The world, the universe and us The collapse of America’s health data system; How sleep affects your focus; Life on Mars in liquid veins?
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Oct 31, 2025 Grace Wade, a seasoned US health reporter, discusses the alarming consequences of recent Department of Health layoffs on crucial public health surveys. Carissa Wong sheds light on a fascinating study about how sleep deprivation disrupts focus through the brain's cerebrospinal fluid 'rinse cycle.' Leah Crane reveals exciting research suggesting the presence of liquid water veins in Martian permafrost, sparking hopes for microbial life on the Red Planet. These urgent topics unveil the intricate links between health data, sleep, and the search for life beyond Earth.
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Public Health Data At Risk
- U.S. public health data collection has lost key staff and datasets due to mass layoffs and terminations.
- Grace Wade warns this could leave the country "flying blind" and unable to prioritise or detect health threats.
Five Surveys That Matter
- Five major surveys including drug use, food security, births/deaths and nutrition have been affected by cuts.
- These surveys inform funding, policy and monitoring for addiction, food aid, maternal mortality and more.
Vital Statistics Compromised
- The National Vital Statistics System and National Death Index teams were largely terminated, jeopardising births, deaths and long-term studies.
- Grace Wade notes this data underpins research on veterans, maternal mortality and ageing populations.