Public Health in the News (2/11/18 – 2/17/18)

By Grace Bellinger, NPHR Blog Editor

Global

• The World Health Organization is responding to a major outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
• Longitudinal study finds that increasing blood sugar levels are associated with cognitive decline.

National

• Data and forecasts from the CDC show that many millennial women are not expected to have as many children as they wish, due to declining fertility rates.
• Federal health officials have announced that the flu vaccine is working more effectively than expected this flu season.
• The FDA has approved the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator, a blood test that can detect concussions.

Northwestern

• Northwestern Medicine scientists discovered why Huntington’s disease is toxic to cancer cells and are beginning to explore its use as a new cancer treatment.
• Scientists within Feinberg School of Medicine are making important discoveries in health disparities research.
• Northwestern professor has developed a wearable sweat analytics system with applications for athletes, military personnel, and rehabilitation patients.
• Northwestern Medicine study finds that lesbian and gay youth show less psychological distress when they are in a relationship.