Wildfires might inadvertently increase the risk of flu and COVID-19 outbreaks, a new study argues. Sky-choking wildfire smoke tends to drive people indoors, and infectious diseases are more likely to spread among those packed into enclosed spaces, researchers reported today in the journal PLOS Climate. “Our findings show that wildfires led to a dramatic increase… read on > read on >
Throbbing, swollen knees hobble many seniors, but there are many solid means of treating knee arthritis that don’t involve meds, a new evidence review says. Knee braces, water therapy and exercise all effectively ease the ache of wear-and-tear knee arthritis, researchers reported today in the journal PLOS One. “They reduce pain and improve mobility without… read on > read on >
An experimental AI tool can help speed detection of melanoma and other skin diseases, a new study says. The tool, PanDerm, improved accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses by 11% when used by doctors, researchers reported recently in the journal Nature Medicine. It also helped doctors improve by nearly 17% accurate diagnosis of other skin conditions,… read on > read on >
Women working the night shift appear to have an increased risk of asthma, a new study says. Women who only work nights have a 50% increased risk of moderate to severe asthma compared to those on the day shift, researchers reported June 16 in the journal ERJ Open Research. Researchers did not find a similar… read on > read on >
Infertility appears linked to women’s risk of heart problems, an evidence review suggests. Women who are infertile have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, with the risk highest among younger women and those who undergo fertility treatment, researchers reported in Copenhagen, Denmark, recently at a joint meeting of the European Society of Pediatric… read on > read on >
Talk therapy can help stroke survivors who are in the throes of depression or anxiety, a new study says. About half of patients (49%) fully recovered from a post-stroke mood disorder after participating in talk psychotherapy, researchers reported recently in the journal Nature Mental Health. Overall, 71% of stroke survivors experienced a significant improvement in… read on > read on >
When Chris Williams started feeling sharp stomach pain one night in 2021, he went straight to the emergency room. The next morning, he had surgery to remove his appendix. But that wasn’t the end of his health scare. A few days later, doctors gave Williams unexpected news: They found a tumor on his appendix. Tests… read on > read on >
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case next term involving a New Jersey nonprofit that runs anti-abortion pregnancy centers and is fighting a state investigation. At the center of the case is First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, which operates five clinics across the state. The group is challenging a subpoena from New Jersey Attorney… read on > read on >
Magic mushrooms might be key to quelling depression among people battling cancer. A single dose of psilocybin provided sustained reductions in depression and anxiety among cancer patients diagnosed with major depression, according to small-scale study published June 16 in the journal Cancer. “One dose of psilocybin with psychological support to treat depression has a long-term… read on > read on >
People caring for people with dementia might face future risk with their own brain aging due to lifestyle factors, a new study says. Nearly 3 in 5 dementia caregivers (59%) have at least one risk factor that increases their own chances of developing dementia over time, according to a June 12 report from the Public… read on > read on >
