States are scrambling to vaccinate as many people as they can while the rate of new U.S. coronavirus infections stays steady, but still high, for a third week. At more than 55,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, public health experts believe that is a level that could rapidly become yet another surge, The New York… read on > read on >
For some patients who have early endometrial cancer or a precancerous condition, a hysterectomy may not be a good option because of serious health issues or the desire to preserve fertility. Now, a new Australian study has found that a hormonal IUD might be an effective treatment option for these women. About 82% of women… read on > read on >
California’s strict limits on diesel air pollution appear to have paid off. Since the limits were added in 1990, diesel exhaust-related deaths have been halved, with the largest reductions in deaths seen in lower-income communities, a new study finds. By 2014, California saw a 78% decrease in diesel emissions, while diesel emissions in the United… read on > read on >
When people die some cells in their brains go on for hours, even getting more active and growing to gargantuan proportions, new research shows. Awareness of this activity, spurred on by “zombie genes,” could affect research into diseases that affect the brain. For the study, researchers analyzed gene expression using fresh brain tissue collected during… read on > read on >
Using cellphones to track patients’ painkiller use, a new study found more than 60% of opioid painkillers prescribed to surgical patients after their procedures went unused. That has implications for the ongoing epidemic of opioid misuse in the United States, where unused medications can be diverted to others. Giving surgical patients only the amount of… read on > read on >
The brain may play a role in so-called broken heart syndrome, a new study suggests. Formally known as Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), it’s a temporary — but potentially deadly — heart condition brought on by stressful situations and emotions. In this study, published March 25 in the European Heart Journal, researchers wanted to find out if… read on > read on >
Here’s a silver lining to having to strap a mask across your face when you go out in public: That mask may also help guard against severe spring allergies, an expert says. Many patients with spring allergies are doing well this season because they’re spending more time indoors and wearing a mask when they go… read on > read on >
If you want to improve your muscle function, regular helpings of leafy green vegetables might do the trick, new research suggests. “Our study has shown that diets high in nitrate-rich vegetables may bolster your muscle strength independently of any physical activity,” said lead author Marc Sim, from the Institute for Nutrition Research at Edith Cowan… read on > read on >
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more common among new mothers than previously thought, and it’s often driven by worries about things that may happen to their newborns, a new study finds. Many new moms may keep the issue hidden, the Canadian researchers said. “When mothers have these kinds of thoughts they might think, ‘There’s something wrong… read on > read on >
Makers of inhalers that contain the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine should make design changes to prevent misuse, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Propylhexedrine is a nasal decongestant in over-the-counter inhalers, and right now is “only marketed under the brand name Benzedrex,” the FDA said. The agency said that propylhexedrine is effective and safe when… read on > read on >
