A new brain imaging study has concluded that autism likely isn’t caused by faulty connections to the amygdala. A prevailing hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder has held that people with the condition have poorer neural connections in certain brain regions, including the amygdala. However, researchers found no evidence that people with autism had amygdala connections…  read on >  read on >

The booming popularity of the weight-loss drug semaglutide has prompted increasing concerns about potential side effects from taking Ozempic or Wegovy. But a new study rules out one possible problem — using semaglutide does not increase a person’s risk of depression or suicide, researchers report. Semaglutide did not increase the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts…  read on >  read on >

New England is on alert following one death and a handful of infections of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. A New Hampshire resident died after contracting EEE, which is spread by mosquito bites, according to a release issued in late August from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Four other cases have…  read on >  read on >

A survey of Australian adolescents finds those who are experiencing depressive symptoms have double the risk of taking up vaping. “In the short term, nicotine may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and young people may be reaching for vapes as a coping mechanism,” said study co-author Emily Stockings. “Regardless of whether mental ill health…  read on >  read on >

An experimental “smart mask” can check a person’s breath to check their health, researchers report. Fitted with biosensors, the simple paper mask could be used to track respiratory ailments, kidney disease and a number of other health problems, according to a study published Aug. 29 in the journal Science. “The smart mask can be prepared…  read on >  read on >

Hospitals see more admissions for heart attacks in the days after cold weather sets in, new research shows. “Individuals may be particularly vulnerable to acute cardiac events during periods of cold stress,” said study lead author Wenli Ni, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University. Her team presented its findings Sunday in London at the…  read on >  read on >

Endometriosis can be a painful, debilitating condition for many women, but new research suggests even more serious consequences: higher odds for heart attacks or strokes. Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue that normally grows on the inside of the organ grows outside of it instead. Cysts, scar tissue and other conditions can infiltrate nearby organs, resulting…  read on >  read on >

Insulin can be a critical part of managing diabetes, but patients may not know all of the ins and outs of using the medication effectively. Luckily, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has plenty of information and tips on using insulin. First, there are different types of insulin, depending on how fast they work, when they peak and…  read on >  read on >

A new, tougher rule on the sale of tobacco products will require retailers to check the IDs of any buyers under the age of 30, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday. The final rule, which will go into effect Sept. 30, also restricts tobacco vending machine sales to spaces that are limited to people…  read on >  read on >