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May 24, 2026
SPH This Week.
Latest News, Research, and More
RESEARCH
A new study led by Kimberly Nelson found that adolescents who were aware of their state’s minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, suggesting that teens’ accurate knowledge of their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services may be more important than the laws providing this right. Read more.
SCHOOL NEWS
Senator John Keenan and his staff from the Massachusetts state legislature enlisted the help of students in Jacey Greece’s communications strategies course to devise interventions to draw attention to the health risks of sports betting in the commonwealth. Read more.
RESEARCHA new study by Jonathan Buonocore shows that direct air capture is, and will continue to be, one of the most expensive ways to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and using it may actually increase health harms. Read more. |
AWARDSPatricia Fabian was honored for data-driven research and collaborative leadership in environmental health that directly advanced resilience, equity and public health policy in Boston. Read more. |
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As this is the first time in US history that the ability for minors to independently consent to care is being revoked, it is critical that researchers assess the effect of these reversions on clinical practice, access to care, and health outcomes among minors.
KIMBERLY NELSON
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SCIENCES, ON NEW STUDY LINKING ADOLESCENTS' AWARENESS OF MINOR CONSENT LAWS TO INCREASED HIV/STI TESTING.
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PUBLIC HEALTH POST
Public health doesn't have a messaging problem. It has a proximity problem, rooted in the gap between lived experience and evidence, writes Monica Wang, PHP editor-at-large and associate professor of community health sciences. Read more.
PUBLIC HEALTH POST
Adolescents who consumed energy drinks daily were more likely to report alcohol consumption, vaping, and violent behaviors, writes PHP fellow Farah Nimeri. Read more.
Keep up with SPH on Instagram.
How has it been a week already? SPH content creator Jack Mellom signs off with a fit check ahead of Convocation on Saturday, May 16, and is joined by SPH's Matt Motta! Check out the clip.
In the Media.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
Quotes Monica Wang, associate professor of community health sciences.
THE BULWARK
Quotes Sarah Gordon, associate professor of health law, policy & managment.
SCIENMAG
Mentions research by Kimberly Nelson, associate professor of community health sciences.
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