Telling people to isolate in a bedroom when COVID-19 strikes may not be enough to keep the virus from spreading to others in the household, a new study suggests. Airborne coronavirus particles were found both inside and outside the rooms of people with COVID-19 who were supposed to be self-isolating at home, according to researchers…  read on >  read on >

Hospitalizations for dangerously high blood pressure more than doubled in the United States from 2002 to 2014, new research shows. This jump in hospitalizations for what’s called a “hypertensive crisis” occurred even though data show overall progress in Americans controlling their blood pressure and a decrease in blood pressure-related heart problems during that period. “Although…  read on >  read on >

If you eat a lot of meat, you may be at increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study suggests. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the insulation around nerves. It’s not clear what triggers the attack, but mounting evidence suggests bacteria plays a role. Gut bacteria can affect the…  read on >  read on >

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval for use in people 18 and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday. The vaccine, which has been available for that age group under emergency use authorization (EUA), will be marketed as Spikevax. It’s not yet fully approved or authorized for use in people younger than…  read on >  read on >

The images are never-ending: Celebrities like Kim Kardashian posting one sultry shot after another on social media. But new research warns this constant barrage of “perfect” bodies can undermine the self-esteem of young women. They’re apt to feel their own figures come up short by comparison — whether those influencers and celebrities are super-thin, super-fit…  read on >  read on >

Is your plastic water bottle widening your waistline? Could be. In a new study, Norwegian researchers said that chemicals in common plastic products like water bottles or food packaging may put you at risk of piling on the pounds. “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a…  read on >  read on >

It’s crucial to keep preschoolers away from screens and other sources of light in the hour before bedtime if you want them to get a good night’s sleep, researchers say. That’s because even a little bit of light exposure can trigger a sharp drop in the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, according to the research team at…  read on >  read on >