Dr. Jayanta "Jay" Bhattacharya, has officially assumed office as the 18th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bringing a new era of leadership to the country's leading medical research agency. His confirmation, approved by the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2025, represents a major change in NIH's direction, in line with President Trump's Make America Healthy Again Commission.

Dr. Bhattacharya comes on board amid widespread federal health system reorganization. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just announced a comprehensive overhaul that involves firing about 1,200 NIH staff. In an all-staff letter, Dr. Bhattacharya accepted the challenges to come, promising staff that he will make changes with compassion and openness.

"I am aware that I am coming into NIH during a period of unprecedented change. Every corner of the federal government is being scrutinized — and NIH is no exception," he wrote. Grateful for the efforts of the affected employees, he went on to say, "Many of our good colleagues are losing their jobs, and that in no way reflects the quality of their effort.". I wish to thank most sincerely those who will be impacted for all that you have done for the mission of the NIH."

Promises to Restoring Trust in Science and Research Integrity

A leading Stanford health economist and physician, Dr. Bhattacharya has been a long-time advocate for scientific integrity and academic freedom. His mission is to reaffirm public faith in biomedical studies, with priority placed on maintaining integrity, being reproducible, and being innovative in NIH-sponsored research.

Most importantly, our findings will only be impactful if the public is confident in our results and believes that we are working on their behalf," said Dr. Bhattacharya. NIH will, under his leadership, focus research on solving directly the nation's most critical health priorities, especially chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Funding Reforms and Research Priorities

NIH has experienced deep budgetary shifts over the last few months, with grant support suspended and restored, and indirect university research costs capped prior to the intervention of a federal judge. Dr. Bhattacharya is anticipated to negotiate these budget intricacies in order to secure ongoing support for innovative scientific discoveries.

Secretary Kennedy voiced his confidence in the new director, stating, “Under Dr. Bhattacharya’s leadership, NIH will restore its commitment to gold-standard science. I’m excited to work with him to ensure NIH research aligns with our Administration’s priorities — especially tackling the chronic disease epidemic and helping to Make America Healthy Again.”

Dr. Bhattacharya has been vocal about the importance of free speech in scientific discourse. In October 2024, he tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), "If you support government regulation of disinformation, you are an enemy of free speech." Now, as NIH Director, he has directed agency personnel to prepare a list of grants and contracts focused on fighting misinformation and disinformation, a step that could be evidence of a change in how government agencies handle scientific controversy and public messaging.

Prior to coming to NIH, Dr. Bhattacharya was a tenured professor at Stanford University, where he worked on population aging and chronic diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. He co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration in the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for a focused protection strategy instead of broad lockdowns.

As he enters this critical position, Dr. Bhattacharya is charged with guiding NIH through trying times, keeping research priorities in synch with public health needs, and reaffirming the agency's commitment to scientific integrity. His tenure will begin a new era for NIH, one that holds the promise of reforms to promote innovation, accountability, and reinvigorated faith in medical research.

Children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball spoke openly on Monday’s Good Morning Britain about his prostate cancer diagnosis from 2022. During the ITV show, hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid discussed Ball’s health and recovery. The 87-year-old, father of radio host Zoe Ball and well-known for shows like Play School, revealed that he successfully completed treatment and is now in good health.

Reflecting on his experience, Ball said, “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022. Thankfully, after three months of daily radiation therapy starting in September, I’m through it and feeling well.” He acknowledged that the disease can be fatal, citing friends who lost their lives to it, including Goon Show star Harry Secombe and comedian Bob Monkhouse. “I’m 20 years younger than them, and I feel fortunate because today we can treat it successfully,” he added.

Ball also stressed the importance of regular check-ups. Despite showing no symptoms, his cancer was discovered during a routine GP visit. His PSA levels were at 30, far above the normal threshold of three, highlighting the value of screening even in the absence of symptoms.

What Is Prostate Cancer?Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system responsible for producing fluid that forms part of semen. The condition occurs when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, potentially forming a tumor. While some forms grow slowly and may not immediately threaten health, the cancer can be dangerous if it spreads beyond the prostate. Factors that increase risk include age, genetics, and ethnicity.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. Its primary role is to produce seminal fluid, which helps nourish and transport sperm.

How Does Prostate Cancer Develop?

Cancer in the prostate begins when certain cells start growing abnormally. These cells multiply faster than normal, eventually forming a tumor.

Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they usually involve changes in urination:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Weak or interrupted stream
• Urgency, or a sudden, hard-to-control need to urinate
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after urination

Other possible signs include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or upper thighs
• Weakness or numbness in later stages

Because early prostate cancer often produces few or no obvious symptoms, regular check-ups and screenings are crucial, particularly for men with risk factors. Anyone noticing these signs should seek medical advice promptly.

Massachusetts health officials have reported two new human cases of West Nile virus, raising the state’s total this season to eight. In its update on Friday, September 6, 2025, the Department of Public Health (MDPH) said the latest cases involve a woman in her 60s from Middlesex County and a man in his 50s from Suffolk County.

Because of these new infections, the risk level for West Nile has been raised to “high” in four communities, Arlington, Chelsea, Medford, and Waltham. Overall, 47 municipalities and more than 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts are now considered high-risk.

Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein noted that the state is “almost out of the peak season” for West Nile transmission, but added that the threat will remain until the first hard frost arrives. He advised residents to continue protecting themselves by using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin.

What Is the West Nile Virus?

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In rare but serious cases, the virus can affect the nervous system, leading to brain or spinal cord inflammation (encephalitis or meningitis). These severe infections may cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, paralysis, or even coma.

How Common Is West Nile Virus?

This year alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,137 cases of West Nile across 42 states as of September 23, 2025. Of those, 742 were classified as “neuroinvasive,” meaning the infection spread to the nervous system.

West Nile Virus Symptoms and Causes

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash on the chest or back
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Pain behind the eyes

Severe symptoms of West Nile encephalitis or meningitis can include:

• Sudden, intense headache
• High fever (above 103°F or 39.5°C)
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors or convulsions
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma

West Nile Virus: Public Awareness and Concerns

“With the growing number of West Nile cases and an extended mosquito season, people need to be more aware of the risks,” said Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC. He advised communities to take everyday precautions, including reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed and protecting against bites.

Walmart pasta meals listeria recall: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for a ready-to-eat pasta meal sold at Walmart due to possible listeria contamination, a potentially deadly bacteria. The alert, announced Thursday, affects customers nationwide. Officials are urging consumers to immediately check their freezers for the affected product.

Details of the Walmart Pasta Recall

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This alert is linked to a previous listeria outbreak involving recalled chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals in June. According to Fox Business, testing was expanded to include other products, and one sample of the Marketside linguine meal tested positive for listeria. The USDA issued the alert to prevent further illness, as the contamination could potentially be more widespread.

Walmart Recall Listeria: What Is Listeria?

Listeria: Who Is Most At Risk?

While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups are more vulnerable. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. For pregnant women, infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection in newborns.

Listeria Symptoms To Watch For

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Walmart Recall Listeria: How to Stay Safe

Consumers should check their freezers and pantries for affected products, like the Marketside linguine with beef meatballs, and discard or return them. Proper cooking and avoiding unpasteurized dairy or prepackaged ready-to-eat meals can reduce risk. Always follow food safety guidelines, including cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling foods.

Walmart Recall Listeria: Recent Trends in Food Recalls

Food recalls over listeria have become increasingly common in recent years. Just this summer, Kraft Heinz pulled back more than 367,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to contamination concerns. Now, Walmart’s ready-to-eat pasta joins the list.

Although listeria outbreaks are rare, the USDA emphasizes that even a single positive test can be serious and potentially deadly. For consumers, the safest action is clear: check the product dates, and if the affected pasta is in your freezer, do not risk consuming it.