As if the headaches and stuffy nose aren’t bad enough, chronic sinus trouble often leaves patients foggy-headed and depressed. Now, new research suggests one possible reason why: Sinusitis may trigger changes in brain activity. “Chronic sinusitis is incredibly common,” said study lead author Dr. Aria Jafari. Upwards of 11% of all Americans are affected, added…  read on >  read on >

Eviction bans during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced infection rates not only in people who avoided displacement but also in their communities, according to a new study. “When it comes to a transmissible disease like COVID-19, no neighborhood is entirely isolated,” said study author Alison Hill, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, in…  read on >  read on >

Wearing two snug, well-fitted face masks can significantly reduce your risk of coronavirus infection, researchers say. But a good fit is key: The new study found that two ill-fitting cloth masks don’t provide as much protection as one snug-fitting surgical mask. “We’ve found that wearing two loosely fitted masks will not give you the filtration…  read on >  read on >

In news that should reassure many pregnant women, having an epidural during childbirth won’t increase the child’s risk of autism, researchers report. The new findings refute a widely criticized 2020 study that said epidurals were associated with a 37% higher risk of autism. Experts said that study didn’t account for numerous socioeconomic, genetic and medical…  read on >  read on >

Monitoring blood pressure is important for transgender people, according to new research, which found changes in systolic blood pressure after the start of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Transgender men and transgender women have a higher burden of heart attack, stroke and related conditions, the study noted. Gender-affirming hormone therapy isn’t new. Doctors have prescribed the hormones…  read on >  read on >