CDC Launches National Public Health Tracking Program

August 26, 2009–This data tool shows promise, but it currently tracks only non-infectious conditions and not others tied to environmental causes, such as neurological, endocrine, and reproductive disorders.

The Outdoor Activity Trend May Be Healthier Than Reported

August 5, 2009–There have been numerous reports of the demise of outdoor activities in recent years. But it's only half the story — many parks and activities have had increases in use.

Toolbox: Homeland Security Daily Infrastructure Report

July 15, 2009–Reporters interested in following the hazards of dams, refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure may find story leads in DHS reports.

US Vulnerability To Heat Waves Varies Substantially by Location

June 24, 2009–A new analysis of about 40,000 census tracts in the larger US metropolitan areas can help you cover how well your community is preparing for heat-related risk.

FDA Mulls Putting Public's Health Above Companies' Trade Secrets

June 3, 2009–NYT: "The goal is to open up a system in which the agency failed to inform the public that a widely prescribed heartburn drug was especially toxic to babies; that a diabetes medicine and a painkiller increased heart attack risks; and that antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and teenagers."

New EPA Procedure Improves Transparency on Air Standards

June 3, 2009–The Obama EPA partially reverses a Bush-era procedure for setting health-based standards under the Clean Air Act.

Human Health Threats from Animals Are Imported Every Day

May 13, 2009–About 200 million animals, from more than 190 countries, are imported into the United States every year, according to a team of investigators that published its findings in the May 1, 2009, issue of the journal Science. Many can spread serious diseases.

NIH Open-Access Policy Celebrates 1st Birthday — Will It Make 2nd?

April 8, 2009–A year-old National Institutes of Health policy requiring results of taxpayer-funded research articles to be posted online could be reversed by a bill introduced by Rep. John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Health Care Journos Call for End to Saddam-Style "Minders"

March 11, 2009–The Association of Health Care Journalists wrote the Obama administration asking it to end the practice of making reporters go through public affairs offices to arrange interviews with federal experts and, in some cases, having public affairs people monitor those interviews.

Research Roundup: Newspaper Coverage of Environment Praised While Officials Were Unresponsive in Cancer Cluster Cases

January 15, 2009–Survey respondents give local news positive marks overall for covering complex aspects of environmental issues.