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![This adult Anopheles gambiae mosquito — the kind that spreads malaria — was genetically modified as part of the study.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mosquitoes-2-b282cc8e0abd64083a23f1a6bf0b7c2e14c0f785-e1537808364634-900x422.jpg)
Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria
By: Rob Stein | NPR
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Scientists demonstrate that a “gene drive” can rapidly spread a genetic mutation through a species, perhaps providing a potent new weapon against malaria. But there are plenty of skeptics.
![](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/obesity-kids-6a31f6fd8cf4cf18837dde1b3587691768974ded-e1519675171656-900x422.jpg)
No Downturn In Obesity Among U.S. Kids, Report Finds
By: Rob Stein | NPR
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The childhood obesity epidemic rages on in the United States, with a big surge among the youngest kids, according to the latest government data.
![Activity levels are based on the percent of outpatient visits in a state due to influenza-like illness (ILI) and are compared to the average percent of ILI visits that occur during weeks with little or no influenza virus circulation.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/map-influenza-season_enl-5a6016fc71b75ba8bddfa734abe7239bf2e30355-900x422.png)
Flu Season Is Shaping Up To Be A Nasty One, CDC Says
By: Rob Stein | NPR
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The flu season started early this year, and is already widespread throughout the country and intense in dozens of states. But it’s not too late to get that flu shot, officials say.
![A report released Thursday found more than 42,200 people died of opioid overdoses in 2016.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/opioids-death-rate-2dc2415626c5a2c99b0fefd807c5bbc71dc165b2-e1513877696828-900x422.jpg)
Life Expectancy Drops Again As Opioid Deaths Surge In U.S.
By: Rob Stein | NPR
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The opioid epidemic caused U.S. life expectancy to fall for the second year in a row, marking the first time that’s happened since the early 1960s. Death rates also continued to rise.