How fluoride in water became a divisive political topic

Distrust of verified science could lead to the rollback of a public health tool with proven benefits

November 13, 2024 Check out STAT+

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STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images STAT+ | With GOP control of Congress, Trump has broad power to reshape health care Republicans hold the House after winning majority in Senate. Unified GOP power paves way for President-elect Donald Trump's health care policy agenda. By John Wilkerson Two top Biden administration officials warn of threat to U.S. children if anti-vaccine views prevail The comments, which came amid concerns about the Trump administration's views on vaccines, were made by the CDC director and the FDA's top vaccine regulator. By Helen Branswell and Anil Oza STAT+ | Incoming Senate Majority Leader Thune hails from a state that relies on rural hospitals, telehealth South Dakota Republican has a track record on telehealth, supporting rural hospitals, accountability for pharmacy benefit managers. By John Wilkerson Jim Cole/AP With a push from RFK Jr., baseless fears about fluoride go mainstream Scientific evidence supports fluoridating water at safe levels, but a growing distrust of science could lead to the end of a beneficial public health tool. By Anil Oza BioNTech acquires its Chinese cancer drug partner Today's biotech news includes FDA's Califf on Trump, J&J suing the government, and RNA startup Orna layoffs. By Elaine Chen Opinion: How I addressed racial bias in my company's AI algorithm After watching a pulse oximeter struggle with my father's dark skin before he died from Covid, making health care AI more trustworthy became my mission. By Amber Nigam Adobe As adult survivors of congenital heart defects grow in numbers, so does need for care and research A registry of patients highlights gaps in care for people with heart defects, including guidance on cognitive risks and family planning. By Elizabeth Cooney

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