Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a large-scale research initiative to determine the cause of the rising autism rates in the US by September. The study, involving hundreds of scientists, will investigate various factors, including environmental toxins. Kennedy estimates that 1 in 31 children now have autism, a significant increase from previous figures. While supporting vaccinations, Kennedy's focus on potential links between vaccines and autism, despite scientific consensus to the contrary, raises concerns among experts.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.