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cover of episode What RFK, Jr., Could Mean for Public Health, and How Tobacco Use Has Dropped Unevenly

What RFK, Jr., Could Mean for Public Health, and How Tobacco Use Has Dropped Unevenly

2024/11/25
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Science Quickly

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Rachel Feltman
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Tanya Lewis
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Tanya Lewis: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 缺乏医学背景,却持有强烈的反疫苗立场,并支持一些未经证实的疗法,例如用于治疗COVID-19的羟氯喹和伊维菌素,以及用于治疗自闭症的螯合疗法。他的这些观点与主流公共卫生专家的共识以及数十年的研究结果相悖。如果他被任命为卫生与公众服务部部长,他将掌管FDA、CDC和NIH等重要机构,这将对美国的医疗政策和公共卫生产生深远的影响。他的提名也反映出特朗普政府对既定医学科学的漠视。虽然他公开表示支持堕胎,但这可能会影响他在保守派占多数的国会获得确认。 他的提名引发了人们对疫苗接种率下降、食品安全监管放松以及未经证实疗法泛滥的担忧。他提议结束所谓的FDA对公共卫生的'战争',这包括放松对生牛奶和某些未经证实的干细胞疗法的监管。他还希望解决政府与产业之间的'旋转门'问题,并规范超加工食品,但具体措施尚不明确。 Rachel Feltman: 除了RFK Jr.的提名,本期节目还讨论了美国烟草使用情况的最新报告。报告指出,尽管美国的吸烟率自1965年以来下降了70%以上,但这一降幅在不同人群中并不均衡。美洲印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民、LGBTQ+人群以及低收入人群的吸烟率仍然较高。报告呼吁制定更全面的政策,以解决医疗保健和教育方面的差距,从而减少健康差异。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is RFK Jr.'s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services concerning for public health?

RFK Jr. has a strong anti-vaccine stance, has made false claims about water fluoridation, and supports unproven and potentially dangerous therapies. His views contradict established medical science and could undermine the effectiveness of agencies like the FDA, CDC, and NIH.

What powers would RFK Jr. have if confirmed as head of the Department of Health and Human Services?

As head of HHS, RFK Jr. would oversee the FDA, CDC, NIH, and other health agencies. He would have the power to hire and fire personnel, restructure agencies, and influence policies on vaccines, drug approvals, and public health regulations.

Why might RFK Jr.'s pro-abortion stance affect his confirmation?

RFK Jr.'s pro-abortion stance could be a significant barrier to his confirmation by a conservative Congress, as it may not align with the views of many Republican senators.

How has tobacco use declined in the U.S., and why are some groups still disproportionately affected?

Tobacco use has declined by more than 70 percent in the U.S. since 1965, but disparities remain. American Indian and Alaska Native people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living in poverty have higher smoking rates and are more exposed to secondhand smoke due to targeted marketing and financial barriers to treatment.

What does the first close-up image of a star from outside the Milky Way reveal?

The image shows a star about 2,000 times bigger than the Sun, surrounded by a ring that scientists believe could be ejected material before the star goes supernova. The star has also dimmed over the past decade, suggesting it is nearing the end of its life.

How does social contagion affect chimpanzee behavior?

Social contagion in chimpanzees involves the spread of behaviors like grooming and play through social networks. Chimps are more likely to engage in these activities after observing others, which can enhance social cohesion and cooperation within the group.

What role does adult play have in chimpanzee social dynamics?

Adult chimpanzees play regularly, often before activities requiring group cooperation like defending territory or hunting. Play also helps reduce tension during in-group competition and fighting, suggesting it is crucial for maintaining social bonds.

Shownotes Transcript

Donald Trump has nominated RFK, Jr., to run the Department of Health and Human Services, a position that includes oversight of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Senior health and medicine editor Tanya Lewis explains what that would mean for antivaccine policies, food safety and unproven therapies that Kennedy backs. Tobacco use is down across the U.S., but the drop has been uneven across groups. Astronomers have released the first-ever close up image of a star—and scientists are excited over an unexpected ring. Plus, studies of chimpanzees explore the role of social contagion on their behaviors and point to play in adult chimps.

Recommended reading:

RFK, Jr., Is a Bad Prescription for U.S. Public Health | Opinion

Chimps Share Knowledge like Humans Do, Spurring Innovation

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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman with guest senior health and medicine editor Tanya Lewis. Our show is edited by Anaissa Ruiz Tejada with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.

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