Short Takes – 1-13-25

Mpox Clade I in the U.S. Should Be a Wake-Up Call. MedpageToday.com commentary. Pull Quote: “The U.S. should support clinical trials for alternative vaccines and dosing strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. These investments also enhance biosecurity by reducing the likelihood of global spread. At a time when there is speculation about the U.S. potentially leaving the WHOopens in a new tab or window under the country's new leadership, it is critical to recognize the pivotal role the organization plays in coordinating global health efforts. Now is a moment to double down on our commitment to the WHO, ensuring global health security through collaboration, not retreat.” Good luck selling this to Kennedy and Trump.

Election math looks like it’s just going to get easier for the GOP. TheHill.com article. Annual assessment of unofficial census data. Pull quote: “The center estimates that California and New York, by far the two largest states in the Democratic coalition of the electoral map, would lose four seats and two seats, respectively. Meanwhile, Texas and Florida, which were the two largest states in President-elect Trump’s winning coalition in 2024, are estimated to gain four seats each.”

Trump frustrated with GOP lawmakers over debt-limit quandary. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “GOP senators say there’s little confidence that Johnson would be able to unify enough of his conference to raise the debt limit without Democratic help, given that he can only afford to lose one or two Republican votes because of his extremely narrow majority.”

Technical snag forces another delay for the first orbital launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. GeekWire.com article. Pull quote: ““We are standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window,” launch commentator Ariane Cornell said. “We are reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt.”” No details about the ‘subsystem’ that was involved.

Bezos ‘very optimistic’ about Trump’s space agenda. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““Elon has been very clear that he’s doing this for the public interest and not for his personal gain. And I take him at face value,” Bezos told Reuters, adding later he is “very optimistic” about President-elect Trump’s space policy.”

What time is SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 launch test on Jan. 15? Space.com article. Nice detailed description about mission. Pull quote: “SpaceX is scheduled to launch of its Starship Flight 7 mission at 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) on Wednesday, Jan. 15, -- two days later than an earlier Jan. 13 target -- from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas. The mission will mark the seventh test flight of a SpaceX Starship, but it's the first of a new design for the rocket that includes significant upgrades. If all goes well, the company will attempt to catch the Starship rocket's huge Super Heavy booster at its launch site as it did last fall.”

Dementia Cases to Double in the U.S. MedPageToday.com article. Pull quote: “The analysis extends existing research by quantifying the growth of incident dementia, incorporating trends that likely will be driven by the Baby Boom generation reaching older ages, the researchers said. The findings highlight the importance of strategies to reduce dementia risk and address racial inequities in healthcare, they added.”