Hep B vaccines, CDC, Jeffrey Epstein Harvard lab: Morning Rounds
Morning Rounds: A Recap of Health and Medicine News
Good morning. As the snow falls and blankets the ground, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying grounded in our physical reality. Today, we’ll dive into some key updates in the world of health and medicine.
How Jeffrey Epstein’s Tissue Sample Sparked Controversy in a Harvard Lab
Back in 2013, when Jeffrey Epstein requested his genome to be sequenced, he turned to renowned geneticist George Church. However, new details have emerged about a controversy that erupted in Church’s lab over prioritizing Epstein’s sample over others in the queue. The director of research at the time, Mad Ball, was taken aback by the request and contemplated quitting on the spot. The whereabouts of Epstein’s sample remain a mystery, prompting further investigation by reporter Megan Molteni.
No. 2 CDC Official Abruptly Resigns
Ralph Abraham, the deputy director of the CDC, recently resigned citing unforeseen family obligations. His departure comes just 2 1/2 months after taking on the role, leaving many surprised by the sudden exit. Read more about this unexpected development from reporter Helen Branswell.
Drop in Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
A recent study published in JAMA revealed a significant decline in the vaccination rates of newborns against hepatitis B. After reaching a peak of 83.5% in February 2023, the rates dropped to 73.2% in August 2025. The decline coincided with increased public discourse around vaccination, potentially impacting future vaccination trends. Learn more about the study’s findings and implications for public health.
Exploring the World of ‘Digital Twins’ in Healthcare
The concept of ‘digital twins’ aims to provide personalized health predictions based on virtual models. While industries like aerospace and auto manufacturing have embraced this technology, healthcare is still navigating its implementation. Discover how ‘digital twins’ could revolutionize healthcare predictions and treatment strategies in the future.
Advancements in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatments
While current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease only provide relief for about 30% of patients, promising new therapies are on the horizon. Major pharmaceutical companies have invested billions in acquiring startups with innovative drug candidates targeting inflammation. Find out more about the potential breakthroughs in IBD treatment options.
Empowering Physicians in Advocacy
Physicians have a unique opportunity to advocate for meaningful changes in healthcare policy and practice. In a compelling First Opinion essay, Sarah C. Nosal, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasizes the importance of physician advocacy in shaping the future of patient care. Learn how doctors can amplify their voices and drive impactful change in healthcare.
In addition to these key updates, here are some noteworthy articles worth reading:
– Estrogen patches face shortages amid growing demand for menopause hormone therapy (CNN)
– FDA unveils rules for bespoke gene therapies, anticipating an influx of rare disease applications (STAT)
– Remembering Leah Stavenhagen, a champion for young women with ALS (New York Times)
– Bayer sues J&J over alleged false and misleading claims about prostate cancer treatments (STAT)
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in health and medicine. Remember to sign up for STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds for your daily dose of health news.
