Health Matters
Bay Area
FDA expands omicron-specific COVID-19 booster vaccine authorization to kids under 5
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The updated, “bivalent” boosters target both the initial COVID-19 strain and the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the highly contagious omicron variant.Bay Area
Can trees reduce pollution at schools next to freeways? A Fresno campus tries plantings
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Other schools around California may follow if the tree experiment improves air quality.Health Matters
Should older seniors risk major surgery?
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An important new study offers much-needed data.California
After election win, California’s AG turns to investigating hospital algorithms for racial bias
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Rob Bonta has begun an inquiry into hospital software programs that might bake in racial discrimination.Bay Area
Flu, COVID, RSV transmission increasing ‘in every category’ state officials warn
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For infants and young toddlers, RSV can be more serious than a common cold.Bay Area
UC Santa Cruz researchers find microplastics pervasive in Monterey Bay fish and seabirds
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Microplastics in coastal waters have a cascading effect on food chains and ecosystems.Health Matters
Sick Profit: Investigating private equity’s stealthy takeover of health care across cities and specialties
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Private equity firms have shelled out almost $1 trillion to acquire nearly 8,000 health care businesses, in deals almost always hidden from federal regulators.Bay Area
Bonta sues manufacturers of ‘forever chemicals’
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Suit alleges manufacturers continued to produce the chemicals despite knowing their harm.Bay Area
