Epidemic experts and Democratic politicians fault coordination of the response to the coronavirus outbreak and say what's needed is a czar. The White House disagrees.
The tally of new cases is declining in China, the heart of the outbreak. But rising numbers beyond its borders have officials worried, including for regions that have scarcely seen the virus so far.
There's cause for pessimism and optimism in the year ahead as our expert sources share their predictions. Plus: Print and fold your own global trends zine.
The topics range from a ticking time bomb in the Arctic to the art of taking selfies in an ethical way. Here are the stories selected by our contributors.
Health workers from rich countries who do short-term stints in poor countries are perpetuating the colonialist story in which the "white savior" comes to the rescue of the native population.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, known for her work in war zones, turns to a topic that is often shied away from: the risks women face when giving birth.
The World Health Organization had hoped to eradicate the painful parasite by 2020. That deadline just got moved a decade into the future. And dogs are part of the problem.
The songs tell women they are "more than a mother" — then promote the pharmaceutical company's fertility treatment programs. But the music videos raise some concerns.
Last fall, Merck said it would stop selling its rotavirus vaccine to West Africa and redirect its supply to China at a higher price. After NPR broke the story, the situation changed — for the good.
Our most-read articles gave helpful advice — like how to sit without hurting your back — shocking news and a glimpse of history. And there was one story about — what else? — goats!
A report in The Lancet says the rate of cesarean sections has tripled globally since 1990. In some hospitals, more than 70 percent of births occur by C-section, putting moms and babies at risk.
An 21st century outbreak could be as nightmarish as the 1918 pandemic, which killed about 40 million. So the Gates Foundation wants to spur the development of a flu vaccine. Don't we already have one?
There can be unintended consequences when doctors and med students volunteer to improve local health care. A new position paper offers up ethical guidance.
Critics slammed a global health group for partnering with Heineken to "fight infectious diseases in Africa." Others voiced support. Our audience weighs in on the debate.
The case of a Chinese woman adds to a growing list of avian flu strains to keep an eye on, including ones that are deadly and contagious. So why are there so many?
