Health Capsule Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Screening exams can detect warning signs of the disease before any symptoms appear. When breast cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment is often more successful and outcomes tend to improve. Traditionally, doctors suggest mammograms according to a woman’s age. However, new research indicates that it is safe to tailor breast cancer screening schedules based on an individual

© WHO / Marcio Schimming Nina Warken, Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, and Dr Oliver Morgan, Head of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, visited the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin to mark the release of the 2025 Annual Report. The publication outlines significant progress in applying artificial intelligence, data science, and pathogen genomics to reinforce global readiness for future pandemics.

On 17 December 2025, WHO hosted the first webinar in a new series dedicated to putting the global research agenda on knowledge translation and evidence‑informed policy-making into action. The session gathered 120 participants from 38 countries, including researchers, policy-makers, funding representatives and knowledge brokers. Discussions focused on how the agenda can support better alignment of priorities, reinforce capacity, and enhance the systematic use of evidence in policy decisions.

What’s the Bottom Line? What do we know about the effectiveness of complementary health approaches for low-back pain? • Research of low- to moderate-quality suggests that several mind and body practices—including acupuncture, electromyography (EMG) biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, progressive muscle relaxation, spinal manipulation, tai chi, and yoga—may provide benefit for people with chronic low-back pain. • For acute low-back pain, low-quality evidence

Common Names: licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan cao, gan zao, Chinese licorice Latin Names: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata Background • Licorice is a long-living herb grown in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its root is widely used to flavor candies, beverages, and some tobacco products. • In the United States, many products labeled as “licorice” do not actually contain licorice root. Instead, they are often flavored with anise oil,

When Something Moves Out of Position Your body is designed so that every organ and tissue stays securely in place. Layers of muscle and connective tissue act as support walls, holding everything where it belongs. However, if these supportive structures become weak or damaged, they may no longer be able to do their job effectively. When that happens, part of an organ or tissue can push through an opening or weak spot in the surrounding muscle. This condition is known as a hernia. Hernias most

Common Names: lavender, English lavender, common lavender, French lavender Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia Background • Lavender is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, particularly areas such as France, Spain, Andorra, and Italy. • Its name is derived from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash.” Because of its pleasant aroma, lavender has long been included in soaps, bath products, perfumes, and aromatherapy preparations. • Lavender is marketed as an oral

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree related to the coffee plant that grows in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. For generations, local communities have chewed its leaves or brewed them into tea to reduce tiredness and support stamina during long hours of work. In traditional settings, kratom has also been used in cultural and religious rituals and to address conditions such as pain and diarrhea, sometimes serving as an alternative to opium. Kratom contains active compounds,

More than ten days after the most recent surge in violence in the Middle East, health systems throughout the Region are facing mounting pressure as the number of casualties and displaced people increases, attacks on medical services persist, and broader public health threats intensify. According to national health authorities, over 1300 people have been killed and 9000 injured in Iran. In Lebanon, at least 570 deaths and more than 1400 injuries have been reported. In Israel, officials confirm

image: A team of scientists led by the University of Iowa has identified and named a previously unknown crocodile species that lived in Africa more than 3 million years ago. The species has been nicknamed Lucy’s hunter because it shared both time and territory with the famous hominin Lucy and likely preyed upon her kind. Credit: Tyler Stone, University of Iowa. Over 3 million years ago, when early human ancestors such as the well-known Lucy moved across the African landscape, they likely faced

image: Gloria Reithmaier, marine chemist at the University of Gothenburg. Credit: Michael Reithmaier The tidal zones of mangrove forests function as vital nursery grounds for numerous fish species. Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have analyzed carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in 23 mangrove regions around the globe. Their findings warn that these ecosystems are facing growing pressure as ocean temperatures continue to climb. Water conditions in mangroves shift continuously

Common Names: kava, kava kava, awa, ava pepper, ava root, kawa Latin Name: Piper methysticum Background • Kava is a plant indigenous to the South Pacific region and belongs to the pepper family. • For thousands of years, Pacific Island cultures have prepared kava as a traditional beverage for ceremonies and social gatherings, as well as for wellness purposes. In recent decades, kava drinks have become popular beyond the Pacific Islands, including in the United States, where specialty kava bars

How Microorganisms in Your Mouth Influence Your Health Your mouth is more than just teeth, gums, and a tongue. It is also home to billions of microscopic organisms that can only be seen under a microscope. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Collectively, the community of microorganisms living in your mouth is called the oral microbiome. Researchers believe the oral microbiome may play a role in diseases that affect not only the mouth but also other parts of the body. Studying these

What’s the Bottom Line? What do we currently understand about complementary health approaches for irritable bowel syndrome? Nutritional Approaches • Some research suggests that peppermint oil may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). • Certain probiotics might improve IBS symptoms, but the available evidence is not strong enough to draw firm conclusions. • Studies on prebiotics have not shown consistent or clear benefits for individuals with IBS. • With the exception of peppermint

image: Creation of an ultra-smooth, crack-resistant nanofiltration membrane manufacturing technology that removes surface irregularities. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) Dr. Hong-Ju Lee and Dr. In-Hyuk Song from the Nano Materials Research Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed an advanced fabrication process that enables nanoscale control of ceramic membrane surface smoothness, along with membrane materials capable of accurately filtering

The forty-fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to address the international spread of poliovirus was called by the WHO Director-General on 14 January 2026. Eight of the nine Committee members, along with an adviser, participated by video conference together with representatives of affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat. The Committee examined the most recent epidemiological information on wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)

The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has congratulated Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas—and only the second worldwide—to be officially recognized for eliminating leprosy. Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, was first documented in Chile in the late nineteenth century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). On the mainland, cases were rare and typically linked to isolated introductions. On Rapa Nui, transmission was

Hypnosis, often referred to as hypnotherapy, has been explored as a therapeutic approach for a variety of health concerns. Research has examined its potential role in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), situational anxiety (such as anxiety before medical or surgical procedures), menopausal complaints, hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, headaches, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been evaluated as a method for pain relief and for supporting smoking cessation efforts. •

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects nearly one out of every two adults in the United States. If left uncontrolled, it can gradually harm the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. Serious outcomes may include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Managing high blood pressure typically begins with lifestyle adjustments such as following a nutritious diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza (“flu”) vaccines for the 2026–2027 influenza season in the northern hemisphere. The guidance follows a four-day consultation during which experts reviewed global influenza surveillance findings. The composition of influenza vaccines must be updated regularly because influenza viruses continually evolve. WHO’s recommendations guide national regulatory authorities and vaccine manufacturers