Health & Disease
Browse the latest in Health & Disease, including blog articles, Annals research, events, Academy news and more.
Content Spotlight
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Understanding Hantavirus and How to Stay Safe
March 12, 2025
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS, has been in the news lately following the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman. But what is HPS? Published March 12, 2025 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEP and Waleed Javaid, MD, MBA, MS, FACP, FIDSAAcademy Contributors Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is spread through contact with rodents. Image courtesy of Art Johnson via stock.adobe.com. The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, due to...
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Leading the Fight Against Tuberculosis and Syphilis
March 11, 2025
One of the Academy’s earliest Honorary Members helped to advance medicine in the early 20th century and improve overall public health. Published March 11, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager Florence Rena Sabin Florence Rena Sabin, an Honorary Member of The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy), made several significant research contributions to the field of medicine, but her impact extended further, influencing politics and public health. Sabin was born in the Colorado Territory...
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What You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu and Everyday Precautions
February 26, 2025
Guidance on navigating the ongoing avian flu outbreak including how to prepare food, maintain bird feeders, and keep pets safe. Published February 26, 2025 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEPPublic Health Editor-at-Large Image courtesy of azerbaijan-stockers via stock.adobe.com. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, is making headlines and leaving its mark on grocery shelves. Just last week, I visited two supermarkets, both completely sold out of eggs....
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Seasonal Influenza: What You Need to Know
February 11, 2025
This year the U.S. is experiencing one of the most intense flu seasons in at least 15 years. Public health expert Syra Madad, DH Sc. offers advice on how to protect yourself. Published February 11, 2025 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEPPublic Health Editor-at-Large Image courtesy of Puwasit Inyavileart via stock.adobe.com. Influenza, or the flu, is a persistent and evolving viral threat that affects millions of Americans annually. This year, the U.S. is experiencing...
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Advancing Cancer Research and Therapies
February 4, 2025
The Academy’s role in combatting this deadly disease dates to the 1940s. Promoting cancer research remains a prominent part of the Academy’s conference programming today. Published February 4, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager Carl June, MD, presents during the Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy symposium at NYU Langone Health on May 22, 2024. Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States...
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2024: A Year of Progress and Persistence
January 7, 2025
Public health expert Dr. Syra Madad reflects on resilience, innovation, and collaboration she saw in 2024, though gaps remain in equity, healthcare worker safety, and public trust in science. Published January 7, 2025 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEPPublic Health Editor-at-Large Image courtesy of cherdchai via stock.adobe.com. As we step into 2025, I reflect on the remarkable progress and challenges of 2024 in the field of special pathogens and public health. From the rapid...
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Unraveling the Mystery in the DRC’s Disease Outbreak
December 10, 2024
A recent outbreak of an undiagnosed illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the radar of public health professionals. Preparedness is key to mitigating the issue. Published December 10, 2024 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEPPublic Health Editor-at-Large Testing for malnourishment in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Image courtesy of DFID - UK Department for International Development, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. A recent outbreak of an undiagnosed illness in...
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Discovering Cancer Therapies through Neuroscience
November 11, 2024
The 2024 recipient of the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine is exploring the interactions between cancer cells and the nervous system. Published November 11, 2024 By Megan Prescott, PhDProgram Manager for Life Sciences Michelle Monje, MD, PhD What does it take to pioneer a new field of science? For Michelle Monje, MD, PhD, the key is humility, collaboration, and resilience. Prof. Monje, the Milan Gambhir Professor of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at Stanford University School of Medicine,...
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A Vital Imperative in Rwanda’s Marburg Virus Outbreak
October 30, 2024
Healthcare workers in Rwanda are disproportionately affected by the ongoing outbreak of Marburg virus disease, which is highly virulent despite its relatively low case fatality rate. How can these medical professionals best protect themselves? Published October 30, 2024 By Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP, CHEP and Nahid Bhadelia, MD, MALDAcademy Public Health Contributors A shot of downtown Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.Image courtesy of F.C.G. - stock.adobe.com. As Rwanda faces its first outbreak of...
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Assisting Dementia Patients with AI and AR
August 14, 2024
Winners of the Junior Academy Innovation Challenge Spring 2024: “Wearables” Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences Published August 14, 2024 By Nicole PopeAcademy Education Contributor Team members: Riya K. (India) (Team Lead), Shreeniket B. (United States), Sysha R. (India), Prakul P. (India), Tisha S. (India), Medha T. (United States) Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that affects 55 million people worldwide and 1 in 10 people older than 65 in the United States, according...