A political gap in excess deaths widened after COVID-19 vaccines arrived, study says After vaccines became widely available in 2021, "the excess death rate among Republican voters was 43% higher than the excess death rate among Democratic voters," Yale researchers say. Bill Chappell
Young men making quartz countertops are facing lung damage. One state is taking action Countertops made of the engineered stone "quartz" are incredibly popular, but public health experts say cutting this material unsafely can expose workers to deadly dust. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Herbal supplement Kratom targeted by lawsuits after a string of deaths Millions of Americans use Kratom, which is sold at gas stations, vape shops and bars. It can act like an opiate on the body. The FDA warns against using kratom, but most states don't regulate it. Peter Haden
An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why A diet composed of 80% ultra-processed foods led one British doctor to gain weight and feel unwell. Now, he's trying to nail down the health effects of this type of diet, which many Americans eat. Allison Aubrey
Here's what happens to the body in extreme temperatures — and how heat becomes deadly Multiple organ failure, heart attack and kidney failure are the primary ways people die in extreme heat. Read on to find out how to stay safe in the heat wave. Maria Godoy
Wet socks can make a difference: Tips from readers on keeping cool without AC We asked: How have you coped with extreme heat when there was no air-conditioning? Here's a sampling of tips along with advice from heat wave researcher Gulrez Shah Azhar, who grew up in India's heat. Bec Roldan
There's a way to get healthier without even going to a gym. It's called NEAT All those daily activities we'd rather avoid — taking the stairs, cleaning the house etc. — have a big metabolic payoff. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis can help manage weight and boost health. Will Stone
Amid a record heat wave, Texas construction workers lose their right to rest breaks In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law undoing local protections that ensured breaks for laborers who spend their days in scorching heat. The law takes effect Sept. 1. Hannah Levitan, Public Health Watch
El Niño will likely continue into early 2024, driving even more hot weather El Niño is warming up the water in the Pacific Ocean. That extra heat affects the whole planet, and has helped drive record-breaking hot weather. Rebecca Hersher
You know those folks who had COVID but no symptoms? A new study offers an explanation Everybody knows someone — maybe it's you — who got COVID but never got sick or who thinks they never got COVID at all. A new study found one possible reason, involving a certain gene and common colds. Max Barnhart
