THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Jack hammers. Buzz saws. Screaming toddlers. Barking dogs. Horns blaring from incessant traffic jams. Any of these can set nerves on edge, especially if you are subjected to the noise for hours, days or weeks on end. It’s more than aggravating. Studies show noise-generated stress is…  read on >  read on >

In a sign that the coronavirus pandemic is cutting short the lives of Americans, a new government report finds that average life expectancy in the United States took a drastic plunge during the first half of 2020, particularly among Black and Hispanic people. Overall U.S. life expectancy dropped to 77.8 years, down one full year…  read on >  read on >

As the new coronavirus vaccine rollout gathers speed, elevators will likely become a flash point for businesses hoping to reopen offices while sticking to social distancing. And a new computer simulation suggests that the usual “first-come, first-served” elevator routine is neither safe nor practical. “Now that vaccines are within reach, many buildings are slated for…  read on >  read on >

Scientists may have discovered why cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) are triggered by stress, illness and sunburn. The finding could lead to new ways to prevent recurring cold sores and herpes-related eye disease, U.S. and British researchers say. More than half of Americans are infected with herpes simplex virus. It is spread…  read on >  read on >

Older adults who get little sleep each night may be at heightened risk of dementia or earlier death, a new study suggests. Researchers found that among 2,600 older Americans, those who were deemed “short sleepers” — catching no more than five hours of sleep at night — were more likely to develop dementia or die…  read on >  read on >