Brett Wattles
The Latest
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Scientists Warn Coral Reefs Have Passed First Global Climate Tipping Point
The world has crossed its first major climate tipping point, scientists say, as coral reefs enter an irreversible decline caused by human-driven global warming. A sweeping new study released Friday warns that the collapse of these ecosystems-home to nearly a quarter of all marine life-marks the first threshold crossed in what researchers call the "cascade" of planetary tipping points. 
The world has crossed its first major climate tipping point, scientists say, as coral reefs enter an irreversible decline caused by human-driven global warming. A sweeping new study released Friday warns that the collapse of these ecosystems-home to nearly a quarter of all marine life-marks the first threshold crossed in what researchers call the "cascade" of planetary tipping points. -
EU Parliament Votes to Ban ‘Veggie Burger’ Label, Sparking Clash Over Plant-Based Food Names
European Union lawmakers voted Wednesday to restrict meat-related names such as "burger," "steak," and "sausage" to products derived from animal meat, reigniting a debate over how plant-based foods should be marketed in the bloc. The European Parliament backed the amendment by a 355-247 vote, part of a broader regulation aimed at strengthening farmers' negotiating power within the EU food supply chain. 
European Union lawmakers voted Wednesday to restrict meat-related names such as "burger," "steak," and "sausage" to products derived from animal meat, reigniting a debate over how plant-based foods should be marketed in the bloc. The European Parliament backed the amendment by a 355-247 vote, part of a broader regulation aimed at strengthening farmers' negotiating power within the EU food supply chain. -
Pediatric Flu Deaths Hit Record High; Experts Urge Urgent Push for Vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of a troubling rise in severe influenza cases among children, with a record 280 pediatric deaths reported during the 2024-25 flu season and 109 children diagnosed with flu-related encephalopathies, including the rare and life-threatening acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of a troubling rise in severe influenza cases among children, with a record 280 pediatric deaths reported during the 2024-25 flu season and 109 children diagnosed with flu-related encephalopathies, including the rare and life-threatening acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). -
Costco Recalls 3,300 Pounds of Kirkland Ahi Tuna Poke Over Listeria Risk in 33 States
Costco has issued a recall of more than 3,300 pounds of Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke from its deli sections across 33 states after tests detected listeria monocytogenes in the green onions used in the product, according to Western United Fish Co. and the Food and Drug Administration. 
Costco has issued a recall of more than 3,300 pounds of Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke from its deli sections across 33 states after tests detected listeria monocytogenes in the green onions used in the product, according to Western United Fish Co. and the Food and Drug Administration. -
Trump Administration Set to Announce Possible Link Between Tylenol Use in Pregnancy and Autism
The Trump administration is preparing to issue a first-of-its-kind federal warning that pregnant women's use of Tylenol may be linked to autism in children, a move expected to ignite an intense debate among medical professionals, drugmakers and parents. The announcement is set for Monday and will advise women to use acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, only for high fevers, according to two senior administration officials. 
The Trump administration is preparing to issue a first-of-its-kind federal warning that pregnant women's use of Tylenol may be linked to autism in children, a move expected to ignite an intense debate among medical professionals, drugmakers and parents. The announcement is set for Monday and will advise women to use acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, only for high fevers, according to two senior administration officials. -
Health-Care Costs Surge as Employers Brace for Biggest Coverage Hike in 15 Years
U.S. health-care costs are poised for their sharpest increase in more than a decade, with medical inflation driving up prices for patients, employers and insurers ahead of 2026. Medical care costs rose 4.2% in August, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 2.9%, according to the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index. Hospital and outpatient services jumped 5.3%, while doctor visits climbed 3.5%, signaling broad-based price pressure. 
U.S. health-care costs are poised for their sharpest increase in more than a decade, with medical inflation driving up prices for patients, employers and insurers ahead of 2026. Medical care costs rose 4.2% in August, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 2.9%, according to the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index. Hospital and outpatient services jumped 5.3%, while doctor visits climbed 3.5%, signaling broad-based price pressure. -
UNICEF Warns Childhood Obesity Has Surpassed Undernutrition, With 188 Million Youths Affected Globally
Childhood obesity has overtaken undernutrition as the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide, according to a new report from UNICEF that highlights the growing health risks facing children and adolescents. The United Nations agency said 188 million youths are now obese, a figure that exceeds the global number of underweight children for the first time. 
Childhood obesity has overtaken undernutrition as the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide, according to a new report from UNICEF that highlights the growing health risks facing children and adolescents. The United Nations agency said 188 million youths are now obese, a figure that exceeds the global number of underweight children for the first time. -
New Study Links Smartphone Use on the Toilet to Higher Hemorrhoid Risk
A new study has found that scrolling on a smartphone while using the toilet may significantly increase the risk of hemorrhoids, adding another health concern to the growing list of issues linked to excessive phone use. The research, published Wednesday in PLOS One, suggests prolonged sitting on the toilet while distracted by social media or news feeds may strain the rectal area and worsen pelvic floor pressure. 
A new study has found that scrolling on a smartphone while using the toilet may significantly increase the risk of hemorrhoids, adding another health concern to the growing list of issues linked to excessive phone use. The research, published Wednesday in PLOS One, suggests prolonged sitting on the toilet while distracted by social media or news feeds may strain the rectal area and worsen pelvic floor pressure. -
Contaminated Oysters Linked to Fatal Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Louisiana and Florida
Two people have died after eating oysters harvested from Louisiana waters that were later found to be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, according to health officials in Louisiana and Florida. Several other infections have been confirmed in both states. 
Two people have died after eating oysters harvested from Louisiana waters that were later found to be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, according to health officials in Louisiana and Florida. Several other infections have been confirmed in both states. -
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to California Egg Recall Sickens 95 Across 14 States
A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs from a California supplier has sickened at least 95 people across 14 states since January, federal health officials said Thursday, prompting a sweeping recall and suspension of production at the implicated farm. 
A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs from a California supplier has sickened at least 95 people across 14 states since January, federal health officials said Thursday, prompting a sweeping recall and suspension of production at the implicated farm.
