It’s a controversial notion, but couples undergoing fertility treatments may soon be able to select the sex of their baby — with an 80% chance of success, doctors say. Sperm-sorting techniques have been tried and offered before, but the new procedure — which separates sperm cells based on weight — appears much more accurate and… read on > read on >
A proposed bill in Florida would prevent children from learning about menstruation in elementary school, even though some girls get their first periods in those years. The bill would also ban other sex education topics through the fifth grade. Sponsored by Republican Florida state Rep. Stan McClain, the bill advanced out of the House Education… read on > read on >
Taking progestogen-only birth control pills comes with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer — about the same degree of risk associated with taking pills that contain both progestogen and estrogen, new research finds. After five years’ use, investigators found a 20% to 30% heightened breast cancer risk with both types of contraceptives, according to… read on > read on >
“Baby on Board” warning stickers apply even when there’s a mom-to-be in the vehicle, a new study argues. Pregnant women involved in traffic collisions are at heightened risk of potentially serious birth complications, even if the wreck only involves minor injuries, researchers report. These complications can include dislodgement of the placenta, very heavy bleeding, and… read on > read on >
Four out of five U.S. parents questioned in a large poll believe their preteen and teenage kids are clear on the risks that electronic cigarettes pose, and only a few think their child actually vapes. Still, if their child did vape, would parents know? Nearly half of more than 1,300 parents polled said they would.… read on > read on >
Perrigo Co., which makes Gerber Good Start SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula, has recalled the product over concerns about contamination with a potentially dangerous bacteria. Cronobacter sakazakii was possibly present between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisc., manufacturing facility. No distributed products have tested positive for the bacteria. No one… read on > read on >
In more bad news about antibiotic resistance, new research suggests that people and their pets may be able to transmit multidrug-resistant germs to each other. Still, cases of cross-transmission are rare and it’s not clear if pets are giving germs to people or people are giving germs to their pets, the study authors noted. “In… read on > read on >
People covered by Medicaid insurance may not have easy access to some of the most effective, longer-acting birth control methods, new research claims. Investigators found that while about 48% of physicians who treat Medicaid patients provided prescription contraception like the birth control pill, only 10% offered longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. Birth control is… read on > read on >
During pregnancy, women may need to consider different options for treating certain health issues. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers some suggestions for pregnant women living with the common skin conditions eczema and psoriasis. “Women may consider their health care decisions differently during different stages of their lives,” said Chicago dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe,… read on > read on >
A new theory about the start of the COVID-19 virus points to illegally traded raccoon dogs at a market in Wuhan, China. Genetic data from swabs connected to these fox-like animals with a raccoon face offers tangible evidence of the virus’ possible origin, according to an international team of virus experts. These animals are known… read on > read on >
