The brain is the most complex organ in the body. It’s the center of learning, and is responsible for processing sensory information and directing the body’s responses. The teen brain is still maturing, though it’s more resilient, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health says. The agency offers these additional facts about the young brain:… read on >
In a country where four out of 10 adults are obese, it’s probably good news that half of U.S. adults say they’ve recently tried to shed some pounds. They did this most often through exercise, cutting calories and eating their fruits and veggies, according to a new government survey that tracked Americans’ weight-loss attempts between… read on >
A type of therapy that harnesses the immune system is giving new hope to people battling a once hopeless cancer — melanoma that’s spread to the brain. New research involving more than 2,700 U.S. patients is confirming what specialists in the field have long known — that “checkpoint blockade” treatment can beat back these devastating… read on >
While some politicians are snubbing science, the American public is choosing to do the opposite, a new study suggests. “In the context of debates regarding the loss of trust in experts, what we show is that in actual fact, when compared to a government working group, the public in the U.S. and U.K. judge scientists… read on >
Restrictive abortion laws may drive some Americans to look for abortion medications online, a new study reports. “Though it may be surprising to consider, people in the United States are looking for ways to end their pregnancies at home using abortion pills they can get online,” said study author Abigail Aiken. She’s an assistant professor… read on >
A startling 75 percent of black people in the United States develop high blood pressure by the age of 55, a new study finds. That’s a far higher rate than seen among either white men (55 percent) or white women (40 percent), the researchers said. “We started to see differences between blacks and whites by… read on >
Gaps in private insurance coverage are common among American adults with type 1 diabetes, raising their risk for health crises, a new study finds. “Type 1 diabetes requires intensive daily management in order to simply remain alive, so interruptions to care and coverage of insulin and supplies can pose a major risk,” said study leader… read on >
Traveling with someone with a disability may seem daunting, but things are likely to go a lot smoother with some preparation. AARP offers this advice: Contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at least 72 hours before departure to explain your loved one’s needs. The number is: 855-787-2227. When you leave, bring all necessary medical letters… read on >
An epi-pen may be a lifesaving injection for a person with severe allergies. But the device must be cared for and stored properly. Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) suggests how to care for your epi-pen: Store it away from direct light. Store it at room temperature. Do not refrigerate it or allow it to… read on >
There’s another study suggesting that the vitamin and mineral supplements bought by millions of Americans do nothing to stave off heart disease. This time, the finding stems from an analysis of 18 studies conducted between 1970 and 2016. Each one looked at how vitamins and mineral supplements — which are not reviewed by the U.S.… read on >
