Brett Wattles
The Latest
-
New FLiRT COVID-19 Variants Dominate U.S. as Vaccine Efficacy Wanes
The recent emergence of two COVID-19 variants, collectively referred to as FLiRT, has taken center stage in the U.S., accounting for a significant portion of new cases and introducing fresh challenges for public health officials and the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified these variants, KP.2 and KP1.1, as the dominant strains, overtaking the previously predominant JN.1 variant. The recent emergence of two COVID-19 variants, collectively referred to as FLiRT, has taken center stage in the U.S., accounting for a significant portion of new cases and introducing fresh challenges for public health officials and the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified these variants, KP.2 and KP1.1, as the dominant strains, overtaking the previously predominant JN.1 variant. -
AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine Withdrawal Sparks Safety Speculation Despite Commercial Reasons
AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, has initiated a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, just months after acknowledging that it could cause a rare side effect. AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, has initiated a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, just months after acknowledging that it could cause a rare side effect. -
Olive Oil Consumption Linked to 28% Lower Risk of Dementia-Related Death, Study Finds
A new study from Harvard University suggests that consuming just a spoonful of olive oil each day could significantly reduce the risk of dementia-related death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Open Network, add to the growing body of evidence supporting the powerful health benefits of this Mediterranean diet staple. A new study from Harvard University suggests that consuming just a spoonful of olive oil each day could significantly reduce the risk of dementia-related death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Open Network, add to the growing body of evidence supporting the powerful health benefits of this Mediterranean diet staple. -
Indonesian Orangutan Self-Treats Facial Injury with Medicinal Plant, Marking a Scientific First
A Sumatran orangutan named Rakus has displayed a potentially unprecedented level of medical self-awareness by using a medicinal plant to heal a facial wound, marking what could be the first observed case of such behavior in wild animals. A Sumatran orangutan named Rakus has displayed a potentially unprecedented level of medical self-awareness by using a medicinal plant to heal a facial wound, marking what could be the first observed case of such behavior in wild animals. -
CDC Report Highlights Dangers of Unpasteurized Milk as Cats Succumb to Bird Flu on Texas Farm
A cluster of cats on a Texas dairy farm succumbed to fatal systemic influenza infection after consuming raw milk from cows infected with bird flu, according to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday. A cluster of cats on a Texas dairy farm succumbed to fatal systemic influenza infection after consuming raw milk from cows infected with bird flu, according to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday. -
Massive Beef Recall at Walmart Nationwide Over E. coli Fears
Over 16,000 pounds of ground beef products have been recalled due to potential contamination with E. coli, a potentially deadly bacterium. The recall, initiated by Cargill Meat Solutions, was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday after concerns arose about the safety of the meat sold at Walmart stores across numerous states. Over 16,000 pounds of ground beef products have been recalled due to potential contamination with E. coli, a potentially deadly bacterium. The recall, initiated by Cargill Meat Solutions, was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday after concerns arose about the safety of the meat sold at Walmart stores across numerous states. -
FDA Detects H5N1 Bird Flu Viral Particles in Grocery Store Milk, Assures Pasteurized Dairy Products Remain Safe
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it had detected viral particles of H5N1 avian influenza in milk purchased at grocery stores across the country. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it had detected viral particles of H5N1 avian influenza in milk purchased at grocery stores across the country. -
Female Doctors Associated with Lower Mortality and Readmission Rates, Study Finds
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has revealed that hospitalized patients treated by female physicians have lower rates of mortality and readmission compared to those treated by male physicians. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has revealed that hospitalized patients treated by female physicians have lower rates of mortality and readmission compared to those treated by male physicians. -
Health Experts Question Nutritional Claims of Toddler Milk
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a stark warning about toddler milk formulas, branding them as "unnecessary and potentially harmful" for young children. This declaration comes amid the soaring popularity of these products, which have burgeoned into a $20 billion global industry, despite persistent concerns over their claimed health benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a stark warning about toddler milk formulas, branding them as "unnecessary and potentially harmful" for young children. This declaration comes amid the soaring popularity of these products, which have burgeoned into a $20 billion global industry, despite persistent concerns over their claimed health benefits. -
Study Reveals High Levels of Pesticides in Imported Fruits and Vegetables
Recent investigations by Consumer Reports have revealed alarming levels of pesticides in some fresh, frozen, and canned nonorganic fruits and vegetables imported into the United States, particularly highlighting the significant contamination found in produce like strawberries and green beans. Recent investigations by Consumer Reports have revealed alarming levels of pesticides in some fresh, frozen, and canned nonorganic fruits and vegetables imported into the United States, particularly highlighting the significant contamination found in produce like strawberries and green beans.