https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/ysph/news-rss/?keywordId=1618&orgId=109082&title=Exploring+vital+topics+in+public+health A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Yale School of Public Health en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Tue, 19 May 2026 11:35:37 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-experts-wish-you-knew-about-colon-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-experts-wish-you-knew-about-colon-cancer/ March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In this 3 Essential Questions feature, Yale School of Public Health’s Dr. Caroline Johnson and Dr. Sunny Siddique answer your key colon cancer questions. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/want-to-cut-health-care-costs-by-dollar70-billion-take-urban-climate-action/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/want-to-cut-health-care-costs-by-dollar70-billion-take-urban-climate-action/ Yale School of Public Health Professor Dr. Jeannette Ickovics, PhD, discusses a new report laying out steps that could save money and 700,000 lives. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-look-at-the-new-covid-vaccine-guidelines-and-what-happened-at-acip/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-look-at-the-new-covid-vaccine-guidelines-and-what-happened-at-acip/ Wondering whether you’re eligible to get a COVID vaccine this fall and whether your insurance will pay for it? You’re not alone. Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Dr. Jason L. Schwartz, PhD, an authority on U.S. vaccine policy, explains this year’s recommendations for the COVID shot as well as new developments regarding the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) and Hepatitis B vaccines for infants and children. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-the-research-says-about-autism-and-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-the-research-says-about-autism-and-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy/ Dr. Zeyan Liew, PhD, MPH, is one of the country's leading scientists when it comes to studying possible links between frequent acetaminophen use during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment conditions such as autism. Dr. Liew discusses the latest research on the issue in this 4 Essential Questions feature. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine calls for an evidence-based national strategy to increase breastfeeding rates in the United States. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, co-authored the NASEM report. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/closing-the-communication-gap-the-new-priority-in-public-health/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/closing-the-communication-gap-the-new-priority-in-public-health/ In an op-ed published August 2 in the New England Journal of Medicine, four members of Yale's health ecosystem lay out a case for how to make America trust health experts again. One of the authors, Dr. Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD, summarizes the article's key points in this 3 Essential Questions feature. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-work-requirements-for-snap-benefits-could-hurt-families/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-work-requirements-for-snap-benefits-could-hurt-families/ Dr. Chima D. Ndumele, an expert on federal assistance programs, discusses the impact of new work requirements for people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The changes could affect tens of millions of people in the United States. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/ The results of a recently concluded international clinical trial provide the strongest clinical evidence to date that regular physical activity can help keep cancer at bay and prolong life. YSPH Associate Dean of Research Dr. Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH, discusses the findings and what they mean for cancer patients. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cervical-precancers-drop-dramatically/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cervical-precancers-drop-dramatically/ According to a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a major drop in cervical precancers in young women since the human papillomavirus vaccine was introduced nearly two decades ago. YSPH epidemiologist Monica Brackney, MS, discusses the report and the role the HPV vaccine played in the decline. 3 Essential Questions with Dr. Monica Brackney on the importance of the HPV vaccine Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dementia-as-a-public-health-issue/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dementia-as-a-public-health-issue/ New research has found that the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher than previously believed and the number of people diagnosed with dementia annually is expected to double to about 1 million a year by 2060. Dr. Joan K. Monin, an associate professor in the Yale School of Public Health's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, discusses the significance of the dementia prevalence study and steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of dementia as they age. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-link-between-alcohol-and-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-link-between-alcohol-and-cancer/ U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued an advisory calling for updated warnings on alcoholic beverages, cautioning that the consumption of alcohol heightens the risk of several types of cancer. YSPH epidemiologist Vasilis Vasiliou elaborates on the concerns. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-bird-flu-threat-to-humans-in-the-united-states/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-bird-flu-threat-to-humans-in-the-united-states/ The United States recorded its first human death from bird flu on January 6, heightening concerns that the latest strains of influenza A/H5N1 virus could become a significant public health threat to humans in 2025. YSPH's Dr. Colin J. Carlson, PhD, an expert in virus outbreak reporting and monitoring, discusses the virus' current threat level in this special news feature. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-importance-of-covid-vaccine-for-pregnant-women/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-importance-of-covid-vaccine-for-pregnant-women/ The fall season brings a new COVID-19 vaccine and CDC officials are encouraging everyone over 6 months old to get vaccinated —including pregnant women. In this 3 Essential Questions feature, Dr. Linda Niccolai discusses the findings of a new CDC study that emphasizes the importance of pregnant women getting vaccinated to reduce the risk of their newborns being hospitalized with COVID-19. Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-science-behind-the-latest-mpox-global-health-emergency/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-science-behind-the-latest-mpox-global-health-emergency/ On August 14, the World Health Organization declared a growing outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries a global health emergency of international concern. Yale School of Public Health epidemiologist Chantal Vogels, PhD, an expert on mpox, explains some of the science behind the latest outbreak and why it appears to be more deadly than a similar outbreak two years ago. Fri, 16 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/embracing-cultural-humility-in-mixed-methods-research/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/embracing-cultural-humility-in-mixed-methods-research/ The increasing use of mixed methods research in public health and medicine presents new opportunities for investigators to obtain a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the complex factors underlying today’s pressing health challenges. Yale School of Public Health Research Scientist Sinem ToramanTurk discusses the importance of cultural humility in applying the methodology. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-with-dr-albert-ko-dengue-fever-outbreak/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-with-dr-albert-ko-dengue-fever-outbreak/ Cases of dengue fever are surging at a record pace across South America and Puerto Rico. Dr. Albert Ko, MD, an infectious disease epidemiologist in the Yale School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, shares his insights about the current dengue public health threat in this installment of 3 Essential Questions. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-covid-isolation-guidelines-shorten-stay-at-home-time/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-covid-isolation-guidelines-shorten-stay-at-home-time/ On March 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a major change to its isolation guidelines for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Some experts worry that the shortened isolation period risks increasing transmission in some populations. YSPH Associate Professor Jason L. Schwartz discusses the new guidelines in this installment of 3 Essential Questions. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-critical-need-to-address-chemical-contamination-in-drinking-water/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/the-critical-need-to-address-chemical-contamination-in-drinking-water/ Populations worldwide are exposed to a myriad of chemicals via drinking water, yet only a handful of chemicals have been thoroughly evaluated with regard to human exposures and health. Yale School of Public Health's Dr. Nicole Deziel discusses some of the core issues surrounding this pressing public health concern. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ YSPH associate professor and clinical psychologist Sarah Lowe discusses the connection between climate change and mental health. Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-covid-variant-causing-rise-in-infections-during-busy-holiday-travel-season/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-covid-variant-causing-rise-in-infections-during-busy-holiday-travel-season/ A new COVID-19 variant known as JN.1 is rapidly spreading across the United States and Europe as we head into peak holiday season travel time. Dr. Michael Cappello, MD, chair of the Yale School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases), discusses the new variant, its threat potential, and what people can do to protect themselves from infection. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/three-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-proposed-new-covid-19-vaccine/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/three-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-proposed-new-covid-19-vaccine/ A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel is recommending the formula for the COVID-19 vaccine be updated so that it targets the most dominant variant of the virus. If the June 15 recommendation is approved, the updated vaccine should be available to people this fall. Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-the-end-of-medicaid-continuous-enrollment/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-the-end-of-medicaid-continuous-enrollment/ Yale School of Public Health's Dr. Chima D. Ndumele discusses the expiration of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision, which could leave as many as 14 million people without Medicaid health care coverage. Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-fdas-latest-covid-19-vaccine-recommendations/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-fdas-latest-covid-19-vaccine-recommendations/ Dr. Jeffrey Townsend discusses an FDA advisory panel’s recommendation to ‘harmonize’ future COVID-19 vaccines and possibly distribute a single annual dose of vaccine, similar to the flu shot. Thu, 26 Jan 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-hivaids-and-the-fight-against-disparities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-hivaids-and-the-fight-against-disparities/ Yusuf Ransome, Ph.D., studies how social, economic and cultural determinants influence racial/ethnic- and geography-related disparities in the HIV care continuum, using factors such as social capital and religion, faith and spirituality. Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-drug-policy-and-its-consequences/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-drug-policy-and-its-consequences/ Jason Hockenberry studies the consequences of public policies that restrict or liberalize access to particular substances (e.g. opioids and cannabis) or treatments (e.g. buprenorphine), and the effects of these and other substance use policies on health, functioning, and social outcomes, such as crime and employment. Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-climate-change-and-health/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-climate-change-and-health/ Kai Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, studies the relationship between climate change, air pollution and human health. He applies multidisciplinary approaches in climate and air pollution sciences, exposure assessment and environmental epidemiology to better understand how climate change is affecting human health. Much of this work has been done in China, Europe and the United States. Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-antibiotic-resistance/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-antibiotic-resistance/ Professor Melinda Pettigrew answers questions about her research on antibiotic resistance. Tue, 03 Aug 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-cancer-recovery-and-lifestyle/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/3-essential-questions-cancer-recovery-and-lifestyle/ Melinda Irwin, Ph.D., the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology, researches lifestyle factors associated with a variety of cancers and also how these same lifestyle factors can improve odds of survival and recovery. Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:00:00 Z