Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Probiotics To Fight Obesity?
A probiotic that prevents obesity could be on the horizon, at least if an animal model translates to humans. Bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut inhibit weight...
Marmots, China and the Plague
Chinese authorities have lifted a nine-day quarantine on a town in the country’s northwest that saw a resident die of the plague. The victim is thought to have caught the...
Death of a parent during childhood is associated with greater mortality in early adulthood
Experiencing the loss of a parent during childhood or adolescence is associated with a greater risk of mortality, according to a new study. Individuals who lost either a mother or...
Life expectancy gains threatened as more older Americans suffer from multiple medical conditions
With nearly four in five older Americans living with multiple chronic medical conditions, a new study finds that the more ailments you have after retirement age, the shorter your life...
Pathogenic connection between autoimmune disorders, cancer found
Autoimmune disorders may share certain pathogenic mechanisms with cancer, according to a new report. "This study opens a new therapeutic approach for myasthenia gravis, as well as other autoimmune disorders,"...
Presence of uterine cancers at time of hysterectomy studied using morcellation
Among women undergoing a minimally invasive hysterectomy using electric power morcellation, uterine cancers were present in 27 per 10,000 women at the time of the procedure, according to a study....
Zoe Saldana is pregnant with her first child
Veronica LinaresLOS ANGELES, July 23 (UPI) -- Zoe Saldana is reportedly three months pregnant with her first child.
Vaccine for dust-mite allergies created
A vaccine for dust-mite allergies has been created, researchers report. In lab tests and animal trials, the nano-sized vaccine package was readily absorbed by immune cells and dramatically lowered allergic...
World Briefing: U.N. Warns of Polio Risk in War Zones
The United Nations expressed concern about the possible spread of polio in the war-ravaged countries of Syria and Iraq and beyond on Tuesday.
Investigators Detail Missteps in Verification for Health Care
Undercover investigators said they were able to buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act using false identities.
Economic Scene: A Dearth in Innovation for Key Drugs
While researchers pursue high-cost remedies for rare ailments, development of broadly useful drugs like antibiotics is lagging.
U.S. Military Is Scrutinized Over Trash Burning in Afghanistan
The United States military spent millions on garbage incinerators in Afghanistan, but they went unused in favor of open burn pits, a report from a watchdog agency said.
New funds jump-start mental illness research
What will happen in the field of serious mental illness when human need, scientific progress and a major influx of funding converge? Scientists on Tuesday predicted that the world could...
With Asthma, Thinking They Might Smell Something Harmful Causes Inflammation
A new paper finds that asthmatics who believe that an odor is potentially have increased airway inflammation for at least 24 hours following exposure, which highlights the role that expectations...
For rats, a break from stress isn’t worth the relief
An unplanned vacation from stress might seem like a good idea, but a new study in rats shows that unpredictable escapes from pressure produce more strain on the first day...
New medical probe combines sound and electromagnetic induction
Technique could give doctors a “feel” for internal organs
Red Cross pleads for donors in face of blood shortage
Matt BradwellWASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- Fearing a likely blood shortage, The American Red Cross is putting out a nationwide plea urging donors to give blood to offset dips in...
Can Aspirin treat breast cancer? Why aren't we trying to find out?
Researchers are noticing that certain medicine-cabinet drugs like Aspirin may be keeping cancers at bay. But because there are no lucrative patents anymore in these generic medicines, big drug companies...
Remains of last victim of Washington mudslide found
Frances BurnsEVERETT, Wash., July 22 (UPI) -- Searchers found what is believed to be the remains of the 43rd victim of the massive mudslide in Oso, Wash., the only person...
High-precision software developed for diagnosing eye sensitivity
High-precision software for diagnosing eye sensitivity has been developed by researchers. This is a new technology that allows to quantify the degree of opacity in the posterior capsule of the...
High-salt diet doubles threat of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes
People with Type 2 diabetes who eat a diet high in salt face twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as those who consume less sodium, according to a new...
Vitamin D deficiency raises risk of schizophrenia diagnosis
Vitamin D-deficient individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as people who have sufficient levels of the vitamin, according to a new study. Vitamin D helps the...
Extra exercise helps depressed smokers kick the habit faster
People diagnosed with depression need to step out for a cigarette twice as often as smokers who are not dealing with a mood disorder. And those who have the hardest...
U.N. calls for 'urgent action' to stop female genital mutilation
JC FinleyNEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- The United Nations issued an alert Wednesday, calling for "urgent action to end female genital mutilation and child marriage."
NYC approves 'poor door' for affordable housing residents
Aileen GraefNEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- A new condo building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan is planning to install a "poor door" for the residents living in...
University of Utah Researcher Robert Marc Receives Retina Research Foundation's 2014 Paul Kayser International Award in Retina Research
The award recognizes lifetime achievement by a vision scientist who has made a significant contribution to the understanding of vitreoretinal diseases or disorders
Credibility Among Gay Men Gives Leverage to New York City’s New Chief of H.I.V. Prevention
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis will soon be in charge of one of the health department’s largest bureaus at a critical moment in the history of the virus that causes AIDS.
Simple way to curb HIV? Legalize prostitution, AIDS conference told
The massive International AIDS Conference in Melbourne this week is being reminded of research showing that one of the easiest ways to curtail HIV transmission is to decriminalize prostitution, which...