Mosquitoes can be a big pest, leaving behind itchy bumps on skin and potentially spreading serious diseases, such as West Nile virus. Sam Telford III is a professor of infectious disease and global health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and a commissioner for the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. Some counties…  read on >  read on >

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, is getting renewed interest as a potential treatment for various health conditions. Now, a new research review argues that migraines should be added to that list. Psilocybin mushrooms have long been used recreationally as hallucinogens — meaning they alter users’ perceptions of their surroundings. That can lead to…  read on >  read on >

MONDAY, Aug. 14, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Traditionally, many decisions about medical treatment were left up to doctors: They decided, and patients agreed. Today, health care professionals are embracing the idea of shared decision-making, where patients become informed partners in their choices. A new report from the American Heart Association, published Monday in…  read on >  read on >

Many Americans diagnosed with cancer continue to drink alcohol regularly — sometimes heavily and sometimes during treatment, a new study shows. The study, of over 15,000 U.S. cancer survivors, found that 78% were current drinkers. And of them, significant percentages said they binged or engaged in other “risky” drinking. The same patterns were seen even…  read on >  read on >

The link between pro football and the risk for a neurodegenerative disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is well known, and now a new study suggests that football may also up the risk for Parkinson’s disease, even among past high school and college players. “Parkinson’s disease has been commonly reported in boxers, but we have…  read on >  read on >