Coffee has been tied to many potential health benefits, but people should drink it for pleasure, and not disease prevention. That’s one of the main conclusions of a new research review. In it, researchers give an overview of the evidence on coffee and caffeine — the subjects of many health studies over the years. “The…  read on >

Some people in their 90s stay sharp whether their brain harbors amyloid protein plaques — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease — or not, but why? That’s the question researchers sought answers for among 100 people without dementia, average age 92, who were followed for up to 14 years. Their answer? A combination of genetic luck…  read on >

For critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, early dialysis doesn’t reduce death any more than standard care does, new research finds. “Studying a large number of patients from many countries across different hospital settings gives us a degree of confidence that taking a more conservative approach to treatment may be warranted,” said researcher Martin…  read on >

The COVID-19 pandemic has America’s hospitals on the fiscal ropes, with many facing financial ruin without continued aid from the federal government, a new report predicts. Average hospital margins across the nation could sink to −7% in the second half of 2020 without further help, with half of all hospitals potentially operating in the red,…  read on >

Hopes for robust, long-term antibody protection after a bout of COVID-19 have been dampened by a new study that finds the protection may only last a few months. Still, experts noted that the body’s immune system has more than one way to defend against viruses it has already encountered, so the findings don’t dash hopes…  read on >

WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2020 (American Heart Association News) — You could read this story now. Or you could take a nap first, and perhaps tackle it feeling more alert and refreshed. Health-wise, is that a good idea? Under the right conditions, for the right reasons, probably – if you’re awake to the possible pitfalls. “A…  read on >

A genetic variant that acts as a natural pain reliever may explain why some women don’t require pain relief during childbirth, researchers say. The level of pain and discomfort experienced during childbirth varies widely, so researchers at the University of Cambridge in England decided to investigate why some women have less pain during labor and…  read on >