Wellness trends worth taking into the new year (and some that aren't) We reported on all sorts of products and practices promising to make you healthy last year. Here are the ones that stood up to science, and those that were mostly hype. Andrea Muraskin
Is Trump taking too much aspirin? Here's what experts say Trump takes four times the recommended dose of aspirin for cardiac prevention. Even low-dose aspirin is no longer recommended for people over 60 who don't have heart disease. Michal Ruprecht
Brain organoids are helping researchers, but their use also creates unease Pea-size clusters of human cells called brain organoids inspire both hope and fear. Experts are debating how scientists can responsibly use these bits of gray matter. Jon Hamilton
Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1 Every new year, public media reporters across the country bring us some of the new state laws taking effect where they are. Here are six in 2026. Mawa Iqbal
His brother's mental illness isolated his family. Now he's helping other caregivers When it comes to serious mental illness, family caregivers are crucial partners. But often, they must fend for themselves. A new solution offers them support. Kat McGowan
Farmers are about to pay a lot more for health insurance Tariffs, inflation, and other federal policies have battered U.S. farmers' bottom lines. Now many farmers say the expiration of federal health care subsidies will make their coverage unaffordable. Sarah Boden
Flu cases are surging and rates will likely get worse, new CDC data shows Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to new CDC data. The virus is spreading faster than in previous years and the surge is likely to get worse. Here's what you need to know. Gabrielle Emanuel
In a year of steep challenges, there were still shining moments in global health The Trump administration's deep cuts in U.S. foreign health aid had a devastating impact. Yet there were achievements of note in spite of it all. Fran Kritz
What being around death taught this hospital chaplain about life J.S. Park helps patients and their families cope with death every day as a hospital chaplain. He explains what to expect as a person is dying, and how to reckon with uncomfortable feelings about death. Malaka Gharib
Policy relief for family caregivers seems stalled out. But there are signs of change Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum. Kat McGowan
