Health

How the psychology of a $4.99 price tag might influence who undergoes heart surgery

By Eric Boodman, STAT

The older you get, the likelier it is that an operation’s risks outweigh the benefits. Yet to arbitrarily — and perhaps, unknowingly — fixate on the threshold at which patients pass from their 70s into their 80s seems like an…

Can AI flag disease outbreaks faster than humans? Not quite

By Matt O'Brien, Christina Larson, Associated Press

The first public alert outside China about the novel coronavirus came on Dec. 30 from the automated HealthMap system at Boston Children's Hospital.

South Korea reports 1st virus death

By Kim Tong-Hyung, Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press

The death was the ninth confirmed from the virus outside mainland China. Other deaths have occurred in France, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan.

New Chinese virus cases decline, but tracking method revised again

By Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press

Another 114 people reportedly died from the new illness, COVID-19, as health inspectors went door-to-door to attempt to find every infected person in the worst-hit city of Wuhan.

The big question that researchers are trying to answer about novel coronavirus

There are many unanswered questions about the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak, but the Chinese government has released new information about the mortality rate and other important concerns. William Brangham talks with Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health…

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National shortage of forensic nurses frustrates rape victims

By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press

Only about 150 of the state's 94,000 registered nurses are credentialed forensic nurses. …

North Dakota regulators approve expanded Dakota Access pipeline

By James MacPherson, Associated Press

Opponents say the expansion would increase the possibility of an oil spill. They argue the commission should have considered effects all along the line and not solely at the pump station location.

Analysis: Some natural supplements can be dangerously contaminated

By C. Michael White, The Conversation

Consumers take real risks if they use diet supplements not independently verified by reputable outside labs.

Trump delivers on water pledge for wealthy California farmers

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Adam Beam, Associated Press

Conservation groups say they fear the changes will deplete water supplies and speed extinction of endangered native fish. The administration denies that.