Pregnant women exposed to flame-retardant chemicals could face an increased risk of premature birth, a new study warns. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly used as flame retardants in products like furniture, baby items, electronics, clothes and building materials, researchers said. The chemicals also make plastics more flexible. Manufacturers started using OPEs after flame retardants containing… read on > read on >
Following a recall of millions of its breathing machines that began in mid-2021, Philips Respironics announced Monday that it would halt sales of all such machines within the United States. The machines include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices used by people with sleep apnea, as well as ventilators used by other patients. The recall… read on > read on >
Britain’s King Charles III returned home on Monday after a planned prostate surgery, the same day his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was also discharged following an undisclosed abdominal surgery. Both had been treated at the London Clinic private hospital. The King spent three nights there after surgery on Friday for an enlarged… read on > read on >
Five of eight British children who received human growth hormone from the pituitary glands of deceased donors went on to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease many decades later, researchers report. Researchers at University College London (UCL) suspect that the growth hormone received by these people in childhood may have contained amyloid-beta protein plaques, which build up… read on > read on >
High school students who smoke, drink or use weed are more likely to be emotionally troubled and have suicidal thoughts, a new study finds. Teens who turn to nicotine, alcohol or marijuana are more likely to think about suicide, feel depressed or anxious, have psychotic episodes and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity, researchers report Jan. 29… read on > read on >
Imagine being subjected to domestic violence in your home, wanting to escape — but there’s no place you can go that will accept a beloved pet. That’s the gut-wrenching situation facing too many victims of domestic abuse, according to a new data review spanning 27 years. “In a lot of cases of domestic violence, there… read on > read on >
It’s not easy to lose weight, especially when facing a world filled with the temptation of tasty treats and rich, delicious meals. But being kind to yourself can make the difference when it comes to sticking to a diet, a new study reports. Dieters who practice self-compassion — showing themselves the same care and kindness… read on > read on >
Stuart Douglas, 78, has played the accordion all his long life. “I learned to play the accordion as a boy living in a mining village in Fife and carried on throughout my career in the police force and beyond,” said Douglas, of Cornwall, England. “These days I still play regularly, and playing in the band… read on > read on >
It’s long been known that people with immune deficiencies are at increased risk for severe COVID. But a new study shows the threat varies dramatically based on how severe that immune suppression is and the reason behind it, researchers report in the Jan. 24 issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine. People suffering immune compromise… read on > read on >
‘Young folk don’t write in cursive anymore’ is a common complaint of older folks in this keyboard-obsessed age. Now, new research suggests that kids who ignore handwriting are, in fact, missing out: By the time they reach college, their brain “connectivity” may be weaker than folks who write regularly. In a study of 36 university… read on > read on >
