Why humans, five whale species and some chimpanzees are the only known mammals to go through menopause has long been a mystery. Now, researchers at the University of Exeter in the U.K. think they’ve found the answer: It’s all about survival of the species. It turns out that females of five toothed-whale species that experience…  read on >  read on >

For years, U.S. health officials have been sounding the alarm over a steady rise in pregnancy-related deaths among American women, with numbers that appeared to far outstrip those of other wealthy nations. However, the statistics behind those trends could be flawed, researchers report in a new study. Their detailed reanalysis of government data from 2002…  read on >  read on >

A woman’s risk of intentional death by firearm rises during and shortly after pregnancy, new research shows. About 1 in 6 intentional firearm-related deaths in women of childbearing age occurred during pregnancy or within a year of childbirth, the study found. Dr. Naima Joseph, of the Boston Medical Center, led the inquiry, which included data…  read on >  read on >

Early menopause influences how working women feel about their ability to do a good job.  That’s the key takeaway from a study of more than 2,600 Finnish women recently published online in the journal Menopause, a publication of the Menopause Society. Researchers wanted to know if entering menopause before age 45 affected women, when they…  read on >  read on >

Days clogged with numerous after-school activities are detrimental to the mental health of over-scheduled high school students, a new study finds. Researchers also found that these “enrichment’ activities — tutoring, sports, school clubs and even homework — are unlikely to benefit students academically. Many folks think extra study time or tutoring will lead to better…  read on >  read on >

During the past half-century, the United States’ annual number of school shootings has increased more than twelvefold, a new study finds. What’s more, children are now four times more likely to be a school shooting victim, and the death rate from school shootings has risen more than sixfold. “Firearm violence is a public health crisis,…  read on >  read on >