The U.S. confirms its first human case of New World screwworm. What is it? U.S. officials confirmed a case of the flesh-eating parasite in a person who traveled from El Salvador. Screwworm typically affects cattle in South America, but has spread north in recent years. Rachel Treisman
Whatever happened to ... the race to cure HIV? There's promising news At the International AIDS Society meeting this year, a young woman from South Africa spoke. She is the first Black woman from Africa to be potentially cured of HIV. David Cox
These fish may feel pleasure while being groomed by other fish An experiment with threadfin butterflyfish finds that these fish may experience pleasure while being cleaned by bluestreak cleaner wrasse — suggesting this capacity goes far back in animal evolution. Ari Daniel
Are weighted vests good for bones and muscle? Fact-checking a fitness trend It's a growing fitness trend. People say wearing a weighted vest when you exercise builds bones, strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. But does research back up these claims? Katia Riddle
Who should Americans listen to for guidance on vaccination? Shifts in vaccine guidance under the Trump administration are leaving many people confused about seasonal shots. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Dr. Jeff Duchin of the Vaccine Integrity Project. Ayesha Rascoe
Tinted sunscreen does something regular sun protection can't Most sunscreens protect skin from UV light but the tinted variety also block visible light. And that can be important for people with hyperpigmentation or melasma, especially those with darker skin. Andrea Muraskin
Photos: The perilous lives of miners in South Africa's abandoned mines 'Artisanal miners' is the phrase used for South Africans who salvage coal from abandoned mines. It's a grueling and risky life. "Bit by bit it's killing something inside me," says one such miner. Text and photos by Tommy Trenchard
Famine is declared in Gaza: What does it take to make this pronouncement? An announcement of famine — as has now happened regarding Gaza — is a complicated decision. Here's what must be considered before such a declaration is made. Nurith Aizenman
She's bracing and saving to pay $2,800 a month for ACA health insurance next year Raiding retirement savings. Pondering job changes or even marriage. People who buy their own health insurance are strategizing ahead of major price hikes in 2026. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1. Selena Simmons-Duffin
Offered a cash price for a prenatal genetic test? It may be your best bet An expectant mom got a $750 bill for a blood test to check for genetic abnormalities in her baby. Then she tried to figure out why it was so high. Alexandra Olgin
