Despite what you may have heard, rats and other city wildlife aren’t likely to trigger future pandemics in people, according to a new study. The COVID-19 pandemic has scientists trying to determine where future outbreaks are most likely to start. It’s long been suspected that critters in cities might act as reservoirs for viruses that… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Your Take-Out Coffee Cup May Shed Trillions of Plastic ‘Nanoparticles’
Maybe you ask the barista for cream with your coffee, and possibly sugar as well. But new research shows that paper cup of joe you grab off the coffeehouse counter contains another ingredient, and it’s one you might not care for — trillions of tiny plastic particles that leach into your hot java from the… read on > read on >
Could a Stressed-Out Pregnancy Hinder a Toddler’s Development?
Babies born to women who are stressed out during pregnancy may be more likely to experience social, emotional and learning problems as they grow up, new research suggests. “Mom’s elevated psychological distress affects not just her, but her unborn baby’s brain development,” said study author Catherine Limperopoulos, chief and director of the Developing Brain Institute… read on > read on >
Costs From Gun Injuries Highest in U.S. Regions With Weak Gun Laws
U.S. regions with weak gun laws face the highest hospital costs from gun injuries, with the South leading the way in injuries and fees, a new study says. Taxpayers cover nearly half of the cost of gun injuries nationwide, said researchers led by Dr. Sarabeth Spitzer, of the surgery department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital… read on > read on >
How Stress and Gastro Issues Affect Kids With Autism
For some children with autism, there’s a connection between gastrointestinal problems and stress, anxiety and social withdrawal, a new study suggests. The findings could help efforts to develop personalized treatments for autism patients with gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain and constipation, the University of Missouri researchers suggested. Such problems tend to occur more often… read on > read on >
Are Vegetarian Diets Healthy for Growing Kids?
Vegetarian diets are a healthy choice for growing kids — though they may slightly raise the odds of youngsters being underweight, a new study suggests. The study, of nearly 9,000 young children, found that those on vegetarian diets were, on average, of similar weight and height as their peers who ate meat. They were also… read on > read on >
Could Asthma Treatment Raise Your Odds for Obesity?
Adults who suffer from asthma often need to take corticosteroids to open up their airways, but the medications may have an unintended side effect: New research shows the treatment, particularly when taken in pill form, raised the risk of patients becoming obese. “Oral corticosteroids are often given to asthma patients, particularly those who had a… read on > read on >
Fewer U.S. Doctors Will Get Trained in Abortion if Roe v. Wade Overturned
There could be far fewer U.S. doctors trained to provide an abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court in a decision that is expected by the end of June, researchers report. That’s because nearly 45% of 286 obstetrics and gynecology residency programs across the United States are in the 26 states… read on > read on >
Thyroid Could Play Key Role in Hospital Stays
People with hypothyroidism who are undertreated are at increased risk for longer hospital stays and higher rates of readmission, a new study warns. In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It’s common in the United States, and millions of patients take thyroid hormone replacement medications. But treatment can be… read on > read on >
Your Dog’s Breed Has Little Influence on Behavior, Study Finds
For the past couple of centuries, humans have been breeding dogs to meet specific physical characteristics — to make Golden Retrievers fluffy, to make Rottweilers muscular, or to make Chihuahuas tiny. Dog enthusiasts have thought they also were passing along specific behavioral traits within breeds, giving rise to certain stereotypes — Golden Retrievers are affectionate… read on > read on >