Black people experience more severe courses of multiple sclerosis (MS), and now new research suggests that drugs commonly used to treat this disease may not work as well or for as long in these folks. “I was amazed,” said study researcher Dr. Gregg Silverman, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York…  read on >  read on >

Energy drinks provide millions with a quick, caffeinated boost, but one young man’s story could be a warning about overconsumption, experts say. In the case of the 21-year-old, daily heavy intake of these drinks may have led to life-threatening heart and kidney failure, British doctors reported April 15 in BMJ Case Reports. The young man…  read on >  read on >

The magic ingredient in “magic mushrooms” may be at least as effective as standard medication for depression, an early clinical trial suggests. The study of 59 patients with major depression tested the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro) against psilocybin, which is the psychedelic substance in hallucinogenic mushrooms. Over six weeks, it appeared that just two doses of…  read on >  read on >

Don’t forget to floss: New research adds to evidence linking gum disease with Alzheimer’s disease. The mouth is home to both harmful bacteria that promote inflammation and healthy, protective bacteria, the study authors explained. In the new study, the researchers found that people who have more harmful than healthy gum bacteria were more likely to…  read on >  read on >