Imaging modalities that expose children to ionizing radiation are used more frequently at non-children’s hospitals compared with children’s hospitals, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Casey E. Pelzl, M.P.H., from the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute in Reston, Virginia, and colleagues compared imaging use on pediatric outpatients at children’s hospitals versus non-children’s hospitals to identify differences across modalities with varying ionizing radiation exposure. The analysis included data from CMS Medicaid Research identifiable files to identify 2018 to 2019 pediatric (ages 0 to 17 years) outpatient claims (approximately 5.5 million) from hospital outpatient facilities and emergency departments.

The researchers found that more than half of visits (53%) were to children’s hospitals and 15% were to emergency departments. Children’s hospital encounters were more likely for patients aged 0 to 5 years versus older than 5 years (41.2% versus 38.7%), those with a pediatric comorbidity index >2 (32.3% versus 22.9%), and those seen at hospital outpatient facilities (87.8% versus 81.9%).

The most commonly used modalities were radiography (9.5%) and ultrasound (2.1%). At“`html

Boeing 737 MAX: Status as of January 31, 2026

The Boeing 737 MAX, grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes, has undergone extensive recertification efforts and is currently operating commercially, though scrutiny and ongoing modifications continue as of January 31, 2026. recent developments focus on continued software updates, enhanced pilot training, and ongoing investigations into manufacturing quality control.

the FAA’s Role in Recertification

The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) was the primary regulatory body overseeing the recertification of the Boeing 737 MAX. The FAA’s process involved a comprehensive review of Boeing’s proposed software fixes to the Maneuvering characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), the system implicated in both crashes, as well as a review of the aircraft’s overall safety systems.

Detail: The FAA issued a Record of Decision on November 18, 2020, lifting the flight ban, but required specific software updates, revised flight crew training, and new pilot procedures. this decision followed a 20-month grounding and a thorough investigation by multiple international aviation authorities. The FAA also conducted independent safety assessments and simulator evaluations.

example or Evidence: The FAA published the final rule regarding the 737 MAX recertification on January 6, 2021 (Federal Register), detailing the required changes and outlining the ongoing oversight process.

Boeing’s Response and Modifications

Boeing implemented significant changes to the 737 MAX, primarily focused on the MCAS software, pilot training, and aircraft wiring. these modifications were designed to address the safety concerns identified in the wake of the Lion air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes.

Detail: The MCAS software was redesigned to rely on input from both angle of attack (AOA) sensors, rather than a single sensor, and to limit its authority, preventing it from repeatedly forcing the aircraft’s nose down. Boeing also updated the aircraft’s flight control computer software and improved the display of AOA information to pilots.Moreover, Boeing has been working to address manufacturing quality control issues identified in recent audits.

Example or Evidence: Boeing completed the software updates and submitted them to the FAA for review in December 2019. As of January 31, 2026, Boeing continues to implement ongoing software enhancements and address manufacturing concerns, as detailed in their quarterly reports (Boeing Investor Relations).

Investigations and Ongoing Scrutiny

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other international investigative bodies conducted thorough investigations into the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. These investigations revealed critical flaws in the design and certification of the MCAS system, as well as deficiencies in pilot training and regulatory oversight.

Detail: The NTSB’s final report, released in March 2020, detailed the contributing factors to the crashes, including the faulty MCAS system, inadequate pilot training on the system, and a lack of clear dialog about the system’s operation. Ongoing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and congressional committees continues to focus on Boeing’s safety culture and the FAA’s oversight processes.

Example or Evidence: The NTSB’s final report on the Ethiopian Airlines crash (NTSB/AM19FA060) can be found hear. Recent reports from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee) continue to highlight concerns regarding Boeing’s safety practices as of January 2026.

Global Return to Service and Current Operations

Following the FAA’s recertification, other international aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada, also lifted their flight bans on the 737 MAX after conducting their own independent reviews and implementing similar safety requirements.As of January 31,2026,the 737 MAX is operating commercially worldwide.

Detail: The return to service has been gradual,with airlines initially focusing on restoring passenger confidence and rebuilding trust in the aircraft. Airlines have been required to provide enhanced pilot training and to communicate clearly with passengers about the safety improvements made to the 737 MAX. However, some airlines continue to monitor the aircraft closely and implement additional safety measures.

Example or Evidence: IATA reported in January 2021 that the 73