People living with an autoimmune disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from mood problems like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, a new large-scale study says. The risk of mood disorders is 87% to 97% higher in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and Graves’ syndrome, researchers reported…  read on >  read on >

If spending time around dogs or cats makes your eyes water, your nose run, your skin itch or your breathing difficult, you’re not alone. Pet allergies — allergic reactions to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine — affect 10% to 20% of people worldwide, and exposure isn’t limited to pet owners.…  read on >  read on >

Ancient Chinese medicine techniques could prove extremely helpful in modern fertility treatment, a new study says. Acupuncture significantly relieved stress and pain in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), researchers report. “Our study demonstrates that acupuncture and whole-systems TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can serve as a valuable tool to decrease pain, stress and anxiety –…  read on >  read on >

Dozens of people in northeastern England have developed a rare and dangerous illness after receiving Botox injections, according to health officials in the U.K. At least 28 people have reported symptoms of botulism, a potentially deadly illness that attacks the nervous system, after undergoing cosmetic procedures, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on June…  read on >  read on >

A new shot to prevent HIV infection has just been approved — and it only needs to be taken twice a year. On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir, a long-acting injection that was shown to be nearly 100% effective in clinical trials. Made by Gilead Sciences and sold under the…  read on >  read on >

A senior scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resigned, warning that changes in leadership may weaken the country’s vaccine program. Dr. Fiona Havers, who led the CDC’s tracking of hospitalizations from COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), stepped down this week.  “Unfortunately,” she said in an email to colleagues,…  read on >  read on >

Talk therapy can help stroke survivors who are in the throes of depression or anxiety, a new study says. About half of patients (49%) fully recovered from a post-stroke mood disorder after participating in talk psychotherapy, researchers reported recently in the journal Nature Mental Health. Overall, 71% of stroke survivors experienced a significant improvement in…  read on >  read on >