French authorities reported 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2, primarily among those 75 and older, during a heatwave. This comes as southern Europe faces extreme temperatures, with Spain battling massive wildfires and other countries experiencing heat-related issues.
The first patients have been enrolled in an Ebola treatment trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a record six weeks after the outbreak was declared a public health emergency. Despite rapid scientific progress, locals express impatience due to financial strain and mistrust, while frontline workers protest lack of pay, impacting containment efforts.
In 1847, Ignaz Semmelweis drastically reduced childbed fever deaths at Vienna General Hospital by ordering doctors to wash hands in chlorine. Despite clear evidence, he faced backlash due to the lack of a scientific explanation, leading to a career-defining struggle.
In 1847, Ignaz Semmelweis drastically reduced childbed fever deaths at Vienna General Hospital by having doctors wash hands in chlorine. Despite clear evidence, he faced backlash for lacking a scientific explanation, leading to a tragic end and delayed adoption of his life-saving practice.
The US death rate reached a record low in 2025, falling 4.6% due to fewer drug overdose and COVID-19 fatalities. However, influenza and pneumonia re-entered the top 10 causes of death, linked to severe viral strains and declining vaccination rates amid shifting federal health policies.
A Human Rights Watch report states 52 people died in ICE custody between Jan. 20, 2025, and June 4, 2026, a rate more than double previous periods. DHS disputes the findings, citing a consistent death rate.
Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly avoiding hospitals due to fear of Ebola, leading to a rise in maternal deaths. Health workers report a significant drop in prenatal consultations and concerns about dangerous home births, potentially creating a second health crisis alongside the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Preliminary 2025 data shows the US infant mortality rate dropped to a historic low of under 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, a decrease from previous years. While reasons are unclear, experts are optimistic about the trend, though the US rate still lags behind other high-income nations.
Preliminary data from the CDC shows the US infant mortality rate fell to under 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, a new record low. This marks a statistically significant decline from previous years, translating to hundreds fewer infant deaths annually, though the US rate still lags behind other high-income nations.
A conspiracy theory about scientists dying or disappearing is traced back to a 1977 British mock-documentary called 'Alternative 3', created by David Ambrose. Despite being a fictional drama, it was taken seriously by many and has since fueled various conspiracy narratives.
India's infant mortality rate fell to 24/1,000 live births in 2024, a significant drop driven by increased institutional deliveries. However, disparities persist between rural and urban areas, and newborn deaths are now the primary challenge, necessitating enhanced neonatal and maternal care.
India's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 from 30 in 2019. While institutional deliveries increased significantly, disparities remain, with Chhattisgarh showing the highest IMR and Kerala the lowest. Neonatal mortality constitutes a growing share of infant deaths.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers reviewing 44 existing studies found that Black women experience higher levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and uteroplacental vascular resistance during pregnancy—physiological pathways linked to pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and foetal growth restrictions. The researchers conclude these differences are not genetic but result from socioenvironmental stressors including systemic racism and socioeconomic deprivation. Black women in the UK are 2.7 times more likely to die during childbirth and Black babies are twice as likely to be stillborn compared to white counterparts.
Extreme heat is severely impacting global food systems, threatening crop yields, livestock, and farmers' ability to work, according to a UN report. This crisis puts over a billion livelihoods at risk and highlights the urgent need for adaptation and climate action.
