National First case of bird flu not directly linked to sick animals is found in Missouri So far, there have been 14 human cases of bird flu this year. All the patients — except the one from Missouri — had been linked to sick dairy cows or poultry. Juliana Kim
Health Nicotine innovation: pouches and beyond Zyn, Velo and other nicotine pouches are surging in popularity — the latest in a fast-moving industry selling nicotine in smokeless forms that they claim are less harmful than traditional tobacco. Yuki Noguchi
Politics Former CDC health directors pen op-ed opposing calls to minimize role of public health agency Conservatives clashed with the CDC over its guidance on masking and vaccines during the pandemic. And some Republicans hope that a second Trump administration could shrink the agency considerably.
Health New study shows how pediatricians can start more conversations about gun safety Gun violence is top of mind for many parents this week after a 14-year-old allegedly killed two students and two teachers at his Georgia high school.
Health Six years after the fall of Theranos, companies are again exploring innovation in blood testing An Austin, Texas-based company is bringing a new type of “finger prick” blood tests to pharmacies that they say is quicker and more convenient than standard tests.
Health Drugmakers say obesity medicine shortages are easing, but patients struggle to fill prescriptions The drug companies behind blockbuster weight loss and diabetes treatments have signaled that supply problems could soon be over, but many patients still have trouble getting the medicines. Sydney Lupkin
Health Whatever happened to ... the Gaza neurosurgeon who faced a wrenching decision Husam Abukhedeir, the chief neurosurgeon at Al-Shifa Hospital, helped the injured, watched many died, including his sister, then knew what he had to do to protect his family. How is he faring today? Farah Yousry
Health E-cigarette use is declining — even as the industry eyes teens for new products E-cigarettes hit the market about 20 years ago, and became a hit among teenagers. A new survey, however, finds far fewer teens used e-cigarettes over the past year. Yuki Noguchi
Health Yeast infections are miserable. And some over-the-counter treatments can backfire For some people, 1-day topical treatments for yeast infections can cause their own irritation. And some doctors steer their patients away from the 1-day options — which contain 12 times the medicine of the 7-day treatment. Selena Simmons-Duffin
National Chronic illness shattered this teen's life. Her service dog helped get it back The middle school winner of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge tells how her golden retriever, Lopez, changed her life. Sequoia Carrillo Janet W. Lee