U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high. Federal data released Monday shows 4.2% of children are exempted from vaccine requirements, up from 3.6% the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising exemption rates, mostly due to nonmedical reasons. Experts blame confusion in vaccination recommendations. The CDC reports a slight drop in measles-mumps-rubella shots, and that vaccination rates for polio and other diseases also are falling. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles year since 1991. Some state health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children as schools can be hot spots for outbreaks.
A small but growing body of research shows that GLP-1 drugs often used to treat obesity may also work for the hormonal disorder known as PMOS. They are believed to help women with PMOS not only by promoting weight loss but also by improving insulin resistance, hormone balance and ovulation. These things are key to the disease, which used to be called PCOS but was renamed earlier this year to shift the focus away from ovaries and cysts. Colorado teen Charlotte Touzalin joined a study testing the treatment. On the GLP-1, she stopped constantly gaining weight and her periods normalized.
Two powerful earthquakes less than two months apart have exposed stark differences in how neighboring Venezuela and Colombia respond to catastrophe. While civilians in Venezuela dug through rubble by hand for days, Colombia mobilized rescuers and equipment within hours. The contrast reflects deep differences in resources, political systems and institutional strength between Colombia and Venezuela, where years of economic crisis, mass migration and political repression have weakened state capacities and public trust. The disasters were not identical, but for Venezuelans watching Colombia’s response, the contrast has offered a stark measure of what their country has lost.
Millions of people crowded cloudless cities and towns in Spain in search of the best views of a total solar eclipse, when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunged parts of the planet into darkness. The crowds brought lawn chairs and umbrellas as they eagerly awaited the celestial spectacle, which began early in the evening. As the sky darkened, people broke into applause and cheered. It was the country’s first total solar eclipse in more than a century. Across a wide band of northern and central Spain and Portugal, millions of people enjoyed some of mainland Europe’s best views of the eclipse.
Survival after an earthquake depends on factors like weather and access to water and air. Experts say victims can survive for a week or more if their injuries aren't severe and the weather is mild. Two days after a deadly earthquake in western Colombia, rescue teams are racing to find survivors. Most rescues happen within 24 hours, but chances drop each day. A survivable void space, like under a sturdy desk, can increase survival odds. Air and water are crucial as time passes. Temperatures can affect survival and rescue missions.
Millions across Spain and Portugal watch the start of the countries' first total solar eclipse in over a century.
Rescatan a 106 personas de un ferry en llamas en aguas agitadas frente a Bali, Indonesia.
Sorry, North America. After winning the cosmic lottery with a pair of coast-to-coast total solar eclipses, now it's Europe's turn. But look skyward anyway Wednesday and, if you're far enough north in the U.S. and Canada, you can savor a partial eclipse as the moon nibbles away at the sun. Totality will begin near the North Pole, then streak southward across Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a patch of Portugal. If skies are clear, a partial eclipse should be visible in Anchorage, Alaska; Detroit; New York City; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; and Bangor, Maine, among other places.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and damaging hundreds of buildings. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to expedite funding for recovery. The quake hit the remote Choco region on Monday and was felt as far away as Bogota. Local officials confirmed deaths across several regions, including Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. Colombia’s Geological Service says the quake is the country’s strongest recorded this century and was followed by less powerful aftershocks. Authorities were concerned about more aftershocks, and flights were suspended in several airports. International support and aid have been offered.
Astronomers say viewing conditions are promising for the Perseid meteor shower this year. A new moon will prevent moonlight from spoiling the show. NASA says about 50 to 100 meteors per hour may be visible under ideal conditions during Wednesday night's peak. The Perseids will coincide with a total solar eclipse across Spain, Iceland and Greenland and a six-planet parade. The best time to view the fireballs will come after totality. Meteor showers happen when Earth plows through trails of debris left by comets or asteroids. The Perseids come from comet Swift-Tuttle. The next major meteor shower peaks in October.