U.S. federal officials took a big step toward protecting children from a contaminant blamed for irreversible health effects, proposing tougher standards for removing lead-based paint in pre-1978 buildings and child care facilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the proposed new standards Wednesday at an event in Newark, N.J. If finalized, the new rules would… read on > read on >
The centuries-old practice of mindfulness is having a moment in present times, and a new study finds the therapy can improve mental health for at least six months. Analyzing the results of 13 prior studies, U.K. researchers concluded that in-person, teacher-led mindfulness courses were tied to reduced stress and anxiety. Mindfulness “was the seventh step… read on > read on >
If you live in West Virginia you’re more likely to experience joint pain due to arthritis, according to a new study that looked at the differences in pain across states. “The risk of joint pain is over three times higher in some states compared to others, with states in the South, especially the lower Mississippi… read on > read on >
As extreme heat continues to blanket numerous parts of the United States, Americans with dementia may be particularly challenged. “Triple-digit temperatures and heat indexes are especially dangerous for someone with a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, because the effects of dementia can impair their ability to notice if they are developing heat stroke or… read on > read on >
Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of deciphering a brain tumor’s genetic code in real time, during surgery — an advance they say could speed diagnosis and personalize patients’ treatment. The researchers trained the AI tool to recognize the different genetic features of gliomas, a group of tumors that constitute the most… read on > read on >
Identifying genetic disorders in newborns and infants can help them get the care they need, but one approach — whole genome sequencing — appears far superior to another. In a new study, researchers compared whole genome sequencing with targeted gene-sequencing. They found that whole genome sequencing (WGS) was nearly twice as effective at finding the… read on > read on >
When thinking of people in high-risk jobs, hairdressers and beauticians don’t immediately come to mind. But cosmetologists have a much greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than the average woman, a new study reports. Specifically, working for a decade or more as a hairdresser, barber or beautician is associated with a threefold higher risk of… read on > read on >
When they need health care, Americans can be slapped with surprise medical costs because of loopholes in the law and “junk fees,” according to the White House. The Biden administration is taking action on several fronts to deal with these unexpected costs. “Evading the law and playing games to charge crazy, outrageous prices has to… read on > read on >
An experimental implant now under development could serve as a temporary monitor and pacemaker for ailing heart patients — then dissolve away when it’s no longer needed. The soft, lightweight and transparent implant is about the size of a postage stamp, and is made of polymers and metals that are biodegradable, researchers reported July 5… read on > read on >
American industry engages in some of the same high-risk practices as other countries in keeping and selling commercial animals that have the potential for triggering outbreaks of disease among humans, a new report shows. Researchers from Harvard Law School and New York University (NYU) studied this as part of a larger project in which they… read on > read on >
