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Duxbury, Massachusetts wellness clinic explores new approach to maternal mental health: "This is an oasis"
Interactive Mental Health Resource Finder Launched
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. today launched the SUNY Mental Health Resource Finder to help support students, faculty, and staff, as well as...
New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Helmholtz Munich have developed RegVelo, a new AI framework that predicts how cells acquire their identities and identifies the genetic regulators guiding those changes. Published in Cell, the study used zebrafish neural crest development to show RegVelo can uncover early drivers of cell fate, including regulators of pigment cell formation, and then support those predictions experimentally. The researchers also applied the framework across multiple biological systems, suggesting its value extends beyond neural crest cells as a broadly useful tool for studying how cells change over time. The team says the new model could pave the way for future cell therapy treatments.
Suicide Reenters Top 10 Causes of Death as More Americans Are Experiencing Mental Health Conditions
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate the needs of the millions of Americans who have a mental health condition. The term refers to a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, which can cause distress and problems functioning in social, work, and family activities. This year, the awareness month arrives with sobering news: The U.S. mortality data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that suicide has replaced COVID-19 as the country’s 10th leading cause of death.
Learner spotlight: Vivian’s path to rights based mental health advocacy
For Vivian Anyango Aola, mental health is deeply personal. Growing up she witnessed people around her struggling with emotional distress without access to support, understanding or solutions. Those early experiences laid the foundations for her work today as a mental health advocate at St. Daniel Comboni mission in Nairobi, Kenya.“Mental health is about feelings – something we all experience every day,” Vivian explains. “Ensuring people are supported in those feelings is what drives my work.” Creating safe spaces and challenging stigmaIn her role, Vivian works closely with people living with mental health conditions and psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Through dialogue, listening and shared learning, she helps create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard and respected. However, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers.“Witnessing stigma only strengthens my resolve to fight for inclusion, acceptance and equal treatment for all,” she says. Vivian enrolled in the WHO ‘QualityRights in Mental Health’ online, self-paced course available on the WHO Academy learning platform to strengthen her knowledge and advocacy skills. The six-module course provides the foundation for challenging stigma and discrimination and for promoting person-centred, rights-based approaches in mental health.“The course gave me a new perspective,” she says. “It showed me how to support people in ways that respect autonomy and promote recovery, rather than focusing only on treatment.”The importance of language and cultureSince its launch, more than 141 000 people have enrolled in the course globally, and it is now available in 17 languages on the learning platform – the highest number of languages of any WHO course. For Vivian, accessibility is key to transforming mental health systems. “Language is a bridge between professionals and communities,” she explains. “When mental health resources are available in local languages, they reduce misunderstanding, build trust and encourage people to seek help. It also empowers health workers to deliver care in ways that are culturally sensitive and relevant.”In a global evaluation of the course, which analysed data from over 3000 learners, attitudes toward people with mental health conditions improved by 22.78% overall after completing the course, with even greater shifts in low- and middle-income countries (29.18%) compared to high-income countries (20.58%)[1].“The course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to transform mental health into a more rights-based, inclusive and recovery-oriented system,” explains Vivian. “It reinforces that change is possible. When people understand rights, dignity and recovery, the entire system can begin to shift.”Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use[1] Breaking stigma, discrimination and promoting rights: global evaluation of the World Health Organization QualityRights e-training on mental health, recovery and community inclusion
Prince William Continues Campaign to Break Stigmas Around Male Mental Health with Latest Solo Outing
Prince William traveled to Birmingham to open James’ Place, a life-saving center for men facing suicide.
Mental health stigma persists among Hispanic students and immigrants
The stigma surrounding mental health makes many low-income descendants of immigrants opt not to pursue higher education. Those who choose to move forward in spite of it often face stronger stigma in college.
The connection between periods and mental health
Plans to oust Makary, a looming Supreme Court deadline on mifepristone, and other health news from Morning Rounds
Bella Dentaire & Dr. Nilesh Amin Launch Mental Health Month Initiative with Transformative Docuseries Premiere
This May, in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bella Dentaire (Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec) and leading aesthetic dentist Dr. Nilesh Amin launched a powerful, purpose-driven social campaign centered on storytelling, healing, and the connection between oral health and mental well-being.
Opinion | We’re Thinking About Mental Health Diagnoses All Wrong
Neither genetics nor brain scans can distinguish a person with depression, A.D.H.D. or autism from one without.
Pophouse Entertainment Rewriting the Rules of Music Licensing
Pophouse Entertainment is doing something fundamentally different in music licensing, and the industry is starting to pay attention.
Pediatricians group finds kids of all ages need regular recess for physical and mental health
For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians group has put out new guidance about recess, saying it’s crucial for good health and good grades and should be part of the school day for students of...
Pediatricians group finds kids of all ages need regular recess for physical and mental health
For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians group has put out new guidance about recess, saying it’s crucial for good health and good grades and should be part of the school day for students of all ages.
Pediatricians group finds kids of all ages need regular recess for physical and mental health
For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians group has put out new guidance about recess, saying it’s crucial for good health and good grades and should be part of the school day for students of all ages.
Eagles Film Review: Micah Morris is a developmental gamble
All-22 analysis of Philadelphia’s fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
AHA Reframes Brain Health as a Lifelong Process
A new AHA scientific statement says sleep, mental health, pollution, and childhood adversity can shape cognitive aging and dementia risk, underscoring that brain health is built across a lifetime.
Open Mind Film Festival showcases high schooler-made films on mental health
Under the bright stage lights, high school filmmakers used creativity and advocacy to highlight topics often left in the dark. Taking place at the UCLA James Bridges Theater on April 26, the sixth annual Open Mind Film Festival brought together high school filmmakers from across the United States to show films focused on themes of mental health and wellness.
Gwinnett County sheriff's office hosts mental health awareness fair to connect residents with local resources
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office held its 5th annual Community Mental Health Awareness Fair in Lawrenceville, bringing together dozens of organizations focused on counseling, housing, wellness and crisis support services.
Florida seniors face growing mental health crisis, Humana Foundation study finds
A new report from the Humana Foundation is shedding light on a silent crisis unfolding across Florida — one that affects hundreds of thousands of older residents and often goes unnoticed.
Tare: ‘Milan must be united, Champions League qualification fundamental’
Milan director Igli Tare calls on fans to be ‘united’ with the club despite tonight’s protests, insisting ‘Champions League qualification is fundamental’ on a sporting and economic level.The...
Calls to mental health hotline increasing on Mother's Day, Crisis Center says
While the holidays are focused on celebrating, some mental health organizations see an increase in people reaching out for help.
Expert spotlights importance of therapy during Mental Health Awareness Month
Experts are putting a spotlight on the importance of therapy during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Flathead Valley nonprofit joins international 2026 Horses for Mental Health campaign
A Flathead Valley nonprofit has been selected to take part in an international campaign focused on raising awareness about mental health through equine-assisted
Mothers reminded about mental health resource available at Woman’s Hospital
Leaders at Woman’s Hospital are reminding mothers about a unique mental health resource.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Combatting stigma with NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore serves people living with mental health conditions, providing them with peer-based support networks and care.
Man accused of shooting Syracuse officers suffers from multiple mental health issues, lawyer says
All three injured officers have been released from the hospital. The shooting led to a 6-hour standoff at Pioneer Homes near downtown.
NAMI Walk to raise mental health awarness
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and the NAMI walk is helping spread the word.
‘You are not alone’: Houston experts shine light on hidden struggles of motherhood
Some women on Mother's Day are navigating the mental and physical health impacts associated with the stigma of pregnancy and child loss.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness month. We talk to experts about how to deal with grief at home and in your community.
UNC Works to Manage Mental Health Struggles
As students struggle to balance coursework, a social life and their own wellbeing, college can sometimes seem impossible. But UNC resources like the Psychological Services Clinic and the Center for Student Well-Being aim to alleviate that.
How minimum wage hikes and food stamps fit in to suicide prevention
Studies show income, debt and access to basic needs shape mental health outcomes, but U.S. strategies have largely focused on clinical care.
Defiant Dubois sheds quitter tag to write new narrative
Daniel Dubois faced questions over his heart and mentality before facing Fabio Wardley, but silenced his critics by overcoming adversity to become WBO heavyweight champion.
Wardley vs Dubois: How new heavyweight champion silenced his critics
Daniel Dubois faced questions over his heart and mentality before facing Fabio Wardley, but silenced his critics by overcoming adversity to become WBO heavyweight champion.
Elmo delivers electric commentary on Phillies broadcast
The NBC Sports Philadelphia broadcast booth had a very special guest during Saturday’s Philadelphia Phillies game against the Colorado Rockies. Sesame Street star Elmo was in attendance at Citizens Bank Park for the “Strike Out the Stigma” event in support of mental health awareness. And Elmo joined Phillies announcers Tom McCarthy and John Kruk in…
Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt’s Leaner, Meaner Strategy for Success
He is unsentimental about books as he wrings out expenses ahead of a potential IPO.
Made Mobb, EPICC Recovery create apparel for Mental Health Awareness Month
Made Mobb partnered with EPICC Recovery to create an apparel line that puts the organization's phone number directly in the hands of thousands of people who then act as walking billboards.
Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health, Academic Performance, and Procrastination Among Medical College Students in Aruba
Background Social media platforms (SMPs) have become an integral part of students' lives, influencing learning behaviors, time management, and mental well-being. However, there is limited evi...
NYC's broken mental health system to blame for maniac's fatal subway-staircase shove: expert
Brockton High School's First-Aiders help students offer mental health support "before the adults can come"
NAMI provides mental health support for people across Louisiana
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, wants to make sure people know about available resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Harvard researchers investigate link between mental health crises and police shootings
Celebrities donate art for Cliftonville mental health event
Actor Nick Frost and musicians James Bay and David Gray donate art to the Cliftonville event.
Raise awareness and understanding for mental health with 23rd annual NAMIWalks Massachusetts
Smerconish on Ted Turner’s untold legacy and the mental health struggles he endured
A major WA mental health group was shut down. Why?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has remained tight-lipped as to why it dissolved Washington's statewide chapter.
Poor sleep can cause or worsen mental illness. Which treatments work and what's just hype?
Sleep disorders can cause serious physical and mental health problems. Treatments are aplenty, from gummies, lotions and meditation to apps, sounds, C-PAPs and medications. There are so many medical, over the counter, and influencer-peddled ways to treat sleep problems. What’s hype? What works? And what’s it like when it seems all the remedies are failing?
The Invisible Disability: An Employer’s Guide to Mental Health and the ADA
As Mental Health Awareness Month (annually observed each May) draws attention to the prevalence of mental health conditions in the workplace, employers should be reminded that mental health conditions may qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and, if so, employers have the same reasonable accommodation obligations they would for any physical disability.
Northeast Arkansas jails to lose mental health services as provider will not renew contract
Hundreds of inmates across Northeast Arkansas jails will lose access to mental health services after Arisa Health announced it will not submit to a new contract.
Lewiston mental health organization merges with Sweetser
A Lewiston-based mental health provider is merging with one of the states largest behavioral health organizations.
CHOP's crisis center brings hope for children's mental health
When kids come through the doors of CHOP's Behavioral Health and Crisis Center, you can be certain they are in good hands.
Colorado lawmakers eye 5% fee on online gaming ‘skins,’ other game features
Colorado lawmakers are seeking to impose a new fee on online game purchases, in particular targeting “add-on transactions,” referring to features or enhancements that players can buy. Sponsors said they want to earmark the new revenue toward youth mental health services. The sponsors are pushing the new revenue source amid a budget deficit and at […]
Arisa Health to exit Arkansas CMHC contract, citing $4.4M funding cut
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After more than 55 years serving Arkansas as the designated Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in 41 counties, officials with Arisa Health announced Friday that the company h…
Amber Glenn Opens Up About Mental Health, Milan-Cortina And Future Plans
Amber Glenn is redefining success. After Olympic gold and finding her voice online, the skater reveals her mental health strategy, her impactful partnership with CorePower Yoga and what’s next for her career.
Ayotte wades into wraparound mental health services debate
After a New Hampshire House committee voted to kick the can down the road on whether to compel insurance companies to cover wraparound mental health services for children, Gov. Kelly Ayotte was “outraged.”
Microsoft brings free Windows 11 upgrade, big improvements to File Explorer, with new builds
Microsoft has released new Windows builds under the Experimental and Beta channels. They bring improvements and fixes.
Arisa Health to close clinics, end crisis services after losing $4.4 million in state funding
Arisa Health will close some mental health clinics and end crisis services in 41 Arkansas counties, including Craighead, after losing $4.4 million in state funding.
Colorado House advances 5% gaming fee bill to support youth mental health services
Colorado lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill that would place a 5% fee on certain in‑game purchases in children’s online games, aiming to create a funding stream for youth mental health services. Supporters say the measure would hold gaming platforms accountable for design features that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and compulsive spending in kids, […]
Arisa Health to Not Renew Contract for Community Mental Health Centers; 41 Counties, Including Craighead Affected
Arisa Health, which is the designated community mental health center (CMHC) in 41 counties in Arkansas, including all of Northeast Arkansas, will not submit a bid to the State of Arkansas for a new CMHC contract.
Breaking down the data: What does the 2025 U.S. National Survey say about transgender health care?
Your Support Saves LGBTQ+Youth's Lives Every DayDonateThe Trevor Project’s 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young […]
Petaluma businesses earn California Green Business Certification; community invited to celebrate May 12
A cohort of 16 forward-thinking Petaluma businesses has successfully achieved or are working to achieve California Green Business Certification through a collaborative program led by local climate action nonprofit, Cool Petaluma. The initiative supports businesses in adopting environmentally responsible practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve operational efficiency.
Game on: ASU students join ‘hot' field of sports psychology
Nowadays, every time a professional athlete wins a gold medal, dunks a ball or knocks it out of the park, there's a good chance a mental performance coach is celebrating along with the rest of the team.And while these coaches have long been considered essential at an elite level, they are no longer a luxury reserved for professionals only.
Former South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia changes his approach on mental health amid cancer battle
Former South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia is fighting Stage-4 colorectal cancer, sharing an emotional story about family, mental health, and his battle ahead.
Katalyst Wraps Testing at NASA Goddard for Swift Boost Mission
A daring mission to lift NASA’s sinking Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is now one step closer to launch this June.
ORNL names Kate Evans associate lab director for biological, environmental systems science
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has named Katherine (Kate) Evans as associate laboratory director for the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESSD). Evans will lead the directorate as it advances the science and technology needed to strengthen energy security, safeguard infrastructure and accelerate biotechnology innovation.
Study links air pollution to worse post-surgical outcomes
Results could inform Utah environmental policy and ultimately help keep people healthy after surgery.
Several in Valley honored for mental health work
Several in the Valley will be honored Friday at Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board’s annual mental health luncheon.
The Hidden Opponent spotlights student-athlete mental health
Led by softball player Maddie Manes '26, swimmer Hannah Waldron '27, and baseball player Danny Tambascia '28, Brandeis' chapter of The Hidden Opponent (THO) continues to grow and expand its impact on campus. The Hidden Opponent is a national nonprofit organization that works with high schools and colleges to promote discussions around mental health in athletics. They recently collaborated with the Brandeis softball team during their matchup against Tufts on April 22 to highlight their mission ahead of May's Mental Health Awareness Month.
ORNL names Kate Evans associate lab director for biological, environmental systems science
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has named Katherine (Kate) Evans as associate laboratory director for the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESSD). Evans will lead the directorate as it advances the science and technology needed to strengthen energy security, safeguard infrastructure and accelerate biotechnology innovation.
Pages - First Lady Moore Honors Local Student Artist During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
An official website of the State of Maryland.
Minnesota Wild Support Mental Health Awareness Month at Playoff Home Games
Minnesota Wild Support Mental Health Awareness Month at Playoff Home Games The Minnesota Wild will host a monetary drive during Home Playoff Games 3 and 4 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena in support of Sophie’s Squad. As the nation recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, the Wild are proud to spotlight this meaningful partnership and help advance [...]
Iowa luncheon raises more than $84,000 for children's mental health services
The inaugural "Rooted in Resilience" luncheon raised over $84,000 to support Orchard Place, Iowa's oldest nonprofit providing mental health services for children.
Scientists make stunning discovery that could change our understanding of the Universe
Scientists may have uncovered a surprising secret behind why life exists at all. A new study suggests that the Universe’s fundamental constants — the deep physical rules that govern everything from atoms to stars — appear to sit within an incredibly narrow “sweet spot” that allows liquids to flow properly inside living cells. Even tiny shifts in these constants could make blood too thick, water too sticky, or cellular motion impossible, potentially wiping out life as we know it.
Colorado doctor offers tips to reduce stigma surrounding mental health
What’s AI’s place in mental health care? Vermont lawmakers say it should be limited.
Also in Final Reading: Balint reelection bid and Act 181 rollback.
Operation Metro Surge's ICE activities and the local impact on mental health
‘Coaches can change everything’: NC bill would require mental health training for coaches
North Carolina lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require some youth sports coaches to complete mental health training to recognize warning signs, respond to student crises and connect athletes with care.
Learn More About Mental Health Awareness Month
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations around mental well-being. Established in 1949 by Mental Health America, the month serves as a reminder that caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte continues push for expanded insurance coverage of children's mental health
Gov. Kelly Ayotte called mental health care a top priority as she pushed lawmakers to pass a bill to expand insurance coverage for children's mental health.
‘The Middle’ highlights Wisconsin veterans’ experiences, need for mental health support
The nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Jeremy Hobson will be in Kenosha for a live taping on May 12. Two Wisconsin veterans will share their stories of PTSD and how to support veterans as they return to civilian life.
UConn Health Strengthens Perinatal Mental Health Care for Connecticut Families
During Perinatal Mental Health Month, UConn Health is highlighting its growing efforts to improve care for pregnant and postpartum individuals through integ ...
Yerby Fellows present new research on mental health, stress, and HIV | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The Yerby Fellowship Program provides a bridge between academic training in public health-related fields and entry-level faculty positions.
Baltimore Ravens Join Green Sports Alliance
Ravens enhance environmental sustainability efforts through expanded network, resources and industry collaboration.
The National Academy of Sciences Elects Two Berkeley Lab Researchers
Two Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) scientists have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. They are part of a cohort of 120 new members and 25 international members. The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and — alongside the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine — provides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. The 2026 electees bring the total number of active members to 2,705 with 557 international members. Gary Karpen is a biologist senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Biological Systems and Engineering Division and a Professor of Cell and Developmental Physiology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. Karpen studies how the structure, organization, and maintenance of genetic material impact inheritance and cell function. His lab focuses on chromatin — a packaged form of DNA strands wrapped around proteins that comprises our chromosomes — with a particular emphasis on centromeres, rarely expressed sequences called heterochromatin, DNA repair, and regulatory RNAs. His research reveals insights into fundamental aspects of nuclear organization and genome regulation that are shared across the tree of life, broadening our understanding of cancer and other diseases, birth defects, and aging. Kam-Biu Luk is a Professor Emeritus of physics at UC Berkeley and a retired senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Physics Division. He is an experimental particle physicist whose research has focused on neutrinos: nearly massless, electrically neutral elementary particles that can pass through matter virtually undetected. Neutrinos are created during radioactive decay processes, including the fusion process occurring in stars and the fission process that powers nuclear reactors. Luk initiated and co-led the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment, a project based in China with more than 200 international collaborators. In 2012, the Daya Bay experiment discovered a new form of a phenomenon called “neutrino oscillation” in which neutrinos change from one type to another. For this discovery, Luk and his collaborator Yifan Wang received the 2014 American Physical Society Division of Particles and Fields W.K.H. Panofsky Prize for outstanding work in experimental particle physics, and he was also the co-recipient of the 2016 Breakthrough Prize. Luk is currently participating in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) hosted by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, which will investigate any potential difference in behavior between neutrinos and antineutrinos that may shed light on the evolution of the universe, especially why antimatter is absent in the present universe. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Money Happens: Tips for dealing with student loan debt when it affects your mental health
Debt can make you feel isolated, so sharing your experiences can be helpful.
Texas council says more resources needed to address complaints against behavioral health providers
The agency that oversees behavioral health and social work providers has about 1,000 "pending" complaints against providers — hundreds more than it has received in previous years. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council leadership told lawmakers it may need support from the state to handle the volume.
Science diplomacy lessons from a North Korean volcano
Mount Paektu, a mythic, active volcano on the border between North Korea and China, is almost the epitome of a scientific challenge that crosses political lines. In 946 CE, it erupted in one of the five biggest volcanic events of the past 10,000 years, kicking up huge quantities of ash and sending destructive mud flows down river channels for hundreds of kilometres. Should this happen again, the entire region, including easternmost Russia, South Korea and even Japan could be hit. “It’s definitely got the potential to be big,” said James Hammond, a professor of geophysics at Birkbeck, University of London. An eruption on the scale of 946 would have “huge regional impact.” For the past 15 years, Hammond has helped lead a groundbreaking collaboration with North Korean scientists to study the volcano, navigating scientific sanctions, tough export controls on scientific equipment and a long, pandemic-enforced exodus from the country. Although he seems more at home on far-flung research expeditions – before speaking to Science|Business, Hammond was camping out on a Greenland ice sheet – he has also advised the European Commission on its changing science diplomacy strategy. His long experience with North Korea has made Hammond sceptical of blanket bans on science collaboration, no matter the country.This is a live question in Europe, where in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, institutional ties with Russian universities were almost entirely severed, although some scientists fear this could undermine our understanding of climate change’s impact on the Arctic. Here, Hammond tells the story of the Mount Paektu mission and the policy lessons he takes from it. Ominous rumblingsThe genesis of Hammond’s collaboration came in 2002, when Mount Paektu began to rumble ominously. Earthquake activity picked up and the volcano began to emit unusual gases. North Korean scientists took notice. “People felt we need to know more about this volcano,” said Hammond. In 2011, North Korean vulcanologists put out a request for international expertise to help them learn more. At the time, Hammond and his collaborator, Clive Oppenheimer, were working on a vulcanology project in another sanctioned country, Eritrea, and so decided to answer the call. Within a month, they had flown into Pyongyang. “It was pretty incredible,” recalls Hammond (left). “We were made to feel like honoured guests, and invited to official celebrations.” The scientific opportunity was huge. Paektu is unusually positioned, a thousand kilometres from where tectonic plates rub against each other in the Pacific. “It was an incredibly interesting volcano, but not much research had been done, at least not in the international community,” he said. “There was so much we felt we could do. And we had these partners that were super keen to engage.”The mission received an unusual visitor in the form of volcano-obsessed filmmaker Werner Herzog, who accompanied Hammond and Oppenheimer while directing his 2016 film Into the Inferno about volcanos across the world. Four days into the trip, the German director delivered a long speech about reunification to his North Korean hosts, recalls Hammond. “He got to the heart of the Koreans and how they felt, and how they thought, in a way that I'm not sure I ever will,” he said. UN sanctionsHowever, Hammond realised he’d been “naïve” about how difficult it would be to collaborate with North Korea, which was sanctioned far more heavily than Eritrea. “We didn’t fully appreciate the all-encompassing nature of restrictions,” he said. In 2016, as tensions escalated over Pyongyang’s nuclear tests, a United Nations resolution banned all joint scientific work with North Korea. However, the UN sanctions did allow countries to request carve outs, and the UK successfully requested an exemption for Hammond’s work. Related articlesEU pushes for joint science diplomacy, but care needed to avoid gridlock, experts sayRussia severs its last ties with German scienceAnchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateExport controls have also delayed Hammond’s work. In one case, it took 18 months to get approval from the UK government to take seismometers, which measure earthquakes, to North Korea. “It was frustrating,” he said. “But they didn’t just say no.” However, one instrument, called an induction coil, used to measure how the earth conducts electricity, was blocked entirely because it can in theory be used to detect submarines. Karaoke bondingSince the collaboration started in 2011, Hammond has visited the country around 15 times, although the pandemic closed off North Korea for more than five years. A trip last November was Hammond’s first since the outbreak. Despite this lengthy interlude, Hammond has deep bonds in the country. The North Korean scientists Hammond works with are somewhat isolated, as they struggle to access the latest research papers and travel to international conferences. That said, they are “excellent geophysicists” and are “very well trained in the field,” he said. Over karaoke and chats about their families, “we’ve made friendships, for sure,” he said. The authorities have to sign-off things like the placement of seismometers, for example, but Hammond said these requests have been approved. “Everything that we've asked for within a scientific context has been delivered.”Scientific backchannels? These kind of personal links between scientists across political lines are one purported benefit of science diplomacy. During the Cold War, some historians argue, scientific contact between the US and Soviet Union laid a groundwork of trust for other cooperation, such as on arms control. Hammond agrees that backchannel contacts to North Korean geophysicists are hardly likely to defuse a military crisis on the Korean peninsula, but the simple fact of the scientific collaboration makes contacts between diplomats that little bit easier. “It creates opportunities to understand each other a little bit better,” he said. “When maybe you have those more difficult discussions as diplomats, it's coming from a slightly better place.” Cutting tiesDrawing lessons from the Mount Paektu mission for today’s links with Russian science isn’t simple. The analogy is far from exact, Hammond said, “because one is essentially a Cold War, versus a pretty hot war in the case of Russia.” But Hammond’s broader argument is that the challenges we face, such as climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss, pollution and so on, have globalised in an unprecedented way, making blanket shutdowns in collaboration with any country unwise.He’s somewhat critical of the UN scientific sanctions imposed on North Korea in 2016, even though they did allow for exceptions. “I think a blanket halt to some of these things, when we face big global challenges [. . .] that’s quite a risky thing to do,” he said.Institutional endorsement?European academics are still by and large free to work individually with Russian counterparts. However, official, institutional partnerships have largely ended. Shortly following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian university rectors wrote a public letter endorsing the war, meaning European universities fear official collaboration could also be seen as a kind of endorsement. Hammond acknowledges there is a risk of legitimising regimes, and state-controlled universities, through scientific cooperation. “That’s the trade off you have to make,” he said. Strategic projectsWith Russia, instead of giving a green light to restart all Arctic science, a middle ground might be firing up a few carefully selected “strategic” projects, said Hammond. After all, European countries are still collaborating with Russia on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, an experimental nuclear fusion plant in the south of France. However, even if Europe did try to revive Arctic science with Russia, there’s no guarantee Russian scientists would play ball. A series of high-profile arrests of physicists in Russia accused of sharing their findings with the outside world has made collaboration fraught. Even before the invasion of 2022, “the Russian regime made it increasingly difficult, and this sort of discouraged people,” Dag Rune Olsen, rector of the Arctic University of Norway, told Science|Business last year.
If you want to reduce jail overcrowding, start on mental health before the crime happens
Montana keeps investing in mental health facilities for people who have broken the law, in part because of mental illness. Columnist and county attorney Matt Jennings says there's a cheaper, better way to focus on treatment and prevention.
Psychiatrists say RFK Jr.'s take on SSRIs is an 'oversimplification' of the problem
The American Psychiatric Association says too few patients can access comprehensive mental health care in the United States. It welcomes new investments in improving access to evidence-based care.
Your heart rate is more uneven than you think. This is what it says about your health
Micro-fluctuations in the time between heartbeats are proving a helpful indicator of mental health, stress levels, exercise capacity and even how well you are ageing.
How it's made: Our interactive asking chatbots mental health scenarios
A lot happens in Boston every day. To help you keep up, WBUR, Boston's NPR News station, pulled these stories together just for you.
Developing more accessible mental health screening tool for autistic adolescents
Led by Celeste Campos-Castillo and Susan Bonner, associate professors in M&I, their project combines expertise in communication, health services and interactive design to reimagine the screening experience.
Test how AI chatbots answer mental health questions — and how therapists think they did
Experience hypothetical mental health conversations with ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. Then, read takeaways from Boston-area therapists on what was good or bad about the chatbots' responses.
Real stories, real hope: Explore San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Services - Welcome to San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County’s Behavioral Health Department is proud to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to elevating mental wellness, reducing stigma and encouraging connection to supportive...
Health officials see fewer pathogens in follow-up tests of Kona-low mud samples
Hawaii Department of Health officials today shared improved results from a follow-up round of environmental testing in areas affected by the Kona-low storms.
Environmental and lifestyle drivers of early-onset cancer
Nature Health - Early-onset cancer of many body sites and organ systems is increasing worldwide; this Review outlines the potential causes.
World Patient Safety Day 2025 Webinar on Goal 4: Prevent health care-associated infections
Webinar Series on the World Patient Safety Day GoalsSafe care for every newborn and every childPatient safety for newborns and children remains a critical global health priority. Children are particularly vulnerable to preventable harm due to developmental factors, dependency on caregivers, complex medication dosing requirements, diagnostic uncertainty, and increased susceptibility to health care-associated infections.Ensuring safe care for every newborn and every child is therefore essential to improving health outcomes and strengthening quality of care across health systems.The World Patient Safety Day 2025 campaign, under the theme:“Safe care for every newborn and every child: Patient safety from the start!”emphasizes the importance of embedding patient safety principles early in life and across the continuum of maternal, newborn and child health services.The campaign identifies five priority goals, calling for coordinated action by governments, health professionals, professional associations, civil society, and families globally.Webinar 4: “Prevent health care-associated infections”Thursday 7 May 2026, 14.00–15.30 CESTJoin this five-part webinar series on the Patient Safety Goals for safe care for every newborn and every child, featuring global experts and practitioners discussing real-world implementation, challenges, and solutions to reduce avoidable harm.The webinar will address the following topics:• Why infection prevention and control is essential for safe newborn and childcare• How Goal 4 can be implemented in practice at the point of care• What health care workers, leaders, managers, and policymakers can do to Prevent healthcare-associated infections.Registration linkDownload the flyer
Google preps ‘Gemini Agent’ as your ’24/7 digital partner’
With the launch of Gemini 3, Google introduced “Gemini Agent” as an “experimental feature that handles multi-step tasks.” A big upgrade...
Iowa mother and CEO shares challenges of finding mental health care for her daughter
Amanda Wanke, CEO of DART, shares her family's journey through her daughter's mental health challenges during mental health awareness month, aiming to support other families facing similar struggles.
Study shows risks for mental health workers in residential treatment facilities
A study published eight years ago found that each year, on average, one mental health worker is a victim of homicide in residential treatment facilities.
Phillies Announce Special Events to ‘Strike Out the Stigma’ in Support of Mental Health Awareness Month
Throughout May, the Phillies will continue their efforts to highlight the importance of mental health by hosting multiple Strike Out the Stigma events presented by Park Avenue Worldwide, both at the ballpark and in the community, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Phillies Strike Out the Stigma program