Long-term steroid use can reshape the structure of the brain, causing some parts to shrink and others to grow, a major new study reports. People taking steroids — even inhaled steroids — appear to have less intact white matter structure in their brains compared with those not taking the drugs, brain scans reveal. White matter… read on > read on >
Research has linked heart disease to specific autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Now, a huge study shows that autoimmune diseases as a group increase your chances of developing heart ills. Autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and type 1 diabetes occur when the body engages in friendly fire against… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave the green light to updated COVID booster shots from both Pfizer and Moderna that target Omicron variants, paving the way for the shots to get into American arms within a few days. “The FDA has been planning for the possibility that the composition of the COVID-19… read on > read on >
Munching handfuls of microwave popcorn might be perfect for movie night, but your snack could be loading your body with potentially harmful “forever chemicals,” experts warn. Many microwave popcorn bags are lined with PFAS (perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and evidence has shown that these chemicals will leach into the snack during popping. Studies have found… read on > read on >
In Washington state, 22 wildlife bridges and underpasses provide animals with a safe way through to search for food or escape predators and wildfires. It turns out the crossings have been benefiting humans, too. In a 10-mile radius around wildlife crossings, there are between one and three fewer collisions a year between vehicles and animals,… read on > read on >
A Texas patient who was infected with monkeypox has died, though state health officials said Tuesday it’s too early to say what role the virus may have played in the death. The adult, who died in a hospital in Harris County, was “severely immunocompromised” and had “various severe illnesses,” health officials said. Autopsy results are… read on > read on >
A new smartwatch could be a key player in preventing heart attacks among people suffering from risky heart conditions, a new study claims. Using the smartwatch to track their heart health, patients in a home-based cardiac rehab program were more than 20% less likely to land in the hospital than patients trekking to a medical… read on > read on >
Every year, anywhere from 700,000 to 1 million people fall while in U.S. hospitals, and this often triggers a downward health spiral. Little has been shown to make a dent in those numbers. Until now. Enter Smart Socks, which are wired with sensors that send an alert when a patient tries to get up from… read on > read on >
Access to paid sick leave saves lives, new research shows. The U.S. study found that when local laws required employers to provide paid sick leave, lower death rates from homicide, suicide and alcohol-related causes resulted. The researchers also believe that recent upticks in death rates — up 6% between 2010 and 2017 — among U.S.… read on > read on >
The most widespread form of bullying isn’t physical acts like pushing or kicking, nor is it verbal threats or derogatory remarks. Far and away bullies’ top tactic is social exclusion. Also known as “relational aggression,” this involves shutting out peers from group activities and spreading false rumors about them. And research underscores the damage done… read on > read on >
