Health & Safety

New study finds a genetic variant may explain why some get COVID but have no symptoms

7:02am July 20, 2023

by Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel talks with Dr. Jill Hollenbach, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at UC San Francisco who organized a study of genes linked to asymptomatic COVID-19.

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Mosquitoes spread malaria. Now researchers hope that a gene drive technology could turn them into malaria fighters. Although not every scientist thinks it's a good idea to genetically modify a wild animal.

Mosquitoes spread malaria. These researchers want them to fight it instead

5:05am July 20, 2023

by Geoff Brumfiel

Scientists have used a gene-editing technique to make mosquitos allies in the fight against malaria. Environmentalists are troubled by the idea of genetically modifying wild animals.

Samantha Casiano told a Texas courtroom that she should have been able to let her daughter, who had anencephaly, "go to rest sooner."

Health & Safety

Denied abortion for a doomed pregnancy, she tells Texas court: 'There was no mercy'

9:23pm July 19, 2023

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Women who had complicated and tragic pregnancies are suing Texas over its abortion bans. A hearing had emotional testimony in an Austin courtroom Wednesday. The state wants the case dismissed.

In-N-Out is barring employees in five states from wearing masks unless they have a doctor's note, according to internal company emails leaked on social media last week. An In-N-Out Burger signs is seen on June 8, 2010, in Baldwin Park, Calif.

In-N-Out Burger bans employees in 5 states from wearing masks

5:57pm July 19, 2023

by Jonathan Franklin

The new mask policy will apply to employees in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah. Employees in California and Oregon can choose to wear a company-provided N95 mask.

Extreme heat raises concern about the health of prison inmates, particularly in Texas

5:12pm July 19, 2023

by Paul Flahive

As record-setting, dangerous heat continues in parts of the Southwest, there's concern about inmates in Texas. Most Texas prisoner housing isn't air conditioned and there are no temperature standards.

Copycat drugs could end Humira's reign as the prominent arthritis treatment

4:42pm July 19, 2023

by Sydney Lupkin

The arthritis drug Humira has been a blockbuster seller for more than two decades. Now, some copycats could end Humira's reign.

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Anti-tank obstacles on a wheat field at a farm in southern Ukraine's Mykolaiv region. The country's grain exports were curtailed this week when Russia pulled out of a deal that allowed grain-laden ships to sail out of Ukrainian ports.

Russia's nixing of Ukraine grain deal deepens worries about global food supply

3:55pm July 19, 2023

by Andrew Connelly

Since the war began, there's been concern about getting Ukrainian grain to countries in need. A deal was struck in 2022 to keep exports flowing — but Russia put an end to it on Monday.

Opill, the first daily oral contraceptive that will be available for sale over the counter in stores as well as online, was approved by the FDA last week.

Health & Safety

Over-the-counter birth control is coming. Here's what to know about cost and coverage

2:42pm July 19, 2023

by Michelle Andrews

The recently approved contraception Opill should be available for consumers next year. It's not clear how or whether insurance will cover it. Here's what's known so far.

Is 'Toxic Fashion' making us sick? A look at the chemicals lurking in our clothes

1:26pm July 19, 2023

by Tonya Mosley

In 2018, Delta airlines unveiled new uniforms made of a synthetic-blend fabric. Soon after, flight attendants began to get sick. Alden Wicker explains how toxic chemicals get in clothes in To Dye For.

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Health & Safety

United Way of Forsyth County directing $4 million to partner programs

10:58am July 19, 2023

by Neal Charnoff

United Way of Forsyth County has announced that an additional $4 million will be invested to support programs in the c