May 29 Column: How the chemistry of sunscreen is protecting your skin this Memorial Day By Kerry Hanson, The Conversation Recognition of the risks posed by UV rays has motivated chemists to study what’s going on in our cells when they’re in the sun – and devise modern ways to ward off that damage. Continue reading
May 27 Column: Why a monthly period is especially hard for millions of women around the world By Marni Sommer, The Conversation Menstruation is a pronounced burden for women in low-income countries and those who are displaced. Continue reading
May 26 Column: Close the postal system loophole that allows opioid shipments into the U.S. By Juliette Kayyem, STAT A loophole in the global postal system allows overseas dealers to mail opioids directly to Americans’ doorsteps, writes Juliette Kayyem, faculty director of the Homeland Security Project at the Harvard Kennedy School. Continue reading
May 26 As elderly population swells, some doctors see benefits of palliative care in the ER By Melissa Bailey, Kaiser Health News Emergency room physicians are struggling with how to deal with elderly patients with life-limiting conditions in an environment where most clinicians default to lifesaving techniques. Continue reading
May 25 In a first, marijuana substance reduces seizures for some epilepsy patients in clinical trial By Andrew Joseph, STAT A component of cannabis reduced seizures in children with a rare form of epilepsy, marking a significant step in efforts to use marijuana and its derivatives to treat serious medical conditions. Continue reading
May 25 Insurers continue to hike prices, abandon ACA markets By Tom Murphy, Associated Press People shopping for insurance through the Affordable Care Act in yet more regions could face higher prices and fewer choices next year as insurance companies lay out their early plans for 2018. Continue reading
May 24 Watch 4:07 Less healthy, older Americans would pay more under GOP health bill By PBS News Hour The Congressional Budget Office released its cost estimate for the American Health Care Act Wednesday, 20 days after the bill passed the Republican-led House of Representatives. The prognosis? About 23 million Americans are expected to lose their coverage by 2026. Continue watching
May 24 What happens when states go hunting for Medicaid fraud By Jen Fifield, Stateline Faced with growing Medicaid enrollment and tight budgets, Republican lawmakers in several states are taking steps to ensure that people receiving welfare benefits are eligible for them. Continue reading
May 24 The $200 billion perils of unnecessary medical tests By Chad Terhune, Kaiser Health News Needless medical testing and overly aggressive care can cost billions and harm patients, generating mistakes and injuries believed to cause 30,000 deaths each year. Continue reading
May 24 Why is the teenage brain so unpredictable? A neurobiologist explains By Julia Scott, KQED Neurobiologist Frances Jensen explores the biochemical imperatives that make teenagers and young adults so emotional and unpredictable, as well as leaving them more vulnerable to addiction and mental disorders. Continue reading