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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campus in Atlanta, Georgia. | SHUTTERSTOCK

The CDC’s test for bird flu works, but it has issues

The CDC’s bird flu test is the only one available for clinical use. Although its flaws are manageable, the situation highlights the risk of relying on a single test
Jul 30, 2024
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden at a July 9, 2022 event in Portland. | PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP/PETER WONG (USED WITH PERMISSION)

Wyden seeks stiffer penalties for fraudulent signups

The Oregon Senator is proposing a crackdown on brokers and agents who switch consumers onto different health insurance plans without their consent
Jul 25, 2024
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Moss isn’t a likely source of lead exposure for humans. But researchers took samples from it in Portland neighborhoods to see how environmental lead levels vary across the region. | COURTESY/OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Study finds old telecom cables leaching lead in parts of Portland

Researchers found high levels near old cables, helping explain a long-standing mystery around why some areas are harder hit than others by the toxic substance
Jul 25, 2024
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Compounding pharmacies are formulating copies of semaglutide, a key ingredient in blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Wegovy. | ILLUSTRATION BY OONA TEMPEST/KFF HEALTH NEWS

Why millions are trying FDA-authorized alternatives to Big Pharma’s weight loss drugs

In response to shortages, compounding pharmacies are producing copycat versions of blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. While these pharmacies are operating in a gray area, large drugmakers oppose the practice
Jul 25, 2024
NAOMI PETRIE IS A DENTAL THERAPIST IN COOS BAY WHO IS PART OF A PILOT DENTAL THERAPIST PROGRAM FOR TRIBAL AREAS. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA AND SIUSLAW INDIANS./COURTESY OF THE NORTHWEST PORTLAND AREA INDIAN HEALTH BOARD

Dental therapists, who can fill cavities and check teeth, get the OK in more states

Introduced by Alaska Natives, the occupation brings oral health care to more areas. Dental therapists are authorized in 14 states including Oregon and Washington
Jul 25, 2024
Drones are increasingly being used to respond to health care emergencies (illustration). | SHUTTERSTOCK

Rescue from above: How drones may narrow emergency response times

Public safety and health care organizations across the country are increasingly using drones to speed up lifesaving treatment in situations in which every second counts
Jul 25, 2024

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