Though rare, some children are born with an extra finger, a condition known as polydactyly. Now, for the first time, a team of researchers set out to see whether having this extra appendage is somehow beneficial. The answer is yes. The bottom line: Having an additional finger significantly boosts a person’s ability to manipulate objects,… read on >
People who use common heartburn drugs for months to years may face heightened risks of dying from heart disease, kidney failure or stomach cancer, a new study suggests. The study included more than 200,000 U.S. veterans. It’s the latest to raise concerns over drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They include prescription and over-the-counter drugs… read on >
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear that is caused by water remaining in the ear canal after swimming or showering. To help prevent swimmer’s ear, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests: Teach children to use a towel to dry their ears after water activities. Encourage children to wear ear plugs while swimming.… read on >
Extremely tiny bits of plastic: They’re in your food and drink, and even in the air around you. Now, new research calculates that the average American consumes more than 70,000 particles of these “microplastics” every year — and even that’s likely an underestimation, the scientists noted. Your microplastic intake might be even higher if you… read on >
Dentists tend to be overeager when it comes to prescribing antibiotics, new research suggests. The study authors found that antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection during dental procedures weren’t necessary 81% of the time. That’s important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions come from dentists, the researchers said. “Preventive antibiotics in these patients gave them risks… read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday gave the nod to Emgality, an injected medication that’s the first to cut the frequency of cluster headaches. Episodic cluster headaches are “an extremely painful and often debilitating condition,” the FDA’s Dr. Eric Bastings noted in an agency news release. He’s deputy director of the Division of… read on >
For people who use nasal sprays to combat seasonal allergies, it’s important to follow safety guidelines, says the Allergy & Asthma Network. When using a nasal spray. you should: Aim away from the center of your nose. Always follow the package instructions, as brands vary. Blow your nose gently before use. Wipe the spray tip… read on >
Being an Instagram influencer isn’t always a good thing. New research found that vulnerable young people who see online posts of self-harm — like cutting — may copy those destructive behaviors. Almost one-third of teens and young adults who reported seeing self-harm posts on Instagram said they had performed the same or similar self-harming behavior… read on >
Having emergency heart surgery is always risky, but a new case report reveals an unexpected danger: A flash fire ignited a man’s chest during such a procedure. A 60-year-old man underwent lifesaving heart surgery for a torn aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart. The patient had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease… read on >
Sudden withdrawal from coffee and cigarettes can trigger symptoms that mimic serious disease, leading to unnecessary tests in hospital intensive care units, a new review concludes. “Nicotine and caffeine are some of the most commonly used and highly addictive substances in modern society, but they are often overlooked as a potential source of significant withdrawal… read on >
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