Chemicals found in common household products might damage the brain’s wiring, a new study warns. These chemicals — found in disinfectants, cleaners, hair products, furniture and textiles — could be linked to degenerative brain diseases like multiple sclerosis and autism, researchers report. The chemicals specifically affect the brain’s oligodendrocytes, a specialized type of cell that… read on > read on >
New research offers an easy prescription to get people to roll up their sleeves for a flu shot. Just ask them to. And then reinforce the invitation with a little video and print encouragement. “Our study adds to the growing body of knowledge showing that a number of important public health interventions can and should… read on > read on >
A protein that shuts down immune cells in the lungs could be key to a new treatment for asthma attacks, a new report says. The naturally occurring protein, called Piezo1, prevents a type of immune cell called type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) from becoming hyperactivated by allergens. An experimental drug called Yoda1 that switches… read on > read on >
Milk from dairy cows in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico has tested positive for the presence of bird flu, U.S. officials say. In a news release issued Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the virus is the Type A H5N1 strain, known to cause outbreaks in birds and to sometimes infect people. “As of… read on > read on >
As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments Tuesday in a case that could determine nationwide access to the abortion pill, a new study finds requests for the medication made outside the traditional health care system surged after Roe v. Wade was overturned. There were about 26,000 more self-managed medication abortions than expected, based… read on > read on >
The bright lights of the big city might seem exciting, but they could also raise a person’s risk of stroke, a new study suggests. Bright artificial lights that illuminate the night seem to affect blood flow to the brain in ways that make stroke more likely, researchers report. People with the highest levels of exposure… read on > read on >
Six out of every 10 stroke survivors wind up struggling with depression later in their lives, a new study says. That compares to the 22% depression rate of the general population, results show. Further, 9 of 10 stroke-related depression cases occur within five years of surviving a stroke, researchers found. “Depression is common in stroke… read on > read on >
It’s hard for some folks who suffer illness-related urinary incontinence to judge whether they’ll be able to hold it until they get home, or if they should rush to a bathroom now. There might soon be a new app for that. A newly developed soft, flexible, battery-free implant attaches to the bladder wall and senses… read on > read on >
Federal regulators are taking a second stab at banning the controversial use of electroshock devices to manage the behavior of patients with intellectual and developmental disorders. The devices deliver electric shocks to a patient’s skin, in an attempt to stop them from harming themselves or lashing out physically at others, the U.S. Food and Drug… read on > read on >
Drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co is announcing a temporary shortage of two of its insulin products. “The 10 mL [millilter] vials of Humalog® and Insulin Lispro Injection are or will be temporarily out of stock at wholesalers and some pharmacies through the beginning of April,” Lilly said in a recent statement. The company said it… read on > read on >
