Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Marijuana May Help Cancer Patients, But Questions Remain
A new review points to promising research on marijuana as a cancer treatment, but questions remain about the usefulness of the drug for human patients.
Scientists: Memories lost to Alzheimer's may be recoverable
Stephen FellerCAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 17 (UPI) -- Although memories are thought to be lost in Alzheimer's disease, researchers at MIT suggest in a new study they remain in the brain...
New Dengue Vaccine May Offer Zika Shortcut
A new vaccine protected 100 percent of volunteers from infection with dengue virus, a deadly mosquito-borne germ that's a close cousin of Zika.
Major websites inadvertently served up ransomware in ads
Malicious ads appeared on the New York Times, BBC and other sites, and you didn't even have to click to get infected
Identifying priorities for surgical disparities research
Identifying research and funding priorities for addressing health care disparities -- which encompass differential access, care, and outcomes due to factors such as race/ethnicity -- is the topic of a...
Scientists discover a link between psoriasis and general bone loss
For the first time, researchers have linked psoriasis to the risk of widespread bone loss and describe how the protein IL-17 acts as a 'messenger' between the skin and the...
Biomarkers can help guide immune-suppressing treatment after organ transplantation
Recently discovered biomarkers may provide valuable new approaches to monitoring immunosuppressive drug therapy in organ transplant recipients -- with the potential for individualized therapy to reduce organ rejection and minimize...
Many AFib patients at highest risk of stroke not receiving recommended oral anticoagulant therapy
The extent to which prescription of an oral anticoagulant in US cardiology practices increases as the number of stroke risk factors increases for patients with atrial fibrillation has been the...
Risk score may help identify patients at risk for sudden cardiac death after acute coronary syndrome
Researchers assessed the cumulative incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) during long-term follow-up after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, and developed a risk model and risk score for SCD after...
Lasers help speed up detection of bacterial growth in packaged food
It's important to know how microorganisms -- particularly pathogenic microbes -- grow under various conditions. Certain bacteria can cause food poisoning when eaten and bacterial growth in medical blood supplies,...
Counterattack of the hepatitis B virus
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects liver cells. Drugs are available to treat HBV, but they rarely cure the infection, and so the virus typically returns after the treatment ends....
Mitochondrial metabolism linked to acute kidney injury
Researchers help explain the origins of acute kidney injury and suggest that manipulation of the NAD aging molecule might help prevent loss of kidney function and subsequent complications.
New soft material could reduce complications for women suffering from urinary incontinence
Researchers have developed a novel implantable material which could reduce the number of debilitating side-effects that occur as a result of using a material that is too rigid for surgical...
Scientists Grow Full-Sized, Working Human Hearts From Stem Cells
Health It’s the closest we've come to growing transplantable hearts in the lab A team of scientists from...
IndyCar driver Will Power cleared to return after crash, concussion symptoms
The Sports Xchange IndyCar Series driver Will Power has been cleared to return to competition after sitting out Sunday's race for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with concussion-like symptoms.
Two MD Anderson Faculty Members Honored with Highest Distinctions From ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will recognize two physician-scientists from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with two of its highest distinctions at its annual meeting...
FDA panel approves dissolving heart stent Absorb
Stephen FellerBETHESDA, Md., March 16 (UPI) -- Absorb, a dissolving, drug-eluting stent, was approved by an FDA panel on Tuesday, with the agency expected to announce a final decision later...
Spasticity: two potential therapeutic avenues
Following spinal cord injury, most patients experience an exaggeration of muscle tone called spasticity, which frequently leads to physical disability. A team has just identified one of the molecular mechanisms...
Kristin Cavallari on brother's death: 'I found strength in my kids'
Annie MartinLOS ANGELES, March 16 (UPI) -- Kristin Cavallari found solace in her three children after her brother, Michael Cavallari, was found dead shortly after her daughter's birth.
Low dose radiation and health
Researchers in Europe have reviewed cancer rates among people in parts of the world where natural background radiation is higher than average and found that incidence is not as high...
The week in science: 11–17 March 2016
Tilikum has incurable lung disease; UK scientists want to stay in the EU; and WHO holds emergency mosquito-control meeting.Nature 531 280 doi: 10.1038/531280a
Stop Attacking Scientists for Reporting the Truth on Climate Change (Op-Ed)
When politicians on Capitol Hill attack climate researchers, they attack science.
'Disaster, chaos' at central Alberta hospital facing hundreds of surgery delays, top surgeon warns
The closure of five of nine operating rooms after a flood at Red Deer Regional Hospital has "crippled" the facility, forcing the delay of hundreds of surgeries and making a...
Woman mistakes super glue for eye drops, seals eyelids shut
Ben HooperSHENZHEN, China, March 16 (UPI) -- A woman in China who sealed her eyes shut when she mistook super glue for eye drops avoided damage to her eyes thanks...
We still don't really know the health hazards of a nuclear accident
Five years after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima and 30 years after the Chernobyl accident, scientists are still disagreeing about the impact on human health – such as how many...
'Zero pain is not the goal' of medical treatment, doctors say
As doctors contemplate a future without opiates to treat chronic pain, some are making the case that eliminating their patients’ pain is not only impossible, it’s unnecessary. “Zero pain is...
Jeffrey Friedman receives the 2016 Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine
The award, given by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Harrington Discovery Institute, honors those who advance science with achievements notable for innovation, creativity, and potential for clinical...
Researchers find a wealth of unconscious decision making among consumers
Consumers can easily go astray—especially if they are ordering naughty items or treating themselves for doing good deeds. And please, don't trust them with portion sizes. At least that's what...