Outspoken pandemic denier Ted Nugent announced this week that he’s tested positive for COVID-19, after 10 days of symptoms so severe that at times he “literally could hardly crawl out of bed.” But despite his illness, the Republican rocker from Michigan remains skeptical about COVID vaccines. “I haven’t taken the vaccine, because nobody knows what’s… read on > read on >
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved in December, millions of Americans have eagerly sought to find and receive one. But a new report finds that that could change over the next few weeks, as the pool of eager recipients shrinks and only the vaccine-hesitant remain. “While timing may differ by state, we estimate that… read on > read on >
As if the headaches and stuffy nose aren’t bad enough, chronic sinus trouble often leaves patients foggy-headed and depressed. Now, new research suggests one possible reason why: Sinusitis may trigger changes in brain activity. “Chronic sinusitis is incredibly common,” said study lead author Dr. Aria Jafari. Upwards of 11% of all Americans are affected, added… read on > read on >
A deadly chemical in paint strippers continues to kill workers despite its known dangers, a new study finds. The chemical methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a solvent found in paint strippers, cleaners, degreasers, adhesives and sealants. When inhaled, it produces large quantities of carbon monoxide that can cut off oxygen to the… read on > read on >
An emerging technology could zap your post-op pain away — little or no opioids needed. The technique is called percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation. It involves inserting a small wire next to a nerve and using a stimulator to deliver a mild electrical current to the affected area, interrupting pain transmission. A team led by Dr.… read on > read on >
Only certain people with high-risk allergy histories need to consult an allergist before they get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to new research. Investigators have updated their prior guidelines after analyzing data from more than 65,000 people who were fully vaccinated. “With more time and experience, we have been able to significantly narrow the group of… read on > read on >
Eviction bans during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced infection rates not only in people who avoided displacement but also in their communities, according to a new study. “When it comes to a transmissible disease like COVID-19, no neighborhood is entirely isolated,” said study author Alison Hill, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, in… read on > read on >
People who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a significantly higher risk for stroke for years afterward, U.K. researchers say. Previous studies have linked brain injury with a long-term risk of neurological diseases including dementia, Parkinson’s and epilepsy, and it’s been suggested that it’s also an independent risk factor for stroke. This new review… read on > read on >
Keep flossing: A study just out suggests gum disease can increase your odds for severe COVID-19. Previous research showed that it’s blood vessels, rather than airways, that are affected initially in COVID lung disease. Now, new research finds that high concentrations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva and gum disease (periodontitis) are linked with an… read on > read on >
The percentage of U.S. doctors who are Black has barely risen in the past 120 years, and there’s still a wide pay gap between white and Black physicians, a new study finds. The analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from 1900 to 2018 included about 150,000 physicians, with about 3,300 Black male physicians and 1,600… read on > read on >
