A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off. Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors. Still, it’s a hazard worth looking out for,… read on >
After decades of progress, the United States has seen a slowdown in reductions of two major air pollutants, a new study finds. Researchers found that levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide — which contribute to the formation of ozone pollution and smog — have not continued the fairly steady decline predicted by the U.S.… read on >
What women eat might determine when they enter menopause, new research suggests. After tracking more than 35,000 British women for four years, investigators found that menopause tended to start earlier among those whose diets were heavy in refined carbs. In contrast, menopause tended to begin later among those who consumed a lot of fish and… read on >
Anxiety during middle age might signal impending dementia, a new analysis suggests. Although millions of Americans suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, it’s not clear how it is linked to dementia or if treatment could nullify the risk, British researchers say. “We investigated anxiety levels that are significant enough to warrant being clinically diagnosed with… read on >
Americans could add years to their lives with just a handful of healthy habits, a large, new study suggests. Right now, the typical 50-year-old American can expect to live another 30 to 33 years, according to government statistics. But based on the new study, those who maintain five lifestyle habits could add roughly a decade… read on >
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) most often affects infants and children younger than age 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Children that young lack immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD. the agency says. Typical symptoms of the highly contagious disease include: fever, painful mouth sores and a rash on… read on >
Construction workers, farmers and others who work in the sun are at greater risk for skin cancer, according to researchers. And a new study reveals these job-related cancers cost nations millions in medical expenses. The researchers said lawmakers should address this trend and take steps to reduce job-related exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.… read on >
American women are becoming more frisky in the bedroom, new research reveals. In a study of sexual trends in the United States, researchers at the University of Utah found that promiscuity is rising for women and declining for men. The number of women who’ve had sex with more than 15 partners has increased over the… read on >
If you need an emergency operation, you’re in safer hands with an older surgeon, new research suggests. “These findings provide evidence of a learning curve in surgical practice that has a meaningful impact on patients’ outcomes,” said lead researcher Dr. Yusuke Tsugawa. He’s with the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine’s division of general internal… read on >
There’s been a steep decline over the past two decades in births to American girls under the age of 15, a new report finds. Overall, “the number of U.S. births to females aged 10 to 14 was a record low in 2016, dropping to 2,253 from 8,519 in 2000,” a team from the U.S. Centers… read on >
