Folks who smoke a lot of marijuana could be facing a more than four-fold odds of developing an oral cancer, new research suggests. “Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke, which have known damaging effects on the epithelial tissue that lines the mouth,” noted study lead author Raphael Cuomo,…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official is stepping down after just three months in a role that upset drug companies, patient groups and some political leaders. Dr. Vinay Prasad will leave the agency to “spend more time with his family,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…  read on >  read on >

More than 1,000 pounds of frozen ground beef are being recalled after metal pieces were reportedly found in the product. The frozen, fully cooked beef was made by Ada Valley Meat Company and sent to food service locations and distributors in five states: California, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food…  read on >  read on >

Two years’ involvement in programs focused on healthy eating, regular exercise and “brain training” exercises appears to have helped a wide range of older adults — even those at heightened risk for Alzheimer’s — avoid cognitive decline, a new study finds. The findings, presented Monday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto, “encourage us…  read on >  read on >

A small scoop of sauerkraut every day may do more than add crunch to your meal. It could also protect your gut. In a new study from the University of California- Davis, researchers found that fermented cabbage, also known as sauerkraut, may help support the gut lining and reduce inflammation in the body. “A little…  read on >  read on >

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be guiding doctors towards a gut-focused means of accurately diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), new research shows. The illness appears to disrupt relationships between a person’s gut microbiome, immune system and metabolism, explained a team led by Julia Oh. She’s a microbiologist and professor at Duke University, but worked on the…  read on >  read on >