Why is it so easy for bilingual folks to switch back and forth from one language to another? Researchers have discovered that the brain uses a shared mechanism that makes using multiple languages completely natural. “Languages may differ in what sounds they use and how they organize words to form sentences,” said lead study author… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Hepatitis B Shots Advised for All U.S. Adults Under 60
All U.S. adults younger than 60 should be vaccinated against hepatitis B, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended Wednesday. Until now, the shots were recommended only for certain groups of adults, including prisoners, health care workers, international travelers, people with diabetes and certain other conditions, and those who inject drugs or who have multiple… read on > read on >
Breastfeeding by Moms Who’ve Had COVID May Help Protect Newborn
Moms who had COVID-19 when they gave birth may help stimulate their infant’s burgeoning immunity against the virus by breastfeeding, a small study hints. It’s well known that breast milk contains certain maternal antibodies that can help protect infants from infections as their own immune systems develop. Studies indicate that’s true of SARS-CoV-2, as well:… read on > read on >
COVID Widespread Among Iowa Deer
THURSDAY, Nov. 4, 2021The discovery that up to 80% of white-tailed deer in Iowa may be infected with COVID-19 has scientists worried that the animals could become a reservoir for variants that could come back to haunt humans. In the new study, samples were collected lymph node samples from hundreds of dead deer across the… read on > read on >
CDC Expands Recall of Aromatherapy Sprays Tied to Rare Illness
THURSDAY, Nov. 4, 2021A recall of aromatherapy sprays connected with fatal cases of a rare tropical disease called melioidosis has been expanded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency previously identified four cases of melioidosis — two of them fatal — linked with Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential… read on > read on >
HPV Vaccination When Young Cuts Cervical Cancer Risk by 87%
The sooner girls are vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), the lower their future risk of cervical cancer, a new study finds. Compared to unvaccinated women, the risk of cervical cancer was 87% lower among those who received the bivalent vaccine Cervarix at ages 12 or 13. By contrast, it was 62% lower in those who… read on > read on >
Report Shows Arizona Man Infected His Dog, Cat With COVID-19
An Arizona man infected his dog and cat with the new coronavirus, according to a new case study that researchers say is the first in the United States to use genetics to document such transmission. The owner wasn’t vaccinated, did little to protect his pets, and had houseguests who weren’t vaccinated. The owner recovered from… read on > read on >
CDC Signs Off on Pfizer Vaccine for Younger Kids
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday backed the emergency use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine among kids ages 5-11. First, the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel voted unanimously to recommend the approval. Hours later, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on the recommendation, essentially opening the floodgates of vaccination for 28 million… read on > read on >
Zinc Might Help Shorten Your Cold or Flu, Study Finds
Many people pop a zinc supplement at the first sign of a cold, and there’s new evidence supporting the habit. Australian researchers found that the supplements appear to help shorten respiratory tract infections, such as colds, flu, sinusitis and pneumonia. Many over-the-counter cold and cough remedies offer only “marginal benefits,” the researchers noted, making “zinc… read on > read on >
U.S. Adolescents’ Daily Screen Time Doubled During Pandemic
As teens dramatically stepped up their screen time during COVID-19 lockdowns, their well-being took a hit, a new study reveals. Recreational screen time among U.S. teens doubled from before the pandemic to nearly eight hours per day during the pandemic, according to the report. And this estimate doesn’t include time spent on screens for remote… read on > read on >