National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The leading causes of death in 1776 were infectious diseases like smallpox and tuberculosis, driven by lack of antibiotics, vaccines, and modern medical practices. Today, chronic conditions dominate due to advancements in public health, sanitation, and medical technology, with life expectancy rising from 30 to 80 years. Key breakthroughs include vaccines, germ theory, and improved water sanitation.

A watchdog group exposed at least $3.85 million in taxpayer funding linked to the Southern Poverty Law Center, including a $2.5 million NIH-backed University of Michigan grant for integrating SPLC's "Learning for Justice" curriculum into middle school classrooms. The program has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers and watchdog organizations over its content, which some argue presents activist messaging as equivalent to hate groups. The Department of Health and Human Services stated the program is no longer being funded and has been redesigned.

Marty Makary resigned as FDA Commissioner, leaving a vacancy at the agency's top position. This comes after a year of significant changes, including an announcement about Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. The resignation follows a period of challenges for the agency's drug and biologics divisions.

Long COVID affects an estimated 18 million Americans and is a growing public health crisis, with Senator Todd Young pushing for more research and Secretary Kennedy committing to continue efforts to identify biomarkers. The disease causes various symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction and extreme fatigue. There is currently no molecular diagnostic test or definitive therapy.

Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin began transferring 1,500 beagles to rescue groups like Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy after a deal to end their breeding operations. The move follows years of controversy over animal mistreatment allegations and legal actions against the facility, which bred dogs for biomedical research for over six decades.

David M. Morens, a former top advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci, was indicted by the Justice Department for allegedly using private emails to conceal communications about the origins of the COVID-19 virus, evading federal transparency laws and FOIA requests. Prosecutors claim he conspired to hide discussions related to a controversial research grant involving the Wuhan Institute of Virology and justified receiving gifts by promoting a natural origin theory for the virus.

Hundreds of animal welfare activists clashed with Wisconsin deputies at Ridglan Farms, leading to the use of pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Activist Wayne Hsiung was arrested for conspiracy to commit burglary, and authorities described the protest as non-peaceful despite claims of 'compassion.' The incident involved road blockades and attempts to breach the facility's barriers.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to accelerate the review of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, which is controversial due to safety risks but advocated for by veterans and conservative lawmakers. The FDA will fast-track approvals using national priority vouchers, marking the first time psychedelics receive such expedited review. The move aims to expand access to potential treatments for conditions like PTSD and opioid addiction.