The Make America Healthy Again movement has been gaining momentum, with President-elect Trump expressing his support for eradicating chronic disease in his new administration. One of the key figures in this movement is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has been vocal about his plans to improve healthcare in the US.
Among the influential figures in the MAHA movement are Calley and Casey Means, a sibling duo who are both entrepreneurs and have been making waves in the healthcare industry. Del Bigtree, the former communications director for Kennedy’s presidential campaign, is another important player in the movement. Vani Hari, also known as the “Food Babe,” has been advocating for better food standards in the US and has spoken at Senate roundtables on chronic disease.
One of the key issues that the MAHA movement is focusing on is vaccines. RFK Jr. and other members of the movement have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, raising concerns about the safety of vaccines. The Trump administration will have to navigate various avenues, from the CDC to the courts and Congress, in order to make any changes to vaccine regulation.
In other news, a group of young female rhesus macaques recently escaped from a biomedical primate research company in South Carolina. The company, Alpha Genesis, is working to safely retrieve the primates and ensure they are unharmed. This incident has raised questions about the ethics of using animals for research purposes.
As the country prepares for a second Trump presidency, scientists and public health experts are reflecting on the implications for healthcare and research. Many are calling for reforms in government agencies and a renewed focus on public health initiatives. The FDA has also proposed removing an ineffective nasal decongestant from over-the-counter medications, signaling a commitment to improving healthcare standards.
Overall, the MAHA movement and the incoming Trump administration are set to bring significant changes to the healthcare landscape in the US. With a focus on eradicating chronic disease and improving public health, these initiatives have the potential to shape the future of healthcare in America. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that phenylephrine, a common ingredient in oral medications, will no longer be allowed in over-the-counter products. However, the agency clarified that this ban will not impact nasally administered drugs that contain phenylephrine. Consumers are advised to carefully read the “Drug Facts” label on medications to check for active ingredients, as phenylephrine is used under various brand names.
In an effort to address the lack of clinical trials involving pregnant women, a new study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will test the Bavarian Nordic MVA-BN mpox vaccine in pregnant women and children under the age of two. The trial will commence in early 2025, with pregnant women receiving two doses of the vaccine before or after birth. Blood and breast milk samples will be collected to determine if maternal antibodies are transferred to newborns. In the second stage of the trial, infants aged 6-24 months will receive either a full or half dose of the vaccine.
In the realm of science journalism, there has been a pivotal moment highlighted in a letter from the executive editor of STAT. Additionally, amidst political uncertainty, there is speculation on what President Trump’s victory may mean for science in the United States. Other intriguing articles include a discussion on America’s “onion problem” in foodborne illness, a story on how a Newfoundland scientist solved a mystery involving white blobs washing ashore, and a study revealing the challenges of detecting bird flu infections in farmworkers.
As the world of science and medicine continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged with current research and developments. By keeping up with the latest news and advancements, we can better understand the complexities of the natural world and work towards improving global health and well-being.
