Scientists have identified a rare inherited genetic mutation that can increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer by roughly 25 times overall and by about 60 times among non-smokers, according to landmark research published in the journal Science. The study, conducted by investigators at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute alongside the 23andMe Research Institute, analyzed de-identified genetic data from more than 3.3 million individuals. Researchers identified the germline variant, known as EGFR T790M, as one of the strongest inherited risk factors for lung cancer discovered to date.

South Kivu has reported no new Ebola cases since May, adding to evidence of improvement in some affected areas. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said recent trends offered encouraging signs after months of widespread transmission. He also said the outbreak continues to expand and cause deaths. Health authorities have identified cases across 62 health zones, underscoring large differences between provinces. Declining transmission in some locations has occurred alongside sharp increases elsewhere in the country.

City health officials sampled 24 cooling towers while investigating the cluster. Ten produced positive PCR results, including the tower at Yankee Stadium at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing can detect genetic material from Legionella bacteria. However, it cannot determine whether the bacteria are alive. Only live Legionella bacteria can cause illness, and additional laboratory culture testing is underway to help determine whether viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.

The World Health Organization has urged a wider Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as transmission continues across several provinces. Congo had recorded 6,250 confirmed cases and 3,039 deaths by Sept. 1, according to the latest government figures. The outbreak has affected 60 health zones in six provinces. Authorities have also recorded 1,439 recoveries, while the case fatality rate stands at 48.6%.

Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed that the government initiated the immunization campaign utilizing doses of the Ervebo vaccine to safeguard frontline personnel operating across impacted eastern provinces.

The European Commission has expanded its Ebola response with a €2.1 million purchase of PCR tests for the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. Shipments are due to start in August as health teams confront a large outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and affecting parts of the wider region. PCR testing allows laboratories to confirm infections and support surveillance around known cases. The latest supply package adds laboratory resources at a time when authorities continue to monitor transmission across several provinces and health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.