The brain is thought to be a sterile environment, free from germs. But unexpected deposits of bacteria have been found inside brain tumors, apparently affecting how the cancers grow and behave, a new study says.   “This work opens a new dimension in our understanding of brain tumor biology,” senior researcher Dr. Jennifer Wargo, a professor…  read on >  read on >

A Washington state resident has become the first person in the United States to test positive for a rare bird flu strain that has never before been found in humans. The older adult, who has underlying health problems, was hospitalized in early November after developing a high fever, confusion and trouble breathing. “This is a…  read on >  read on >

Alana “Lani” Silverberg was a real firecracker with a big personality at age 3 — until she started having seizures. The sweetheart swiftly turned quiet, cranky, sleepless and fatigued, worn down by her seizures. “It was every parent’s nightmare. Lani was having one large seizure a week. At one point, we didn’t know what else…  read on >  read on >

Younger adults who eat lots of ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop polyps that can become colon cancer, a new study says. Women under 50 whose diets contained the largest amounts of ultra-processed foods had a 45% higher risk of developing pre-cancerous polyps in their colon, researchers reported Nov. 13 in JAMA Oncology. “Our…  read on >  read on >

Women undergoing a cesarean section delivery typically have the procedure while awake, with only a nerve blocker protecting them from the pain. For some, the pain can be overwhelming, even after the block, but this might be unnecessary, a new evidence review argues. General anesthesia appears to be safe for both mother and baby during…  read on >  read on >