An expandable pill that can stay in the stomach for a month could help diagnose and monitor a myriad of gastro ills, a new study in pigs suggests. The pill has a Jell-O-like consistency. Once it reaches the stomach, it quickly swells to the size of a ping-pong ball and is resistant to the stomach’s… read on >
The research is in its early days, but Chinese scientists say they’re using bartenders’ tricks to stir up a new, reversible male contraceptive. In experiments with rats, the method successfully kept sexually active males from impregnating females for more than two months. “The two most widely used male contraceptives are condom and vasectomy,” noted a… read on >
As abuse of injected heroin and other addictive opioids spreads throughout the United States, heart experts warn of a growing threat: strokes caused by infections contracted through dirty needles. “People need to be more aware that stroke can be a devastating complication of injecting opioids,” said the lead author of a new study, Dr. Setareh… read on >
Flu can make you deathly ill, but it could also trigger a stroke or a rupture in your neck arteries, two new studies suggest. The findinsg prompted an urgent reminder from the researchers: Getting a flu shot will not only protect you against infection but may also reduce your risk for these serious complications. Researchers… read on >
When a thin piece of wood, glass or metal gets embedded within the top layers of your skin, you know how annoying and painful a splinter can be. The U.S. Library of Medicine suggests how to remove a splinter safely: Sterilize a pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or by placing the… read on >
Chemotherapy drugs can cause peripheral neuropathy, a set of symptoms caused by damage to nerves that control the sensations and movements of the arms, legs, hands and feet. The American Cancer Society mentions these sensations that indicate possible neuropathy: Tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling. A burning or warm feeling. Numbness, weakness, discomfort or… read on >
Socializing with friends is great for physical and emotional well-being, but if all of your get-togethers are at restaurants or bars, it can be hard to stick to a healthy eating plan. Try these ideas for having fun without placing the emphasis on food. Both you and your friends will benefit. Turn your brunch group… read on >
The concern over vaping has continued to build as e-cigarettes have become more popular, especially with kids and teens. Vaping — inhaling liquid nicotine vapors — was first marketed as a way to help adults quit smoking. But younger people, including tweens, quickly seized on it as a way around conventional cigarettes, some attracted by… read on >
Women diagnosed with breast cancer may face a higher risk of developing the abnormal heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (a-fib), Danish researchers report. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2018, more than 2 million women were diagnosed with the disease. The inflammation the disease causes might increase the risk for a-fib,… read on >
Millions of hepatitis C cases and related deaths could be prevented, but it will require a significant investment, researchers say. In the first study to model such measures worldwide, the authors concluded that sweeping prevention, screening and treatment efforts could prevent 15.1 million new hepatitis C infections and 1.5 million cirrhosis and liver cancer deaths… read on >
