Kidney cancer cases spiked in this town. Will residents find out why?

Residents fear toxic "forever chemicals" are to blame. But to pin down a cause, researchers need funding they don't have

November 25, 2025 Check out STAT+

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David L Ryan/ Boston Globe Staff STAT+ | Kidney cancer cases spiked in this town. Will residents find out why? After the largest ground water contamination in New Hampshire history, a state-commissioned study released this fall found significantly elevated rates of kidney cancer in the town of Merrimack. Residents fear that toxic "forever chemicals" are to blame. But to pin down a cause, the researchers need millions in funding. With federal dollars in flux, it's unclear whether the final phase of research will be completed, leaving residents in the dark and policies to address pollutants on the table. By Kate Selig — Boston Globe Opinion: The hidden reason lung cancer screening is not working The lung cancer screening system is built on stigma, and it's missing too many people. It needs to change, expert writes. By Lisa Carter-Bawa STAT+ | FDA review staff was excluded from voting on whether to approve first priority voucher drug The FDA typically aims to avoid any appearance that political considerations are affecting drug approval decisions. By Lizzy Lawrence Scott Olson/Getty Images STAT+ | Federal biotech commission calls for retooling of scientific research infrastructure A new federal commission report envisions a faster, AI-driven research ecosystem with unified grant platforms, shared data, and backing for early innovators. By Allison DeAngelis

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