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Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 6, 2023

No, vaccines aren’t making new COVID-19 variants worse

The omicron sequel XBB.1.5 is driving a new wave of COVID-19 infections — and misinformation.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 5, 2023

Flu spreading fast in northeastern and eastern Japan

Cases per monitored medical institution reached 4.21 in Toyama Prefecture, the highest by prefecture and well above the flu season threshold of threshold of 1.0.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 4, 2023

Cancer vaccine hunt finally makes progress

A small study shows promise in deploying mRNA technology against melanoma — but fighting tumors is vastly more complex than tackling COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 24, 2022

Men from Shiga and women from Okayama top Japan life expectancy

At the other end of the rankings, Aomori Prefecture was at the bottom of the longevity list for both men and women, at 79.27 years and 86.33 years, respectively.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Dec 22, 2022

Injectable HIV treatment offers hope to Ugandan patients

Some hope the new treatment option could help to reduce the stigma HIV patients suffer, particularly gay men.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 21, 2022

Another Crispr first: New treatment wipes out teen's cancer

Next-generation Crispr gene-editing was used to create a therapy that attacked a 13-year-old's stubborn leukemia.
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2022

Social security panel proposes more aid for those raising children in Japan

The report also said that the elderly should bear more of their medical costs in line with their incomes and that an environment should be created to support diverse working styles.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 3, 2022

Japan enacts legislation to prepare for future pandemics

Parliament has enacted legislation to take steps in preparing for future pandemics, including establishing a new rule obliging major hospitals to offer beds.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 2, 2022

Amgen has a contender in the weight-loss drug wars

Amgen's obesity drug offers a new twist on proven methods to help people lose unwanted pounds.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 30, 2022

Eisai Alzheimer’s drug sparks debate over benefits as risks like brain bleeding emerge

The key issue is whether the modest slowing of the disease is meaningful to individual patients and their families, especially in light of the potential side effects.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Nov 29, 2022

Health ministry to allow sales of COVID-flu dual test kits via pharmacies and online

Through the move, the ministry hopes to lighten burdens on medical institutions amid concerns about a 'twindemic' this winter.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Nov 27, 2022

Next COVID-19 strain may be more dangerous, lab study shows

COVID-19 samples from an immunosupressed individual over six months showed that the virus evolved to become more pathogenic, the early study found.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 25, 2022

Europe's heat wave may have caused more than 20,000 'excess' deaths

Temperatures hit nearly 40 degrees Celsius or above from Paris to London in summer this year.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Nov 25, 2022

Researchers test mRNA technology for universal flu vaccine

A universal vaccine would not mean an end to flu seasons, but would replace the guess work that goes into developing annual shots months ahead of flu season each year.
JAPAN
Nov 22, 2022

Caution grows in Japan over spread of new omicron variants

The XBB and BQ.1 variants, both of which are spreading abroad after being first reported in September, are seen to have high immune evasion.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 21, 2022

Pfizer’s RSV vaccine succeeds where others failed

Early data bodes well for Pfizer's RSV shot, which would be given during pregnancy to protect infants in the early months of life.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 16, 2022

New weight-loss drugs work, but who's paying?

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly say they can treat obesity with a weekly injection. But insurers aren't yet on board.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 14, 2022

If you’ve had COVID-19, watch out for stroke symptoms

Several studies now show an elevated risk of serious blood vessel inflammation during and after an infection.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 11, 2022

COVID-19 tracker: Japan reports nearly 75,000 cases as eighth wave fears grow

By prefecture, Hokkaido reported the largest number of new infections, at 7,911, followed by 7,899 in Tokyo, 4,621 in Kanagawa, 3,985 in Aichi and 3,922 in Saitama.
JAPAN
Nov 10, 2022

COVID-19 tracker: Tokyo reports 7,969 new cases as daily tally continues rise

The seven-day average of new cases in the capital came to 6,636.6, compared to 4,699.9 a week earlier.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 10, 2022

Hackers demand $10 million for stolen Australian health records

Medibank earlier this week confirmed the hackers had accessed information belonging to 9.7 million current and former clients, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: FASHION
Nov 5, 2022

Japanese bra-makers place bigger spotlight on smaller sizes

Japanese women's breast sizes are increasing, but undergarment options for those on the smaller side remain low.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 4, 2022

What do the U.S. midterms mean for Japan?

For many Japanese, the midterm U.S. elections will serve as an indicator of the health of American democracy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 30, 2022

Just one case of polio is a global threat

The polio outbreak in New York demonstrates the importance of sustained eradication efforts.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 26, 2022

Let’s make sure lab-grown viruses stay in the lab

Boston University researchers created a new strain of COVID-19. Such work is important, but needs more stringent oversight.

Longform

Koichi Tagawa’s diary entry from Aug. 9, 1945, describes the day of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
The horrors of Nagasaki, in first person