Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval for use in people 18 and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday. The vaccine, which has been available for that age group under emergency use authorization (EUA), will be marketed as Spikevax. It’s not yet fully approved or authorized for use in people younger than…  read on >  read on >

The images are never-ending: Celebrities like Kim Kardashian posting one sultry shot after another on social media. But new research warns this constant barrage of “perfect” bodies can undermine the self-esteem of young women. They’re apt to feel their own figures come up short by comparison — whether those influencers and celebrities are super-thin, super-fit…  read on >  read on >

Is your plastic water bottle widening your waistline? Could be. In a new study, Norwegian researchers said that chemicals in common plastic products like water bottles or food packaging may put you at risk of piling on the pounds. “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a…  read on >  read on >

Workplace exposure to pesticides may boost a person’s risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study finds. COPD is a group of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main types of COPD. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s…  read on >  read on >

Two rheumatoid arthritis drugs show potential for lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, new research shows. Some previous studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis have a lower risk of Parkinson’s, and it was suggested that a class of rheumatoid arthritis drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may play a role in that reduced…  read on >  read on >

Red wine may be a guilty pleasure, but new research shows it might also be a powerful weapon against the ravages of Parkinson’s disease. Why? The antioxidants in red wine, and fruit such as berries for that matter, might slow progression of the movement disorder, a new study suggests. According to researchers, people with Parkinson’s…  read on >  read on >

Finding the right medication for rheumatoid arthritis isn’t easy, and a newer pill against the disease carries higher risks of heart attack, stroke and cancer than older RA drugs, a new clinical trial confirms. The study was mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after earlier safety signals about the drug, called tofacitinib (Xeljanz).…  read on >  read on >

Allopurinol, a frequently used gout medication, does not appear to drive up the risk for dying among gout patients who also struggle with chronic kidney disease, new research shows. The finding is based on an analysis of two decades worth of British health records. And it may put to rest recent concerns regarding a well-known…  read on >  read on >