A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science has pinpointed a rare inherited genetic mutation that can increase an individual’s overall lung cancer risk by about 25 times and by approximately 60 times among non-smokers, according to researchers. The research, led by scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the 23andMe Research Institute, analyzed anonymous genetic information from more than 3.3 million people. The scientists identified the germline variant, called EGFR T790M, as one of the strongest inherited factors linked to lung cancer discovered so far.

India’s drug regulator has warned consumers against two Pakistan-made whitening creams after tests found excessive heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation named Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a September 8 public health alert. Both products carry labels stating they were made in Pakistan. The regulator said neither product had authorization for import and sale in India. It also warned that the heavy metal levels could cause toxic effects and pose health risks.

World Health Organization reports that Ebola transmission is decreasing in some of the hardest-hit areas within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The most significant improvement is observed in parts of Ituri province, which is the outbreak’s epicenter. Nonetheless, the epidemic continues to spread in other regions. As of September 13, official data indicated 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with a national case fatality ratio of 48.4%. DR Congo’s Ebola response continues as health teams track changing transmission patterns. Since May, South Kivu has reported no new cases, and more patients are recovering nationwide. According to official figures, 1,726 recoveries had been documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Sept. 13. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described recent trends as promising after months of rapid transmission. However, he emphasized that the outbreak continues to grow and cause fatalities. Currently, the epidemic affects 62 health zones, illustrating significant disparities between the impacted provinces. Ituri remains the primary focus despite a recent decline in transmission rates. During the latest weekly period, health officials recorded around 300 new cases and 160 deaths there, accounting for nearly half of the national total for that period. Conversely, North Kivu has seen an upward trend, with weekly infections nearly doubling over two weeks—from about 100 cases to over 200—as health teams monitor the expanding spread. Increase in North Kivu

Initial tests revealed Legionella DNA presence in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium as authorities in New York City investigate a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak across several South Bronx communities. By Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified positive preliminary PCR results in 10 cooling towers throughout ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, areas covering Melrose and Morrisania.

A severe lack of trained personnel, operational partners, and financial backing is creating significant obstacles in controlling the spreading Ebola outbreak across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO technical briefings indicate that the outbreak has extended beyond the initial epicenter in Bunia into six northeastern provinces. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has resulted in over 6,000 cases and 3,175 deaths, making it the deadliest Ebola event in the country’s history. International agencies warn that staff shortages and funding issues are hindering the Ebola response, urging global donors to increase financial contributions.

The World Health Organization has urged a significant scaling-up of efforts to combat Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, health teams have yet to trace all transmission pathways. As of Sept. 1, Congo reported 6,250 confirmed cases and 3,039 fatalities. The ongoing Bundibugyo outbreak now spans 60 health zones across six provinces. Congo’s Ebola response expands as Bundibugyo transmission remains active. This marks Congo’s most extensive and deadliest Ebola epidemic to date, ranking as the second-largest worldwide after the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for approximately 85% of cases and 88% of deaths. Tedros highlighted that many fatalities involve individuals not listed as known contacts, underscoring that health teams continue to miss some chains of transmission. Hindrances such as community deaths and unsafe burials are major challenges to containing the outbreak. Africa CDC reports that over 60% of fatalities in the past week occurred within communities. Delays in identifying infections and admitting patients to treatment centers have also been observed. Government data shows 1,439 recoveries and a case fatality rate of 48.6%, illustrating the severe impact of the Bundibugyo strain. Active Transmission Continues in Eastern Congo Transmission persists in 51 health zones despite recent indications of declining case numbers. Four zones have had no new cases for over 42