Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a method for predicting the likelihood of low birthweights in West Africa, based on climate and socioeconomic data. Their model, when incorporated into an early warning system for child health in the region, could give decision makers and aid organizations the time necessary to prevent malnutrition and its downstream effects.

Obesity touches countless lives across the country and can lead to many other health complications. From August 2021-2023, the prevalence of obesity in adults in the U.S. was more than 40%. Recently published research led by scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center found that targeting fat cells specifically with sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors could be a new strategy to combat obesity and lower the risk of its comorbidities like cancer. 

The American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine released landmark publications that redefine women’s heart health, starting at puberty. Amanda Marma Perak, MD, MSCI, a pediatric cardiologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago was the Vice-Chair of the collaborative writing group.