Category: USA

U.S. pilots and flight attendants may face a significantly higher risk of radiation-related cancer mortality, according to a recent Harvard study analyzing nearly 13 million death certificates.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard University indicates that individuals working as pilots and flight attendants in the United States are at a heightened risk for certain types of cancers, particularly those related to radiation exposure. The study highlights that these professions have the highest mortality rates from radiation-related cancers among over 500 occupations analyzed.

According to Anupam B. Jena, M.D., Ph.D., one of the study’s authors, the increased risk is primarily due to exposure to cosmic radiation, which occurs at higher altitudes. “As you get high up in the atmosphere, you’re exposed to ionizing radiation from the sun,” Jena explained in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The findings stem from an analysis of data sourced from the National Vital Statistics System, which included nearly 13 million U.S. death certificates recorded between 2020 and 2024. Among these records, approximately 14,000 were pilots and 7,000 were flight attendants.

The research team examined mortality rates associated with various radiation-related cancers, including breast cancer, multiple myeloma, leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia), lymphoma, central nervous system cancers, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Notably, lung cancer was excluded from the analysis to avoid confounding results with smoking-related risks.

The study revealed that pilots and flight attendants exhibited “statistically significant” higher mortality rates linked to breast cancer, central nervous system cancers, prostate cancers, and melanoma. Additionally, pilots were found to have an increased likelihood of dying from leukemia.

Among the deaths recorded for flight attendants, 6.9% were attributed to radiation-related cancers, while 6.7% of pilots’ deaths fell into the same category. These figures were notably higher than those observed in other occupations analyzed in the study.

For cancers not associated with radiation, the mortality rates for pilots and flight attendants were comparable to those of other professions. Jena emphasized that the elevated cancer risk is not solely attributable to lifestyle factors or individual characteristics, stating, “It’s not just lifestyle factors or factors about these individuals that are making them more likely to develop cancer at large.”

The study was published on August 17 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. Jena noted that the increase in cancer risk is significant enough to warrant attention, stating, “Our study doesn’t speak to the individual pilot or flight attendant, but more so to the two groups as a whole.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), airline workers are exposed to approximately 3 to 6 millisieverts of cosmic radiation annually, compared to just 0.4 millisieverts for individuals who take ten round-trip cross-country flights. This means that airline workers may receive roughly eight to fifteen times the annual cosmic radiation exposure of a typical passenger.

Jena pointed out that the risk associated with cosmic radiation is cumulative, suggesting that prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of developing cancer. “The more time that you’re exposed to that cosmic radiation, the greater the increase in risk that you might experience,” he noted.

The findings raise important questions about the adequacy of cancer screening for U.S. pilots and flight attendants. Jena suggested that these workers may require more frequent or earlier screenings than the general population. “I think the level of screening may need to be higher,” he said, highlighting that screening practices can vary significantly between the U.S. and other countries.

For those who fly occasionally for business or leisure, Jena reassured that the findings should not be a cause for alarm. He emphasized that very few passengers accumulate flight time comparable to that of pilots and flight attendants, stating, “This is really sort of a consideration for people who spend their life in the air.”

However, the study does have limitations. As an observational study, it cannot definitively establish a causal relationship between cosmic radiation and elevated cancer mortality among pilots and flight attendants, only that an association exists. Additionally, the researchers lacked access to individual workers’ radiation exposure data, preventing them from determining whether those with greater exposure faced higher risks. Other occupational or lifestyle factors may also contribute to the observed findings.

These insights into the health risks faced by airline workers underscore the need for ongoing research and consideration of enhanced health monitoring for those in high-risk occupations, according to Fox News.

Air India has mandated substance-abuse testing for all pilots starting August 13, following an incident where a pilot tested positive for marijuana after a flight that injured 24 people.

Air India has announced that it will implement mandatory substance-abuse screening for all its pilots beginning August 13. This decision comes in the wake of an incident involving flight AI2379, which traveled from Phuket to Delhi and experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet, resulting in injuries to 24 individuals, including four crew members.

The airline’s move to enforce these screenings follows the pilot-in-command’s positive test for marijuana after the flight incident. Initially, Air India attributed the altitude drop to turbulence; however, the subsequent drug test revealed the presence of the substance, prompting the airline to take immediate action.

In an email to employees, Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, outlined that all Group pilots will be subject to mandatory screenings for substances and medications that are prohibited under current regulations. The testing will be conducted alongside training sessions at the Gurugram Academy, as well as at Flight Briefing Centres and Air India offices, or at designated locations based on individual pilot bases.

Air India emphasized that it already complies with the regulatory requirements set forth by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which are largely aligned with practices observed in other major aviation jurisdictions. However, the airline has chosen to enhance its safety protocols to further bolster passenger confidence and uphold professionalism within its operations.

The airline stated that the trust established by its pilots and employees over the years is its most valuable asset. In light of this, Air India is committed to taking additional measures to safeguard that trust and ensure the safety of its passengers.

This new policy reflects Air India’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards and addressing any concerns that may arise from recent events. The airline aims to reassure its passengers and stakeholders that it is taking proactive steps to enhance safety in its operations.

According to The Sunday Guardian, the decision to implement these drug tests underscores Air India’s commitment to aviation safety and the well-being of its passengers.

Thousands of cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris have been reported across 27 states in the U.S., posing significant risks in healthcare settings.

In 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported thousands of cases of Candida auris, a potentially deadly drug-resistant fungus, across 27 states. As of July 25, there have been a total of 3,437 clinical cases documented in the United States this year.

California leads the nation with 873 cases, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the total. Other states with significant case numbers include Texas with 433 cases, Tennessee with 283, Ohio with 279, and Georgia with 193. Louisiana, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Virginia, and Pennsylvania also report notable figures, with cases ranging from 121 to 179. The remaining states have fewer than 100 cases each.

Candida auris is a type of yeast that primarily causes serious infections in healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. The fungus is known for its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it highly transmissible between patients through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. According to the CDC, it can spread via items like bedrails, doorknobs, and shared medical equipment.

Additionally, C. auris can be transmitted by individuals who carry the fungus but do not exhibit symptoms, a condition known as “colonization.” It is important to note that clinical cases do not always indicate an active infection. The CDC defines a clinical case as the detection of C. auris in a specimen collected during routine medical care. Some specimens may indicate colonization rather than a true infection.

The health implications of Candida auris range from asymptomatic colonization to severe invasive infections, including bloodstream infections. Patients with severe underlying medical conditions are particularly at risk. Those who use breathing tubes, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, or catheters, as well as individuals who are frequently hospitalized or have prolonged hospital stays, are more vulnerable to infection. Conversely, individuals without these risk factors are less likely to become colonized or develop an infection.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News and a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, has expressed concern over the emergence of C. auris. He noted that the fungus is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs and tends to spread in hospital environments, particularly on equipment used for immunocompromised patients, such as ventilators and catheters.

“Unfortunately, symptoms such as fever, chills, and aches are common and can be mistaken for other infections,” Dr. Siegel stated. Invasive C. auris infections have been associated with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 72%, although most patients affected are already seriously ill, complicating the determination of the fungus as a direct cause of death.

The treatment of Candida auris is challenging due to its resistance to antifungal medications, prompting the CDC to classify it as an “urgent antimicrobial-resistance threat.” More than 90% of U.S. samples are resistant to fluconazole, a widely used antifungal treatment. Echinocandins, another class of antifungals, are currently the primary treatment option for C. auris, although some strains exhibit resistance to all three main classes of antifungal drugs.

Dr. Siegel indicated that “major research” is underway to develop new treatments for this emerging threat. He emphasized that the situation is part of a broader issue of antibiotic resistance both in the U.S. and globally. He also noted that effective sterilization and disinfection measures in hospitals can significantly mitigate the risk of transmission.

As the number of Candida auris cases continues to rise, health officials urge vigilance in healthcare settings to prevent further spread of this dangerous fungus, which poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

According to Fox News, the ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for improved infection control measures and continued research into effective treatments.

The FDA has approved the first mRNA flu vaccine, developed by Moderna, for adults aged 50 and older, marking a significant advancement in flu prevention technology.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the nation’s first flu vaccine utilizing mRNA technology, as announced by Moderna on Thursday. This groundbreaking vaccine is fully approved for adults aged 50 to 64 and has received accelerated approval for those aged 65 and older, allowing its use while Moderna conducts further studies to confirm its effectiveness in seniors.

The approval comes ahead of the 2026-2027 flu season and is based on a phase 3 clinical trial that included approximately 40,000 participants. Results from the trial indicated that the new mRNA vaccine led to a 27% reduction in flu cases compared to traditional flu vaccines.

Experts have highlighted the advantages of mRNA vaccines, noting their ability to be updated more swiftly in response to changes in circulating flu strains. While the new vaccine exhibited more short-term side effects than conventional flu shots—such as arm pain, fatigue, headache, and fever—these effects were generally mild and temporary. No major safety concerns were reported during the trial.

“This is not a universal vaccine, but it is geared for rapid turnaround once the yearly strains have been identified,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News. “It’s similar to the COVID vaccine and was found to be 25% to 30% more effective than the current flu vaccine,” he added, emphasizing its focus on protecting the elderly.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2024-2025 flu season, individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 57% of flu-related hospitalizations and 71% of flu-related deaths. An estimated 51 million Americans contracted the flu that season, leading to around 710,000 hospitalizations and 45,000 deaths.

Earlier this year, the mRNA vaccine faced a regulatory hurdle when the FDA initially declined to review Moderna’s application, citing concerns regarding the design of its clinical trial. However, Moderna contested this decision, and the FDA later agreed to proceed with the review.

In June, an independent advisory committee for the FDA concluded that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed its risks, clearing the path for its approval. Looking ahead, this approval may pave the way for combination vaccines that can protect against multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously. Moderna has expressed interest in developing a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine, aiming to provide individuals with a single seasonal shot.

This innovative approach to flu vaccination represents a significant step forward in public health, particularly for older adults who are at greater risk for severe illness from influenza.

For more information, refer to Fox News.

Health officials on Long Island are warning residents about a rare tick-borne illness, tularemia, following three probable cases, including one involving a 9-year-old boy with severe symptoms.

Health officials on Long Island are sounding the alarm about tularemia, a rare but potentially serious tick-borne illness, after three probable cases were reported this year. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) confirmed the cases in a statement to local media.

“SCDHS currently has three probable cases of tularemia this year,” the agency stated. “Confirmation of a tularemia diagnosis requires a combination of laboratory testing and fulfillment of specific clinical or epidemiologic criteria. The laboratory testing to confirm a tularemia diagnosis may take several weeks.”

One of the reported cases involved a 9-year-old boy who developed severe symptoms after being bitten by a tick while playing outside. Following the tick’s removal, the child experienced high fever, severe head and neck pain, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and extreme fatigue. After nearly a month of illness and multiple doctor visits, an infectious disease specialist diagnosed him with tularemia.

Despite the presence of wild rabbits in the family’s yard, the boy’s mother noted that he had not handled any of the animals. Medical professionals believe that infected ticks likely fed on the rabbits before biting the boy, thereby transmitting the bacteria.

Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which primarily infects rabbits, hares, and rodents. However, it is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies the bacteria as a “tier-1 select agent,” indicating it poses a significant risk to public health and safety.

Although tularemia remains relatively rare, with 196 cases reported in the United States in 2023, the disease has become more common in recent years. CDC surveillance data indicates that there were 2,462 cases between 2011 and 2022, reflecting a 56% increase in incidence compared to the previous decade.

Dr. Daniel Ruderfer, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in New Jersey, attributes this rise in cases to improved microbiology detection methods. “The traditional method of confirming cases has historically been via growth in culture and antibody testing,” he explained. “However, newer detection methods, such as PCR testing, are likely a major contributor to the increase in reported cases.”

Humans can contract tularemia through bites from infected ticks or deer flies, contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated water or aerosols. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of disease but generally include chills, headache, malaise, fatigue, anorexia, myalgia, chest discomfort, cough, severe sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

<p”Depending on the location of the infected bite or scratch, individuals may develop localized lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) and a cutaneous ulcer at the infection site,” Dr. Ruderfer noted. “Other manifestations include conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and potentially even bloodstream infections.”

The death rate from tularemia is typically low, at less than 2%, but it can rise to as high as 24% in rare, severe cases. While the infection can be treated with antibiotics, there is currently no vaccine available.

“The infection is absolutely dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not treated with appropriate antibiotics,” Dr. Ruderfer emphasized. Those most at risk include children aged 5 to 9, older men, American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, and individuals living in central U.S. states.

According to Dr. Ruderfer, the general population is not at an “obvious” risk for infection unless they come into direct contact with an infected rabbit, tick, or deer fly. He advises anyone who hunts or regularly interacts with rabbits to consult a doctor if they develop concerning symptoms.

The CDC has noted that various factors may contribute to the higher risk of tularemia in certain populations, including the concentration of Native American reservations in central states and sociocultural or occupational activities that increase contact with infected wildlife or arthropods.

As health officials continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to take precautions against tick bites and to be aware of the symptoms associated with tularemia.

For more information, refer to Fox News.

Asif Chida and Srinath Sarang exemplify the challenges South Asians face in managing diabetes, highlighting the need for culturally tailored healthcare solutions to improve outcomes in this community.

Seventy-year-old Asif Chida has lived with diabetes for over 20 years. For most of that time, he adhered closely to his doctors’ recommendations: monitoring his diet, taking medications, and maintaining discipline. Yet, despite his efforts, his HbA1c—a three-month average of blood sugar levels used to assess diabetes control—continued to rise. By the summer of 2025, during a visit to the South Asian Heart Center at El Camino Health in Mountain View, his HbA1c had reached 10.8.

Asif enrolled in the Center’s Stop Diabetes Prevention Program, and just three months later, his HbA1c dropped to 7.2—the lowest level since his diagnosis. “For the first time,” he says, “I felt I was truly gaining control over my diabetes rather than allowing diabetes to control me.”

After two decades of struggling to manage his condition, Asif finally found a program that resonated with him as a South Asian man who enjoys South Asian cuisine, addressing health risks that mainstream healthcare often overlooks.

For South Asian immigrants like Asif, diabetes is not merely a disease of old age; it manifests earlier, progresses differently, and can lead to severe complications if not managed effectively. In the Bay Area, which boasts one of the largest South Asian populations in the United States, this reality is all too common. “South Asians have a significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes than other U.S. ethnic groups,” notes Dr. Alka Kanaya, a Professor of Medicine at UCSF and principal investigator of the MASALA study.

Current American healthcare practices are not adequately designed to address the unique risks faced by South Asians. “Because South Asians are more prone to diabetes at younger ages and at lower weights, current screening practices may miss a proportion of those at risk,” explains Dr. Latha Palaniappan, Associate Dean for Research and Co-Founder of CARE, the Center for Asian Health Research and Education at Stanford University School of Medicine. She emphasizes that earlier detection is crucial; catching the disease before it worsens can significantly alter the aging process.

Srinath Sarang, 56, exemplifies the complexities of diabetes management within the South Asian community. A former sprint champion in India, he moved to the Bay Area in the early 1990s as a summer intern. Long hours spent working to pay off student loans led him to choose convenient fast food options, primarily McDonald’s. Over time, he gained weight and was diagnosed with prediabetes by the late 1990s, compounded by a family history of the disease.

“Managing diabetes is a challenge,” says Srinath. “It takes work to get there, but it works.” Through a program called Virta Health, he adopted a disciplined approach, walking four to eight miles daily and following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. As a result, he lost 37 pounds, his HbA1c decreased from 7 to 5.7, and he was able to discontinue all medications. His blood pressure also returned to normal levels.

However, a significant life disruption derailed his routine, and he has been striving to regain his footing ever since. “The challenge with the lifestyle,” he reflects, “was the lack of Indian recipes, converting it to be Indian-friendly. It takes work to get there, but it works.”

Standard screening tools often fail to detect diabetes in South Asians due to their unique physiological characteristics. They exhibit higher insulin resistance and lower beta-cell function than other ethnic groups at similar body mass indices (BMIs). They also accumulate visceral fat at weights that would not typically raise alarms in other populations. Dr. Kanaya’s MASALA study has tracked cardiovascular and metabolic health among South Asians for two decades, revealing that the higher prevalence of diabetes cannot be fully explained by known risk factors.

While the American Diabetes Association recommends screening Asian Americans at a BMI of 23 kg/m²—lower than the standard 25—many primary care providers still apply the latter threshold. When South Asians are diagnosed, the dietary advice often does not align with their cultural foods. Patients are frequently advised to replace rice with whole wheat bread or to avoid ghee, leading many to abandon the recommendations altogether. Others, like Srinath, attempt to create their own solutions without culturally relevant guidance.

Asif’s experience at the South Asian Heart Center (SAHC) went beyond clinical improvements. “I learned to pay attention to what I eat, when I eat, where I eat, and how much I eat,” he shares. “This awareness transformed my relationship with food.”

SAHC’s approach emphasizes cultural relevance in dietary recommendations. Ashish Mathur, who helped develop the AIM to Prevent and Stop Diabetes programs at SAHC, explains, “Our approach is not to remove culture from the plate. We help participants make familiar meals more protective, helping them build small, sustainable habits that can change the course of their health.”

Founded in 2006, SAHC was established to address the disproportionate rates of heart disease and diabetes among South Asians in the Bay Area. The Center combines personalized clinical assessments with lifestyle coaching based on its M-E-D-S framework: meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep. The dietary mantra is straightforward: More Greens than Grains. Their nutrition plan includes a practical daily target of zero sweetened beverages, one fistful of fruit, two fistfuls of cooked vegetables, and twelve nuts.

Prajakta Waingankar, PhD, a nutritionist at SAHC, emphasizes the importance of honoring the foods that patients already love. “There is no single South Asian diet,” she states. “Our approach is always individualized.”

New patients often come in with high-grain, starchy diets low in protein and non-starchy vegetables, reflective of traditional South Asian cuisine. Waingankar’s plate method offers a visual guide: half a plate of non-starchy vegetables, one quarter lean protein, and one quarter whole grains or starchy foods. “This approach naturally lowers excess carbohydrates while still allowing people to enjoy the foods they grew up with,” she explains.

Among participants tracked over a year, 63 percent lost 5 percent or more of their body weight, 25 percent improved their HbA1c, and 62 percent improved their cholesterol ratios. The program also recorded a 98.7 percent event-free survival rate from cardiac events for participants tracked over seven to eight years. These outcomes align with broader research indicating that culturally appropriate diabetes health education can lead to significant improvements in health metrics.

The MASALA study highlights the importance of dietary patterns, revealing that traditional healthy foods—less fried, lower in fat, and rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes—are optimal for health. An ideal meal for a prediabetic South Asian patient might include stir-fried vegetables instead of heavy cream-based curries and moderation of rice rather than complete elimination.

Despite the success of programs like SAHC, challenges remain in scaling these initiatives to reach a broader audience. Financial and resource constraints often limit access to culturally tailored care, leaving many South Asians without adequate support. The Bay Area’s South Asian population is diverse, encompassing both affluent tech workers and working-class immigrant families, all of whom share elevated biological risks but may have different access to healthcare resources.

Dr. Palaniappan emphasizes the need for proactive screening reforms, suggesting that lowering the BMI threshold in practice and screening earlier could significantly improve outcomes. The MASALA study has already influenced guidelines to adjust diabetes screening criteria for Asian Americans, recognizing the unique risks associated with South Asian ancestry.

Asif Chida and Srinath Sarang illustrate the importance of early diagnosis and culturally informed guidance in managing diabetes. Their experiences underscore the need for systemic change in healthcare to better serve the South Asian community. Until then, being proactive and informed may be the best strategy for individuals navigating their health journeys.

This article was written with support from the Solutions Journalism Network.

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis as donations reach a four-year low, significantly impacting the supply of type O blood essential for patient care.

The American Red Cross has officially declared a blood crisis across the United States, citing a significant drop in donations that has reached a four-year summer low. This alarming decline has led to restrictions on the distribution of type O blood to hospitals, raising concerns about the availability of lifesaving blood for patients nationwide.

In a recent press release, the organization described the current situation as the second-ever blood supply crisis in its history. The Red Cross noted that the emergency shortage threatens the availability of critical blood products, particularly type O blood, which is vital for both routine medical care and emergency situations.

Currently, the Red Cross has reported having less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, which constitutes approximately 60% of its blood distributions. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type, as it can be safely administered to about 80% of patients. Meanwhile, type O negative blood is recognized as the universal blood type, often relied upon in urgent medical scenarios where every second counts.

Despite the efforts of thousands of Americans who have stepped forward to donate blood, the Red Cross has indicated that these contributions are not sufficient to meet the rising demand from hospitals, particularly during the summer trauma season. This summer has been particularly challenging, with extreme heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses contributing to a decline in donor turnout. Other blood collection organizations have also reported facing critical shortages during this period.

To combat this crisis, the Red Cross has urged that just three additional donors at each blood drive could help stabilize the blood supply. The organization encourages individuals to make an appointment to donate blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, addressed the ongoing emergency in a statement, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to its role as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products. Hrouda noted that the Red Cross has implemented “additional safeguards” following its first national blood crisis in January 2022 to prevent a recurrence of such a situation.

However, he acknowledged that this summer, blood donations have not kept pace with hospital demand, particularly for type O blood, which remains under significant strain. “Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible,” Hrouda stated.

As the Red Cross works to address this critical situation, the need for blood donations has never been more urgent. The organization continues to call on the public to step forward and help replenish the blood supply, ensuring that hospitals can provide necessary care to patients in need.

According to Fox News, the Red Cross is actively seeking support from the community to mitigate this crisis and restore vital blood supplies across the nation.