Megalodon Diets, Teeth Sensitivity and a Bunch of Vaccine News
Jun 2, 2025
Recent measles outbreaks in Texas are slowing, thanks to rising vaccination rates, but lawmakers are pushing for easier vaccine exemptions. New COVID vaccine guidance for children and pregnant women has sparked debate. A promising gonorrhea vaccine has debuted in England, showing decent early effectiveness. Unexpectantly, sensitive teeth may trace back to ancient fish anatomy. Lastly, researchers unravel the mysterious diets of megalodons, revealing their unique feeding habits compared to modern predators.
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Vaccination Impact on Measles Outbreak
Texas's measles outbreak is slowing likely due to increased vaccination rates.
However, a bill may ease vaccine exemptions, risking future outbreaks.
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CDC COVID Vaccine Guidance Controversy
CDC stopped recommending COVID vaccines for children and pregnant people without health issues.
This move conflicts with obstetricians who see vaccine protection benefits for newborns.
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Gonorrhea Vaccine Debuts
England and Wales rolled out the first gonorrhea vaccine, 30-40% effective.
This is significant amid rising antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea cases.
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The measles outbreak in West Texas is slowing. Health officials think an increase in vaccination rates contributed to the slowdown, but Texas lawmakers have pushed a new bill to make it even quicker and easier for parents to exempt their children from vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goes counter to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists by removing recommendations for COVID vaccines for pregnant people and children without underlying health conditions. The first vaccine for gonorrhea debuts in England and Wales, with early results suggesting it is 30 to 40 percent effective against the disease. Your sensitive teeth may have origins in the dentin in the exoskeletons of ancient fish. Plus, researchers use fossils to discover what megalodons may have eaten.
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman. Our show is edited by Alex Sugiura with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.
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