Axios

The Trump administration took another step toward pivoting away from animal testing in biomedical research on Monday, establishing an office within the National Institutes of Health to develop and promote 3D human tissue models, computational tools and other alternatives.

Why it matters: It makes good on a pledge NIH director Jay Bhattacharya made in April 2025 and follows the launch of a Food and Drug Administration pilot program to phase out some animal testing requirements for antibody therapies and other drugs.

Senate Democrats on Tuesday are unveiling a proposal to expand Medicare drug price negotiations, in a bid to counter President Trump's election-year messaging on health care affordability.

Why it matters: High prescription drug prices are a key concern for voters ahead of the midterms — one Trump is trying to address through voluntary pricing deals with leading drug companies and with the TrumpRx website.

The U.K. plans to ban children under 16 from major social media platforms starting in 2027, joining a growing international effort to restrict minors' access.

Why it matters: Governments worldwide are increasingly pursuing social media restrictions for minors amid concerns about young people's health, wellbeing and online safety.

Searches for gray hair salons and services have surged on Yelp, according to data the platform shared with Axios.

Why it matters: America is getting older, and more people are embracing their grays rather than hiding them.

AI is already making health care more expensive, and it's probably only going to get worse.

Why it matters: For all of the ways AI could meaningfully improve patients' lives, making care more affordable isn't one of them.

Dads who throw themselves into fatherhood may also be at risk for depression, according to clinical psychologist and "Dad Brain" author Darby Saxbe.

Why it matters: That doesn't mean dads should stand down. Shared caregiving brings major benefits for kids and parents. But it does mean both parents need support.

U.S. health officials are deploying emergency measures against New World screwworm while monitoring other infectious disease risks ahead of the World Cup and America250 celebrations.

Why it matters: Health experts warn existing and proposed federal funding cuts could weaken disease surveillance and outbreak response ahead of major U.S. events.

One year of home care now costs more than twice the average retiree's annual Social Security benefits, and costs are growing much faster than inflation, according to an AARP analysis shared first with Axios.

Why it matters: Most older adults will need such personal care services, which aren't covered by Medicare. The majority wind up paying out of pocket or leaning on family members as caregivers.

House Republicans are looking at paying for Iran war costs with savings from the ongoing crackdown on fraud in federal health programs as they begin the process of assembling another party-line budget bill.

Why it matters: GOP lawmakers contend Medicare and Medicaid are rife with theft, but the new effort risks crossing the line into benefit cuts that could prompt political backlash in an election year.

Dozens of state legislatures are leading changes across the country in policies for menopause care and coverage.

Why it matters: Menopause has moved from a taboo subject to a public policy priority.