A California bill would have made free condoms available for high schoolers, but it was vetoed Sunday by Gov. Gavin Newsom because of cost. California has a budget deficit of $30 billion, Newsom noted in his veto of Senate Bill 541. This bill, plus several other measures lawmakers passed, would have increased state budget costs… read on > read on >
Exercise has been dubbed “nature’s antidepressant” by doctors for years, and now a new study confirms the notion. The finding follows a four-month look at the impact that running had on anxiety and depression when compared to a common antidepressant. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by boosting levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that’s a… read on > read on >
Anyone with a cat knows the calm, low rumble of purring, but how does such a small animal make such a low sound? New research suggests it boils down to a pad embedded in feline vocal cord folds. That’s different than previously thought, which was that purring happened through a special mechanism, with cyclical contraction… read on > read on >
A type of gut bacteria found in wild wolves could help treat domestic dogs who have a common, debilitating gastrointestinal condition. New research in an Oregon wolf discovered a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria that displays the characteristics of a probiotic. The benefit from this bacteria would be to stop canine inflammatory bowel disease. A… read on > read on >
Catching breast cancer early is key to making it easier to treat and survive, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The organization aims to highlight early detection, noting that screening with mammography has helped breast cancer death rates drop 43% since 1989. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (after skin cancer)… read on > read on >
It’s time to get the flu shot. They’re important not just for adults, but also for children, and keeping the whole family safe, according to an expert in pediatrics. “You never know how bad a flu season will be,” said Dr. Mona Patel, attending physician in the department of general pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los… read on > read on >
Should Fluffy and Fido go vegan? A new study says yes — for the environment. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that livestock are responsible for 14.5% of the greenhouse gas emissions. In response, some experts say eating vegan — meaning a nutritionally sound diet without animal proteins or products — for two-thirds… read on > read on >
Wallet-friendly cards showing proof of COVID vaccinations served a purpose early in the pandemic, but they’re on their way out. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped printing the cards, likely changing how people track their shots in the future. The cards people have at home can still be used as proof… read on > read on >
Moderna Inc. announced Wednesday that it has seen positive early results with a new vaccine that would guard against four strains of flu plus COVID-19. In interim findings from a Phase 1/2 trial, the vaccine showed both a strong immune response compared to the standard dose of flu vaccine in adults aged 50 to 64… read on > read on >
More than 80% of eligible Americans did not get a COVID-19 booster shot last fall. Now, a new study reveals the reasons for the hesitation. Nearly 40% of survey participants said a prior COVID-19 infection factored into their decision to not get the booster. Another 31.5% were worried about side effects. And an additional 28%… read on > read on >
