New research shows that humans and deer passed the coronavirus back and forth in late 2021 and early 2022, raising concerns that this animal reservoir could become a source of new variants. Humans passed the virus to deer more than 100 times during that period, according to the study, which was led by the U.S.…  read on >  read on >

For years, people with the widespread pain disorder fibromyalgia were told their symptoms were all in their heads, but now the illness is being taken much more seriously with good reason. Folks with fibromyalgia are more likely to die early from accidents, infections and by suicide, new research suggests. “Fibromyalgia is often called an ‘imaginary…  read on >

If you live in West Virginia you’re more likely to experience joint pain due to arthritis, according to a new study that looked at the differences in pain across states. “The risk of joint pain is over three times higher in some states compared to others, with states in the South, especially the lower Mississippi…  read on >  read on >

Teens who use stimulant medication like Ritalin to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not have an increased risk of illicit drug use later, a new study finds. This study looked specifically at cocaine and methamphetamine use. High school seniors who used stimulant therapy were no more likely to use cocaine or methamphetamine as young adults…  read on >  read on >

As extreme heat continues to blanket numerous parts of the United States, Americans with dementia may be particularly challenged. “Triple-digit temperatures and heat indexes are especially dangerous for someone with a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, because the effects of dementia can impair their ability to notice if they are developing heat stroke or…  read on >  read on >

Children with autism have well-known difficulties with social interactions, but a new study is highlighting another area where they can struggle: memory. Researchers found that compared with their peers, school-age kids with autism showed more difficulty managing memory tasks. They often had a hard time remembering faces — something seen in past studies — but…  read on >  read on >