinical trials and mechanistic studies
The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
MIT awarded $18M for new materials science research hub aimed at advancing X-ray imaging
The NSF announced it selected MIT to lead a new Materials Research Science and Engineering Center that will focus on medical imaging.
Dolly’s generosity to Vanderbilt Health highlighted; reading test results before your doctor has a chance; staying healthy this fall; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
Dolly Parton’s generosity to Vanderbilt Health was mentioned in many of her obituaries. A sampling: The New York Times, the BBC, NPR, NBC News, The Guardian, and Scripps News. Vanderbilt Health News posted a tribute to her, as well, and Mark Denison, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and former director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, spoke to NewsNation for a story about her impact on his research. Everyday Health interviewed Trent Rosenbloom, MD, MPH, Professor of Biomedical Informatics, for a story about a new JAMA study that found two-thirds of patients read test results before connecting with a doctor. Comprehension of test results varied: 6.6 percent said they had a poor understanding, 26.8 percent understood the results fairly well, 31.7 percent understood them well, and 34.9 percent understood the results very well. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: Healthline (cyclosporiasis cases now in 47 states); “The Naked Scientists” podcast (salmonella outbreak sickens hundreds); Medscape (the lighter-than-usual just-completed Australian flu season); and People (how to stay healthy this fall). Scripps News interviewed Jessica Young, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, about Vanderbilt researchers launching a study to determine if GLP-1 drugs can help people with opioid use disorder. WSMV Channel 4 News reporter Diana Rocco interviewed Kashish Goel, MBBS, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Transcatheter Heart Valve Interventions, for a story about patient Dixie Watt and her minimally invasive valve replacement with the M3 device, the first Food and Drug Administration-approved transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Fogarty International Center writer/editor Susan Scutti interviewed John Koethe, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, for a profile article for their newsletter, Global Health Matters. The article presents him as an example of a Fogarty Fellow success story and focus on his past and present research, including the HIV/AIDS research he conducted for his Fogarty project at the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia in 2008 and 2009.
Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program Awards UAMS Nearly $12 Million to Fund 4 Initiatives
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences received nearly $12 million in funding under the THRIVE and PACT initiatives of the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Spacewalk Preps, Biomedical Science as Station Boosts Orbit on Thursday
Preparations are ongoing for a spacewalk next week to continue external maintenance on the International Space Station. The Expedition 75 residents are also keeping up biomedical research while maintaining orbital outpost systems. Also, a U.S. cargo craft fired it engines on Thursday boosting the station’s orbit.
Ric Flair Misses Cauliflower Alley Club Event, Raising Health Concerns
Ric Flair missed the Cauliflower Alley Club’s 60th reunion due to medical reasons, raising concern over the WWE Hall of Famer’s health.
Anthony Dotson creates a foundation for students to soar in imaging sciences
As an associate professor of imaging sciences at Morehead State University, Anthony Dotson provides students with personal instruction that not only helps them become certified medical professionals but also enables them to make an impactful contribution to the field of imaging sciences. Between his teaching and previous work as an imaging sciences technician and hospital administrator, Dotson has gained a great deal of knowledge, experience and passion that he is intent on passing on to every student he teaches. Anthony Dotson can be reached at a.dotson@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2646. For more information about imaging sciences programs at Morehead State, contact the Department of Health, Kinesiology, Imaging & Psychological Sciences, email kh@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2180.
City Staff Attend Dedication of New Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart
City staff from the Champaign Police Department and the Equity and Engagement Department recently attended the blessing and dedication of the new behavioral health inpatient unit at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center.
First in Utah: Intermountain Health Brings Innovative MRI Technology to Intermountain Medical Center to Enhance Care for Cancer and Heart Patients
Intermountain Medical Center in Murray is the first hospital in Utah – and only the second in the United States – to use an advanced MRI imaging system currently available to help support doctors improve diagnosis for heart and cancer patients.GE HealthCare’s SIGNA Sprint Elite MRI is an innovative imaging system that utilizes advanced tec...
An NYU Drama Therapy Professor Celebrates Surge in Arts-and-Health Research with a Major Publication—and Performance by Jon Batiste
The renowned musician joins professor and advocate Nisha Sajnani’s September conference, timed for the United Nations Healing Arts Week and a new medical journal series
CMS plans launch event for ACCESS, the Medicare chronic care pilot
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: CMS plans a launch event for Medicare chronic care pilot, and what the Meta settlement means for health AI.
Medical Society recognizes public health, business leaders with annual awards
The Monroe County Medical Society awarded Ghinwa Dumyati, MD, and Barb Glassman for their public health and business leadership contributions.
Primary conversations: Manzur says it’s time to break donors’ grip on party politics
Senate Democratic candidate Karishma Manzur lives in Exeter, serves as a volunteer with progressive organizations and has a background in medical science.
Can California help lower the cost of GLP-1s? Here’s what lawmakers are proposing
An LA-area Democrat wants California to partner with drug manufacturers to make weight loss drugs cheaper — drawing on her own experience paying out of pocket.
Opponents of proposed merger of Maimonides Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals to testify
Hospitals are plotting a long-shot push to roll back $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts
Inside health systems' efforts to mitigate massive funding cuts.
Grand jury: DeSantis admin misappropriated $10M Medicaid settlement to fund politics
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A state grand jury says the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation i
Stroke rehab should start early and address physical, cognitive and mental health
Guideline Highlights: Rehabilitation after a stroke should begin as soon as the individual is medically stable, ideally within 48 hours of the stroke, and should be personalized to address the person’s physical, cognitive, language and mental health...
Washington Regional ER nurses earn award
For the second time, the Washington Regional Emergency Department has earned the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award. Washington Regional is the only emergency department in Arkansas and one of 126...
Washington Regional ER nurses earn award
For the second time, the Washington Regional Emergency Department has earned the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award. Washington Regional is the only emergency department in Arkansas and one of 126...
From Veteran to Legal Advocate: A Monarch Public Health Alumna Working Toward Change
When Melissa Feliciano (B.S.P.H. ’24) left the U.S. Navy in 2021, she thought her future was mapped out. She would become a doctor, work in medicine and help patients one-on-one. But, somewhere between studying public health, working as a medical assistant and volunteering, her vision for creating change grew much larger.
Doctors win big at medical arbitration. Will your insurance bill soar?
Arbitration has protected consumers from medical billing disputes. But experts warn consumers could pay with higher health insurance premiums,