Despite declining confidence in CDC, FDA, and NIH, Americans' confidence in their own healthcare providers remains high. A recent survey found that 87% of respondents trust their doctor or nurse to provide trustworthy information about public health, while confidence in these agencies has declined to 59-64%.
A nationally representative survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that two-thirds of Americans favor banning glyphosate due to its potential health risks. The survey also shows that support for a ban cuts across political and ideological groups, with 70% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats in favor.
A new survey finds that opposition to local data centers has risen sharply among US adults, with 61% opposing construction in their areas. Meanwhile, views on artificial intelligence remain stable, with 39% expressing concerns about its impact.
A new study found that hypertension patients are more likely to follow doctors' recommendations for medication than make lifestyle changes. The Health Belief Model suggests that perceptions of personal risk and disease severity influence treatment intentions.
A new study found that conspiracy beliefs are more likely to translate into real-world behavior when held with greater certainty or regarded as personally important. The researchers also discovered that viewing conspiracy theories as 'actionable' further amplifies this tendency.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
Research from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that serving on a jury improves attitudes toward courts and judges. However, with jury trials becoming increasingly rare, opportunities for Americans to participate are shrinking. The authors suggest expanding civic education as an alternative path to rebuilding public trust.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.
A new survey finds that Americans are broadly pessimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with only 17% believing it will have a positive impact on the United States over the next decade. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say the government has done too little to regulate AI, and there is bipartisan support for regulation.
A nationally representative survey found that nearly 7 in 10 people trust vaccine scientists to act in their best interests, similar to medical scientists and scientists in general. The public perceives vaccine scientists as credible, self-correcting, and unbiased, with their work benefiting society.
A majority of Americans value U.S. membership in NATO and consider it a meaningful security asset, but views are sharply divided along partisan lines. Democrats are more supportive of NATO than Republicans, who hold less favorable views on the alliance's benefits to U.S. security.
Public awareness of the link between drinking alcohol and elevated cancer risk has remained unchanged since February 2025, with over half of Americans acknowledging that regular consumption increases cancer risk. The new US dietary guidelines do not mention this link, sparking criticism from health experts.
A multidisciplinary team proposes three principles for responsible authorship: transparency, credit, and accountability. The guidelines aim to address issues like gift or honorific authorship, ghost authorship, and coercive authorship, and promote a culture of trustworthiness in science.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that a strong majority of Americans view the MMR vaccine as safe relative to other vaccines. However, the number of people holding this view is below the threshold required for community immunity, which is worrisome.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant women to protect their newborns, while a monoclonal antibody injection is also available for high-risk infants. Most experts agree that RSV immunizations should be recommended for these groups due to the severity of the illness they can cause.
The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.
The number of US pertussis cases has surged sixfold since the pandemic began, with over 26,600 reported in 2024. Many Americans are unaware of whooping cough symptoms or that a vaccine exists to prevent it. Despite widespread agreement on the causes and risks of the disease, vaccination rates remain low.
A new white paper by biostatistician Professor Jeffrey S. Morris analyzes the multicomponent US vaccine safety monitoring system, including VAERS and other components. The study suggests improvements to enhance the system's effectiveness and sustain a robust safety monitoring infrastructure.
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.
A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.
A survey of adults in the US found that most people prefer the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidance on vaccine safety over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), citing concerns about the CDC's recent changes to its website. According to the survey, 35% of Americans would accept the AMA's recommendation, while...
Researchers tested a 'mental model' approach to counter unwarranted fears about mRNA technology. The study found that exposing people to visual models of how vaccines work and/or how cells protect DNA from foreign fragments undercuts the effect of exposure to misconceptions.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey finds that most American adults are unclear about the dangers of measles and the value of vaccination. The survey also shows a decline in support for MMR vaccination among parents, from 90% in November 2024 to 82% in August 2025.
A recent survey found that only 38% of US adults recommend taking a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy, while only 42% believe it is safe. Women aged 18-49 are even less likely to support vaccination, with 36% and 28% respectively, suggesting a decline in vaccination rates among childbearing women.
Despite an increase in US cases, worry about West Nile virus remains low, with only 15% of respondents concerned about contracting the disease. The vast majority know the best defense is preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes around their homes.
Public confidence in US health agencies has declined, with sharp decreases among Democrats, according to a new survey. Most Americans lack confidence in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ability to provide trustworthy public health information, but have more trust in Dr. Anthony Fauci.
A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.
The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey finds that Americans' knowledge of civics has increased, with over two-thirds able to name all three branches of government. However, trust in the Supreme Court continues to deteriorate, with nearly 60% holding little or no trust.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.
A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.
Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically generate HIV prevention and testing campaign messages for counties in the US, leveraging real-time social media data. The method was tested in three studies, showing that AI-selected messages were perceived as more actionable and effective by target audiences than control messages.
A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults consider AI-generated summaries to be somewhat or very reliable, while another 45% say they sometimes give them the answer they need. However, half of respondents are not comfortable with healthcare providers using AI tools.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that nearly half of Americans believe women should begin regular mammograms at age 40, while younger women are less certain. Women aged 18-29 were most likely to choose an incorrect age, with 27% selecting 30 years old as the start age.
High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, according to the CDC. Few U.S. adults can correctly identify what blood pressure reading is considered high (130/80 mmHg). Despite prevalence, many people mistakenly believe high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms or can be identified by feeling calm and relaxed.
A recent survey found that over 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine for children outweigh the risks, despite a current measles outbreak. The survey also showed that vaccination rates are dropping and many people lack knowledge about measles symptoms and prevention.
A majority of Americans support the role of courts and Congress as checks on presidential power, with high trust in institutions and a desire for judicial independence. Trust in the U.S. Supreme Court has declined since the 2022 Dobbs decision, but remains higher than other branches of government.
Research finds that comprehensive drug policies, including harm reduction measures, are positively associated with perceptions of governmental support and trust in local government. In rural US communities, residents' trust in their local government increases when they perceive the government as supportive of these policies.
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that over half of Americans believe drinking alcohol increases their chances of developing cancer. The Surgeon General's advisory on alcohol and cancer risk also contributed to increased public awareness, with nearly 3 in 10 respondents saying they would be less likely to accept a dr...
Approximately 1,900 US scientists warn that the Trump administration's actions are slowing scientific advances and harming Americans. The experts argue that gutting funding for research, firing scientists, and removing public access to data will damage the economy and national security.
Researchers found that people prefer to share information that enhances others' positive self-views, especially if the other person has a likable or neutral personality. However, this tendency disappears when the other person is perceived as dislikable or when the goal of providing accurate information is emphasized.
Researchers at Annenberg Public Policy Center found that using 'I Will Vote' stickers significantly enhances voting intentions and attitudes towards voting. The study suggests that a future-oriented perspective promotes thoughts about outcomes and planning, strengthening citizens' capacity to successfully perform the intended behavior.
Consuming raw milk and its products increases the risk of foodborne illness, including from Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have detected H5N1 bird flu in raw milk, posing a risk to human health.
A recent survey found that over a third of US adults with guns do not store all of them in locked locations. This increases the risk of accidental death, suicide, and child access. Additionally, younger adults and those with children are more likely to report storing their guns in a safe manner.