JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Antibiotics do not increase risk of cognitive decline or dementia in older adults, according to a study in Neurology. Researchers found no cognitive differences between seniors who took antibiotics and those who didn't, and no association with cognitive impairment or dementia. More research is needed to confirm long-term effects.

A lawyer assisting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. petitions to revoke polio vaccine approval, citing concerns over aluminum in vaccines and seeking transparency. Kennedy emphasizes informed choices, not removing vaccines.

Kennedy's vaccine skepticism raises concerns; he aims to improve vaccine safety science for informed choices. Lawyer Aaron Siri petitions FDA to suspend hepatitis B vaccine approval and pause distribution of 13 others until aluminum use disclosure. Kennedy and Siri advocate for vaccine transparency and choice. Polio vaccine removal could have severe consequences.

Aaron Siri, a lawyer aiding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in selecting federal health officials, has petitioned to revoke polio vaccine approval and seeks to pause distribution of 13 other vaccines. His work, primarily for the Informed Consent Action Network, includes challenging COVID-19 mandates and suing federal agencies for vaccine approval records. Kennedy, President-elect Trump's health secretary pick, maintains he does not want to remove vaccine access but his partnership with Siri raises concerns among public health leaders.

Ultra-processed foods now account for over half of calories Americans consume at home, linked to health issues like heart disease and obesity. These foods include items often perceived as healthy. The proportion of ultra-processed foods rose from 51% in 2003 to 54% in 2018, while minimally processed food intake decreased.

President-elect Trump's healthcare agency nominations, including Dr. Marty Makary for FDA and Dr. Dave Weldon for CDC, have stirred mixed reactions from industry insiders. The nominees advocate for radical transparency, action on chronic health crises, and skepticism around vaccine schedules, potentially leading to controversial Senate confirmation hearings in 2025. The appointments aim for radical transparency and addressing chronic diseases, but face challenges in distancing from debunked vaccine claims.

The AACR Integrative Molecular Epidemiology Workshop, held July 20-25, 2025 in Philadelphia, is a week-long program aimed at early-career researchers in molecular cancer epidemiology. It bridges genetics, molecular markers, exposures, and advanced methods, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants gain hands-on experience in study design, omics integration, and epidemiological methods, focusing on reproducibility and health equity. The workshop, directed by Peter Kraft, Elizabeth A. Platz, Sophia H. L. George, and Shelley S. Tworoger, has trained over 400 researchers and receives positive feedback for its collaborative atmosphere and practical learning.

An online repository of surveys and scales to measure gender constructs, launched by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Population Council, aims to provide high-quality data on gender disparities in health systems, reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, civil registries, and gender-based violence.

Trump's tariffs may increase drug prices; inflation rose as expected; FBI raided Polymarket CEO's home; Bitcoin prices hit $90,000; Dogecoin rose; AI can write code; solar, wind, and battery projects expected to grow; Trump nominated Gaetz and Gabbard; Republicans control House; E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald's; prominent X accounts leaving; Tucker Carlson launches nicotine pouches; Amazon Haul competes with Shein and Temu; small businesses can win holiday sales; Tyson and Paul to fight on Netflix.

H5N1 in swine in Oregon, serosurvey in farm workers, fatal Lassa Fever in Iowa, WHO's top endemic pathogens list, potential CDC impact under another Trump administration, and Russia's bioweapons lab expansion.