When parents have concerns about the safety of childhood vaccinations, it can be tough to change their minds, as a new study shows. The study involved “vaccine-hesitant” parents — a group distinct from the staunch “anti-vaxxer” crowd. They have worries about one or more routine vaccines, and question whether the benefits for their child are… read on >
Limiting TV ads for sugary, salty and high-fat foods and drinks might help reduce childhood obesity, British researchers suggest. They looked at advertising of these products between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. If all such ads were withdrawn during those hours, the number of obese kids in the U.K. between the ages of 5 and… read on >
In some reassuring news on the coronavirus front, a new study finds that pregnant women with COVID-19 rarely infect their newborn. That finding suggests that it may not be necessary to separate infected mothers from their infants and that moms can continue to breastfeed, the researchers added. “Our findings should reassure expectant mothers with COVID-19… read on >
Black and Asian COVID-19 patients are more likely than white patients to have severe illness, a new British study finds. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,800 adult COVID-19 patients admitted to King’s College Hospital in London between March 1 and June 2. Patients who were Black or of mixed ethnicity were three times more… read on >
Young women with cancer are at a high risk for employment and financial consequences, a new study finds. “Our study addresses the burden of employment disruption and financial hardship among young women with cancer — a group who may be at particular risk for poor financial outcomes after cancer given their age and gender,” said… read on >
The truly scary thing about Halloween this year is that it’s occurring during a pandemic, but there are safe ways to celebrate, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. Suggestions include: virtual costume parties; physically distant, outdoor costume parades; Halloween-themed craft making; movie nights at home; decorating pumpkins; and making favorite treats. “Many kids look… read on >
You may think your dog is gazing lovingly at your face, but a new study suggests that’s not the case. Hungarian researchers say dogs’ brains may not process faces the same way human brains do. Faces are such an important part of communication for humans and other primates that faces have a special status in… read on >
Following weeks of delay, the White House on Tuesday approved tough new rules for coronavirus vaccine developers that will make it unlikely that a vaccine will be approved before Election Day. The approval came only after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the updated guidelines on its website as part of briefing materials for… read on >
Facebook chatter from the anti-vaccination movement now frames the issue as one of civil liberties, a new study finds. As a COVID-19 vaccine gets closer to becoming a reality, opposition from so-called anti-vaxxer groups could become a political movement, researchers warn. For the study, the investigators looked at more than 250,000 posts on 204 Facebook… read on >
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients face an increased risk of developing dangerous blood clots, a new review indicates. The odds of a clot are highest for the most critically ill patients. Analysis of 66 studies found that 23% of COVID-19 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) developed a blood clot in the leg, known as a… read on >
