Most Americans mistakenly believe they can spot fake news, which makes them more vulnerable to the false information, a new study claims. The research included nearly 8,300 people who were asked to evaluate the accuracy of a series of Facebook headlines and then rate their own abilities to identify false news. About 90% of participants… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Telehealth Is Growing in Use, Acceptance Among Americans: Poll
Many Americans have used telehealth and would turn to it for mental health care, a new online poll shows. Conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) from March 26 to April 5, the poll found that 38% had used telehealth to consult with a health professional, up from 31% last fall. In all, 82% have… read on > read on >
Even Preschoolers Want to Be in the ‘In Crowd,’ Study Finds
People aren’t born understanding social norms, but kids do have a desire to fit in with the crowd from an early age, according to a new study. Researchers from Duke University in Durham, N.C. found that when 3-year-olds were asked to behave in a certain way and did so, they weren’t conforming just to obey… read on > read on >
Immunity After COVID-19 Illness May Last at Least 1 Year
Long-term data from northern Italy — an area hit hard during the early days of the pandemic — suggests that reinfection after recovery from COVID-19 infection is very rare, and immunity in former patients could be long-lasting. “Natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 appears to confer a protective effect for at least a year, which is similar… read on > read on >
Many Americans Confused About Sunscreens: Poll
Think you know all you need to know about slathering on the sunscreen this summer? Maybe you don’t. As the Memorial Day weekend begins, many Americans are confused about the proper application of sunscreen and about its sun protection factor (SPF), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says. A recent academy poll of 1,000 U.S.… read on > read on >
Amazon Tribe Could Hold Key to Health of Aging Brains
A native South American population that lives a pre-industrial lifestyle may have a slower rate of brain aging than the typical Westerner, a new study finds. The study focused on the Tsimane population, whose roughly 16,000 members dwell in a remote part of the Bolivian Amazon. They live by farming, hunting, gathering and fishing —… read on > read on >
Debunking Myths That Have Some Parents Resisting COVID Vaccines for Teens
Many health experts hailed the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 to 15, but some parents have been hesitant to take their kids in for a shot. “Parents naturally worry more about their children than they do about themselves — I think that’s parenting defined,” said Dr. Hina Talib, a pediatrician… read on > read on >
Poll Finds Herd Immunity in U.S. Possible by Summer
Seventy percent of American adults could be vaccinated by this summer, a new poll suggests. The survey results bode well for the country and likely mean that President Joe Biden’s goal of 70 percent vaccine coverage for adults by July 4 will be reached. The Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest survey found 62 percent of respondents… read on > read on >
Another Study Finds Routine Vaccines Safe for Kids, Adults
If more proof of the safety of vaccines is needed, a new study delivers fresh evidence that they carry few harms for children, adults and pregnant women. “This in-depth analysis found no evidence of increased risk of serious adverse events following vaccines, apart from a few — previously known — associations,” said Susanne Hempel, director… read on > read on >
Massive Gene Study Probes Origins of Depression
Researchers who pinpointed 178 gene variants linked to major depression say their findings could improve diagnosis and treatment of a disorder that affects 1 in 5 people. The study draws on a huge database, analyzing the genetic and health records of 1.2 million people from three databanks in the United States, the U.K. and Finland,… read on > read on >