Doctors could soon have access to a new weapon in the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An experimental combination antibiotic appears to offer a new option for doctors treating stubborn drug-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to new clinical trial results. The new combo of cefepime and enmetazobactam outperformed an established antibiotic drug regimen in…  read on >  read on >

More than 10,000 nerve fibers — many more than expected — power the human clitoris, according to Oregon researchers who were able to count them for the first time while performing gender-affirming genital surgery. That’s about 20% more than previous estimates, they said. “It’s startling to think about more than 10,000 nerve fibers being concentrated…  read on >  read on >

A bad marriage can break your heart — literally. Heart attack survivors in a stressful relationship are more likely to have a rocky recovery, a new study reports. “We found there’s an independent association between severe marital stress and worse outcomes within their first year of recovery,” said lead researcher Cenjing Zhu, a doctoral candidate…  read on >  read on >

Protecting pregnant women from air pollution may improve the birth weight of their babies, a new study suggests. This is especially important for stressed-out mothers who live in neighborhoods burdened by poor air quality. A mother-to-be’s exposure to both air pollution and psychological stress during early to mid-pregnancy can disrupt delicate fetal growth, according to…  read on >  read on >

A woman’s body appears to go on high alert after she loses her virginity, a new study reports. Specifically, her immune system ramps up activity in her vagina following her first sexual intercourse, researchers found. However, researchers can’t yet say whether these immune changes reduce or elevate a female’s risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted…  read on >  read on >

After a sexual assault, some victims are charged for the initial treatment and collection of evidence, even though U.S. federal law requires those services to be free. Now, a new federal bill aims to change that by requiring private insurance companies to cover these costs for their customers. “This legislation is needed because too many…  read on >  read on >

While monkeypox cases are declining in the United States, a new government report shows that patients with weakened immune systems, especially those living with HIV, have been hit particularly hard by the virus. Even after taking antiviral medication for monkeypox, those with untreated HIV were more likely to end up in the hospital, the researchers…  read on >  read on >

For cat owners who are convinced that their furry feline understands and even responds to the sound of their voice, here’s the reward they’ve been waiting for: A new French study finds that, yes, cats can identify their owner’s cooing and calling. After extensive work with 16 cats, the investigators concluded that cats can perceive…  read on >  read on >