Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine before infection results in a robust immune response against Delta and Omicron strains, according to a study in Nature Immunology. Despite mutations, vaccination was found to offer ongoing protection against severe disease, with vaccinated individuals showing higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared with unvaccinated people.

Leading with vulnerability means being genuine and emotionally honest without crossing into oversharing, writes leadership coach Kara Glassman, who recommends sharing lessons you've learned, owning your mistakes and being willing to learn something new. "When done with intention, vulnerability fosters trust, deepens connection and creates the conditions for people to do their best work," Glassman writes.

Southern states like Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas are burdened with high health care costs, taking up over 16% of household income due to low median incomes. The financial strain is exacerbated by proposed Medicaid cuts, which could worsen this burden, potentially increasing costs and leaving many without affordable health care options.

Research from the American Economic Review: Insights suggests a decline in health and wealth for Americans born after 1947, compared with previous generations. The study highlights increased mortality risk and lower wages for baby boomers, which could affect financial, health and longevity benchmarks.

HHS has canceled a $590 million award to Moderna for the development of an mRNA avian flu vaccine for humans. The vaccine showed positive early data, with 98% immunity three weeks after the second dose. Moderna said it will seek alternative development paths for the vaccine.

The US and Argentina have announced the creation of an alternative international health system, citing concerns over the World Health Organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones emphasized the need for independent, science-based global health leadership.

Tampa General Hospital's automated surgery operations system, which uses cameras and AI to optimize scheduling, has saved more than 3,000 minutes per week across 28 of its 52 operating rooms. Other hospitals using AI to prevent surgery delays include Marin Health, whose surgeons use anatomy-mapping technology, and Banner Health, which implemented an AI and machine learning system in 2023 to automate scheduling across its 350 ORs.

Johnson & Johnson chief executive officer Joaquin Duato discusses in an interview the company's approach to cancer treatment, its mergers and acquisitions strategy, and the impact of US policy on business and the industry.

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