Public health

Once confined to Latin America, Chagas disease – a potentially deadly parasitic infection that is spread in a gross way – is now endemic in the United States, threatening both humans and their pets in what experts are calling a silent public health crisis.

Researchers found that when groups of people watch the same health promotion videos, their brain activity syncs up, indicating that the message has gone beyond being seen and heard. This approach could lead to more effective health campaigns.

Is obesity a disease or a risk factor for disease? It's a contentious question. In a new report, the Global Commission on Clinical Obesity strives to settle the enduring debate, introducing a new framework that seeks to redefine obesity.