Latest news with #ValleyFever
New European
20-05-2025
- Science
- New European
Critical mass: Why is Trump's America anti-science?
Simply, thousands of scientists and their projects are finding themselves without federal funds, or soon will. Even those whose grants survive will face intense scrutiny of their compliance with the agency's 'new standards'. To put it another way: American science is facing collapse. The dismantling of US science continues apace. The latest blow is massive cuts to the budget of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which provides funding for just about all areas of science in the country. Incredibly, it seems the Trump administration plans to allow NSF to fund just five areas of science, identified as priorities: artificial intelligence, quantum information science, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and translational science (which converts basic research into applications of human benefit, especially in health). Previously the NSF had 37 divisions, along with an annual budget of $4bn. Trump wants to cut that by 55%. It's no surprise that many US scientists are looking abroad to continue their research. Some have already moved; others are drawing up plans or exploring options. In a survey conducted by the journal Nature in March, 75% of the 1,600 US researchers polled said they were considering moving their research out of the country. Of course it's unlikely that anything like that proportion will do so, but the number is worth repeating: despite the immense personal and professional disruption entailed, an astonishing three in four consider that it might be worth the pain. Unsurprisingly, many of those are early-career researchers. Who can blame them? 'This is a critical moment in our careers, and it's been thrown into turmoil in a matter of weeks,' said one young researcher in the Nature poll, who has had his grant cancelled and is now looking for work in Canada. 'Don't want to leave, but what's the alternative?', asked another. Science magazine has presented heartbreaking profiles of younger researchers whose futures currently seem in ruins. One, investigating how social factors influence the healthcare that women in racially diverse communities receive for breast and cervical cancer, has had grants abruptly terminated. 'I feel like it's kind of a personal attack against me [and] the work that I'm doing', she said. Another, working on the lung disease Valley Fever, which kills thousands of Americans each year, has had her postdoctoral position terminated. She is now looking for a position in Europe or Canada, which will mean leaving behind friends, networks and family. 'It's like I have to choose between my life and my career,' she said. The jobs platform run by Nature Careers has 32% more applications for jobs abroad submitted by US researchers between January and March 2025 than during the same period in 2024. Europe is an obvious destination, and European governments seem eager not to pass up the opportunity. While some have publicly deplored the assaults on US science, they can't be blind to the potential benefit of an influx of expertise. In March, ministers from 13 countries including France, Germany, Spain and Austria signed a letter to the European Commission calling for it to welcome 'brilliant talents from abroad who might suffer from research interference and ill-motivated and brutal funding cuts'. Several universities in France, Belgium and elsewhere have pledged new funds for postdocs, PhD students and others, open to all international scientists, but clearly aimed at the US. The UK will soon announce a £50m scheme of grants and relocation funds for international researchers. It isn't mere opportunism to capitalise on a US brain drain; there is a genuine wish to offer solidarity and succour to those who can legitimately be considered academic refugees. The resonances with the way the UK, US and Scandinavian countries sought positions for Jewish scientists leaving Nazi Germany when Hitler's racial laws excluded them from academic life in the mid-1930s are unmistakable. In a poignant turnaround, the German Max Planck Society, the government-funded agency that runs 84 research institutes throughout the country, has launched a transatlantic programme that, among other things, will provide posts for young US researchers in its institutes. Even China has been posting messages on social media encouraging US scientists to 'pursue career development and entrepreneurship in Shenzhen'. US science has long led the world. 'Right now, however, the administration seems hell-bent on damaging, rather than fostering, this crucial source of American strength,' says former MIT president Rafael Reif. As national self-harm goes, it's right up there with Brexit.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly Valley fever on rise in the US: Why California could see record infections again
A silent threat could be waiting to make a fierce return to California. Valley Fever , a potentially dangerous fungal infection that affects the lungs, is once again on the rise in the US. Early 2025 data shows over 3,100 confirmed cases have already been reported statewide, which is more than the number of infections reported last year. After a record-breaking year, California may be headed for another surge, which has raised concerns among health officials and residents alike. The lung infection is caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, which can lead to severe or even long-term lung problems. It can turn fatal too if not treated on time and if it spreads to the brain. Every year, it leads to thousands of cases in the USA, and hundreds of people die of the infection. What is valley fever Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection in your lungs that one can contract from breathing in the fungus Coccidioides from the environment. In the earliest stage of a Coccidioides infection, many people don't develop any symptoms or report flu-like symptoms. However, it may progress to more serious stages of coccidioidomycosis. The serious complications of the disease include pneumonia, fluid or pus in your lungs, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and ruptured pockets of fluid or air in your lungs. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo Coccidioides is commonly found in the soil in the southwest US, parts of Washington state, and Central and South America. The infection is most common in California and Arizona. The disease is spread when someone breathes in the spores, although many don't get infected. While the disease isn't contagious, there are outbreaks when there's a lot of dirt and dust. The infection is most common in late summer and fall, and the peak is seen usually in the months of September and November. 'There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before,' Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. 'If you want to see me, right now you'd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too.' The bulk of this year's Valley Fever cases have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties. Kern County, known for its oil production and frequent wildfires, has long been the epicenter of outbreaks. However, new areas are emerging as hotspots. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay, cases have more than tripled since 2023. Merced is also experiencing a steady rise, while San Bernardino has already reported 60 more cases than it did last year. 'It appears to be spreading out,' Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the outlet. Symptoms of valley fever Fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs are some of the symptoms. However, around 10 percent would develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Around 1 percent may see the infection spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Who is at risk People who work outdoors are at risk. Elderly, immunocompromised, and pregnant women are at an increased risk. California's swing from extreme drought to heavy rains has created ideal conditions for Valley Fever. Wet winters help the fungus grow, and dry summers break it into infectious spores. With a hot, dry summer ahead, experts warn the risk of infections may rise. US: Overwhelmed hospital braces for next COVID surge One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Valley Fever is ready to slam California again with record-breaking cases: Here's what you need to know
California may be facing another record year for Valley fever infections. The lung infections are caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, resulting in serious or long-term lung problems and potentially death if it is not treated and spreads to the brain. It results in thousands of cases every year in the U.S. and hundreds of deaths. The Golden State, where Valley Fever was first discovered, is consistently the state with the most infections. After a record year, early state data shows it's on track for what is looking to be another big one. There are already more than 3,100 confirmed cases across the state. That's more than there were at the same time last year and nearly double the amount in 2023. 'There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before,' Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. 'If you want to see me, right now you'd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too.' The majority of this year's cases are in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey and Fresno counties. A significant oil-producing area, wildfire-stricken Kern has often been the epicenter of outbreaks — but there are new areas of concern. Cases in the East Bay's Contra Costa County have more than tripled since 2023. Merced has also seen cases steadily increase and San Bernardino has seen 60 more than last year. 'It appears to be spreading out,' Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the network. Valley Fever, officially called coccidioidomycosis, was first discovered in Southern California's San Joaquin Valley. The lung infection is caused by the fungus Coccidioides that grows in soil in western parts of the U.S., with the majority of cases reported in California and Arizona. Valley Fever is caused by breathing in infectious spores, although some who are exposed are never infected. The spores can be kicked up during wind events, or through agricultural work and construction. While people can get Valley Fever at any time of the year, they are more likely to be infected during late summer and fall. Cases typically peak between September and November, due to a delay from infection to reporting. Symptoms can include fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs. As many as 10 percent of those who are infected will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Another 1 percent will see it spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Those older than 60 are more likely to be infected, as well as people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, have diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino. People who work outdoors are also at a higher risk. Researchers have found that cases of the disease spike in California during a shift from drought to heavy rainfall. California specifically has seen rapid shifts from extreme drought to long-lasting atmospheric river events in recent years. Wet winters can provide the ideal conditions for Valley Fever infections, as the summer dries out the land and breaks down the fungus into infectious spores. After flooding and mudslides in March, the state is in for a hot and dry summer, according to federal forecasters. 'As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure,' Simon Camponuri, a PhD candidate at U.C. Berkeley, said in a statement.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Valley Fever is ready to slam California again with record-breaking cases: Here's what you need to know
California may be facing another record year for Valley fever infections. The lung infections are caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, resulting in serious or long-term lung problems and potentially death if it is not treated and spreads to the brain. It results in thousands of cases every year in the U.S. and hundreds of deaths. The Golden State, where Valley Fever was first discovered, is consistently the state with the most infections. After a record year, early state data shows it's on track for what is looking to be another big one. There are already more than 3,100 confirmed cases across the state. That's more than there were at the same time last year and nearly double the amount in 2023. 'There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before,' Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. 'If you want to see me, right now you'd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too.' The majority of this year's cases are in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey and Fresno counties. A significant oil-producing area, wildfire-stricken Kern has often been the epicenter of outbreaks — but there are new areas of concern. Cases in the East Bay's Contra Costa County have more than tripled since 2023. Merced has also seen cases steadily increase and San Bernardino has seen 60 more than last year. 'It appears to be spreading out,' Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the network. How do exposures occur? Valley Fever, officially called coccidioidomycosis, was first discovered in Southern California's San Joaquin Valley. The lung infection is caused by the fungus Coccidioides that grows in soil in western parts of the U.S., with the majority of cases reported in California and Arizona. Valley Fever is caused by breathing in infectious spores, although some who are exposed are never infected. The spores can be kicked up during wind events, or through agricultural work and construction. While people can get Valley Fever at any time of the year, they are more likely to be infected during late summer and fall. Cases typically peak between September and November, due to a delay from infection to reporting. What's the concern? Symptoms can include fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs. As many as 10 percent of those who are infected will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Another 1 percent will see it spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Those older than 60 are more likely to be infected, as well as people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, have diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino. People who work outdoors are also at a higher risk. The climate connection Researchers have found that cases of the disease spike in California during a shift from drought to heavy rainfall. California specifically has seen rapid shifts from extreme drought to long-lasting atmospheric river events in recent years. Wet winters can provide the ideal conditions for Valley Fever infections, as the summer dries out the land and breaks down the fungus into infectious spores. After flooding and mudslides in March, the state is in for a hot and dry summer, according to federal forecasters. 'As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure,' Simon Camponuri, a PhD candidate at U.C. Berkeley, said in a statement.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Valley Fever cases spike across California, most in Kern
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — New data shows that Valley Fever cases are exploding across the state and most are in Kern County. Across the state, there have been over three thousand cases of Valley Fever in the first three months of 2025. That is roughly double the 10-year average. 'We are coming off of the most impactful year of Valley Fever in Kern County with the highest number of cases and the highest number of deaths in 2024,' said Brynn Carrigan, the director of Kern County Public Health. Prop 36 would bring big changes to courts in Kern County Kern's cases in 2024 hit a record of almost 4,000 on the year, and 49 total deaths due to Valley Fever. This year so far, Kern has seen 906 cases of Valley Fever. That's more than any other county. 'The state is well on it's way to having an even more impactful year than we saw in 2024,' said Carrigan. Brynn Carrigan is the director at Kern County Public Health. She says there are a multitude of reasons why numbers are way up. One of the biggest is climate impacts. Drought years, followed by wet years, then drought years again, 'That seems to be the ideal situation for the fungus that causes the Valley Fever infection to grow and spread.' Carrigan also said with increased awareness of the disease, more testing is being done causing the numbers to increase as well. Never miss a story: Make your homepage The most affected population are construction workers, landscapers, and any other job that requires breaking ground and working outside. Carrigan said there are ways to fight it, 'Wet down that soil before you're working in the soil, if it's gonna be windy outside, we would encourage you to wear a mask. If you're gonna be traveling through an area that's endemic to Valley Fever use that recirculation mode in your car.' Valley Fever can present itself like any other respiratory illness, so Carrigan also recommends getting tested if you experience any symptoms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
