Health Reporter
Dr. Priya Kapoor reports on wellness, mental health, and medical research developments. She holds a doctorate in Public Health from Harvard and has spent a decade covering the intersection of medical research and public policy. Her reporting on mental health access and health equity has driven national conversations.
Scientists have found that artificial light from cities delays the end of pollen season by disrupting plants' natural light-dark cycles, worsening allergy symptoms for millions. A Vanderbilt University study linked nighttime lighting to longer exposure to high-pollen days in Northeastern cities.
A groundbreaking study shows HEPA air purifiers can modestly lower systolic blood pressure in adults regularly exposed to air pollution, offering a simple at-home solution for cardiovascular health. Experts weigh in on the findings and share additional natural ways to manage hypertension.
Los Angeles County reported a record 220 flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, a 17% surge from 2024, with 90% of patients requiring hospitalization. Health officials warn of outbreaks linked to wildlife and pets, urging preventive measures.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to red meat, is spreading beyond its Southern strongholds into the Northeast, with Massachusetts now requiring case reporting. Up to 450,000 Americans may unknowingly carry the condition, which can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Researchers are investigating whether stimulating the vagus nerve can slow tau protein buildup in the locus coeruleus—a critical brain region linked to memory and aging. Early trials show promise in improving cognition for people with mild cognitive impairment.
A persistent dry cough or unexplained shortness of breath could be early signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that affects up to 50,000 Americans annually. Pulmonologist Dr. Nicole Ng of Mount Sinai explains why these symptoms often go overlooked.
A heavily mutated Omicron subvariant, BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' is circulating in 25 U.S. states and 23 countries, with scientists noting it primarily infects children aged 3-15. Despite 53 spike protein mutations, it has not caused severe disease or driven large outbreaks since emerging in Novemb
Hib, a once-declining bacterial infection causing meningitis, is resurging as U.S. childhood vaccination rates dip. Doctors report severe cases and warn of potential outbreaks in unvaccinated children.
Researchers have uncovered why upper-layer neurons are particularly vulnerable in multiple sclerosis. DNA damage accumulates in CUX2 neurons, leading to their selective loss during neuroinflammation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed hyper-accurate digital replicas of patients’ hearts to test life-saving treatments for ventricular tachycardia before performing real procedures. The FDA-approved trial with 10 patients showed 80% arrhythmia-free outcomes after a year, far excee
Hawaii’s Kona Storm has passed but sewage and bacteria advisories remain across Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Open beaches don’t mean safe water—some readings hit 288 CFU per 100 mL, far above safety thresholds.
Anatomists have long debated the male equivalent of the G-spot, with most pointing to the prostate. Now, researchers confirm a distinct sensory center in the penis itself—a small, nerve-dense patch beneath the head that functions as a pleasure epicenter, with implications for sexual health and surgi
A newlywed struggles with a single friend’s resentment over reduced availability. Experts weigh in on setting boundaries while preserving friendship amid life transitions.
A growing number of Americans nearing retirement in 2026 report higher anxiety over time than finances. Psychologists warn of an 'identity void' as traditional roles fade.
Hawaii health officials and veterinarians warn of a heightened leptospirosis risk after the Kona low storm flooded wide areas. The bacterial disease, spread through contaminated floodwater, threatens both people and pets, with symptoms ranging from fever to organ failure. Early detection and vaccina
Researchers have developed a lipid nanoparticle delivery system that enables CAR T cells to target pancreatic cancer's protective barrier, achieving 40-60% T-cell activation in preclinical models—far surpassing conventional methods.
Researchers at Texas A&M University mapped a direct brain pathway linking stress to habit-forming regions. Alcohol disrupts this 'flexibility system,' making stress-triggered relapse more likely during recovery.
A 71-year-old Texas woman died after using tap water from her motorhome for sinus irrigation, leading to a fatal infection by Naegleria fowleri, a rare but lethal brain-eating amoeba.
India is witnessing a rise in brain tumor cases, with over 1.4 million new cancer cases reported annually. Experts urge attention to early warning signs.
A meningitis outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub has sickened 29 people, including an 18-year-old who died. Health officials are scrambling to vaccinate thousands as queues stretch for hours, while scientists investigate why the MenB strain spread so rapidly among students. The crisis has spar