Black women living in the South have become vulnerable due to limited resources, federal funding cuts and few rural hospitals.
Public Health
Herd Immunity is Now Dangerously Low. Children (and Women) Will Suffer Most
As a federal vaccine panel prepares to vote on several once-regular shots, a new study finds that waning vaccination rates may cause the return of previously eradicated diseases.
The State of Abortion, 3 Years Since Dobbs
We’re thrilled to announce that this June 2025 episode has been nominated for a Webby Award, in the News & Politics category. Listen here!
New Study Finds Link Between Global Warming and Rising Cancer Rates Among Women
Scientists pointed to ultraviolet radiation and air pollutants as reasons why rising temperatures would have such an effect on women.
More Babies Are Dying in Post-Roe America, Study Shows
The “pro-life” movement’s fight to overturn Roe v. Wade – which ultimately took away nationwide abortion access – has resulted in a spike in infant mortality.
An Alarming Spike in Sepsis Cases Linked to Lack of Abortion Access in Texas
A recent ProPublica analysis reveals that the state’s abortion ban caused an uptick in harm and hospitalizations among those who couldn’t get reproductive care.
Beyond Fire and Smoke, Wildfires Might Just Spread Disease, Too
In California, Onja Davidson Raoelison is studying how extreme events like wildfires may spread pathogens through the water and air, a potential threat to human health.
Investigating Extreme Heat in Salt Lake City
In Utah, Heather Holmes is working on better forecasting models, especially when heat waves mix with wildfire smoke in rural communities.
False-Positive Mammogram Results Have Women Opting Out of Future Screenings, Study Finds
Women who receive false-positive results in breast cancer screenings are less likely to return for another – which could have dire consequences, experts say.
The ‘Black Angels’ Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis
Nurses who moved north during the Great Migration worked in New York City’s most contagious sanatorium — and changed the course of public health history.
How Do We Deal With Bad Air Quality?
We talk to Utah dust expert Kerry Kelly, who has a plan for countering the impact of hazy skies on our health. Listen to our 18-minute podcast, named “2024 Best Audio Feature” by the Newswomen’s Club of New York.
Flying Over L.A. to Study the Dirtiest Air in America
Eva Pfannerstill and her team at Berkeley have taken 16 flights to pinpoint the most dangerous pollutants that Angelenos breathe.
Yes, It’s Been Over 2 Years. But We Still Need Covid Guidance, Say Business Owners
Covid mitigation is now highly individualized, with guidance and even case numbers now harder than ever to track.
Abortion “Turnaway” Study Offers a Grim Portrait of a Post-Roe America
A landmark abortion study that focused on people turned away from care provides scientific data on a highly politicized issue.
Giving Up Cardiology for Public Health
As more young people pursue degrees in public health, we ask Dr. Roseanna Means about her long and widely admired career in the field.