Maine’s coastal economy depends on science money that comes from Washington. When federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and NASA receive cuts, the ripple effects hit fishermen in Portland, aquaculture farms in Brunswick, and towns such as Machias that rely on data to protect t
Health volunteers who support pilgrims during Hajj must understand heatstroke because the desert climate can push bodies into danger quickly. The disease happens when the body cannot cool itself, often after long walks or standing in the sun for many hours. Older pilgrims and those with chronic illn
Health insurers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to streamline claims, detect fraud, and predict patient needs. But who keeps an eye on how these powerful tools are being applied? A growing number of regulators and watchdog groups are stepping up their scrutiny. The Centers for
Health care in the United States costs almost one‑fifth of the country’s economic output, far more than other rich nations. The reasons lie in how the system is organized, funded and run, rather than in medical technology alone. Across the world there are four main ways to deliver health services.
Health systems often find it hard to use local and published data to make quick decisions, especially in areas like primary care that change fast. The idea of learning healthcare systems (LHS) suggests that learning should happen all the time through real-world use. But putting this into practice wi
Maine's kids are struggling with reading, and it's a big deal. If they can't read well by the end of third grade, they're more likely to drop out of high school and live in poverty. The latest test scores show that 74% of Maine's fourth graders are behind. That's a huge number, and it's worrying bec
Maine's air quality is in trouble. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to undo a key rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions. This rule was put in place in 2009 to protect public health. Now, with this rule gone, Maine might see more pollution coming from other states. Maine alr
Maine faces a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. While there's a lot of talk about illegal immigration, domestic violence is a much bigger problem. The state's own reports show that violent crime is going down, but domestic violence is not. In fact, it's a major part of many serious crimes in
Health leaders see AI as a tool that can change how care is done. Many think it will help doctors, nurses and back‑office staff save time and give patients better outcomes. Yet most teams are still testing ideas instead of using AI across the whole organization. The real power of AI comes when peop
Maine Republicans stand at a crossroads after two recent defeats in the governor’s race. The party must rethink its strategy if it hopes to win again. A fresh voice has emerged in the primary: Owen McCarthy, who promises bold ideas and a realistic plan for governing. McCarthy’s vision focuses
