Axios

In the last decade, the rate of twin births has declined in the U.S., per CDC data.

The big picture: Early use of IVF contributed to a national twin baby boom. But once fertility treatments got more advanced, doctors increasingly recommended transferring a single embryo to reduce pregnancy risks.

Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic primary for Senate raises the prospect of a rare new addition to the upper chamber: a progressive doctor — albeit one who doesn't practice medicine.

Why it matters: El-Sayed's medical degree and his experience in public health could bring a powerful new perspective to Washington health care debates — particularly those around Medicare for All, which he staunchly supports.

As America's dry spell stretches on, one of our most reliable forms of social glue is drying up with it: hanging out at a bar.

Why it matters: Americans are drinking less to protect their health, improve their sleep and feel sharper. But we still need "third places" outside home and work where people can gather without much of a plan.

At Axios House in Cannes, France on June 24, Eric Weisberg, global chief creative officer at Havas Health Network, sat down with executive vice president of Axios Live Kristin Burkhalter to discuss Havas' latest report on the "superaging" era.

Drawing on data from the network's prosumer research, tracking insights from 10,000 forward-thinking consumers across eight countries, Weisberg broke down how global attitudes toward growing older have transformed, turning the $33 trillion longevity economy into an engine for brands across every industry.

Three suspected cases of the rare tick-borne illness tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," have been identified on Long Island, Suffolk County health officials said Monday.

Why it matters: The rare illness can be caught while mowing your lawn and comes at a time when tick-borne illnesses are sharply rising in the United States.

Big drug companies have been buying scrappy biotechs to expand their pipelines, but the potential megamerger between AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb could flip that script.

Why it matters: Combining two drug giants with overlapping portfolios could put cost efficiencies ahead of innovation.

After decades of diminishing recess time, half of U.S. states now require it or other physical activity by law.

Why it matters: Yes, recess is literally child's play. But researchers, pediatricians and parents say it's crucial for young students' physical and mental health.

AstraZeneca has had merger talks with Bristol-Myers Squibb, according to the Financial Times.

Why it matters: A tie-up would create the world's fourth most valuable drugmaker, with around $400 billion in combined market cap.

From hospitals and clinics to doctors' offices and urgent care centers, healthcare executives and clinicians agree: staffing shortages directly compromise their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. As the American healthcare staffing gap grows, patient care inevitably suffers.

Cyclospora cases continue to rise throughout the country, with very few signs of slowing down — but it doesn't even compare to some of the biggest outbreaks in history.

The big picture: Foodborne illnesses happen all of the time, affecting one in six Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.