Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Pain tolerance among cannabis users
A recent study examining pain among cannabis users suggests that -- unlike long-term opioid use -- regular cannabis use does not appear to increase pain sensitivity.
Cost puts HIV-preventing PrEP out of reach for many
The daily drug regimen known as PrEP is a nearly foolproof way to prevent HIV infection. But a new study suggests that many high-risk Americans may be giving the medication...
Green light therapy shown to reduce migraine frequency, intensity
A new study found that green light therapy resulted in about a 60% reduction in the pain intensity of the headache phase and number of days per month people experienced...
EDs should tailor clinical decision support to avoid antibiotic over-prescribing
Researchers found that a unique set of factors of the emergency department (ED) makes standard Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems not as effective in helping to reduce antibiotic overprescribing in...
Concussion discovery reveals dire, unknown effect of even mild brain injuries
Even mild concussions cause severe and long-lasting impairments in the brain's ability to clean itself, and this may seed it for Alzheimer's, dementia and other neurodegenerative problems.
AI tool screens for heart disease using gut bacteria, study shows
Artificial intelligence can help screen adults for heart disease by detecting specific bacteria in the gut, according to a study published Thursday by the journal Hypertension.
People are behind costly, increasing risk of wildfire to millions of homes
People are starting almost all the wildfires that threaten US homes, according to an innovative new analysis combining housing and wildfire data. Through activities like debris burning, equipment use and...
Study: Uncontrolled high blood pressure in U.S. a growing problem
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is becoming more common among Americans, putting them at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, a new study shows.
Child mortality down in North Korea but remains high, U.N. data shows
The child mortality rate in North Korea has been declining for decades but remains high compared to South Korea, according to data from United Nations agencies.
'Saturday Night Live' to resume in-studio episodes Oct. 3
The "SNL" cast will return to Studio 8H in New York, beginning with the Season 46 premiere.
United States COVID-19 cases may be substantially underestimated
The United States may have experienced more than 6.4 million cases of COVID-19 by April 18, 2020, according to a probability analysis conducted by UC Berkeley School of Public Health...
For an effective COVID vaccine, look beyond antibodies to T-cells
More than 100 companies have rushed into vaccine development against COVID-19 as the U.S. government pushes for a vaccine rollout at “warp speed” — possibly by the end of the...
Mutation leading to biological changes may play role in cancer
A new study from McGill University’s Goodman Cancer Research Centre (GCRC) has revealed significant biological changes in mice expressing an activated, mutant form of the Estrogen Receptor alpha (ER alpha), shedding new light on the role of...
Water borrowing: An invisible, global coping strategy for household water issues
Nearly two billion people worldwide lack access to a safe, managed water supply. Despite decades of research on how people cope with this problem, the practice of borrowing water from...
Researchers draw more links between vaping, smoking, young people, and coronavirus
Vapers, smokers, and non-smokers with chronic conditions are all at higher risk for COVID-19. The scientific explanation behind this is complex and not yet certain -- but it may boil...
COVID-19 vaccine makers sign safety and efficacy pledge
Nine companies vow to wait for Phase III clinical trial data before seeking vaccine approvals
Gestational diabetes may accelerate child's biological age
Children born to mothers who had diabetes during pregnancy may age faster biologically and be at an increased risk for obesity and high blood pressure, according to researchers.
Autistic adults have a higher rate of physical health conditions, study finds
Autistic individuals are more likely to have chronic physical health conditions, particularly heart, lung, and diabetic conditions, according to a new study.
Study: New COVID-19 antibody test provides fast, cheap way to identify donors
A widely available, inexpensive and easy-to-use test accurately identifies COVID-19 antibody levels in the blood of potential convalescent plasma donors, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Ontario reports 170 new COVID-19 cases, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area
Toronto confirmed the most new cases, with 55. York Region saw 28 and Peel Region 22. Ottawa reported another 12 confirmed infections.
Scientists decipher role of a stress response gene
A team of scientists is shedding new light on the gene regulatory pathways activated by cortisol, a hormone secreted in response to stress. Their research helps explain why exposure to...
Abuse of unapproved anxiety drug phenibut on the rise
A growing number of Americans may be having serious reactions after taking phenibut -- an unapproved anxiety drug sold in some dietary supplements.
Loss of funding for intensive opioid therapy program will have fatal consequences, critics warn
The government's plan to close clinics in Edmonton and Calgary offering what is considered a last-resort treatment for opioid addiction will put lives at risk, advocates warned in an open letter to...
Quebec will hand out fines to those who refuse to wear masks
Quebec Premier François Legault says police will begin handing out fines to anyone who isn’t wearing a mask when required to according to public guidelines.
Generic cholesterol drugs save Medicare billions of dollars
The switch from brand name to generic cholesterol medications that occurred between 2014 and 2018 has saved Medicare billions of dollars, even as the number of people on cholesterol-lowering drugs...
How AI-controlled sensors could save lives in 'smart' hospitals and homes
Interdisciplinary researchers nationwide are developing AI systems that would go into hospital rooms and elder care homes, to weave 'ambient intelligence' into the places where health care is delivered in...
Wearing a mask could protect you from COVID-19 in more ways than you think
A new paper, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, puts forth the idea that universal masking may do more than reduce the transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2. It may, the authors...
Researchers develop anti-bacterial graphene face masks
Face masks have become an important tool in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, improper use or disposal of masks may lead to "secondary transmission". A research team from City...