Young people aren’t immune from severe COVID-19, and a new study warns that some are more at risk than others. Folks under 45 have more than triple the risk for severe COVID-19 if they have cancer or heart disease, or blood, neurologic or endocrine disorders, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. “One of the surprising findings…  read on >  read on >

Bullying remains a threat to American teens, and a new study reveals which kids may be at highest risk. Race-based bullying takes a heavy toll on teens, the research found, but minority kids who are picked on for other reasons — whether gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or immigration status — suffer a double whammy.…  read on >  read on >

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among American adults fell by one-third in the first five months of 2021, a new study finds, but distrust of vaccines and the government are still keeping many people from getting vaccinated. Researchers analyzed data gathered from about 1 million Americans a month between January and May as part of an ongoing…  read on >  read on >

Children with autism differ socially and developmentally from their typically developing peers. Now, researchers say there are also differences in their array of healthy gut bacteria or “microbiome.” The findings may lead to earlier treatment for kids with an autism spectrum disorder, suggested the authors of a new small study. The gut microbiome can vary…  read on >  read on >

Watch videos on TikTok and you’re likely to see plenty of positive portrayals of vaping, a new study shows. And that’s a problem, according to researchers, who call for tighter regulation of the platform popular with kids and teens. “Viewing other young people, friends, acquaintances or influencers vaping in fun and entertaining contexts, is likely…  read on >  read on >

Midsummer heat and high humidity aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re a combo that can cause serious illness and even death. “Whenever you walk or do outdoor activity, take a friend with you who can help you if you run into trouble,” Dr. Eleanor Dunham advised. She’s an emergency medicine doctor at Penn State Health Milton…  read on >  read on >