News Above the Noise—Week of April 20, 2025
1. Harvard Rejects Trump Administration’s Demands
Harvard has rejected a sweeping list of demands from the Trump administration that struck at the heart of what the university sees as its core values: academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and constitutional rights. In response, the federal government froze more than $2.2 billion in funding, with billions more at risk. University leaders considered the proposals a direct threat to Harvard’s academic freedom and institutional independence — and decided the cost of compliance was far greater than the financial hit. The clash marks the most public defiance yet by a major university as Trump targets higher education in his second term. Learn more here.
2. A New Way to See Alzheimer’s Coming
A new blood-based biomarker has shown promise in tracking cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, offering the potential for earlier detection and better monitoring of the disease's progression. This breakthrough could change the way Alzheimer’s is diagnosed and treated, providing hope for more effective interventions before significant cognitive loss occurs. With this advance, the fight against Alzheimer’s may be entering a new, more proactive phase. Click here for more insights.
3. The Hidden Burden of Grandparents
As childcare costs skyrocket, more grandparents are stepping in to care for their grandchildren, offering essential support to working parents. The rising burden is taking a toll, stretching their finances, delaying retirement, and reshaping what it means to grow older in America. This challenge is forcing families to rethink the balance between work, care, and aging in a society that often overlooks caregivers and elderly. For more, click here.
4. CT Scans: Saving Lives or Causing Cancer?
A new study reveals that CT scans could be responsible for approximately 5% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. annually. While CT scans are often crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, medical experts are urging more cautious use, especially when alternatives like MRIs or ultrasounds might suffice. The most vulnerable? Children, who face a significantly higher risk due to their developing bodies and longer life expectancy. Learn more about the risks here.
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