Women with a common ovarian disorder might be more likely to have memory and thinking problems in middle age, a new study suggests. Females diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) scored lower on cognitive tests than women without the condition, according to a report published Jan. 31 in the journal Neurology. The condition specifically appeared…  read on >  read on >

There’s one treatment for pregnant women addicted to opioids that’s safer for their unborn child, a new study reports. Buprenorphine is associated with a slightly lower risk of birth defects overall compared to methadone, according to findings published recently in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. However, the researchers stressed that expecting mothers with opioid use…  read on >  read on >

U.S. approval of over-the-counter emergency contraception like “Plan B” has had an unintended but positive side effect for America’s hospitals, a new study shows. Emergency room visits related to “morning-after” contraception plummeted after the pills became easily available to adults in 2006, according to the report published Jan. 24 in the journal JAMA Network Open.…  read on >  read on >

Pregnant women exposed to flame-retardant chemicals could face an increased risk of premature birth, a new study warns. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly used as flame retardants in products like furniture, baby items, electronics, clothes and building materials, researchers said. The chemicals also make plastics more flexible. Manufacturers started using OPEs after flame retardants containing…  read on >  read on >

Babies born even slightly early have a higher long-term risk of developmental difficulties that could affect their behavior and learning ability, a new study finds. Infants born moderately (32-33 weeks) or late preterm (34-36 weeks) are more likely to have epilepsy or problems with brain function, motor skills, vision or hearing, according to analysis of…  read on >  read on >

“Stay in school” slogans tend to focus on the money, status and freedom that more education can provide. Now there’s another argument for getting as many degrees as you can — having a longer life. The higher a person’s level of education, the lower their risk of premature death, claims a new global study published…  read on >  read on >

Exposure to toxic heavy metals could cause middle-aged women to have more health problems as they grow older, a new study finds. The study links toxic metal exposure to women having fewer eggs in their ovaries as they approach menopause. This condition — known as diminished ovarian reserve — could cause worse health problems during…  read on >  read on >