An experimental gene therapy that’s applied as a skin gel appears to heal wounds caused by a rare and severe genetic skin disease. Experts called the findings “remarkable,” and said they bring hope of a better quality of life to children and young adults living with the condition, called dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). The disease… read on > read on >
Doctors and patients should consider COVID-19 history when planning surgery, according to a new study. For patients who’ve had a COVID-19 diagnosis, researchers found significant postoperative problems diminish gradually over time, but risks persist more than a year after the illness. That time frame is longer than previously known, said the research team from Vanderbilt… read on > read on >
Having short, painful headaches for many days or even weeks in a row may signal that you’re more likely to have other medical woes, researchers say. These “cluster headaches” are extremely painful and can last from 15 minutes to three hours at a time. And people who have them may be more than three times… read on > read on >
Quitting alcohol can help reduce complications of liver cirrhosis, even in patients who have advanced disease. It can also help them live longer, new research shows. “Our results clearly show that all patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis who maintain sustained abstinence from alcohol not only suffer complications of liver cirrhosis significantly less frequently, but also… read on > read on >
Almost 15 million people likely died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, nearly three times more than previously reported, a new World Health Organization study estimates. The researchers said the COVID-19 pandemic caused about 4.5 million more deaths than would have been expected in 2020, and 10.4 million more in… read on > read on >
So much for vaping as a smoking-cessation tool: New research finds most folks who use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are likely to continue smoking rather than quit, a new study finds. How much is most? Only 10% quit vaping and smoking. “As used by the general population, e-cigarettes have not contributed to substantial smoking… read on > read on >
In U.S. states with more restrictive abortion policies, rates of pregnant women, new mothers and infants dying were higher, a new report finds. The analysis, conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, found that states with heavily restricted access to abortion in 2020 had a maternal death rate that was 62% higher than states with easier abortion… read on > read on >
Comedian and actor Amy Schumer has struggled with numerous health conditions over the years but feels “like a new person” since having surgery to treat endometriosis. Schumer detailed the experience in the new docuseries “The Checkup With Dr. David Agus.” “I’m feeling really hopeful and I am really glad that I did it, and I… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 14, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Peppermint, like Santa Claus, seems to be everywhere you turn at the holidays. And also like Santa, when it comes to evaluating claims about it, the most scientific minds will tell you they need more evidence. An internet search will turn up all kinds of statements… read on > read on >
Scientists have pinpointed four genes that seem to play a part in how vulnerable you are to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. “It’s important to note that these genes do not predestine anyone to problems, but it’s also important to understand that there could be heightened risks, particularly when combined with life events,” said study co-author… read on > read on >
