Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Pharmacies Pressed to Meet High Demand for Flu Vaccine
New York City pharmacies struggled to meet the demand for flu vaccinations a day after a public health emergency was declared for the state.
'Velcro' blood cells target cancer
Researchers have used misshapen red blood cells to plug-up blood vessels and carry toxins to tumour cells in mice.
Americans have worse health than people in other high-income countries
On average, Americans die sooner and experience higher rates of disease and injury than people in other high-income countries.
Smaller radiation fields can spare brain when treating tumors, research finds
New research shows that patients suffering from aggressive brain tumors can be effectively treated with smaller radiation fields to spare the rest of the brain and preserve cognition.
E-games boost physical activity in children; Might be a weapon in the battle against obesity
Video games have been blamed for contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States. But a new study by researchers suggests that certain blood-pumping video games can...
Researchers foresee new treatments and diagnostics for deadly fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver, and kidney
A team of scientists has developed a playbook for ending the devastating impact of fibrotic diseases of the liver, lung, kidney, and other organs, which are responsible for as many...
Flooding preparedness needs to include infection prevention and control strategies
Clinical investigators report key findings and recommendations related to the closure and re-opening of hospitals impacted by black-water floods. The guidance builds on lessons learned from Thailand and the United...
Microscopic blood in urine unreliable indicator of urinary tract cancer
Microscopic amounts of blood in urine have been considered a risk factor for urinary tract malignant tumors. However, only a small proportion of patients referred for investigation are subsequently found...
High fiber diet prevents prostate cancer progression, study shows
The rate of prostate cancer occurrence in Asian cultures is similar to the rate in Western cultures, but in the West, prostate cancer tends to progress, whereas in Asian cultures...
Mussels inspire innovative new adhesive for surgery
(Phys.org)—Mussels can be a mouthwatering meal, but the chemistry that lets mussels stick to underwater surfaces may also provide a highly adhesive wound closure and more effective healing from surgery.
Seasonal illnesses strain Alberta hospitals, care centres
Alberta Health Services says the unusually high number of people showing up in Calgary and Edmonton emergency rooms with the flu and norovirus is causing capacity issues in hospitals.
Video: Study finds more dangers from BPA
Research shows more potential health dangers with the chemical bisphenol a or BPA. The new study shows it could affect the hearts and kidneys of children and teens. Edward Lawrence...
Study examines how news spreads on Twitter
A study of the Twitter activity of 12 major news agencies shows varying levels of success for the social network as a news-sharing tool, based on factors like article lifespan...
Drug Enables Deafened Mice to Hear Again
Treatment prompts regeneration of inner ear hair cells
Violence plays role in shorter US life expectancy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States suffers far more violent deaths than any other wealthy nation, due in part to the widespread possession of firearms and...
Dementia drugs may be riskier for men
Elderly people with dementia should be prescribed antipsychotics carefully, say Ontario doctors who found men are at higher risk of hospitalization and death than women when the treatment begins.
The New Old Age Blog: Even Fewer Geriatricians in Training
The number of doctors planning to become geriatricians has fallen again. At this point, it's likely there will never be enough of them.
Hold the Butter; Healthy Food Served Here
A new certification coming to restaurants, cafeterias and cruise lines has a message: our experts have vetted this dish, and it is good for you.
Coca-Cola Recommended to Treat Stomach Blockages
The soft drink might rot your teeth, but it's actually an effective first line of treatment for some stomach blockages.
Well: Do the Brain Benefits of Exercise Last?
Exercise bolsters the structure and function of the brain. But if someone stops exercising, does the brain revert to its former state, much like unused muscles slacken?
Safety of induced stem cells gets a boost
Fears of immune response have been overestimated.Nature 493 145 doi: 10.1038/493145a
Drug-resistant melanoma tumors shrink when therapy is interrupted
Researchers have discovered that melanomas that develop resistance to the anti-cancer drug vemurafenib (marketed as Zelboraf), also develop addiction to the drug, an observation that may have important implications for...
First image of insulin 'docking' could lead to better diabetes treatments
A landmark discovery about how insulin docks on cells could help in the development of improved types of insulin for treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For the...
Drug resistance in E. Coli: 'Baby steps' can pay off big
Scientists have found that mutations of seemingly small consequence can turn out to be game changers in the bacterial fight against antibiotic drugs. The discovery came during an exhaustive, three-year...
OSHA: Sandy contamination below permissible limits
(AP)—Tests done at Superstorm Sandy cleanup sites show that the level of contaminants does not exceed federal workplace exposure limits.
Phone texts fail to boost adherence to HIV therapy
Sending mobile phone text reminders to African HIV/AIDS patients did not significantly improve their adherence to treatment, finds study.
Gonorrhea May Become Incurable, Experts Fear
Only one drug can treat all strains of the STD, and that might soon be useless.
Stomach Pump for Weight Loss? Experts Are Critical
A device that sucks food from the stomach claims to help people lose weight, but experts are critical.