Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.
August 28, 2025 · 5 min read
Recent leadership upheavals, budget cuts, and shrinking programs are reshaping the nation’s approach to preparing for health crises and managing chronic diseases. The next few years will depend heavily on politics, funding, and the balance between federal and state roles. The Current Trajectory (2025–2027) 1. A smaller, more politicized federal center. The removal of CDC […]
Is there any link between the Northern Lights and health outcomes? Probably not! That’s just a heavy-handed way to promote this blog from our sister site, This Week in Science. We had a great interview with Sonya Street about equity in grantmaking, which you should check out. Otherwise, here’s what we have in store for […]
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No duh, right? It’s no secret that taking part in leisure activities makes people feel better. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park, swimming, or even gardening, many of us have felt the joy that comes from spending time doing something enjoyable. But why do these activities make us happier? And how do […]
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Police violence in the United States is an urgent issue that demands our attention. Every year, thousands of individuals are fatally shot by law enforcement officers, and the impact of these events disproportionately affects communities of color. But what drives these tragic incidents? Are they random occurrences, or is there a pattern tied to the […]
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As public health organizations and governmental agencies allocate billions of dollars in grants each year, ensuring that these financial resources reach underserved communities is essential to closing health disparities. In this interview, we speak with Sonya Streeter, Associate Vice President in Behavioral Health and Health Policy at Westat, about their recent work and insights from […]
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Governments worldwide have been using taxes and subsidies as tools to change what we eat. By imposing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods while offering subsidies for healthier options, policymakers aim to encourage healthier diets and reduce the burden of obesity and related diseases. But how effective are these fiscal policies, really? A recent […]
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Political decisions shape the health of our communities. It’s not just the policies we vote for that influence public health, but also the elected officials and their broader political ideologies. A recent working papter, “Politicians, Power, and the People’s Health: US Elections and State Health Outcomes, 2012-2024,” shines a light on how political conservatism or […]
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In the fight against the opioid epidemic, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have emerged as powerful tools to save lives. Yet, for individuals entangled in the criminal justice system, the path to receiving this critical treatment remains riddled with obstacles. Recent research sheds light on the disparities between how often people referred by the […]
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Did you check out our interview with Dr. Taylor Scott? You should! It’s really interesting to see how research generators can more effectively interface with policymakers. Here’s what’s coming up next week! Stay Ahead of Public Health Advances! Get the latest scientific insights delivered straight to your inbox. Our free weekly newsletter breaks down the […]
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In today’s world, universities are much more than places of learning. They are integral to society, often reflecting broader social issues. However, when emergencies occur on campus, such as mental health crises or safety incidents involving students or teachers, these events can quickly escalate into widespread public concerns. With the rise of social media, these […]
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