HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a lifeline for Americans, many of them gay men, who are at high risk of contracting the virus that causes AIDS. But a case that is winding its way through the court system might push the cost of PrEP to levels that are unaffordable for many — and that could… read on > read on >
Teens who are active are doing their bones a lasting favor, Japanese researchers report. “Physical exercise in adolescence affects BMD [bone mineral density] more than 50 years later in older adults,” said lead researcher Dr. Yoshifumi Tamura, a faculty member at Juntendo University in Tokyo. “Our findings can guide the selection of sports played during… read on > read on >
An average of 22 U.S. teens die each week from drug overdoses, a death toll driven by the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, a new study reports. Researchers also have identified 19 “hotspot” counties where fatal ODs are occurring as much as double the national average. The overdose death rate for 14- to 18-year-olds now stands… read on > read on >
“School spirit” appears to provide long-lasting mental health benefits for Black teens, new research finds. School connectedness – the degree to which students feel like part of to their school community – is a protective factor against depression and aggressive behavior later in life among Black students, researchers report in the Journal of Youth and… read on > read on >
There’s information emerging on how the common Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) might be crucial to triggering multiple sclerosis (MS). The virus, which also causes “mono” (mononucleosis) and other illnesses, has gained prominence in recent years as a potential cause of MS. Over 95% of people are thought to carry EBV, although for most people it remains… read on > read on >
Exposing babies and toddlers to TV and other digital media could be linked to a heightened risk for dysfunction in what’s known as “sensory processing,” a new study warns. Kids with “atypical sensory processing” are often hypersensitive to the touch, sound, taste or look of stimuli in their environment. For example, kids might try to… read on > read on >
Applesauce fruit puree pouches under recall and investigation for toxic lead levels may also contain another toxin, chromium, according to an update released Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products under recall are WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches. All were made by AustroFoods at a facility in Ecuador… read on > read on >
Using marijuana can help folks better enjoy a good workout, but it’s not going to boost their athletic performance, a new study has found. A small group of runners reported greater enjoyment and a more intense “runner’s high” when they exercised after using marijuana, according to new findings published recently in the journal Sports Medicine.… read on > read on >
People often sit on secrets that gnaw away at them because they’re worried others will judge them harshly. But those fears are overblown, a series of psychological experiments demonstrates. Folks tended to be much more charitable than expected when told a secret considered shameful by the person who held it, researchers found. Secret holders consistently… read on > read on >
Ear infections are common for kids, but they can lead to long-term developmental problems, a new study finds. Temporary hearing loss caused by recurring ear infections can lead to delays in language development and sound processing years later, researchers reported recently in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. “Ear infections are so common that we… read on > read on >
