Folks who are loaded down with medical debt are less likely to survive a bout of cancer, a new study reports. Researchers found that U.S. counties where more residents have medical debt in collections also had more cancer deaths, compared to counties with less medical debt. “This association was seen for all cancers combined, and… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Patients With Bladder Cancer May Avoid Removal of Extra Lymph Nodes, Study Finds
For years, doctors have thought that a more extensive surgery that removes a wider swath of lymph nodes was the best option for certain patients with bladder cancer. Now, a new clinical trial is upending that belief. Researchers found that the strategy — known as extended lymphadenectomy — was no better than standard surgery at… read on > read on >
Your Risk of COVID-Linked Smell Loss Is Much Lower Now: Study
One of the signature symptoms of COVID-19 infection in the early months of the pandemic was a loss of the sense of smell. Now, new research finds that is no longer the case, thanks to the new variants that have been circulating more recently. The risk of losing sense of taste or smell is now… read on > read on >
Going Solo: Masturbation May Give Humans an Evolutionary Edge
Some might think masturbation is all about self-pleasure, but scientists now claim it’s far more significant than that. Their new findings suggest it could serve an important role in evolution. An ancient trait in primates, masturbation — at least for the males of the species — increases their reproductive success while also helping them avoid… read on > read on >
Kids With ADHD, Behavior Issues Have Poorer Trajectories as Adults
Kids with poor impulse control — a common characteristic of ADHD — may be at higher risk for health, social and criminal problems as adults, a new study indicates. Researchers found that having attention and behavior problems in childhood was linked to less money, lower educational achievement and poorer health in adulthood when compared to… read on > read on >
Gene-Targeted Drug Tagrisso Cuts Death Rate in Half for Patients With Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Once-a-day use of the targeted cancer pill Tagrisso (osimertinib) cut the five-year death rate in half for a subset of patients with early-stage lung cancer, a new clinical trial shows. The results could have major implications for patients whose cancers carry a mutation in a gene known as EGFR, which is implicated in the out-of-control… read on > read on >
Injected Birth Control Could Be Game-Changer to Curb Stray Cat Populations
Millions of stray cats roam the world over, and surgical sterilization has long been the primary method of population control. But a small new study shows promising results for a one-and-done contraceptive injection. Researchers say this first-of-its-kind approach appears safe and effective. “A non-surgical contraceptive that could result in lifetime sterility following a single injection… read on > read on >
AHA News: Celebrating Pride Month With Mental Health in Mind
TUESDAY, June 6, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — As rainbow flags flutter in the June breeze for Pride Month, many LGBTQ+ people will feel tension in the air. “It’s been a really rough go for LGBTQ Americans” of late, said psychiatrist Dr. Natalia Ramos, an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of… read on > read on >
How Good Is ChatGPT at Answering Tough Health Questions?
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT someday may make a big difference for people seeking answers to questions such as “How can I stop smoking?” They may even offer resources to someone who was sexually assaulted. But they’re not quite there yet, a new study reveals. Researchers wanted to see how well ChatGPT performed for… read on > read on >
Could a Nitroglycerin Patch Ease Hot Flashes?
A new study on using nitroglycerin patches to help women with frequent hot flashes caused by menopause has delivered mixed results. The benefits of wearing these patches — long used as chest pain medication — were modest. They also were short-lived, with any benefits appearing to wear off over time, according to researchers from the… read on > read on >