Surging temperatures caused by climate change could lead to more premature births worldwide, a new study reports. Researchers found a strong association between exposure to extreme heat during the third trimester of pregnancy and the risk of premature delivery. “High night-time temperatures can disrupt circadian rhythms and potentially influence blood pressure, which may be an… read on > read on >
The mind is alert to relaxing words spoken by others when you’re asleep, so much so that your heart beat slows down, new research shows. Hearing words like “relax” and “easy” spoken while asleep appeared to help put study participants into a deeper sleep and slowed their heartbeat, while words deemed not to be relaxing… read on > read on >
Data from dozens of studies supports the notion that mental health crises are a big factor behind rising rates of maternal deaths during and around pregnancy in the United States. “We need to bring this to the attention of the public and policymakers to demand action to address the mental health crisis that is contributing… read on > read on >
Of course grief can ravage your mind, but science shows it can also weaken your body, leaving you open to illness. “As humans, we are strongly motivated to seek out social bonds that are warm, dependable, friendly and supportive,” explained George Slavich. He directs the Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research at the Semel Institute… read on > read on >
Comedian Amy Schumer has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that arises when there is too much cortisol in the body. In an interview published Friday in the News Not Noise newsletter, Schumer revealed she has exogenous Cushing syndrome, brought on by getting steroid injections. The condition can trigger weight gain, fatigue,… read on > read on >
The asthma medication Xolair has proved its prowess against food allergies, with new research showing the medication substantially lowers the chances of severe reactions in patients. Data published Sunday in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented simultaneously at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Washington, D.C., showed that multiple injections… read on > read on >
Women might need a lot fewer daily steps to lower their risk of heart failure than they think, a new study suggests. The usual recommendation is that people get 10,000 steps a day, but women ages 63 and older actually gain solid heart benefits from around 3,600 steps daily, researchers report Fev. 21 in the… read on > read on >
Many younger children could be permanently damaging their hearing by blasting loud music on their earbuds and headphones, a new report finds. Two in three parents say that their child between the ages of 5 and 12 regularly pop listening devices in their ears, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital… read on > read on >
Hormone replacement therapy might help women avoid depression as they go through menopause, a new study finds. Women treated with hormone therapy at a menopause clinic in Ontario, Canada, experienced a reduction in their symptoms of depression, researchers report Feb. 21 in the journal Menopause. This improvement occurred whether or not antidepressants were also prescribed,… read on > read on >
In a finding that suggests sooner is better than later, a new trial shows that giving advanced treatment early to Crohn’s patients can dramatically improve their gut health. About 80% of those who got therapy with an immune-suppressing drug called infliximab shortly after their Crohn’s diagnosis experienced an improvement in their symptoms and inflammatory markers… read on > read on >
