Trump Healthcare, Flu Shots, Food Pyramid: Morning Rounds
- After getting demolished by the flu last week, I am thrilled to be back in the saddle.
- President Trump announced a suite of policies yesterday that would let the federal government exert more control over pharmaceutical companies,as he faces mounting pressure over the rising...
- The announcement was heavy on pomp and light on circumstance, so most of the details are rather fuzzy.
After getting demolished by the flu last week, I am thrilled to be back in the saddle. Stay healthy, everyone!
Trump’s ‘Great healthcare Plan’ puts affordability in the spotlight
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President Trump announced a suite of policies yesterday that would let the federal government exert more control over pharmaceutical companies,as he faces mounting pressure over the rising costs of health care.
The announcement was heavy on pomp and light on circumstance, so most of the details are rather fuzzy. What we do know is that the most consequential provisions coudl be proposals to extend lower international drug prices to all Americans, make more prescription drugs available over the counter, and send at least some health insurance subsidies directly to enrollees.
Many of these moves would require action from Congress, which failed to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired at the end of last year, allowing the premiums of millions of people to more than double.Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, claimed Trump’s plan would result in savings. Will it? Read more from my STAT colleagues.
Controversial CDC-funded hepatitis B vaccine study in Africa cancelled?
Remember in December, when those controversial Danish researchers got money from the United States to run a study on hepatitis B vaccines in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa? At the time, some experts said such a study was likely “unethical.”
Well, it has been cancelled – possibly. This all started on Thursday morning, when Inside Medicine published the study’s protocol and got quotes from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official,who called it “another Tuskegee.”
When reporters asked Africa CDC about the study, an official said it had been cancelled, but apparently officials in Guinea-Bissau and at HHS are suggesting the opposite, that the study will continue. If that weren’t confusing enough,Guinea-Bissau is going through a coup and has replaced all of its top health officials.
If you want more background on the study, check out our coverage from December.
Political Developments and Policy Changes
As of January 19, 2026, notable political discussions continue regarding healthcare policy, as reported by Politico. Recent coverage focuses on ongoing debates surrounding access to care and potential legislative changes.
Further details regarding specific policy proposals and their status can be found on the official website of the United States Congress, where legislative bills and their progress are tracked.
For example, the Lower Costs, Further Jobs Act (H.R.8761) passed in 2023 aimed to lower prescription drug costs and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Medical Emergencies in Space
Medical emergencies in space present unique challenges due to the remote location and physiological effects of microgravity. BBC News reports that astronauts receive extensive medical training before missions, and onboard medical kits are designed to handle a range of potential issues.
The NASA Human Research Program conducts research to understand and mitigate the health risks associated with space travel, including developing countermeasures for bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular changes.
In 2023,NASA published a Space Medicine Strategic Plan (2023-2033) outlining its priorities for protecting astronaut health during future missions, including long-duration flights to the Moon and Mars.
Microplastics and Brain Research
Recent research suggests the presence of microplastics in human brains, prompting investigation into potential health effects. Slate highlights ongoing studies examining the impact of these particles on neurological function.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting research to assess the sources, transport, and impacts of microplastics in the environment, including potential human exposure pathways.
A 2022 study published in Environmental Science & Technology letters detected microplastics in human lung tissue, raising concerns about respiratory health impacts. The study identified nine diffrent types of plastics, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most common.