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Health and Medicine

Health and medicine research improves lives and well-being. The National Academies provide trusted guidance on medical research, public health, health systems, and disease prevention to improve care and outcomes. Explore research that advances science, informs policy, and catalyzes action to achieve optimal health for all.

What's happening

Updating Crisis Standards of Care — New Publication

Announcement

The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent emergencies offered a nationwide opportunity to examine how crisis standards of care frameworks functioned in practice, when usual health care operations had to adapt substantially and emergency demand vied for limited resources. A new rapid expert consultation from the National Academies reviews those experiences, identifies gaps and emerging challenges, and highlights opportunities to strengthen future crisis standards of care.

Aug 12, 2026

Healthcare worker wearing protective mask and glasses in a Hospital COVID ward.

Integrating AI in Cancer Research and Care

Announcement

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform oncology, from discovering new biological targets to enhancing diagnostics and treatments. This publication provides an overview of discussions at a recent National Academies workshop about how to integrate AI into cancer care, exploring issues such as data security and patient privacy, patient safety, transparency of decision-making, and ethical use of AI.

Aug 3, 2026

Abstract technological background in vibrant colors with blur. Used for: Policy Issues for Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research and Care: A Workshop

FAA Urged to Revise its Approach to Radiation Exposure for Flight Crewmembers; Current Approaches Are Insufficient, Says New Report

News Release

During flights, airplane crews are exposed to cosmic radiation, yet regulatory protections for these workers are insufficient, and a lack of data complicates efforts to better understand the occupational risks to health and safety. A new National Academies report recommends actions to strengthen monitoring, communication, research, and safety practices.

Jun 12, 2026

Featured Publications

Advancing Quality and Financing of Digital Tools for Youth Mental Health: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief

Proceedings

2026

Advancing Precision Medicine for Brain Disorders: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities: Proceedings of a Workshop

Proceedings

2026

Airside Automated Ground Vehicle Systems at U.S. Airports: Adoption Framework

2026

Airside Automated Ground Vehicle Systems at U.S. Airports: Implementation Playbook

2026

Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures

Consensus Study Report

2026

Post-Implementation Evaluation of Transportation Projects: Conduct of Research

2026

Post-Implementation Evaluation of Transportation Projects

2026

Updating Standards for Systematic Reviews: Proceedings of a Webinar Series—in Brief

2026

Forum on Microbial Threats: Annual Report 2024–2025

Annual Report

2026

Assessing Radiation Exposure, Health Outcomes, and Mitigation Strategies for Flight Crewmembers

Consensus Study Report

2026

Updating Crisis Standards of Care: Examining Gaps and Opportunities: A Rapid Expert Consultation

Rapid Expert Consultation

2026

Understanding Brain–Body Interactions to Advance Brain Health: Proceedings of a Workshop

Proceedings

2026

Forum on Regenerative Medicine: 2024–2025 Combined Annual Report

Annual Report

2026

Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health: 2024–2025 Combined Annual Report

Annual Report

2026

Policy Issues for Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research and Care: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief

Proceedings

2026

The Role of Science, Technology, and Communication in Advancing Healthful Foods and Diets: Proceedings of a Workshop

Proceedings

2026

Exploring Opportunities to Improve Patient Access to Care Through Strategic Changes to Graduate Medical Education Policy: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief

Proceedings

2026

Approaches for Transitioning from Disease-Specific Programs to Integrated, Country-Led Health Care Systems: A Rapid Expert Consultation

Rapid Expert Consultation

2026

Toward Sustainable Country-Led Population Health Surveys: A Rapid Expert Consultation

Rapid Expert Consultation

2026

Addressing Travel Needs of Women and Families on Public Transportation

2026

Featured work

Alcohol at Sea

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Overall Aircraft Cabin Air Quality

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Empty seat Plane social distance flying during Covid-19

Subtopics

Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition

Diseases and Conditions

Health Care

Medical Technology

Pharmaceuticals

Public Health

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What's happening

Featured Publications

Featured work

Alcohol at Sea

Response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies Proposed Rule

Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures

Assessment of Department of Veterans Affairs Physical and Mental Health Examinations and the Department's Schedule of Rating Disabilities for Disability Compensation Claims Related to Military Sexual Trauma

Sickle Cell Disease in Social Security Disability Evaluations

Advancing the Field of Forensic Pathology: Lessons Learned from Death in Custody Investigations

Focus on Myopia – Pathogenesis and Rising Incidence

Science for Judges - Development of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, 4th Edition

Formalizing Best Practices for Data Governance of Life Science Data in Central Asia

Finding What Works in Health Care: Updating Standards for Systematic Reviews

Research and Technology Coordinating Committee (Federal Highway Administration)

Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space (CBPSS)

Derivative Product – National Academies Biomedical Ethics Reports

Response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CY 2027 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies Proposed Rule

Meeting of Experts: Discussion of Cannabis Use and Operational Fitness Policy for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

Examination of the Direct Neurocognitive Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Across the Lifespan and Implications for U.S. Military and Veteran Health

Ensuring Access to High-Quality Primary Care in the United States

NextGen Oil Spill Research Community of Practice and Webinar Series

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Late Effects for Social Security Disability Evaluation

Overall Aircraft Cabin Air Quality

Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health

Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Implications for the Social Security Administration

Operationalizing Sustainable Development

Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Applied Research Topics

Future Directions for Applying Behavioral Economics to Policy

Review of EPA's 2022 Draft Formaldehyde Assessment

Enhancing Coordination Between Land-Grant Universities and Colleges

Environmental Impact of Currently Marketed Sunscreens and Potential Human Impacts of Changes in Sunscreen Usage

Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium

Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities: Phase 2 Pilot Execution

Assessment of Department of Veterans Affairs Physical and Mental Health Examinations and the Department's Schedule of Rating Disabilities for Disability Compensation Claims Related to Military Sexual Trauma

Advancing the Field of Forensic Pathology: Lessons Learned from Death in Custody Investigations

Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health

Supporting the Whole Student: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education

Committee on Integrating New Behavioral Health Measures into the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Data Collection Programs

Examination of the Integration of Opioid and Infectious Disease Prevention Efforts in Select Programs

Development of a Protocol to Evaluate the Concomitant Prescribing of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Medications and Veterans Deaths and Suicides

Review of Specific Programs in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for prescribing opioids for acute pain

Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Implications for the Social Security Administration

Creating a Framework for Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health and Medicine

Vaccine Research and Development Recommendations for Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Preparedness and Response

Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about Biological Threats through Scientific Collaboration and Communication in Southeast Asia

Promoting Emotional Well-Being and Resilience

Scientific Review of the Feasibility of Mycoherbicides in Eradicating Illicit Drug Crops

Review of Adverse Effects of Vaccines

COVID-19 Stories of Resilience Across the State of Texas

Partnership for Evidence-based Response to COVID-19 with Resolve to Save Lives

Clinical Trials of Far UV to Reduce Indoor Transmission of Respiratory Infections

Assessment of Department of Veterans Affairs Physical and Mental Health Examinations and the Department's Schedule of Rating Disabilities for Disability Compensation Claims Related to Military Sexual Trauma

Sickle Cell Disease in Social Security Disability Evaluations

Science for Judges - Development of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, 4th Edition

Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable Webinars

Examination of the Integration of Opioid and Infectious Disease Prevention Efforts in Select Programs

Development of a Protocol to Evaluate the Concomitant Prescribing of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Medications and Veterans Deaths and Suicides

Assessment of the Available Scientific Data Regarding the Safety and Effectiveness of Ingredients Used in Compounded Topical Pain Creams

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): From Research Discoveries to Clinical Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for prescribing opioids for acute pain

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Late Effects for Social Security Disability Evaluation

Biological and Biomedical Applications of Stem Cell Research

State of Human H5N1 Therapeutics: A Rapid Expert Consultation

State of Human H5N1 Diagnostics: A Rapid Expert Consultation

Engaging a Trusted Scientific Network in Southeast Asia to Counter Misleading Information about Biological Threats

Analysis to Enhance the Effectiveness of the Federal Quarantine Station Network based on Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Addressing the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Families

Global Coordination, Partnerships, and Financing Recommendations for Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Preparedness and Response

Vaccine Research and Development Recommendations for Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Preparedness and Response

Public Health Interventions and Countermeasures for Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Preparedness and Response

Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about Biological Threats through Scientific Collaboration and Communication in Southeast Asia

Study on the Use of Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Late Effects for Social Security Disability Evaluation

Principles and Framework to Guide the Development of Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for Face and Hand Transplants