Larger and more intense wildfires in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are causing a spike in air pollution across North America that endangers millions of people, a new study warns. Wildfire smoke has been linked to significant respiratory problems, and may also cause heart and pregnancy complications. “Wildfire emissions have increased so substantially that they’re changing… read on > read on >
A prior COVID-19 infection may provide unvaccinated adults with as much immunity against reinfection as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines, new research suggests. However, the study was conducted before the surge of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. “We found that, before the emergence of the Omicron variant, natural immunity provided a similar degree of… read on > read on >
The most common treatments for sleep apnea are mechanical — CPAP machines, mouthguards and the like. But researchers think they’ve found a drug that might ease sleep apnea in some. The drug sulthiame, normally used to treat epilepsy, appeared to reduce breathing pauses by more than 20 events an hour, on average, in obstructive sleep… read on > read on >
With marijuana now legal in many U.S. states, some veterinarians are seeing more cases of cannabis poisoning in dogs and other pets, according to a new survey. The poll, of 251 vets in Canada and the United States, found that those incidents usually end well: Most animals recover quickly, without needing a hospital stay. But… read on > read on >
Millions of Americans take antidepressants to combat low moods. But a large, new study suggests that these medications over time may do little to improve overall quality of life. “We found the change in health-related quality of life to be comparable or similar between patients that used antidepressant medications and those who did not use… read on > read on >
Twelve companies have been issued warning letters about selling over-the-counter skin lightening products containing hydroquinone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday. The products are unapproved drugs that are not recognized as safe and effective, according to the FDA, which has received reports of serious side effects including rashes, facial swelling and skin discoloration… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Over the past decade, marijuana use, both recreational and medicinal, has grown as state governments across the U.S. have legalized its use. But while it might be legal for adults to light up, the question of whether it is harmful or helpful in many cases remains… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — On the screen, bananas are a menace. Just ask Charlie Chaplin, Bugs Bunny or anyone who’s played Mario Kart. In your diet, though, bananas can be a boon. Experts have a bunch of reasons to like them and see only a few ways the elongated yellow… read on > read on >
Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans have an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia as they age — for reasons that are not entirely understood, a large new study finds. The study, of nearly 1.9 million older U.S. veterans, found that compared with their white counterparts, Black vets were 54% more likely to be diagnosed… read on > read on >
A mesh plug normally used to treat one type of brain aneurysm is also effective when dealing with another type, a new study says. Aneurysms are bulges in blood vessels that can cause a life-threatening rupture. They typically occur where a blood vessel forks into two branches (bifurcates), but can also occur on the side… read on > read on >
