Category: science

  • More Mall Walking for Everyone!

    More Mall Walking for Everyone!

    I don’t get out often to the mall to do mall walking, but I did today. I put on a little over 2.5 miles on my step counter. Mall walking is OK for exercise although I have to drive over there. Right next door to the entrance to the mall is the outdoor entrance to…

  • University of Minnesota CIDRAP Story on CDC ACIP Meeting Next Week

    University of Minnesota CIDRAP Story on CDC ACIP Meeting Next Week

    The University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) posted a news report about the upcoming CDC ACIP meeting next Wednesday. Apparently, so far the new advisory committee draft agenda does not include a vote on the Covid-19 vaccine.

  • The Short Story on Kiwi for Health

    The Short Story on Kiwi for Health

    Sena was at the store yesterday and some guy (a total stranger) in a motorized scooter rode up to her and said, “I have trouble sleeping” and asked her where to find the kiwi fruit in the produce section. It didn’t faze her because this didn’t sound like a pickup line, you know like that…

  • Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Outlook on Covid Data and New CDC ACIP Committee

    Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Outlook on Covid Data and New CDC ACIP Committee

    I have a lot more faith in the infectious disease news from the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Outlook (CIDRAP) than most other news outlets. Their review of the so far 8 newly appointed CDC ACIP committee members is interesting. I plan to watch the upcoming June 25-27 CDC ACIP…

  • Can We Calm Down?

    Can We Calm Down?

    First of all, I want to make it clear that I am not now nor have I ever been pregnant. Now that I have your attention, I’ll add some context to that weird statement by saying how puzzled I am by all the controversy about whether or not there’s actually a federal recommendation against pregnant…

  • Dept of Health & Human Services to Reconstitute CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

    Dept of Health & Human Services to Reconstitute CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

    HHS announced the removal and replacement of the current members of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in a press release today. The CDC ACIP meeting for vaccine recommendations is still scheduled for June 25-27. According to the Federal Register announcement under Supplementary Information: “SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is…

  • The Wild West Sandbox of AI Enhancement in Psychiatry!

    The Wild West Sandbox of AI Enhancement in Psychiatry!

    I always find Dr. Moffic’s articles in Psychiatric Times thought-provoking and his latest essay, “Enhancement Psychiatry” is fascinating, especially the part about Artificial Intelligence (AI). I liked the link to the video of Dr. John Luo’s take on AI in psychiatry. That was fascinating. I have my own concerns about AI and dabbled with “talking”…

  • The FDA VRBPAC  Meeting Today on Covid-19 Vaccines for 2025-26

    The FDA VRBPAC  Meeting Today on Covid-19 Vaccines for 2025-26

    The FDA VRBPAC meeting today on the Covid-19 vaccines for 2025-26 is so far leading me to believe that the best choice for the voting question- Based on the evidence presented, please discuss considerations for the selection of JN.1 and/or a specific JN.1-lineage strain for COVID-19 vaccines (2025-2026 Formula) to be used in the U.S.…

  • FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting May 22, 2025

    FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting May 22, 2025

    The meeting of the FDA VRBPAC on the composition of Covid-19 vaccines will be tomorrow, May 22, 2025 at 8:30 am-4:30 pm EST. Some materials have recently become available on the FDA website. The briefing document indicates that there will be a discussion of the most recent Covid-19 variants and whether the current vaccine needs…

  • FDA VRBPAC Meeting to Discuss Covid-19 Vaccines

    FDA VRBPAC Meeting to Discuss Covid-19 Vaccines

    The FDA VRBPAC meeting to discuss Covid–19 vaccines is scheduled for May 22, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. The committee will meet in open session to discuss and make recommendations on the selection of the 2025-2026 Formula for COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States. The meeting presentations will be heard, viewed,…