Children whose mothers used antibiotics in pregnancy may have a slightly heightened risk of asthma, a new study suggests. Experts were quick to point out the finding does not prove cause and effect, and the reasons for the antibiotic use — rather than the drug — might explain the link, said lead researcher Cecilie Skaarup… read on > read on >
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Being Black and pregnant in the U.S. was already a risky combination, and health experts now worry the pandemic is making things worse. Before the pandemic, Black women were three times more likely than Hispanic women and 2.5 times more likely than white women to die… read on > read on >
It would be nice if it were true, but a bout of the common cold won’t protect you against the new coronavirus infection, researchers report. Colds are caused by seasonal coronaviruses (CoVs) and previous studies have suggested that exposure to cold coronaviruses may safeguard against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To find out if… read on > read on >
Certain genetic factors in people with Down syndrome may increase their COVID-19 risks. Previous studies have found that people with Down syndrome are 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19, and experts have said they should be among those given priority for vaccination. In this new study, Spanish researchers examined genetic differences in people… read on > read on >
Taking prescription opioid painkillers or a common class of antibiotics during pregnancy doesn’t increase the risk of major birth defects, according to two new studies. Both are often prescribed to pregnant women. Some studies have linked them with certain birth defects, but findings have been inconsistent. These new studies — published Feb. 10 in the… read on > read on >
Spina bifida is a diagnosis no parents-to-be want to hear as they await their child’s birth, and the idea of performing surgery on a baby while it is still in the womb can be terrifying. But new research shows that performing the delicate procedure before the baby is born, and not after, is worth it.… read on > read on >
Among the many dangers the coronavirus pandemic has brought, parents really need to be on the lookout for one in particular: an increased risk of suicide among vulnerable teens. “We’ve seen an upsurge in really bad suicide attempts,” and the pandemic is likely behind that increase, said Dr. Taranjeet Jolly, an adult and pediatric psychiatrist… read on > read on >
Could it be that a strange-looking creature known as a pangolin was the conduit by which the new coronavirus jumped to humans and prompted an international pandemic? New research suggests the theory is a plausible one. Pangolins are sold for food in live-animal “wet markets” in China — facilities that have long been suspected of… read on > read on >
An experimental antiviral drug known as peginterferon lambda can speed up COVID-19 patients’ ability to shed the virus and recover, scientists report. “One of the important things about this treatment that’s different from the other things that have been studied for COVID-19 is that this is working on the person, not on the virus. So… read on > read on >
Breast cancer death rates are inching up in American women under age 40 again, after more than two decades of decline, researchers say. The study authors said they hoped their new report would lead to a deeper look at reasons for the change. “Our hope is that these findings focus more attention and research on… read on > read on >
