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Ishita Roy

"Let Bird Flu Spread," Advises RFK Jr. To Build Herd Immunity

RFK Jr

Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services HHS, has remained on top of the news headlines with his never-ending controversial comments. In another controversial proposal, he has asked to let <span>bird flu</span> naturally spread through poultry farms. This has raised alarms among scientists who say this move could be inhumane and dangerous. 

He suggested that instead of culling the birds, the farmers should allow the virus to run its course through the flock to identify naturally immune birds. He told Fox News, "We can identify the birds and preserve the birds that are immune to it." 

While Kennedy has no direct control over the farms, the Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also taken an interest in testing this idea. He told the CBS, "There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity."

However, experts, including the veterinary experts say that this could in fact backfire. Dr Gail Hansen, who was a former state veterinarian for Kansas told The New York Times, "that's a really terrible idea for any one of a number of reasons."

Bird flu in the US has affected more than 166 million birds since 2022. At such a rate, experts warn that allowing the virus to run through the flock would increase the risk of it mutating. However, the administration thinks otherwise, "Culling puts people at the highest risk of exposure, which is why Secretary Kennedy and N.I.H. want to limit culling activities. Culling is not the solution. Strong biosecurity is,” said Emily Hilliard to The Times, who is the deputy press secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Experts across however have suggested against it. They have even predicted that if this is allowed, it would kill 100% of all turkeys and chicken. The reason is because the way birds are raised now do not have a lot of genetic variability. They are all basically the same bird. However, what Kennedy had suggested was for poultry to have a natural immunity, almost like the concept of "herd immunity". However, it cannot be the case when birds do not have a diverse genetics. 

To give a ray of hope, scientists have now created a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/a-new-sensor-can-detect-bird-flu-virus-even-before-the-outbreak-article-151270697" data-type="tilCustomLink">handheld sensor</a> that can quickly detect H5N1 in the air, which could potentially stop the outbreak before they spread.

The findings of this handheld sensor is published in journal ACS Sensors, which noted it to be a low-cost, highly sensitive and workable sensor.

This research was led by Rajan Chakrabarty, who is the leader of the Aerosol Interdisciplinary Research(AIR) group at Washington University. His team developed the sensor using electrochemical capacitive biosensor (ECB) technology. The ECB features a thin network of nanocrystals and graphene oxide, with special probes that attach to bird flu particles.

This is a built-in-air sampler, which collects airborne virus droplets and turns them into a liquid sample. When the virus binds to the sensor, it changes the device's ability to hold electrical charge. This allows the scientists to measure virus levels.

In lab tests, the ECB sensor detected the H5N1 virus within five minutes. It was also sensitive enough to identify 95 viral copies per 35 cubic feet of air. This is a level that researchers say should be "sensitive enough to detect the presence of H5N1 below the virus' infectious dose."

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Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services HHS, has remained on top of the news headlines with his never-ending controversial comments. In another controversial proposal, he has asked to let bird flu naturally spread through poultry farms. This has raised alarms among scientists who say this move could be inhumane and dangerous. He suggested that instead of culling the birds, the farmers should allow the virus to run its course through the flock to identify naturally immune birds. He told Fox News, "We can identify the birds and preserve the birds that are immune to it." While Kennedy has no direct control over the farms, the Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also taken an interest in testing this idea. He told the CBS, "There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity."However, experts, including the veterinary experts say that this could in fact backfire. Dr Gail Hansen, who was a former state veterinarian for Kansas told The New York Times, "that's a really terrible idea for any one of a number of reasons."Bird Flu Impact In USBird flu in the US has affected more than 166 million birds since 2022. At such a rate, experts warn that allowing the virus to run through the flock would increase the risk of it mutating. However, the administration thinks otherwise, "Culling puts people at the highest risk of exposure, which is why Secretary Kennedy and N.I.H. want to limit culling activities. Culling is not the solution. Strong biosecurity is,” said Emily Hilliard to The Times, who is the deputy press secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. Experts across however have suggested against it. They have even predicted that if this is allowed, it would kill 100% of all turkeys and chicken. The reason is because the way birds are raised now do not have a lot of genetic variability. They are all basically the same bird. However, what Kennedy had suggested was for poultry to have a natural immunity, almost like the concept of "herd immunity". However, it cannot be the case when birds do not have a diverse genetics. New Developments In Bird FluTo give a ray of hope, scientists have now created a handheld sensor that can quickly detect H5N1 in the air, which could potentially stop the outbreak before they spread.The findings of this handheld sensor is published in journal ACS Sensors, which noted it to be a low-cost, highly sensitive and workable sensor.This research was led by Rajan Chakrabarty, who is the leader of the Aerosol Interdisciplinary Research(AIR) group at Washington University. His team developed the sensor using electrochemical capacitive biosensor (ECB) technology. The ECB features a thin network of nanocrystals and graphene oxide, with special probes that attach to bird flu particles.This is a built-in-air sampler, which collects airborne virus droplets and turns them into a liquid sample. When the virus binds to the sensor, it changes the device's ability to hold electrical charge. This allows the scientists to measure virus levels.In lab tests, the ECB sensor detected the H5N1 virus within five minutes. It was also sensitive enough to identify 95 viral copies per 35 cubic feet of air. This is a level that researchers say should be "sensitive enough to detect the presence of H5N1 below the virus' infectious dose."Read more on Bird Flu, here.

'Let Bird Flu Spread,' Advises RFK Jr. To Build Herd Immunity

"let bird flu spread," advises rfk jr. to build herd immunity

Supriya Ramesh

Could This New Alzheimer’s Drug Buy Patients Four More Good Years? Here Is What We Know

Credits: Canva

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Not forever, but what if you could press pause on Alzheimer’s just long enough to enjoy a few more good years? That is the tantalising promise behind a new drug called <span>lecanemab</span>, hailed as a game-changer in the fight against <span>dementia</span>.

The drug has already been licensed for use in the UK after trials showed it could slow the pace of decline in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s. But new long-term findings are turning cautious hope into something stronger: patients who stayed on lecanemab for four years experienced a noticeable delay in the disease's progression. Some even showed no decline at all.

<h3>How It Works</h3>Alzheimer’s is known for its slow but relentless grip on memory and cognition, typically marked by the build-up of sticky proteins in the brain. Lecanemab targets tau, a protein that increases as the disease worsens.

In the initial 18-month trial, the drug delayed Alzheimer’s progression by just under six months. That might not sound like much, but it’s the long game that matters here. Among 478 patients who remained on the drug for four years, the average delay before their disease advanced to the next stage stretched to almost 11 months.

Even more striking: 69 per cent of those with low levels of tau saw no decline at all over the four years. And over half in that same group actually improved their cognitive scores.

<h3>A Slow Slide Instead of a Steep Drop</h3>

Typically, people with mild Alzheimer’s see their scores on memory and function tests worsen by one or two points each year. But for those taking lecanemab, the total decline across four years was just 1.75 points. That’s a major shift in the rhythm of the disease, changing it from a downhill tumble to a slow shuffle.

Professor Christopher Van Dyck, who led the study at Yale School of Medicine, puts it simply: “You will get worse over time, but it will take longer to get there.” That extra time could mean more independence, more connection with loved ones, and more living.

<h3>Why Early Treatment is Key</h3>The benefits weren’t evenly distributed. Patients who had less evidence of Alzheimer’s pathology, that is, fewer early changes in the brain, showed the most striking outcomes. In other words, the earlier you start treatment, the better your odds of preserving function.

This makes a strong case for early diagnosis and intervention, which could shift the way we approach Alzheimer’s care. No longer is it just about managing symptoms; it’s about changing the trajectory of the disease.

<h3>Not a Cure, But a Clear Step Forward</h3>

Lecanemab isn’t a miracle cure. It doesn’t reverse Alzheimer’s, and it’s not suitable for all patients. But experts say it’s a major milestone. Reportedly, this is the first wave of disease-modifying treatments and there’s still plenty to understand.

Lecanemab isn’t the only drug showing promise. A similar treatment called <span>donanemab</span> was tested over a three-year period, though it was only administered for 18 months. Still, the results were encouraging: patients on the drug gained an extra six to 12 months before their disease progressed.

That might not sound earth-shattering, but in a condition where time is everything, even a few more months of clarity and connection can be priceless.

The research is still evolving, but the signs are encouraging. With continued trials, this could be the start of a new chapter in dementia treatment, one where patients and families have more time to prepare, more time to enjoy life, and more hope than ever before. 

lecanemab

dementia drug

cognitive decline

tau protein

donanemab

memory loss therapy

Alzheimer's Disease

alzheimers

mental health

Dementia

Not forever, but what if you could press pause on Alzheimer’s just long enough to enjoy a few more good years? That is the tantalising promise behind a new drug called lecanemab, hailed as a game-changer in the fight against dementia.The drug has already been licensed for use in the UK after trials showed it could slow the pace of decline in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s. But new long-term findings are turning cautious hope into something stronger: patients who stayed on lecanemab for four years experienced a noticeable delay in the disease's progression. Some even showed no decline at all.How It WorksAlzheimer’s is known for its slow but relentless grip on memory and cognition, typically marked by the build-up of sticky proteins in the brain. Lecanemab targets tau, a protein that increases as the disease worsens.In the initial 18-month trial, the drug delayed Alzheimer’s progression by just under six months. That might not sound like much, but it’s the long game that matters here. Among 478 patients who remained on the drug for four years, the average delay before their disease advanced to the next stage stretched to almost 11 months.Even more striking: 69 per cent of those with low levels of tau saw no decline at all over the four years. And over half in that same group actually improved their cognitive scores.A Slow Slide Instead of a Steep DropTypically, people with mild Alzheimer’s see their scores on memory and function tests worsen by one or two points each year. But for those taking lecanemab, the total decline across four years was just 1.75 points. That’s a major shift in the rhythm of the disease, changing it from a downhill tumble to a slow shuffle.Professor Christopher Van Dyck, who led the study at Yale School of Medicine, puts it simply: “You will get worse over time, but it will take longer to get there.” That extra time could mean more independence, more connection with loved ones, and more living.Why Early Treatment is KeyThe benefits weren’t evenly distributed. Patients who had less evidence of Alzheimer’s pathology, that is, fewer early changes in the brain, showed the most striking outcomes. In other words, the earlier you start treatment, the better your odds of preserving function.This makes a strong case for early diagnosis and intervention, which could shift the way we approach Alzheimer’s care. No longer is it just about managing symptoms; it’s about changing the trajectory of the disease.Not a Cure, But a Clear Step ForwardLecanemab isn’t a miracle cure. It doesn’t reverse Alzheimer’s, and it’s not suitable for all patients. But experts say it’s a major milestone. Reportedly, this is the first wave of disease-modifying treatments and there’s still plenty to understand.Other Contenders in the RingLecanemab isn’t the only drug showing promise. A similar treatment called donanemab was tested over a three-year period, though it was only administered for 18 months. Still, the results were encouraging: patients on the drug gained an extra six to 12 months before their disease progressed.That might not sound earth-shattering, but in a condition where time is everything, even a few more months of clarity and connection can be priceless.The research is still evolving, but the signs are encouraging. With continued trials, this could be the start of a new chapter in dementia treatment, one where patients and families have more time to prepare, more time to enjoy life, and more hope than ever before. 

could this new alzheimer’s drug buy patients four more good years? here is what we know

Dizzy Spells Misread as Vertigo Led to Brain Tumour Diagnosis for 63-Year-Old

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When 63-year-old John Starns slumped on a train station bench in Sevenoaks, drenched in sweat and struggling to stay upright, most passers-by assumed he was drunk. He looked wobbly, pale, and visibly disoriented. But what looked like an awkward case of public intoxication turned out to be something far more sinister: a brain tumour hiding behind symptoms commonly mistaken for vertigo. 

<h3>From “It’s Just Vertigo” to “You Have a Brain Tumour”</h3>Initially told he had vertigo, John tried to carry on with his life. But as the months passed, his dizziness became more intense and debilitating. At their worst, the episodes forced him to lie down, eyes shut, until the world stopped spinning. Still, no one suspected the real cause.

Three months and one MRI scan later, John finally got the truth. He reportedly had a <span>vestibular schwannoma</span>, a rare, <span>benign brain tumour</span> sitting on the nerve that connects the brain to the inner ear. It was affecting his balance, hearing, and overall coordination, symptoms that, in hindsight, were never typical of garden-variety vertigo.

<h3>What is Vestibular Schwannoma?</h3>Despite the intimidating name, a vestibular schwannoma is not cancerous. It develops slowly over time from Schwann cells, the fatty insulation on your nerves. In this case, the tumour formed on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which governs both hearing and balance.

That is why the symptoms can masquerade as something much less serious. 

<ul><li>Dizziness or vertigo</li><li>Hearing loss in one ear</li><li>Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)</li><li>Poor sound localisation</li><li>In more advanced cases, numbness on one side of the face</li></ul>

Because these tumours grow at a glacial pace, symptoms tend to hide for months or even years. According to Cancer Research UK, they account for around 8 per cent of all brain tumours, with risk increasing significantly after the age of 65. In rare cases, they are linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, which often causes tumours on both sides of the brain.

<h3>Why Dizziness Deserves a Second Look</h3>Most of us treat dizziness like a mild inconvenience. You get up too fast, feel woozy for a second, then go about your day. Maybe you chalk it up to dehydration, skipping breakfast, or scrolling on your phone in bed for too long. But dizziness could be a sign of something more serious. 

For John, it was not just one woozy episode. It was a string of unsettling, spin-the-room moments that left him lying flat on his back, eyes squeezed shut, praying for the world to stop pirouetting. And while vertigo was the first suspect, his brain had other plans, like growing a tumour on his vestibulocochlear nerve.

That is the thing with dizziness: it is vague, common, and often misunderstood. It can signal anything from low blood pressure and ear infections to neurological conditions that need serious medical attention. But because it is so easy to dismiss and hard to describe without wildly gesturing, it often gets brushed under the rug until it insists on being noticed.

If you face dizziness, do not ignore it. Especially if the dizziness is intense, recurrent, or comes with sidekicks like hearing loss, balance issues, or ringing in your ears. 

vestibular schwannoma

brain tumour symptoms

dizziness causes

vertigo misdiagnosis

benign brain tumour

signs of vestibular schwannoma

dizziness and hearing loss

inner ear tumour

brain mri scan

neurological symptoms

When 63-year-old John Starns slumped on a train station bench in Sevenoaks, drenched in sweat and struggling to stay upright, most passers-by assumed he was drunk. He looked wobbly, pale, and visibly disoriented. But what looked like an awkward case of public intoxication turned out to be something far more sinister: a brain tumour hiding behind symptoms commonly mistaken for vertigo. From “It’s Just Vertigo” to “You Have a Brain Tumour”Initially told he had vertigo, John tried to carry on with his life. But as the months passed, his dizziness became more intense and debilitating. At their worst, the episodes forced him to lie down, eyes shut, until the world stopped spinning. Still, no one suspected the real cause.Three months and one MRI scan later, John finally got the truth. He reportedly had a vestibular schwannoma, a rare, benign brain tumour sitting on the nerve that connects the brain to the inner ear. It was affecting his balance, hearing, and overall coordination, symptoms that, in hindsight, were never typical of garden-variety vertigo.What is Vestibular Schwannoma?Despite the intimidating name, a vestibular schwannoma is not cancerous. It develops slowly over time from Schwann cells, the fatty insulation on your nerves. In this case, the tumour formed on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which governs both hearing and balance.That is why the symptoms can masquerade as something much less serious. Dizziness or vertigoHearing loss in one earRinging or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)Poor sound localisationIn more advanced cases, numbness on one side of the faceBecause these tumours grow at a glacial pace, symptoms tend to hide for months or even years. According to Cancer Research UK, they account for around 8 per cent of all brain tumours, with risk increasing significantly after the age of 65. In rare cases, they are linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, which often causes tumours on both sides of the brain.Why Dizziness Deserves a Second LookMost of us treat dizziness like a mild inconvenience. You get up too fast, feel woozy for a second, then go about your day. Maybe you chalk it up to dehydration, skipping breakfast, or scrolling on your phone in bed for too long. But dizziness could be a sign of something more serious. For John, it was not just one woozy episode. It was a string of unsettling, spin-the-room moments that left him lying flat on his back, eyes squeezed shut, praying for the world to stop pirouetting. And while vertigo was the first suspect, his brain had other plans, like growing a tumour on his vestibulocochlear nerve.That is the thing with dizziness: it is vague, common, and often misunderstood. It can signal anything from low blood pressure and ear infections to neurological conditions that need serious medical attention. But because it is so easy to dismiss and hard to describe without wildly gesturing, it often gets brushed under the rug until it insists on being noticed.If you face dizziness, do not ignore it. Especially if the dizziness is intense, recurrent, or comes with sidekicks like hearing loss, balance issues, or ringing in your ears. 

dizzy spells misread as vertigo led to brain tumour diagnosis for 63-year-old

Top U.S. Medical Associations Ousted from CDC Vaccine Workgroups in Sudden Shake-Up

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In a controversial move that has rattled the U.S. medical community, federal health officials have severed ties with more than half a dozen major medical organizations from participating in government vaccine advisory workgroups. 

The decision, communicated via email on Thursday, disinvites top experts from these groups from contributing to the workgroups that support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key body that guides the nation’s vaccination policies.

Organizations affected include the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and several others, many of whom have historically played a critical role in shaping vaccine guidelines.

“This is deeply concerning and distressing,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a renowned vaccine expert from Vanderbilt University who has been involved with ACIP workgroups for decades. “Removing these organizations will likely create conflicting messages about vaccine guidance. Patients might hear one thing from the government and another from their personal doctors.”

<h4>Longstanding Collaboration Ends Abruptly</h4>

For years, the ACIP has relied on a structured system where experts from various medical and scientific fields evaluate vaccine data and help draft recommendations. These recommendations, once approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>), often inform clinical practice and determine insurance coverage.

But according to an email obtained by Bloomberg and confirmed by federal officials on Friday, the medical organizations are now being sidelined on the grounds that they are “special interest groups” and are assumed to carry a “bias” due to the populations they serve.

Dr. Schaffner defended the former system, highlighting how professional organizations offered practical insights on how recommendations could be realistically implemented in clinical settings. Importantly, all members were subject to conflict-of-interest vetting, ensuring objective guidance, he added.

<h4>Health Secretary Kennedy’s Sweeping Changes</h4>

This latest shake-up follows an earlier, unprecedented move in June when U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly dismissed the entire ACIP panel, accusing it of being too closely aligned with vaccine manufacturers. Kennedy, a former leader in the anti-vaccine movement, has since appointed several known vaccine skeptics to the new committee.

Among the organizations removed from the workgroup process are the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, American Osteopathic Association, National Medical Association, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

In a joint statement released Friday, the AMA and several of the disinvited organizations denounced the decision, calling it “irresponsible” and “dangerous to our nation’s health.” The statement warned that excluding their medical expertise “will further undermine public and clinician trust in vaccines.”

The groups urged the administration to reverse the decision, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration in public health decision-making.

Several of the ousted organizations had previously criticized Kennedy’s overhaul of the ACIP. Last month, three of them joined a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to halt COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for most children and pregnant women, a policy shift that has been widely criticized by public health experts.

Meanwhile, newly appointed ACIP member Retsef Levi, a professor of business management with no formal medical background, defended the administration's direction on social media. Levi wrote that future workgroups would “engage experts from an even broader set of disciplines,” and claimed that membership would be based on “merit &amp; expertise, not organizational affiliations with conflicts of interest.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet disclosed which experts will replace the disinvited members or when the new workgroups will begin operating.

health news USA

us medical associations

cc vaccine groups

In a controversial move that has rattled the U.S. medical community, federal health officials have severed ties with more than half a dozen major medical organizations from participating in government vaccine advisory workgroups. The decision, communicated via email on Thursday, disinvites top experts from these groups from contributing to the workgroups that support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key body that guides the nation’s vaccination policies.Organizations affected include the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and several others, many of whom have historically played a critical role in shaping vaccine guidelines.“This is deeply concerning and distressing,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a renowned vaccine expert from Vanderbilt University who has been involved with ACIP workgroups for decades. “Removing these organizations will likely create conflicting messages about vaccine guidance. Patients might hear one thing from the government and another from their personal doctors.”Longstanding Collaboration Ends AbruptlyFor years, the ACIP has relied on a structured system where experts from various medical and scientific fields evaluate vaccine data and help draft recommendations. These recommendations, once approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), often inform clinical practice and determine insurance coverage.But according to an email obtained by Bloomberg and confirmed by federal officials on Friday, the medical organizations are now being sidelined on the grounds that they are “special interest groups” and are assumed to carry a “bias” due to the populations they serve.Dr. Schaffner defended the former system, highlighting how professional organizations offered practical insights on how recommendations could be realistically implemented in clinical settings. Importantly, all members were subject to conflict-of-interest vetting, ensuring objective guidance, he added.Health Secretary Kennedy’s Sweeping ChangesThis latest shake-up follows an earlier, unprecedented move in June when U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly dismissed the entire ACIP panel, accusing it of being too closely aligned with vaccine manufacturers. Kennedy, a former leader in the anti-vaccine movement, has since appointed several known vaccine skeptics to the new committee.Among the organizations removed from the workgroup process are the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, American Osteopathic Association, National Medical Association, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.In a joint statement released Friday, the AMA and several of the disinvited organizations denounced the decision, calling it “irresponsible” and “dangerous to our nation’s health.” The statement warned that excluding their medical expertise “will further undermine public and clinician trust in vaccines.”The groups urged the administration to reverse the decision, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration in public health decision-making.Lawsuit and FalloutSeveral of the ousted organizations had previously criticized Kennedy’s overhaul of the ACIP. Last month, three of them joined a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to halt COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for most children and pregnant women, a policy shift that has been widely criticized by public health experts.Meanwhile, newly appointed ACIP member Retsef Levi, a professor of business management with no formal medical background, defended the administration's direction on social media. Levi wrote that future workgroups would “engage experts from an even broader set of disciplines,” and claimed that membership would be based on “merit & expertise, not organizational affiliations with conflicts of interest.”The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet disclosed which experts will replace the disinvited members or when the new workgroups will begin operating.

top u.s. medical associations ousted from cdc vaccine workgroups in sudden shake-up

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