As noncommunicable diseases and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of deaths worldwide, leading urban health authorities gathered in Rio de Janeiro this week for the 2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit, closing the event with a strengthened pledge to intensify life-saving measures in cities. Jointly organized by the World Health Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Vital Strategies and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro, the Summit convened health leaders,

image: Study co-corresponding author Maria Rescigno Credit: ÖAW/Natascha Unkart The tumor microbiota — encompassing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms found within tumor tissue — is increasingly recognized as a key element of the tumor microenvironment. An international consensus paper published in Cancer Cell brings together leading institutions from the United States, Israel, Austria, and Italy that are advancing research in this rapidly evolving field. Among the

We are living in a period when the foundations that once sustained global cooperation are being tested, when power can overshadow principle, when norms are bent and when a rules‑based, values‑driven order appears increasingly fragile. The effects are evident across health systems worldwide: care withheld, science disregarded, services interrupted and fundamental rights reduced to empty language. Health is treated as discretionary. Women’s autonomy is challenged. Children’s wellbeing is placed

image: Direct electrochemical splitting of liquid ammonia enables efficient on-site hydrogen production at room temperature and low pressure (

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to prolong negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Formal talks will resume from 27 April to 1 May, preceded by informal intersessional discussions, ahead of the annex’s planned review at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. The choice to extend discussions highlights the determination of WHO Member States to finalize the PABS annex, which represents a central pillar

Featured Resource The NIH Health Information Portal offers trustworthy, research-based health information for the public. It brings together educational materials from the various institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health. Visitors can explore topics by browsing categories or using the search tool to find specific health subjects. You may also subscribe to receive the twice-monthly health information newsletter for updates and insights. Explore more at the NIH Health

What Types of Magnets Are Used for Pain? Magnets and magnetic-based therapies have been used for centuries to address pain conditions such as arthritis and headaches. Today, magnetic devices are widely marketed, most often for pain relief, inflammation, and wound support. Two main categories of magnets have been researched for pain management: • Static (permanent) magnets: These are made from metals or metal alloys and continuously emit a magnetic field. Their strength can vary from low to

image: Students at ESMT Berlin Credit: ESMT Berlin The collaboration between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin is entering its fifth year. In 2026, the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship will once again empower emerging leaders who are committed to driving digital transformation. The fellowship opportunities are offered within ESMT’s Full-time MBA, MSc programs, and the Global Online MBA. For the next academic cycle, a total of eight fellowships will be granted: • two fellowships for the Full-time MBA

The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), a long-time collaborator of the World Health Organization (WHO) and HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), has pledged US$ 7.2 million to the United Nations’ leading programme dedicated to research in human reproduction. This contribution arrives at a pivotal moment, as significant reductions in global health and development funding risk slowing — and in

Persistent sleep disorders affect millions of people in the United States every year. Ongoing sleep problems and the resulting lack of rest can disrupt job performance, driving safety, social interactions, and overall well-being. In some cases, poor sleep may also contribute to significant health concerns. To cope, many individuals explore complementary approaches such as relaxation practices or melatonin supplements in hopes of getting better rest. More recently, magnesium has become a popular

Health Capsule Infants require vitamin K so their bodies can form blood clots. Clotting is the natural process that prevents excessive bleeding. However, newborns have very low levels of vitamin K at birth. They do not begin producing adequate amounts on their own until they start eating solid foods. In the United States, most newborns receive a vitamin K injection shortly after delivery. Without this shot, babies face a risk of dangerous bleeding in the brain or other parts of the body during

On 29 January 2026, more than 30 global specialists in artificial intelligence, mental health, ethics, and public policy convened for a virtual workshop hosted by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre (DDEC) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). The Centre holds the distinction of being the first WHO Collaborating Centre dedicated to AI for health governance, including ethical oversight. Organized as an official pre-summit event of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and supported by the World

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected deer tick, also known as a blacklegged tick. The bacterium responsible is Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in the United States. Ticks carrying the infection are most commonly found in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic region, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Coast. In the eastern United States, most tick bites occur during the

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