Smoking more than doubles the risk of unexplained strokes among younger adults, a new study warns. And heavy smoking is even worse, with stroke risk more than quadrupled among adults who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes every day for 20 years compared to people who don’t smoke, researchers found. “Our findings suggest that…  read on >  read on >

A radioactive gas could be contributing to asthma among schoolkids, researchers have found. Children exposed to elevated levels of radon gas tended to have more asthma symptoms, results show. “Residential radon has not previously been described as an environmental risk factor for asthma,” a team led by Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, director of immunology research with…  read on >  read on >

The societal stress and stigma of being LGBTQ+ can increase a person’s risk of mental health problems, a new study suggests. People in sexual and gender minorities are more likely than heterosexuals to suffer from problems like anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, researchers reported recently in JAMA Network Open.…  read on >  read on >

People with inflammatory arthritis run a substantially increased risk for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. But these mental health concerns aren’t being adequately addressed by doctors, a new study suggests. Arthritis patients are about as likely to receive either medication or therapy for a mood disorder as people without arthritis, despite their increased risk…  read on >  read on >

Lupus can do irreversible harm to a person’s organs, damaging the lungs, kidneys, heart, liver and other vital organs through inflammation. But a newer lupus drug appears to protect patients from much of this organ damage, a new study suggests. Anifrolumab (brand name Saphnelo) reduced the risk of long-term organ damage progression by about 60%…  read on >  read on >

High school athletes often hit the field improperly fueled for the competition ahead, because they haven’t been taught important basics of nutrition, a new study says. In surveys, teen athletes revealed a dramatic lack of knowledge about nutrition facts that could help them compete harder and recover better, researchers reported recently in the journal Nutrition.…  read on >  read on >

From Mariah Carey and Jimi Hendrix to Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby, a select group of famous musicians past and present have had have perfect pitch.  Now, a new study suggests that you can, too — with proper training. Absolute or perfect pitch is the ability to identify or re-create musical notes by hearing them without any reference or cues. …  read on >  read on >