Latest science news in Health & Medicine
The New Old Age Blog: The Emotional Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
Older adults suffer disproportionately in the aftermath of traumas like Hurricane Sandy. Here are some ways to help them.
Aspirin effective in preventing clots following joint replacement surgery
Researchers have shown aspirin to be just as effective as warfarin in preventing clots, specifically pulmonary emboli, life-threatening blood clots that can develop in the arteries of the lungs following...
LA County voters mandate condom use on porn sets
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles County voters have approved a measure requiring porn performers to wear condoms while filming sex scenes, prompting a pledge by...
News in Brief: Highlights from the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Los Angeles, November 3-7
Multivitamins may not reduce heart attacks, two drugs could protect heart from chemo damage, and more
To save your brain, a pressure switch inside the head
An increase in cerebral pressure may cause dementia and could destroy the brain. Companies have been seeking to find monitoring [...]
'Smoke-free' laws lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths
Laws that end smoking at work and other public places result in significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attacks, strokes, asthma and other respiratory conditions, a new analysis has found.
Scientists test 5,000 combinations of 100 existing cancer drugs to find more effective treatments
Scientists in the United States have tested all possible pairings of the 100 cancer drugs approved for use in patients in order to discover whether there are any combinations not...
Forgetfullness in seniors tied to anxiety and insomnia drugs
Seniors who take common medications to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies may have symptoms of forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, a new review concludes.
Less-experienced physicians more costly than more-experienced physicians
Physicians with the least experience spend significantly more money treating patients than physicians who have the most experience. The findings could have significant implications for less-experienced physicians, who might be...
New development in relief of spasms related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Scientists have recently discovered the origin of spasms - a disabling symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The degeneration of serotonin-releasing neurons is responsible for these sensations. In the longer term,...
Rebuilding a whole heart for children born with only half of one
Using a combination of surgical procedures developed over the last 11 years, surgeons have established a new approach for rebuilding the heart in children born with a severe heart defect...
If You Are Heart Healthy In Middle Age, You Are Likely To Have 14 Extra Years
People with heart health in middle age may live up to 14 years longer, free of cardiovascular disease, compared to peers who have two or more cardiovascular disease risk factors,...
Researchers battle storm’s wrath
New York University lost crucial mouse colonies, but students and staff helped to save equipment and patients.Nature 491 169 doi: 10.1038/491169a
The phosphorus index: Changes afoot
Twenty years after its inception, the continued need for water quality improvement has led to a call for further advancement of the Phosphorus Index.
Acrylamide levels in food still too high, EU says
Report finds that changes to cooking practices to tackle the presence of the carcinogen are slow to materialise
Studies show power of epidemiology research; Underscore need to address health disparities
Heart disease risk factors are widespread among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States, with 80 percent of men and 71 percent of women having at least one risk factor for...
$5 Million Grant to Study Breast Cancer Survivors' Depression
UCLA researchers received a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute that will fund a study seeking to uncover risk profiles of breast cancer survivors likely to suffer...
Studies Link IV Connectors to Patient Safety
The type of IV connector used in vascular access is closely linked to a patient's chance of getting a dangerous bloodstream infection, according to two new studies.
New technology to help speed analysis, improve diagnosis of illness
Early, correct diagnoses are often of decisive importance in hindering the development of serious ailments. The results of analyses of patient samples (blood, urine, etc.) can be an important element...
Vital Signs: Limits to Resveratrol as a Metabolism Aid
Resveratrol, the red wine component shown to be helpful in improving metabolic function in obese or diabetic people, has no discernible effect on healthy women who are not obese, a...
Global Update: Polio Eradication Efforts in Pakistan Focus on Pashtuns
Many in the Pashtun ethnic group have been resistant to vaccinations, and the community accounts for about 75 percent of Pakistan’s polio cases.
The Consumer: Reassessing Flu Shots as the Season Draws Near
A report released last month said influenza vaccinations provide only modest protection for healthy young and middle-age adults, and little if any protection for those 65 and older.
Physical exercise improves gait speed, muscle strength, fitness in patients with Parkinson's disease
Physical exercise, including treadmill, stretching and resistance exercises, appears to improve gait speed, muscle strength and fitness for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Controlling vascular disease may be key to reducing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease
International Experts Review the Latest Thinking in a Special Issue of Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
Medical Marijuana: Benefits vs. Risks
Marijuana can relieve pain, but a debate rages on about whether the health benefits outweigh the risks.
Colonoscopy not necessarily best for repeat screening
Any type of colon cancer screening might work for people with a clear colonoscopy result initially, a model suggests.
Harvard students run own marathon
The decision to cancel the ING New York City Marathon didn’t stop Harvard College seniors Samantha Whitmore and Meredith Baker from running their own fundraising marathon on Sunday to raise awareness and funds...
Kids consume more soda and calories when eating out
Children and adolescents consume more calories and soda and have poorer nutrient-intake on days they eat at either fast-food or full-service restaurants, according to a new study.