More than 50% of American children have detectable blood lead levels, a new study reveals. And young children who live in places with lots of pre-1950s housing and low incomes have the greatest risk. “Public health authorities have worked commendably to reduce lead exposure for decades, and yet, substantial risk remains,” said study co-author Dr.… read on > read on >
A specimen cup full of bloody urine. Decaying feet that sport blackened, rotting toes — some already amputated. A pale boy with dark circles under his eyes, drawing breath through an oxygen mask. Around 179,000 deaths in the United States might have been prevented over the past decade if smokers had been forced to confront… read on > read on >
It seems like common sense for people who’ve had COVID-19 to think they now have natural immunity, and therefore don’t have to bother getting vaccinated. Common sense, yes, but also incorrect, infectious disease doctors say. Your case of COVID — especially if it was very mild — probably didn’t create enough of an immune response… read on > read on >
Help in retaining mental function when you age could be only a few keystrokes away. While crosswords and exercise are often touted as ways to retain thinking skills, U.K. investigators found that the internet may also help seniors stay sharp in retirement. Those who used the internet more after their careers ended had substantially higher… read on > read on >
Pfizer plans to request approval for use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children under 12 soon. “It is a question of days, not weeks,” Pfizer chairman and CEO Albert Bourla told ABC News on Sunday when asked about when the company will submit vaccine data on children aged 5 to 11 to the U.S. Food… read on > read on >
Trying to fit soccer or Little League into your son’s busy schedule? Canadian researchers offer some compelling reasons to do so. Little boys who play sports are less apt to be anxious or depressed later in childhood and more likely to be active in their early teens, according to the University of Montreal study. “We… read on > read on >
After a heart attack, a smartwatch app may help keep patients from being hospitalized again, researchers say. The app helps patients keep track of medications and make lifestyle changes. It may also reduce rehospitalization in the month after discharge by half, according to a new report. The American Heart Association says one in six heart… read on > read on >
Nuclear war would trigger worldwide climate change and take a dire toll on food production and human health, according to scientists who studied different scenarios using a modern climate model. “Although we suspected that ozone would be destroyed after nuclear war and that would result in enhanced ultraviolet light at the Earth’s surface, if there… read on > read on >
When COVID-19 restrictions forced you indoors, it brought birds back to North America, new research shows. Across the United States and Canada, birders documented an 80% increase among most of the 82 species they recorded since the start of pandemic restrictions last year. Some species (26%) increased in response to drops in certain types of… read on > read on >
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday recommended booster shots of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for millions of older and high-risk Americans, kicking off a new chapter in the national effort to protect the vulnerable from severe disease. First, an expert CDC advisory panel called for COVID-19 booster shots for those over 65,… read on > read on >
