Pancreatic cancer is often fatal, but a molecular test that can accurately distinguish benign cysts from those that could become cancerous may be a key to saving lives. Researchers tested the technology — called PancreaSeq — to see if it could work in a clinical setting and found success. “Based on the results of this…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a major step to curb the largest remaining source of airborne lead pollution. The agency has proposed a so-called endangerment finding that aircraft that use leaded fuel cause or contribute to pollution that could harm public health and welfare. A majority of aircraft that use leaded fuel…  read on >  read on >

Getting vaccinated and boosted greatly reduces the odds for hospitalization if you get infected with COVID-19, according to a large new study conducted at U.S. Veterans Health Administration facilities. “This is remarkable, good news about the power and effectiveness of receiving COVID-19 boosting for all groups,” said co-author Dr. Dawn Bravata, a research scientist at…  read on >  read on >

Retirees, it’s time to get up out of your easy chair and get moving. That’s the message from a Finnish study that used a wrist-based device to determine just how much retired adults were moving every day. “Based on our research, people who are retiring should aim to increase the amount of physical activity, particularly…  read on >  read on >

Replacing diesel-powered trucks and the toxic pollutants they spew with electric vehicles would save tens of thousands of U.S. lives, a new American Lung Association report says. The benefit would accrue if all medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold have zero emissions by 2050, and if the electricity they use comes from non-combustion renewable energy, not…  read on >  read on >

If you have dogs, you probably already know that petting them can give you a lift. Researchers set out to prove that using technology to show what happens in the brain when stroking or sitting next to a dog. They also compared that to petting a stuffed animal. They found that when study participants viewed,…  read on >  read on >

Though it is illegal nationwide to sell tobacco products to anyone under age 21, many New Jersey stores still do, an undercover study revealed. More than 40% of store visits by 18- to 20-year-olds in New Jersey resulted in purchase of cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, the study found. While customers in this age…  read on >  read on >