Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 9h

In which I marvel at the hidden history of common cold coronaviruses and what their quiet evolution reveals about our ongoing fight with emerging pathogens.
medium.com/microbial-in...

The Hidden History of the Four Common Cold Coronaviruses Living Quietly Among Us

These “nuisance” viruses give us hope for where the virus that causes COVID-19 will go.

medium.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

The suicide rate among U.S. young adults aged 18-27 rose nearly 20% from 2014 to 2024, with some states seeing large increases, especially in the South and Midwest. Firearms are now involved in most youth suicides. Source: www.axios.com/2025/10/07/y...

Youth suicide rates are rising almost nationwide

The numbers underscore the toll of the country's youth mental health crisis.

www.axios.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

Let me tell you about the time I was diagnosed with asthma, and my parents were almost suckered into going to a homeopath to treat me. The math didn't math!
medium.com/the-quantast...

The Theory and Math on Homeopathy Doesn’t Add Up

Let’s do the math together and understand the beliefs around homeopathy to make it clear why homeopathy isn’t a viable medicine.

medium.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

Baltimore’s new health commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor draws on her own breast cancer survival, advocating for early detection and self-care as cornerstones of community health. Her story highlights the power of prevention and support. www.wmar2news.com/news/region/...

Real-life experience drives Baltimore’s new health commissioner’s commitment to preventive care

Baltimore's new health commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor survived breast cancer and uses her experience to advocate for early detection and self-care.

www.wmar2news.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

AAMC has an up-to-date guidance on respiratory virus vaccines for this winter. They just updated it with the latest on COVID vaccines.
www.aamc.org/news/your-fa...

Your fall 2025 vaccine guide

Here’s what academic experts recommend to combat seasonal respiratory illnesses amid conflicting advice from the CDC, medical societies, and state coalitions.

www.aamc.org

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

This is the part of the plot where the good guys are overrun, the bad guy is monologuing, and bystanders are doing just that, standing by.

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

I'm currently reading "The Formula for Better Health" by Tom Frieden. Interesting read. Lots of things I know (being an epi), but things not everyone knows, if you know what I mean.

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 1d

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi earned the 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for breakthroughs in immune tolerance, paving the way for new therapies in cancer, autoimmune disease, and transplant medicine. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/h...

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Is Awarded for Work on Immune Systems

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi were awarded the prize for research showing how the body regulates its immune responses.

www.nytimes.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 2d

Seattle's King County Health Department has been sharing public health information through vibrant comic strips for over 15 years, making important topics more accessible and engaging to the community.
www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...

Seattle uses creative comic strips to help disseminate public health info

One woman spearheaded a creative project to make health information easier to understand and more engaging.

www.wbur.org

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 2d

For various reasons, influenza and other respiratory infections affect children with neurologic problems and developmental delays more severely. But there is something we can do to help protect them, because they, their parents, and caretakers have enough to worry about.
medium.com/microbial-in...

Flu Season Hits Children with Developmental Delays Hardest: What Parents Should Know

Understanding the overlooked risks and what we can do to protect our most vulnerable kids.

medium.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 2d

Chile lanza su primera campaña nacional de salud mental, promoviendo el diálogo abierto y el respeto para disminuir el estigma.
www.gob.cl/noticias/por...

Por primera vez el Estado de Chile lanza campaña de salud mental - Gob.cl

“Estigmatizar cierra puertas. Abramos la conversación a la salud mental” se llama la campaña dirigida por el Ministerio de Salud que busca instalar de manera concreta la conversación sobre el tema.

www.gob.cl

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 2d

A sobering reminder that we may be done with HIV, but HIV is not done with us. Fiji faces a sharp rise in HIV cases driven by needle sharing. www.bbc.com/news/article...

Fiji's HIV cases surge due to bluetoothing, chemsex and needle-sharing

The small South Pacific nation is facing one of the world's fastest growing HIV epidemics.

www.bbc.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 2d

While AI technologies offer powerful predictive capabilities and improved response times, challenges around data privacy, equity, and algorithmic bias must be carefully managed for effective public health implementation.
www.cureus.com/articles/378...

Infectious Disease Surveillance in the Era of Big Data and AI: Opportunities and Pitfalls

The landscape of infectious disease surveillance (IDS) is undergoing a profound shift, driven by the rapid emergence of big data and artificial intelligence (AI). Traditional surveillance systems,…

www.cureus.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 3d

As winter arrives, it's not just the flu that's circulating—multiple viruses share the spotlight, contributing to sniffles and sick days. Understanding these patterns helps us stay informed through the chilly months. Read more: medium.com/microbial-in...

The Flu Rides in Winter, and a Half Dozen Other Viruses Ride With It

It’s not just the flu, folks. Other viruses are making the rounds in winter, ready to strike you down. (And let me clarify that whole Human…

medium.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 3d

Expertos y legisladores destacan que los impuestos al tabaco, alcohol y bebidas azucaradas reducen enfermedades crónicas y gastos médicos, mejorando la salud pública y apoyando la economía de México. comunicadores.mx/2025/10/04/i...

Impuestos a tabaco, alcohol y bebidas azucaradas, medida fiscal y preventiva con efectos positivos en la salud pública

Diputados y especialistas indicaron que los “impuestos saludables” al tabaco, alcohol y bebidas azucaradas no sólo representan un mecanismo fiscal, sino una política de prevención que impacta posit…

comunicadores.mx

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 3d

A second Canadian child, a premature infant, has died from measles amid a surge in cases, mostly among unvaccinated children, while South Carolina is investigating a new outbreak with suspected community transmission.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/anot...

Another Canadian baby dies from measles as South Carolina reports outbreak

In other developments, South Carolina suspects community transmission in an outbreak in the Upstate region.

www.cidrap.umn.edu

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 3d

Minnesota doctors and health leaders urge lawmakers to address gun violence after the Annunciation Church shooting, calling it a public health crisis and demanding legislative action on firearm safety. Source: www.inforum.com/news/minneso...

‘This is no longer a friendly request’: Annunciation doctors, health care leaders call for special session

Minnesota health care leaders, along with doctors who cared for Annunciation patients, demand a special session on gun control as negotiations have reached an impasse

www.inforum.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 3d

New research sheds light on how prenatal infections may influence autism risk. Inflammation and maternal immune responses can disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the critical link between maternal health and neurodevelopment.
medium.com/microbial-in...

Prenatal Infections and Autism Risk: The Biology Underpinnings Explained

How infections can rewire the developing fetal brain in ways that may lead to autism.

medium.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 4d

When immigrants are no longer scapegoats for society’s problems, we may be forced to face social challenges head-on. Solutions require nuance, empathy, and evidence, not blame. Read more: medium.com/@epiren/even...

Even if You’re Against Illegal Immigration, You Need It

If the people you blame for all that ails you cease to exist, then you’re responsible for what happens to you. Who wants that?

medium.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 4d

Autoridades de salud de las Américas aprobaron un plan regional para fortalecer la prevención y el control de enfermedades no transmisibles como cardiopatías, cáncer, diabetes y enfermedades respiratorias, con mayor enfoque en políticas y atención primaria.
www.paho.org/es/noticias/...

Autoridades de salud aprueban plan regional para prevenir y controlar las enfermedades no transmisibles en las Américas

Washington, D.C., 1 de octubre de 2025 (OPS) – Autoridades de salud de las Américas, reunidas en el 62.º Consejo Directivo de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), aprobaron hoy un…

www.paho.org

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 4d

Whooping cough is surging in North Carolina, affecting even vaccinated children as immunity wanes. Health officials note a rise in cases and urge awareness about pertussis symptoms amid changing vaccination coverage. Read more: www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/10/03/v...

Whooping cough surges in North Carolina; fading vaccine immunity likely plays a role

Even vaccinated children can catch and spread whooping cough. Here's why experts say booster shots and awareness are key.

www.northcarolinahealthnews.org

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 4d

Las vacunas ayudan a proteger a niños de enfermedades graves y salvan millones de vidas cada año. Son seguras, eficaces y permiten a los más pequeños acceder a servicios de salud fundamentales para su bienestar.
www.unicef.org/es/historias...

¿Por qué son importantes las vacunas para los niños y niñas?

Diez datos sobre las vacunas, la supervivencia infantil y los avances mundiales.

www.unicef.org

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 5d

Public health isn't about demanding radical overnight changes. It's about meeting people where they are and nudging them toward healthier choices.
medium.com/the-quantast...

Public Health Is Not About Radical Change

Rarely is a public health program revolutionary, at least not instantly.

medium.com

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 5d

Local health departments face tough challenges during the government shutdown, with concerns about reduced staffing, slower outbreak response, and disruptions to key programs like nutrition support and vaccines.
www.cnn.com/2025/10/02/h...

Local health departments worry about government shutdown’s effects on staffing, disease outbreaks and nutrition services | CNN

The US government’s shutdown is shaking the nation at a time when public health staffing has already been reduced, the threat of disease outbreaks looms, and both the respiratory virus season and…

www.cnn.com

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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP @epiren.bsky.social · 6d

Mailing HPV self-test kits directly to women is both effective and cost-saving, with benefits seen across different screening histories according to new research. Home-based testing can help overcome barriers to cervical cancer screening.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/human-papill...

Study: Mailing HPV tests to women effective, cost-saving, regardless of cervical-cancer screening history

stevanovicigor / iStock

www.cidrap.umn.edu

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