Recent content from Jeremy Olson
Federal funding cuts at University of Minnesota antiviral research center leave researchers scrambling
Researchers were stunned this week by the loss of funding, which supported the search for better antivirals against COVID-19 and other infections.
Feds cut $226M in Minnesota aid for COVID public health response
State health commissioner says the unprecedented cuts give Minnesota no time to adjust and assess impact on public health programs.
On the cusp of spring migration, Walz urges $4M bird flu defense
Spring bird migration presents a new opportunity for transmission of H5N1 in birds and dairy cows.
Minnesota's first case of measles this year identified during travel to D.C.
Measles vaccinations are declining in Minnesota, but the current case is "rare" illness in a vaccinated individual.
University of Minnesota doctors-in-training move to unionize
Residents work long hours for relatively low pay, and are at risk for burnout, but organizing movement aims to change that.
Dismissed VA workers get jobs back, are placed on leave
Unions decry inefficiency of firing workers and then putting them on paid leave while court dispute lingers.
AG brokers new talks over future of Fairview, Essentia and academic medicine in Minnesota
Keith Ellison hopes the "fresh start" of facilitated negotiations will ease tensions and disputes over the fate of the current M Health Fairview system.
Lawmakers, unions decry 'incompetent' firings at Minneapolis VA
Even Sens. Klobuchar and Smith have been denied information on how many VA workers lost jobs as part of Trump-era budget cuts.
AG Ellison seeks more staff, tougher penalties to fight Medicaid fraud
Expansion of fraud control unit could stabilize Medicaid's public perception, buffer it from Trump administration cuts.
Five years later, long COVID remains a frustrating medical mystery for thousands of Minnesotans
As society eagerly moves on from pandemic, many continue to struggle with work and daily activities after being diagnosed with post-COVID fatigue and other symptoms.
Does your clinic measure up? Check Minnesota's quality ratings.
Quality scores dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are now at or above 2019 levels in areas such as diabetes and asthma management.
Five years later: How COVID-19 changed Minnesotans
A kickboxing nurse, a dancer who hopes to walk again and a defiant bar owner reflect how the pandemic changed lives in Minnesota.
COVID vaccine provided some protection this winter, even if only 1 in 5 Minnesotans got it
Existing immunity to the coronavirus helped keep people out of the hospital.
HCMC physician residents gain northern exposure to rural medicine
Doctors rotate through Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, gaining an interest in rural medicine or at least an appreciation for its challenges.
Lawmakers propose spending $5M to resolve $500M in Minnesotans' medical debt
The investment works because medical providers often will accept pennies on the dollar for debts that are proving costly to pursue.
University of Minnesota Alzheimer's researcher accused of manipulating images resigns
University had alerted scientific journals of "data integrity concerns" in four of Sylvain Lesné's published papers.
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Children's Minnesota testing vaccine against deadly pediatric brain cancer
The trial involves a peptide developed by Minneapolis-based biotech startup OX2 Therapeutics.
U president says Trump's health cuts 'direct attack' on research there
Rebecca Cunningham said the decision to limit "indirect" support could prove costly for health care research.
Minnesota sues to block Trump order against gender-affirming care
Executive order calls for Justice Department investigation of state's "trans refuge" law.
Minnesota reports first pediatric flu death of the season
Hospitalizations for influenza and COVID-19 have declined, but flu-related admissions remain high compared to prior seasons.
University of Minnesota study reveals high costs, red tape facing cancer survivors
Next step is "secret shopper" research to identify unnecessary barriers in medical supply system for cancer patients.
University of Minnesota, Mayo study uncovers new link between infections and heart failure
Study of more than 14,000 people from Minneapolis and three other U.S. sites transcended five decades in its search for heart failure risk factors.
How hospitals and 'sensitive areas' in Minnesota are preparing for immigration officers' presence
Change in federal policy means hospitals are no longer "sensitive" areas spared from immigration actions, but the practical effect has been minimal so far.
After 49 days, Deer River hospital workers end strike
Compromise with Essentia Health on how workers can be asked to work at other hospitals leads to ending of SEIU Healthcare's longest strike in 40 years.
Latest pharma lawsuit settlement expands low-cost insulin to more Minnesotans
Novo Nordisk is third manufacturer to agree to set monthly costs for insulin at no more than $35 for the next five years.
Maple Grove Hospital nurses vote to unionize with MNA
Addition of 600 nurses more than offsets losses for the Minnesota Nurses Association when members at Mayo Fairmont decertified from the union.
Minneapolis VA to resume hiring after exemptions from Trump hiring freeze announced
Scope of hiring freeze clarified after U.S. senator and others react to plans by the Minneapolis VA to rescind job offers.
Flu wave, which hit schools hard following holiday break, may have peaked
Minnesota might be on downside of influenza wave, but 94 schools reported outbreaks based on 10% or more of students being out sick.
Family of paralyzed teen sues Mayo Clinic over back surgery
Softball player no longer has feeling or movement below the waist following surgery to remove a tumor from her spine.
Burnsville EMTs will be among first in Minnesota to transfuse blood in the field
Ambulance rides from accident and trauma scenes delay when critically injured patients can receive blood at hospitals, so the Burnsville Fire Department is starting to administer transfusions itself.
Crowded Minnesota ERs overflow into waiting rooms amid flu surge
Strategies forced during the COVID-19 pandemic have helped hospitals respond to the latest space crunch caused by influenza and other viral illnesses.
Deer River hospital strike nearing 40th day as workers hold out for better pay, staffing
The dispute centers on a "cross-facility" proposal that would have Deer River support staff work at other Essentia locations when there are staffing needs but for the same pay as at the Deer River hospital.
Long COVID indeed: Symptoms linger after illness for four in 10 Minnesotans
State surveyors struggled to get Minnesotans to talk about their post-COVID health, but found a high rate of symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog.
Want to cross-country ski? How and where to go in a snow-deficient Minnesota winter.
There are options for Nordic skiing on machine-made snow in the Twin Cities and beyond. Here's how to get started.
Mayo research sorts if rare BRCA mutations increase breast cancer risk
Discovery establishes whether thousands of BRCA2 genetic variants are significant, giving patients peace of mind instead of uncertainty.
How a unit of donated blood linked two strangers in a lifesaving surgery
Memorial Blood Centers offered a rare look at the donation process to highlight the need for blood, especially in the winter when donations dip.
Minnesota COVID cases are rising, but it's getting harder to obtain this drug to treat it
Financial support options for Paxlovid are changing, but remain in place this winter for Medicare recipients and for others who can't afford copays and cost-sharing.
Minnesota ERs stressed by waves of COVID, flu, RSV, norovirus patients
Weekly reports of COVID-19 and influenza show rising activity, but it's the combination of multiple infectious diseases at once that's causing problems.
Minnesota abortions grow as women from out of state continue seeking them
Expanded access to medication abortions in Minnesota also drove increases among state residents, but abortions have been increasing in the state overall for years.
Prices for medical care surged in Minnesota. Here's what the state is trying to do about it.
Health care spending rose by 15%, driven by higher prices. Officials say solutions are needed to prevent Minnesotans from being priced out or delaying care they need.
Songs that were playing when people woke from comas
It's not proven that certain songs can roust people in comas, but doctors say it may help, and it can't hurt.
Wake-up call: Minnesota man emerges from coma playing air guitar to Coldplay in his hospital bed
The science remains murky on whether music and voices can rouse people from comas, but doctors see no harm in trying.
As the workforce ages, dementia is a concern. Here are ways to help those affected.
Workers often hide their cognitive struggles for fear of their employers demoting or firing them. Bank of America collaborated with the Alzheimer's Association on a report that encourages "dementia-friendly workplaces," where conversations about changes in workers' cognition levels are nonthreatening.
Slain UnitedHealthcare executive is remembered amid the fury sparked by his death
Brian Thompson became a poster boy for the failings of U.S. health insurance, but coworkers said he was smart, charitable and concerned about people.
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Audit faults Minnesota for lax collection of $40M from nursing homes, medical providers
State says debts are from providers who have been sold or shut down, but audit says it could still try harder to collect.
Support workers set to strike at Essentia Health hospital in Deer River
Work stoppage, scheduled to begin Monday, is centered on pay and staffing demands.
Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO revives criticism of company's medical claim denials
Some mourn the shooting of chief executive but still have scorn for the insurance company he ran.
Allina faces fines over hospital nurses hurt by violence
State labor department proposes more than $83,000 in fines related to 16 incidents, but Allina has appealed them.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest insurer, is owned by parent company UnitedHealth Group. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday.
Defying the trend, Blue Earth hospital expands maternity services and attracts new patients
Success comes amid declines at neighboring Mayo hospital that is struggling with staffing and closing underused units.
Blood donors urgently needed in Minnesota to weather the holiday lull
Collection events and donor appointments decline over Thanksgiving, stretching blood supplies for Minnesota hospitals.
Nursing home groups sue Minnesota to block new workforce standards, holiday pay rules
Challenge moves a year-long dispute over the legitimacy of the state's nursing home standards board into federal court.
Spine surgeon built Burnsville campus to operate on patients others deemed too risky
Pioneering surgeon has run afoul of Fairview Health Services, though, which suspended his hospital privileges amid an investigation of his patient care.
Amid uncertainty about the future, more Minnesotans seek long-acting birth control
Some young adults aren't waiting to find out whether access to birth control could be curtailed under the incoming administration.
Transplant at Mayo Clinic replaces 85% of patient's face after more than 50 hours of surgery
Mayo's second-ever face replacement surgery in Rochester involved the work of more than 80 health professionals over three days.
Reversing Minnesota's declining birthrate is costly — and controversial
Chronic health conditions and decisions to delay pregnancies mean state may have to rely on methods like immigration to grow.
Drug study on blood loss prevention may enroll Minnesota trauma patients without consent
National study of emergency patients will seek to determine if earlier drug therapy will slow bleeding and save lives of trauma victims.
Second Trump presidency raises big questions for Minnesota health care
Observers say Trump administration may make changes to the Affordable Care Act, while Kennedy will seek government data on vaccine safety and other topics.
Minnesotans may get money back in settlements with generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing
Price-fixing allegations lead to settlements with generic drugmakers
Minnesota sees COVID-19 lull this fall, pneumonia in kids
Walking pneumonia up COVID in lull Minnesota
Public health officials debate how to respond to loss of trust after pandemic
Minneapolis hosted national conference at an inflection point for public health and its ability to navigate the U.S. through epidemics, diseases.
Minneapolis nonprofit aims to boost organ donation among men, who lag behind women
Marketing campaign seizes on research that "big-hearted" Minnesota men will sign up to donate if they know more about transplants and recipients.
Analysis finds that after 2 years GLP-1 drugs for weight loss don't justify their price
Study of those who started taking blockbuster weight loss drugs in 2021 suggests patients need support services, not just the medications.
Mayo Clinic completes its first paired liver donation for transplantation
Option could increase transplant options for patients whose friends, relatives aren't good matches for living donations.
U of M expanding research of experimental treatment that saved COVID-19 patients
A spinoff company has been formed to produce a hormone supplement that reduces lung damage, but researchers still need to convince federal regulators of its safety and effectiveness.
Here's how to update your home office to avoid costly pain
From carpal tunnel wrist injuries to "dead-butt" syndrome, desk workers are at greater risk of strain because of poor posture while telecommuting. There are ways to make your home office more ergonomic that are as simple as talking to your HR Department or buying a wireless mouse.
Minneapolis couple allege Fairview sent placenta, not stillborn baby's remains, to funeral home
Grieving couple allege in lawsuit they received a cremated placenta rather than the remains of the daughter they lost due to pregnancy complications at 22 weeks.
U Medical School to study genetic solutions to back pain
Research seeks to identify genetic triggers that can change a person's susceptibility to back pain and resulting complications.
Surgery delays continue as Minnesota hospitals grapple with IV solution shortage
Hurricane Helene damaged Baxter's North Carolina plant that makes 60% of the U.S.'s supply of IV fluids, and Hurricane Milton is threatening another fluid manufacturer B. Braun Medical operates.
Telehealth remains popular in Minnesota, does not lower quality of care: MDH report
Telehealth visits are commonplace in primary care clinics, and research finds no harms to cost and quality of care in Minnesota.
Some elective surgeries in Minn. delayed amid hurricane-related shortage of medical fluids
Supply chain for IV fluids exposed as vulnerable after Hurricane Helene forces shutdown of manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
Minnesota medical debt protections kick in, shielding some consumers from collectors
Attorney general encourages Minnesotans to take advantage of free legal clinic Saturday to learn about options for resolving medical debt.
New calming room in Minnesota to serve as ER alternative
Medica, Emma Norton partner on new facility intended to reduce ER visits for mental health crises.
Mayo halting baby deliveries, inpatient pediatric surgeries in Fairmont
Cuts to southwest Minnesota hospital match those happening statewide as health systems grapple with worker shortages, demographic changes.
Minnesota's measles outbreak was bad but could've been worse
Health officials say the recent outbreak of the highly contagious virus looked bad this summer, but optimism is growing they may have contained it.
