Unlocking a clue to why Black women might be more susceptible to COVID-19, a new study shows that low levels of vitamin D may increase their risk of infection. That doesn’t mean that people should rely on vitamin D supplements to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, because vaccines are the only proven protection against the…  read on >  read on >

There’s some encouraging news for U.S. teens and young adults with cancer. Survival rates have improved for several types of cancer, though gains have been limited for some common kinds, according to a long-term study published online July 26 in the journal Cancer. The researchers used a wealth of accumulated data “to piece together a…  read on >  read on >

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 >