The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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The First Diagnostic Immunome

Ground Truths • 7960 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Immunology AI Diagnostics Autoimmunity Healthcare
  1. Sequencing B and T cell receptors can help diagnose autoimmune diseases. This kind of testing is much faster and could lead to more accurate diagnoses.
  2. Using machine learning and AI makes analyzing the complex data from these receptors easier. The technology can find patterns and help doctors understand patients' conditions better.
  3. In the future, a full immunome could be a standard test to check how well someone's immune system is working. This could help prevent diseases before they become serious.

It Is Now Clear Why Masks Never Worked

Unmasked • 46 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Health Research Vaccine debate
  1. Masks did not effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, as shown by multiple studies over the years. Many places that enforced strict mask mandates still experienced high infection rates.
  2. Experts originally agreed that masks weren’t necessary for the general public, and later claims to the contrary were proven wrong. The research all along suggested masks wouldn't help during a pandemic.
  3. Experiments during the pandemic showed that forcing people, including children, to wear masks didn’t make a difference in controlling the virus, ultimately leading to a conclusion that the mandates were ineffective.

A snapshot into how deportations affect health

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1399 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Mental health Immigration Child welfare Policy Impact
  1. Deportations affect not just the individuals who are removed but also the families and communities left behind, especially children who may experience trauma, stress, and uncertainty.
  2. Studies show that fear of deportation can lead families to avoid seeking medical care, which can have serious public health implications for entire communities.
  3. Support from caregivers, educators, and communities is crucial for children and families affected by these policies, helping them cope and thrive despite the challenges they face.

A Covid Nasal Vaccine Update

Ground Truths • 10148 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Clinical Trials Policy Infectious Diseases
  1. There are now 6 different nasal vaccines in clinical trials in the US aimed at preventing COVID-19 and blocking its transmission. These vaccines are promising because they might work better than traditional shots.
  2. Two major challenges facing these new vaccines are the low current levels of the virus, which make it harder to gather data from trials, and the uncertainty about ongoing government support for these projects.
  3. Successful nasal vaccines could provide a convenient way to protect people from COVID-19, but it will take time to find out if they really work well in humans.

RFK Jr. guts the U.S. vaccine policy committee

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2249 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Epidemiology Health Insurance
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members of the U.S. vaccine policy committee, which has been a trusted part of vaccine safety and recommendations for decades.
  2. The change raises concerns about who will be appointed next and whether they will rely on scientific evidence or personal beliefs to guide vaccine policy.
  3. If vaccine recommendations change or lose credibility, it could affect insurance coverage, access to vaccines for children, and create inconsistent state policies that may risk public health.
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The Evidence That A Million Americans Died Of COVID

Astral Codex Ten • 32210 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Statistics Healthcare Policy Analysis
  1. Many people are unsure if the 1.2 million COVID deaths are accurate, with some believing these deaths are linked to other causes rather than COVID itself.
  2. The data shows that total deaths during the pandemic were higher than usual, which supports the idea that many deaths were directly caused by COVID.
  3. Some argue that they don’t personally know anyone who died from COVID, but with a large population, it makes sense that not everyone would know someone affected.

Vaccination is legalized, decriminalized, government-sponsored, government-run torture, mutilation and homicide.

Bailiwick News • 6598 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Government Regulation Legal issues Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccination programs have been criticized as harmful and misleading, with claims that they cause suffering and even death.
  2. The argument is made that individuals can resist these programs by not participating and by advocating for changes in laws that enable them.
  3. There is a belief that the government has misled the public about the safety and regulation of vaccines, making individuals skeptical about their trust in these medical interventions.

The Other COVID Reckoning

Astral Codex Ten • 30214 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Mortality Policy Analysis Social Impact
  1. COVID-19 has caused an incredible number of deaths, but many people have stopped talking about them, even though the toll is higher than many major historical events.
  2. The reasons for this neglect may include that the deceased were often older people, and there aren't public stories shared by those who lost loved ones, making the impact feel less personal.
  3. While there were many debates about COVID responses, the focus should be on remembering those who lost their lives, as it can help us appreciate the seriousness of the situation.

WPATH, part I: "The dignity of risk and the right to regret"

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1884 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Patient rights Gender Issues Public Health Policy Debate
  1. Teenagers have the right to make decisions, even if they might regret them later. This is part of growing up and learning about themselves.
  2. Medical decisions, especially about serious treatments like hormone therapy, require careful consideration. They aren't just like normal teenage risks of dating or making silly choices.
  3. Clinicians must take responsibility for their actions and the potential harm they can cause. It's important to really think about the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions for young people.

What I’m learning from MAHA

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3091 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Communication
  1. It's important to work with trusted voices in the community to make health information easier to understand. By collaborating, we can create better resources that respect people's choices.
  2. People want to have control over their health decisions, but they also need guidance. Public health should support individual choice while promoting community health.
  3. Public health is all about protecting people, not making profits like big companies. We need to clarify this to build trust and show how we can help communities thrive.

The Microplastic Concerns Elevate—To the Brain

Ground Truths • 13384 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Toxicology Nutrition Health Impact
  1. Microplastics are accumulating in the brain and other organs, with much higher levels found in people with dementia. This is raising alarms about their possible effects on health.
  2. Studies have shown that microplastics can affect blood flow in the brain, leading to issues like blood clots. This suggests they could contribute to neurological problems.
  3. To reduce exposure to microplastics, people can avoid plastic packaging and heating plastic items. There's also a need for broader action to cut down plastic production overall.

Voices in Print

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Patient rights Medical Research Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT AUTISM? ABLE TO BE IN ORLANDO NOV 15-17, 2024?

Popular Rationalism • 138 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Research Community support Pediatrics
  1. The Documenting Hope Conference is happening in Orlando from November 15-17, 2024, and it's a great opportunity for parents and professionals concerned about autism. It's important to register soon to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird pricing.
  2. The conference will feature top experts in pediatrics and integrative medicine, sharing helpful insights and innovative solutions related to autism. Attendees can expect valuable knowledge and resources for better advocacy and support.
  3. Aside from learning, the event promises a fun experience at a resort in sunny Orlando, with family-friendly activities and special deals at nearby attractions like Disney World. It's a nice mix of education and leisure for everyone.

Ensitrelvir (Xocova®): Japanese Company Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Sets a Model for Success in Translational Research for the Coming Future of Ethical Science

Popular Rationalism • 455 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Drug Development Clinical Trials Public Health
  1. Ensitrelvir, also known as Xocova, is a new antiviral pill that is 30 times more effective than a placebo. It was developed by a Japanese company called Shionogi & Co., which worked closely with researchers.
  2. This medication targets a key enzyme the virus needs to replicate, making it effective against COVID-19 symptoms, especially those caused by Omicron variants. It has shown a strong safety profile and fewer side effects compared to some other treatments.
  3. Xocova is easier to take than some alternatives because it requires only a once-daily dose and has fewer interactions with other medications. This makes it a more convenient option for many patients.

Anti-depressants: The trials last 8 weeks; People take them for 8+ years

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 85 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Psychiatry
  1. People often take anti-depressants for many years, even decades, but they were only studied for about 8 weeks in trials.
  2. There isn't clear evidence that taking these medications long-term is better than not starting them at all, which raises concerns about their effectiveness.
  3. We need longer and better studies to truly understand the benefits and downsides of anti-depressants, including how they impact things like sexual health.

The Men Who Lost Their Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5393 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reproductive Health Mental health Women's Rights
  1. Men experience deep emotional pain during pregnancy loss, but their feelings are often overlooked by society and medical professionals. This can lead to feelings of isolation and grief that are not acknowledged.
  2. Doctors sometimes say insensitive things that can hurt men grieving the loss of a child. It shows a lack of understanding about how fathers feel and are affected by these tragedies.
  3. There's a stereotype that men don’t have a role in pregnancy and childbirth discussions, which can leave them feeling sidelined. It's important to recognize that fathers also have emotional connections to their unborn children.

Learning curve.

Bailiwick News • 5983 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Government Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccines have historically been linked to harm for multiple generations, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness.
  2. There is a belief that government and health officials have manipulated regulations to make vaccine approvals easier without proper safety standards.
  3. Many urge individuals to stop vaccinating, especially children, citing a lack of trust in the health system and its practices.

Insurance companies aren't the main villain of the U.S. health system

Noahpinion • 56706 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Policy Solutions Public Perception
  1. Insurance companies are not the real problem in the U.S. healthcare system. The high costs mainly come from medical providers, like hospitals and doctors, who charge a lot for their services.
  2. Americans often experience frustration with insurance because they feel it denies their claims or doesn't cover costs. However, the insurers are only a small part of why healthcare is so expensive.
  3. To make healthcare more affordable, the focus should be on reducing the high prices set by healthcare providers, not just blaming the insurance companies.

Anaphylaxis, allergens, immunogenicity, vaccines.

Bailiwick News • 3269 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Pharmaceuticals Regulations Allergies
  1. Vaccines and many biological products can cause allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. This means they can intentionally harm people while claiming to protect them.
  2. There are laws that make it hard to hold companies accountable for the negative effects of vaccines. These laws allow harmful practices to continue under the guise of vaccination programs.
  3. Congress is more focused on how effective these vaccines are at causing harm, rather than their safety. This reflects a deeper concern about managing public health costs rather than protecting individuals.

Covid summer and confusion, measles, cucumber recall, maternal health declining, and a curious MAHA report

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1855 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Maternal health Disease outbreaks Health Policy
  1. COVID-19 cases are currently low in the U.S., but summer waves are common. A new variant could lead to increasing cases, so it's important to stay informed.
  2. There is a lot of confusion around who can get COVID-19 vaccines right now. Eligibility seems to change often, and it's crucial to keep up with the latest guidelines.
  3. The MAHA report raised concerns about children's health but lacked detail on important issues like poverty. We need clear strategies and proper funding to truly improve children's health.

The first RCT for GLP-1 drugs and alcoholism isn't what we hoped

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1109 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Addiction Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Research
  1. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide help with diabetes and obesity, but new research shows they might not be effective for alcohol addiction as previously thought. The first clinical trial results were disappointing.
  2. The trial had only 48 participants and mixed results, with no clear evidence that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption. Some data suggested it might help in a lab setting, but overall findings were weak.
  3. Despite the poor results, there are still many personal stories claiming these drugs help with addiction. More research is needed, as the search for effective treatments for addiction continues.

We're Heading into a Pandemic within a Pandemic. N95 Masks Will Save Your Life. Wear Them.

OK Doomer • 4006 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Masks Vaccines Healthcare
  1. N95 masks are very effective at preventing the spread of respiratory diseases. They can trap tiny viral particles and are better than regular surgical masks.
  2. Wearing masks has been shown to save lives during disease outbreaks. Studies show that areas with mask mandates have lower infection rates.
  3. It's important to continue wearing masks as new diseases emerge. Good quality masks should be readily available to everyone, but that's still a challenge in many places.

Medical Roundup #4

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Healthcare policy Drug Development Public Health Life Extension
  1. Medical news has slowed down as other topics grab our attention, but real developments are happening quickly due to advancements in AI.
  2. Life expectancy is on the rise in many countries, and we are seeing breakthroughs in preventative healthcare and treatment options, like effective ways to prevent HIV.
  3. It is important to be cautious and proactive about your health. Sometimes doctors may not give the full picture, so getting a second opinion can make a difference.

Number of people living in county could be as much as 50,000 higher than thought, health watchdog learns

NN Journal • 218 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Community health
  1. The population in Northamptonshire might actually be about 50,000 people higher than previously thought.
  2. According to a health official, nearly 844,000 people are registered with health services in the county.
  3. This number is significantly more than what the last census recorded, which raises questions about population tracking.

Francis Collins retires from the NIH

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 128 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Biotechnology Policy Analysis Epidemiology Research Ethics
  1. Francis Collins helped find the cystic fibrosis gene, which saved many lives. However, his support for gain of function research and certain policies during the pandemic raised concerns.
  2. Many believe that the impact of Collins' leadership during the pandemic was negative, leading to loss of trust in science and vaccination. His actions may have contributed to millions of deaths and economic losses.
  3. Collins did not explore if the way the NIH gives out grant money was effective. Despite advancements in genetics, many common health issues remain largely unresolved.

Covid vaccines for pregnancy and babies: Sorting fact from chaos

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1023 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Pregnancy COVID-19
  1. Pregnant women and children can still get the Covid-19 vaccine, which is both safe and effective. This helps protect the mother and child from the virus.
  2. Vaccination during pregnancy can pass important antibodies to the baby, offering short-term protection after birth. But as these antibodies fade, it's crucial for babies to get their own vaccinations starting at 6 months.
  3. There has been some confusion about vaccine eligibility lately due to changing recommendations, but speaking with a healthcare provider can help clarify options for parents.

What would making America healthy really mean?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1742 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Making Health Systems Community health Healthcare Innovation
  1. America's health system is facing serious problems, with cuts to important services like Medicaid and a lack of support for scientists. This is making it harder for people to get the care they need.
  2. We need to imagine a better future where everyone has access to clean air, healthy food, and support systems that actually work for families. This means integrating health services and making them easy to access.
  3. It's important for leaders to listen to people and build a health system that is fair, data-driven, and responsive. We must prioritize long-term health over short-term fixes.

Deliberate induction of anaphylaxis by vaccination

Bailiwick News • 2773 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Medical Ethics Health Policy Bioethics
  1. Vaccines can potentially cause serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which may not be easily predictable. This can happen even with substances that are usually safe when eaten.
  2. Some historical research on anaphylaxis reveals a connection between vaccinations and the increase in allergies and autoimmune conditions today, suggesting that vaccines might sensitize people to allergens.
  3. Many vaccines contain proteins or substances that could trigger allergies, and the lack of stringent regulation in vaccine development means that people might not be fully aware of the risks involved.

Privacy Paranoia and the NHS app

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1150 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Data Privacy Patient rights Digital Health Government Policy
  1. Data protection concerns are slowing down important updates in the NHS. It's essential to modernize the system to serve patients better.
  2. Public fear over data sharing often outweighs the potential benefits for healthcare, like early cancer detection.
  3. Other countries, like Sweden, show that we can provide better digital health tools without excessive fear of data issues. It's time to move forward and improve our health services.

BMC Women's Health Publishes a Deeply Flawed Study on Parental Acceptance of HPV Vaccinations. Plus: Three Key Questions Required of Any HPV Vaccine Efficacy Trial

Popular Rationalism • 733 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Research Methodology Epidemiology Cancer prevention
  1. The recent study on parental acceptance of HPV vaccinations has major flaws that make its results questionable. Problems include small sample sizes and not enough diversity in participants.
  2. There is growing concern about HPV type replacement, where non-vaccine types may become more common after vaccination. This could lead to an increase in HPV-related cancers despite vaccination efforts.
  3. Future studies on HPV vaccine efficacy need to focus more on long-term effects and should clearly address issues like type replacement and the percentage of cancers caused by non-vaccine-targeted HPV types.

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 4 - The "New Normal"

COVID Reason • 475 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Social Behavior Remote work Mental health
  1. Social distancing has made people feel more isolated and suspicious of each other. It's now hard for them to feel comfortable with close contact, like handshakes or hugs.
  2. Working from home sounds good, but it has turned into a way to control people's lives. They end up working more and feel stuck, as their home becomes like an office.
  3. People might miss in-person interactions, but they are being trained to prefer the convenience and safety of digital communication. This can make real connections feel uncomfortable.

Pandemic Censorship Spurs Trump Research Nominees and Others to Create “Journal of the Academy of Public Health”

The DisInformation Chronicle • 885 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Ethics Censorship Health Communication
  1. A new journal aims to improve communication in public health and share a variety of expert opinions. This is important since many voices were silenced during the pandemic.
  2. The journal will pay peer reviewers for their work, making the process fairer and more efficient. This could help improve the quality of published research.
  3. By publishing peer reviews alongside articles, the journal hopes to promote openness in scientific discussions. This can help challenge the existing norms and biases in traditional scientific publishing.

Outbreak Outlook - National - March 3

Force of Infection • 110 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Infectious Diseases Health Policy Vaccination
  1. Influenza-like illness is declining, which is good news for everyone, especially parents. Although rates are still above the national baseline, both children and adults are seeing fewer doctor visits for flu symptoms.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low with a decrease in hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Most states are reporting stable or decreasing cases.
  3. Norovirus rates are still very high and have been consistent since December. It's affecting many people, particularly in the Midwest, so it's important to take precautions.

Covid-19 vaccines, what just happened at the FDA, and why it matters

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3078 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Epidemiology FDA Regulations
  1. The FDA has changed Covid-19 vaccine guidelines, now recommending them only for people over 65 or those with chronic conditions. This means younger, healthy adults might not get access to vaccines soon.
  2. Normally, big health decisions follow a clear process involving many experts and public discussions. But this recent change was made by just a few appointed officials without involving the usual expert groups.
  3. Many believe this new approach is worrying because it skips the detailed, evidence-based discussions that are important for public health decisions.

NHS Reform - big gains from small moves

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 575 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Patient Care Healthcare system Public Health Policy Solutions
  1. Small changes can lead to big improvements in the NHS, like having administrators handle tasks normally done by doctors, which can cut waiting times significantly.
  2. Many missed hospital appointments could be avoided by improving text reminders and allowing patients to choose their own appointment times, which leads to better attendance rates.
  3. Using simple tech solutions or AI to remind patients about appointments can really help reduce the number of people who don't show up, making the system work better for everyone.

Our Healthcare System, a Reign of Terror

Freddie deBoer • 18038 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Mental health Social justice Policy Critique Inequality
  1. Many people only react strongly to certain types of suffering and fail to recognize the ongoing harm of our healthcare system. It's important to think about why we care more about some victims than others.
  2. Our healthcare system often denies essential care to those who need it, leading to tragic outcomes. The choices made by companies and policymakers directly affect people's lives and deaths.
  3. There's a disconnect in how society views death caused by healthcare versus murder. We need to acknowledge and address the systemic issues causing suffering in our healthcare system, rather than just express sympathy for individual cases.

CIA Says Pandemic Likely Started From a Lab

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Science communication
  1. The CIA recently suggested that the COVID virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier claims that labeled this idea as a conspiracy theory. This has caused a stir among scientists and writers who previously dismissed these claims.
  2. Some scientists who once strongly rejected the lab leak theory are now reconsidering their stance, as new assessments show that the virus's origin is still unresolved. They admit there is no definitive proof for either a natural or lab-based origin.
  3. The claim that calling the lab leak theory a conspiracy was unfounded has been echoed by various commentators. Many are now acknowledging that skepticism about the virus's origin deserves more serious discussion.

CBS News Misinforms the Public on Pertussis Vaccination Policy: Dr. Lyons-Weiler Issues a Call for Retraction

Popular Rationalism • 970 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease Control Misinformation
  1. The CBS News report about whooping cough vaccines contained misinformation, suggesting adults need a booster every ten years for pertussis. This is misleading because the CDC does not recommend regular boosters for pertussis.
  2. The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine decreases significantly within a few years, meaning people can still get infected and spread the disease even after vaccination. This poses risks, especially to infants who are not fully vaccinated.
  3. The vaccine does not provide herd immunity, making it difficult to rely on vaccinated adults to protect vulnerable groups. The public should be educated about the limitations of the vaccine and the risks of asymptomatic carriers.

It’s Not Just Red Dye No. 3. It’s All Our Stuff.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety Public Health Regulation Consumer Rights Toxicology
  1. The FDA recently banned Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animals. It's a small victory, but there are many other potentially harmful additives still being used.
  2. Red Dye No. 3 will likely be replaced by Red Dye No. 40, which also has warnings about its effects on children in Europe. This shows that simply switching one dye for another isn't a true solution.
  3. There is a growing concern that synthetic dyes are just a small part of a larger problem with harmful chemicals in our food and products. It's important for consumers to demand safer options.