Apr 18 This genetic test can predict your odds for obesity from the day you're born By Vicky Stein Obesity could be in your future — and this $50 genetic test can predict your risk. Continue reading
Apr 18 Scientists restore some vitality in dead pig brains -- but without consciousness? By Sharon Begley, STAT The pigs were dead. But four hours later, scientists restored some cellular functions in their brains. Continue reading
Apr 17 Coverage of mass killings is bad for mental health -- yet makes people seek more By Nsikan Akpan Consuming media coverage of mass killings, whether via news or social media, creates a self-perpetuating cycle of mental distress, according to a new study. Continue reading
Apr 17 Dozens of medical professionals charged in illegal prescription opioid crackdown By Dan Sewell, Associated Press It's what federal authorities are calling the biggest known takedown yet of drug prescribers, which includes 31 doctors charged for their roles in illegally prescribing and distributing millions of pills containing opioids and other dangerous drugs. Continue reading
Apr 17 Column: Will I be penalized for not getting Medicare at 65? It depends By Philip Moeller If you are employed and have employer group health insurance, you did not need to get Medicare when you turned 65, columnist Phil Moeller explains. Continue reading
Apr 17 Officials announce new measures to fight New York measles outbreak By Karen Matthews, Associated Press Officials trying to contain a measles outbreak in a county north of New York City on Tuesday ordered all unvaccinated people exposed to the disease barred from public gathering places, including houses of worship, for up to three weeks. Continue reading
Apr 17 Southern states slowly embracing harm reduction to curb opioid epidemic By Max Blau, Stateline In the Bible Belt, many Southerners who held conservative views often criticized harm reduction as something that encouraged — not ended — the use of drugs. But attitudes have shifted. Continue reading
Apr 16 Watch 5:51 How drones are delivering lifesaving medical supplies in Rwanda By Fred de Sam Lazaro, Sarah Clune Hartman Getting medical supplies to where they are needed fast can mean the difference between life and death outcomes, but moving them efficiently across long distances to remote and rural areas can be difficult for traditional transportation. Special correspondent Fred de… Continue watching
Apr 16 U.S. halts sales of pelvic mesh tied to injuries in women By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press The Food and Drug Administration ordered the two remaining makers of the mesh to stop selling it immediately, saying the companies failed to show the mesh is safe for long-term use. The FDA action does not apply to surgical mesh… Continue reading
Apr 16 Tobacco companies pay billions to compensate for smoking-related illness. Is it enough? By Charles Betley, The Conversation April 15 is Tax Day, as well as the date each year on which the largest tobacco companies pay $9 billion dollars to states because of tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. But what is the real cost… Continue reading