Detail of boxes with the U.S. donated Johnson & Johnson vaccine against Covid-19 at Universidad de Baja California on June 17, 2021 in Tijuana, Baja California. ; Credit: Francisco Vega/Getty Images

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Annabelle De St. Maurice from University of California Los Angeles/Mattel Children’s hospital.

Topics today include:

• J&J says its vaccine is effective against Delta variant

  • J&J vaccine lasts at least 8 months

• WHO says all vaccines it authorized should be recognized by reopening countries

• White House says it will miss July 4 vaccination goal

• Postpartum depression on the rise during the pandemic

• Experts believe Novavax may play a role in combating vaccine hesitancy

• Delta variant is not driving a surge in hospitalization rates in England

Guest: 

Annabelle De St. Maurice, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases and the co-chief infection prevention officer at University of California Los Angeles/Mattel Children’s hospital; she tweets @destmauricemd

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Rita Moreno, as seen in the documentary “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.”

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms.

• "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It," at Laemmle’s theaters (Newhall, Town Center 5, NoHo 7, Claremont 5, Playhouse 7) and other select theaters 

• "Les Nôtres," at Laemmle’s Royal and Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema 

• "Rise Again: Tulsa And The Red Summer," premieres on National Geographic June 18 at 6pm PT & on Hulu June 19

• "Luca," at the El Capitan Theater (Hollywood) & Disney+

• "The Sparks Brothers," in wide release 

• "Sisters on Track," on Netflix June 24

• "Fatherhood," on Netflix

• "Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation," at Landmark’s Nuart Theater & Virtual cinemas 

• "Sweet Thing," Laemmle’s Royal and Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema

• "Summer of 85," at Laemmle’s theaters (Playhouse 7, Royal and Town Center 5) 

• "12 Mighty Orphans" in wide release

Our FilmWeek critics have been curating personal lists of their favorite TV shows and movies to binge-watch during self-quarantine. You can see recommendations from each of the critics and where you can watch them here.

With guest host John Horn 

Guests:

Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA); she tweets @ClaudiaPuig

Lael Loewenstein, film critic for KPCC and film columnist for the Santa Monica Daily Press; she tweets @LAELLO

Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor

Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Residents and businesses affected by severe storms and tornado on Oct. 26 in Catawba County can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills announced today. Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from North Carolina Gov. Beverly E. Perdue on Nov. 12, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Lincoln County and the adjacent counties of Burke, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell and Mecklenburg in North Carolina.

The Institute of Medicine today presented the Gustav O. Lienhard Award to Linda Aiken, Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, for her rigorous research demonstrating the importance of nursing care and work environments in achieving safe, effective, patient-centered, and affordable health care.

The increase in the number of children from low-income families who are receiving federal disability benefits for speech and language disorders over the past decade parallels the rise in the prevalence of these disorders among all U.S. children, says a new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

When it comes to COVID-19 testing, questions remain about which of the tests available are reliable, how much testing is needed, and how to ensure access to testing. The latest COVID-19 Conversations webinar explored the challenges ahead.

Only about 4 million people live in the Arctic, but despite its relatively small population, the region is hugely consequential.

Two new companion reports from a World Health Organization expert panel provide recommendations to the scientific community on the use of human genome editing. The panel’s work was informed by a 2020 report written by an international commission under the auspices of NAS, NAM, and the U.K.’s Royal Society.

The U.S. surgeon general has released a public advisory calling misinformation a “serious threat to public health.” The National Academies have been addressing misinformation in health and science on multiple fronts and are taking steps to help cultivate a fact- and evidence-based information environment.

The National Academies are partnering with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to administer a new funding opportunity that aims to recognize and further the leadership and scientific accomplishments of excellent biomedical researchers who — through outreach, mentoring, and teaching — have a record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their fields.

As U.S. life expectancy falls and the nation struggles to achieve health outcomes on par with other high-income countries, the VA and HHS should collaborate to create a national Center for Whole Health Innovation to support, scale, and spread whole health care nationally across health systems.

This week, ESET experts released several research publications that shine the spotlight on a number of notable campaigns and broader developments on the threat landscape

Prior to joining the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF), I knew a few basic things about grains: They provide fiber. They are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The new Alveolab is the first Alveograph instrument able to analyze whole wheat doughs for all rheological characteristics: tenacity, extensibility, elasticity, and baking strength.

Last fall, I attended the whole-grains presentation session at the American Association of Cereal Chemists International (AACCI). I took away a few highlights pertinent to the entire grain-processing industry that I’d like to share.

The all-natural popcorn snacks are now available at stores in the Sunshine State.

The oils meet World Health Organization standards on industrial-produced trans-fatty acids.

Wholesome Goodness’ gluten-free Sweet Chili & Omega Tortilla Chips are made with a blend of whole-grain corn and a medley of whole ancient grains.

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new concept for high-protein bars with a natural positioning.

The bread brand is aimed at the BFY market with zero added sugar, non-GMO ingredients, and high fiber content.

Wholly Wholesome's new pie shells and rolled pie dough contains clean-label ingredients that consumers would find in their own kitchens.

Solely has introduced two products this September at Target, Sprouts, and Thrive Market.

The brand is offering its Spooky Pizookie dessert, as well as its Big Twist Pretzel with beer cheese.

Nearly 15 years ago, a definition for whole grains was developed, based on scientific information from the American Association of Cereal Chemists (now AACC International). 

Ingredient manufacturers offer a diversity of whole grains to build nutritional appeal in today’s snack foods and baked goods.

The brand, known for its cookies made from minimal ingredients, will now be available in 500+ Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S.

Soozy’s Grain-Free has officially announced the availability of its bread and bagel product lines.

This week's Fun Friday includes a bagel with no holes, the most popular pizza chains by state, and more.

As a dietitian and mom, I know first-hand that whole-grain breads and snack products have lots of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer. 

The brand is introducing a trio of burrito varieties, making restaurant-quality frozen food more accessible.

The waffles are available in three flavors, including the first-to-market savory Cheesy Waffle.

‘Going from good to great’ is a pervasive theme at Phoenix-based Capistrano’s Bakery. So is the phrase, ‘It Can Be Done.’ This rather quiet, wholesale artisan baker works hard to ensure that its products are tasty, innovative and what its customers want. 

Since grains are the cornerstone of a healthful, plant-based diet, and the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the bedrock for nutrition policy in the U.S., the baking industry is well-positioned to make powerful, positive changes for the health of America's families.

These are the Dead Men that PM columnist Dan Holohan holds in high esteem.

Sherlock Holmes has always been one of my favorite fictional characters. I envied how he would notice each detail and use every one of his senses to solve the crime. 

How’s that for a title? I’ll give you the answer right up front: Everyone!  And the best part is you don’t have to know what you’re doing; you just have to show up.

Regardless of the specific industry or job, lone workers face unique occupational risks due to their isolation from others.

OSHA ordered the Maersk Line to reinstate the seaman and pay $457,759 in back wages, interest, compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages. 

Each year, the families and friends of fallen workers, and organizations observe April 28 as Workers Memorial Day.

Mike Ettenberg, Founder of Frontline, is a retired firefighter tired of losing or destroying his designer shades in the heat of the frontlines. 

With wine capturing high eCommerce user penetration in the past couple of years, experts examine the demographic factors and consumer behavior driving online wine purchases.

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled their Top 10 anticipated food and beverage trends for 2025 in the retailer’s 10th annual Trends predictions report. 

Whole Moon announced the launch of its new product line that delivers creamy taste and whole protein through its proprietary whole ingredient process, it says.

Aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages are safe, according to a definitive new finding issued jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The WHO and FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed decades of high-quality evidence and real-world consumption data, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at which aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the course of an entire lifetime.

With more than 1,100 employees who serve Greater Houston, including the counties of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery, Silver Eagle Houston has built a portfolio of alcohol and non-alcohol products, led by Anheuser-Busch, Constellation Brands and Mark Anthony Brands, that hits all the key needs of its consumers.

POSSIBLE, a leader in innovative health solutions, announced the release of its newest product: Whole Food Electrolyte powder. 

Dave Turner is an innovative small business leader and motorcycle race team manager

Raquel Lavender is recognized for over two decades of hard work in the residential real estate sector

Ms. Amaireny Lantigua Tejeda is lauded for her contributions to Global Financial Impact as a financial professional and insurance specialist

Thomas J. Underwood is noted for his work as the president and owner of Underwood Professional Development Inc.