FDA is doing ‘not much’ against diabetes and obesity epidemics
The Food and Drug Administration ought to take on the food industry to protect Americans from ultra-processed foods loaded with salt, fat, and sugar, said Senate Health committee chairman Bernie Sanders on Thursday. “That is your job,” Sanders interjected when FDA commissioner Robert Califf said improvements in the U.S. diet will require societal consensus over the long term.
One mutation could make H5N1 a greater threat
While there has been no sign of person-to-person spread of bird flu, researchers said on Thursday that a single mutation in the H5N1 avian influenza virus could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells. That could potentially increase the possibility of transmission among humans, said the study, led by a team of scientists at the Scripps Research Institute.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Ukraine keeps exporting grain: Despite lower yields and the loss of cropland because of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has maintained its presence as a major corn and wheat exporter, said analysts. (farmdoc daily)
Loeffler to head SBA: President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who was a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee during her brief tenure, to lead the Small Business Administration. (NBC News)
Drought eases across U.S.: Thanks to a stormy November, drought coverage dropped from 54.1 percent of the continental United States five weeks ago to 43.6 percent this week. (Drought Monitor)
