Health + Medicine
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COVID-19 crisis in Los Angeles: Why activating 'crisis standards of care' is crucial for overwhelmed hospitals
2021 Jan 06
States and hospitals are starting to declare 'crisis standards of care' as the pandemic floods their ERs. The orders have consequences – both good and bad, as a medical ethicist explains.
Air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia risk – here's what we're learning from brain scans
2021 Jan 05
The tiny air pollutants known as PM2.5, emitted by vehicles, factories and power plants, aren’t just a hazard for lungs. A study finds more brain shrinkage in older women exposed to pollution.
How kids can benefit from mindfulness training
2021 Jan 05
Many adults have benefited from mindfulness in recent years. Could the practice also benefit children? A researcher looked at that and found promising results.
The cold supply chain can't reach everywhere – that's a big problem for equitable COVID-19 vaccination
2021 Jan 04
So far, the only COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use need to be kept frozen. But there are many places in the world that can't support a cold supply chain.
How many people need to get a COVID-19 vaccine in order to stop the coronavirus?
2021 Jan 05
Researchers say around 70% of the US needs to get the coronavirus vaccine to stop the pandemic. But questions around the vaccines and regional differences add some uncertainty to that estimate.
How to outsmart your COVID-19 fears and boost your mood in 2021
2020 Dec 28
One medication-free technique uses your emotions to release stress.
Getting COVID-19 vaccines to rural Americans is harder than it looks – but there are ways to lift the barriers
2020 Dec 28
The vaccines' cold storage requirements and shipment rules put small, rural communities at a disadvantage, but that's only part of a long-running challenge.
How to help dogs and cats manage separation anxiety when their humans return to work
2020 Dec 28
Alleviating separation anxiety is about changing the owner's behavior, too.
Would you eat indoors at a restaurant? We asked five health experts
2020 Dec 23
Experts weigh in on whether they will sit and eat at a restaurant.
What’s not being said about why African Americans need to take the COVID-19 vaccine
2020 Dec 23
Black people are skeptical about the new vaccines for many reasons. If public health leaders told the full story, maybe there'd be a higher chance that Black people would want to take the vaccine.
Why should I trust the coronavirus vaccine when it was developed so fast? A doctor answers that and other reader questions
2020 Dec 22
Now that two COVID vaccines have been authorized by the FDA, questions arise. Today, a physician from Indiana University School of Medicine answers five reader questions.
Can employers require workers to take the COVID-19 vaccine? 6 questions answered
2020 Dec 22
The federal agency in charge of enforcing discrimination laws in the workplace said 'yes,' but there are some important exceptions and limitations.
New antidepressants can lift depression and suicidal thoughts fast, but don’t expect magic cures
2020 Dec 21
Drugs like ketamine can relieve depression symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, within hours, but they also carry risks that patients need to understand.
International Statistic of the Year: Race for a COVID-19 vaccine
2020 Dec 18
The coronavirus vaccine was developed faster than any vaccine in history. It took just 332 days from the first sequencing of the virus genome to the first vaccines given to the public.
If I have allergies, should I get the coronavirus vaccine? An expert answers this and other questions
2020 Dec 18
A serious allergic reaction was reported in a health care worker in Alaska after she received the COVID-19 vaccine. Does this mean that people with allergies need to be concerned? An expert answers.
FDA authorized first over-the-counter COVID-19 test – useful but not a game changer
2020 Dec 17
A new over-the-counter COVID-19 test has been authorized by the FDA. Though it can be used to test people with and without symptoms, moderate cost and limited production mean it isn't a game-changer.
Wildfire smoke changes dramatically as it ages, and that matters for downwind air quality – here's what we learned flying through smoke plumes
2020 Dec 17
Thousands of chemical compounds in wildfire smoke are interacting with each other and sunlight as the smoke travels. For people downwind, it can become more toxic over time.
4 signs that food pantries improve the diets of low-income people
2020 Dec 17
The boxes and bags people get from food pantries contain healthier food than you might suspect.
Will going out in the cold give you a cold?
2020 Dec 15
Going out in the cold won't necessarily lead to you getting a cold. But cold weather in general is more hospitable to viruses, so it's wise to take steps to keep your immune system strong.
The coronavirus vaccine: A doctor answers 5 questions
2020 Dec 15
As the coronavirus rages, a vaccine finally is available for certain groups of people and will soon be ready for other groups. But there are plenty of questions. A doctor answers five here.
What vaccine distribution planners can learn from Amazon and Walmart
2020 Dec 15
COVID-19 vaccines have very specific storage requirements that make shipping a difficult task. Two ideas – fulfillment centers and cross-docking – could help overcome some distribution challenges.
Who is doing all those COVID-19 tests? Why you should care about medical laboratory professionals
2020 Dec 14
The pandemic is placing strain not just on doctors and nurses but the medical laboratory professionals who conduct the billions of medical tests behind the scenes.
A hospital that prescribes free nutritious food to families who need more than medical care
2020 Dec 14
Dayton Children’s Hospital has begun to screen patients and their families for food insecurity, referring many of them to its 'Food Pharm.'
Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires – it's a risk in urban fires, too
2020 Dec 14
A new study shows how toxic chemicals like benzene are leaching into water systems after nearby fires. The pipes don't have to burn – they just have to heat up.
My university will be getting COVID-19 vaccines soon – here's how my team will get doses into arms
2020 Dec 11
Health systems around the US are on the cusp of receiving COVID-19 vaccines. At the end of this months-long effort are the nitty-gritty details of how health care providers are giving people the vaccine.
While spending holidays at home, here are a dozen more things you can do to help stop COVID-19
2020 Nov 19
Inaction over the next few months could cost tens of thousands of lives. Here are things you should do now to stay safe and to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Keeping indoor air clean can reduce the chance of spreading coronavirus
2020 Nov 20
Being indoors with other people is a recipe for spreading the coronavirus. But removing airborne particles through proper ventilation and air filtration can reduce some of that risk.
Amid a raging pandemic, the US faces a nursing shortage. Can we close the gap?
2020 Nov 20
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on another US medical emergency: a serious shortage of nurses.
Why nursing home aides exposed to COVID-19 aren’t taking sick leave
2020 Nov 23
Over one-third of America’s COVID-19 deaths have been nursing home residents. Employee policies, particularly for low-paid aides, have sharply raised the risk.
China beat the coronavirus with science and strong public health measures, not just with authoritarianism
2020 Nov 23
As Thanksgiving nears and fear grows in the US, people in China are traveling and enjoying time with family. While some in the US credit China's authoritarian regime, there's more to the story.
Rural hospitals are under siege from COVID-19 – here's what doctors are facing, in their own words
2020 Nov 20
Hospitals are losing staff to quarantines as rural COVID-19 cases rise, and administrators fear flu season will make it worse. And then there's the politics.
Coronavirus vaccines: health experts identify ways to build public trust
2020 Nov 24
The United Nations recently asked a group of experts across the world to recommend ways to persuade people to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Here is a summary of their suggestions.
These at-home exercises can help older people boost their immune system and overall health in the age of COVID-19
2020 Nov 24
Older adults, who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 complications, can strengthen their immune systems by exercising.
Homeless patients with COVID-19 often go back to life on the streets after hospital care, but there's a better way
2020 Nov 25
What happens to unhoused people who get COVID-19?
Why do older people heal more slowly?
2020 Nov 24
Healing is a complicated process. As people age, higher rates of disease and the fact that old cells lose the ability to divide slow this process down.
Tribes mount organized responses to COVID-19, in contrast to state and federal governments
2020 Dec 02
Portrayals of Native Americans and COVID-19 often ignore responses rooted in tribal sovereignty.
Global disabilities map visualizes the strength and power of millions of athletes around the world
2020 Dec 01
The human rights of disabled people around the globe can be accessed as an online map for sports and competition.
Rapid COVID-19 tests can be useful – but there are far too few to put a dent in the pandemic
2020 Dec 01
In September, production of rapid tests really ramped up in the US. But due to low accuracy and massive numbers needed, these tests alone are unlikely to have much of an effect on the pandemic.
This DIY contact tracing app helps people exposed to COVID-19 remember who they met
2020 Dec 04
With new US COVID-19 cases topping 200,000 a day, contact tracers are overwhelmed. Here's how infected people can start tracing and notifying contacts themselves.
How COVID-19 vaccines will get from the factory to your local pharmacy
2020 Dec 04
A pharmaceutical supply chain expert explains the challenges of distributing the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that need to be kept at very low temperatures.
What are emergency use authorizations, and do they guarantee that a vaccine or drug is safe?
2020 Dec 03
The vaccines that will first be used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will have gone through a special approval process with the FDA. but just what is this expedited process?
Intimate partner violence has increased during pandemic, emerging evidence suggests
2020 Dec 04
Calls for help to domestic violence shelters have risen during the pandemic, as risk factors for the escalation of violence have gone up. It may be time to implement new strategies to help.
Daily DIY sniff checks could catch many cases of COVID-19
2020 Dec 09
COVID-19 patients often lose their sense of smell and taste. This is rare for a viral infection. At-home smell tests could be used as a screening tool and help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
When can children get the COVID-19 vaccine? 5 questions parents are asking
2020 Dec 08
COVID-19 vaccine testing on children is just getting started, and only in adolescents.
Racism at the county level associated with increased COVID-19 cases and deaths
2020 Dec 07
Blacks are at greater risk of dying from COVID-19 than whites. A study that examined racism at the country level had surprising results.
Why we're so bad at counting the calories we eat, drink or burn
2020 Dec 10
People worried about gaining weight over the holidays may try to estimate how many calories are in the foods they put on their plates. But it's not as easy as it looks.
Latinos are especially reluctant to get flu shots – how a small clinic in Indiana found ways to overcome that
2020 Dec 09
Millions of Latinos may not get the influenza shot this year, which could be an indicator of whether they will get a COVID-19 shot. A rural clinic shows how building trust can help overcome reluctance.
4 ways to close the COVID-19 racial health gap
2020 Dec 09
In the U.S., people of color are more likely to die of COVID-19 than whites. The new administration can change this.
Why paying people to get the coronavirus vaccine won't work
2020 Dec 11
Millions of Americans say they won't get the vaccine. Will money change their minds? And is luring them with cash the right approach?
Oregon just decriminalized all drugs – here's why voters passed this groundbreaking reform
2020 Dec 10
Possessing heroin, cocaine, meth and other drugs for personal use is no longer a criminal offense in Oregon. The idea is to get people with problem drug use help, not punishment.
A Nazi drug's US resurgence: How meth is making a disturbing reappearance
2020 Feb 10
There's widespread attention on the dangers of opioid addiction, but use of damaging crystal meth continues in the U.S., with police seizures rising.
The silent threat of the coronavirus: America's dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals
2020 Feb 11
While US residents may feel safe from the effects of the coronavirus, the aftershocks could be damaging in unexpected ways. The disruption to China's supply chain could cause drug shortages.
Minority patients benefit from having minority doctors, but that's a hard match to make
2020 Feb 13
Minority patients do better when treated by doctors who share the same race or ethnicity But there's a problem. Most doctors are white, and only 6% of doctors are black.
Natural supplements can be dangerously contaminated, or not even have the specified ingredients
2020 Feb 14
Americans love their supplements, but some of the products are contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria and toxic fungi. The FDA has little control because of a law passed in 1994.
Incomplete and inadequate: Information lacking for seniors looking for assisted living
2020 Feb 14
Assisted living facilities are one option for seniors. But finding clear and accurate information about them isn't easy.
Assisted dying is not the easy way out
2020 Feb 18
Nine states and the District of Columbia currently have laws that permit assisted dying, but the laws are so restrictive that they are often more hurdle than help.
Weinstein trial begs a question: Why is the pain of women and minorities often ignored?
2020 Feb 19
Studies show the physical and emotional pain of minorities and women is often discounted by both the U.S. justice and health care systems. That has serious consequences.
The US birth rate keeps declining: 4 questions answered
2020 Feb 20
The number of births in the United States have been falling for the last three decades, reaching their lowest number in 32 years.
What are viruses anyway, and why do they make us so sick? 5 questions answered
2020 Feb 20
Viruses are basically parasites and, as such, can wreak havoc -- but not always. Viruses are within you right now. Viruses cause the most damage when they jump from a familiar host to a new host.
Boomers have a drug problem, but not the kind you might think
2020 Feb 20
As the boomers age, many will have medication issues. That can be compounded by the number of drugs they take, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Coronavirus: We need to start preparing for the next viral outbreak now
2020 Feb 20
The tremendous costs of COVID-19 show why the world needs to do a better job preventing epidemics from occurring – or at least mitigate the impact.
Paying all blood donors might not be worth it
2020 Feb 21
Because most people want to be perceived as generous, sometimes monetary incentives for doing a good deed are counterproductive.
What the Trump budget says about the administration's health priorities
2020 Feb 21
The Trump administration's budget for healthcare proposes significant cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
Blacks are at higher risk for Alzheimer's, but why?
2020 Feb 24
Blacks are at higher risk for many diseases. This is partly due to poverty, discrimination and lack of access to care. But there may be something different about the higher rates of Alzheimer's.
Eating disorders are about emotional pain – not food
2020 Feb 24
As National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is observed Feb. 24-March 1, here are some things to consider.
Airplanes spread diseases quickly – so maybe unvaccinated people shouldn't be allowed to fly
2020 Feb 26
Air transportation unquestionably spreads disease. Should airlines be more proactive by requiring proof of vaccination? Two experts reflect on the current and former crises.
In gender discrimination, social class matters a great deal
2020 Feb 27
Women with less income and less education may be hurt most by gender discrimination.
How can we prepare for the coronavirus? 3 questions answered
2020 Feb 26
With the coronavirus spreading to more countries, public health officials in the US are warning Americans that coronavirus will become a problem in the US, too. What does this mean for you?
¿Cómo prepararnos para el coronavirus? 3 preguntas y respuestas
2020 Feb 27
Las autoridades de salud pública en los EEUU advierten que el coronavirus, que se ha propagado en distintas partes del país, se avecina y el país necesita estar preparado.
The problem with health care price transparency: We don't have cost transparency
2020 Feb 28
It's not the price of health care that should concern us. It's the cost. There's a distinction, and it matters. Here's why.
Why hand-washing really is as important as doctors say
2020 Mar 03
As the coronavirus spreads, public health officials stress the importance of hand washing. But can it really make that much of a difference? A microbiologist explains why.
Why public health officials sound more worried about the coronavirus than the seasonal flu
2020 Mar 03
An epidemiologist explains the differences and similarities between COVID-19 and the seasonal flu.
A simple way to promote HPV vaccination among Asian American women: Storytelling
2020 Mar 04
Researchers have found a way to encourage cervical cancer screenings and vaccinations in Korean American women. Might their findings also work in other underrepresented populations?
Why so many epidemics originate in Asia and Africa – and why we can expect more
2020 Mar 04
COVID-19 is not the first – nor likely the last – to emerge from the two continents.
What really works to keep coronavirus away? 4 questions answered by a public health professional
2020 Mar 04
What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe from the coronavirus? A public health scholar explains antiseptics – and emphasizes the importance of good hand-washing.
Heat stroke: A doctor offers tips to stay safe as temperatures soar
2019 Jul 19
As the nation braces for a dangerous heat wave this weekend, a physician offers some tips for staying cool – and reminds us to watch out for older neighbors and friends.
Home birth may start babies off with health-promoting microbes
2019 Jul 19
Evidence suggests that microbes play a vital role in health. But what microbes we get depends whether we were born in a hospital versus at home. That could impact our health decades later.
Trump's order for more action on kidney disease may shrink organ transplant waitlists
2019 Jul 19
The need for organs to transplant far exceeds the supply.
Selecting groceries ahead of time helps some shoppers make healthier choices
2019 Jul 19
A study found that grocery shoppers who could change their orders were more likely to swap produce for junk food than the other way around.
Physician burnout: Why legal and regulatory systems may need to step in
2019 Jul 19
Doctor depression, burnout and suicide have been rising for some time, and overwork was considered the norm. A health care lawyer explains why the legal and regulatory systems must intervene.
Counterfeit alcohol, sometimes containing jet fuel or embalming fluid, is a growing concern for tourists abroad
2019 Jul 19
Recent deaths of tourists in the Dominican Republic have brought attention to the troubling, and sometimes deadly, issue of counterfeit alcohol in countries outside the US.
Confused about what to eat? Science can help
2019 Jul 19
'Why is nutrition so confusing?' is a common lament, but the truth is out there. Forget fad diets and media hype. It's time to harness the power of science to create a healthy and sustainable diet.
Drugs on a coil free patients from the burden of taking pills for treating infectious diseases
2019 Jul 19
Treating infectious diseases is a huge challenge because patients often fail to take the medicine for the long duration, especially for tuberculosis. Now there's a new device that may help.
Every dog has its day, but it's not the Fourth of July
2019 Jul 19
Millions of Americans love the fireworks on July 4, but millions of dogs will tremble in fear. A vet explains the causes and solutions to this doggie dilemma.
George Washington's biggest battle? With his dentures, made from hippo ivory and maybe slaves' teeth
2019 Jul 19
As we celebrate the nation's founding, it's a good time to note the heroism of George Washington. The British were a pain, to be sure, but what really caused him trouble were his teeth.
Will they ever wake up? New study on consciousness after brain injury shows 'maybe'
2019 Jul 19
Consciousness has long been debated, particularly in the decades since devices have been used to keep people alive after brain injury. A new study suggests that some people can "wake up" after injury.
Sugar substitutes: Is one better or worse for diabetes? For weight loss? An expert explains
2019 Jul 19
There is a huge variety of sugar substitutes available. What's the difference? Is one better for controlling blood sugar levels for diabetes? Is one better for individuals trying to lose weight?
Sequencing the genome of newborns in the US: Are we ready?
2019 Jul 19
What happens when babies are born critically ill and the doctors have no idea what is wrong? Some argue that a controversial tool called whole genome sequencing may help find the cause.
Why lead is dangerous, and the damage it does
2019 Jul 19
The Flint water crisis made the country aware of the dangers of lead. But why, exactly, is this element so toxic and what does it do to the body?
Should you be tested for HIV? Why June 27 is a good day to do it
2019 Jul 19
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and an expert suggests it's a good time to think about testing, especially for youth. And, a recent study suggested that nurses have a role in reaching youth.
Ebola in Uganda, and the dynamics of a new and different outbreak
2019 Jul 19
Alarm arose when news spread that Ebola cases had been found in Uganda. Here are the real reasons for concern.
Health care price transparency: Fool's gold, or real money in your pocket?
2019 Jul 19
President Trump has been backing transparency in hospital pricing so that consumers can compare prices. But will that help when the real deals are done in secret?
Supplements for brain health show no benefit – a neurologist explains a new study
2019 Jul 19
With fear of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's a constant concern for many seniors, they turn to supplements. A recent study suggests they'd be better off keeping their money.
Time to cook is a luxury many families don't have
2019 Jul 19
Celebrity chefs often preach about the ease of home cooking and meal planning. But for most mothers juggling a job, child care, housework and meal prep, this is virtually impossible.
Sleep training for your kids: Why and how it works
2019 Jul 19
Adults are not the only people in the US who have problems with sleep – babies and children suffer from loss of sleep, too. Two pediatric sleep experts explain how you can help your little ones.
The Trebek effect: The benefits of well wishes
2019 Jul 19
Alex Trebek raised an interesting question when he thanked well-wishers for supporting him in his fight against pancreatic cancer: Do prayers and good thoughts really have a medical effect?
Fathers need to care for themselves as well as their kids – but often don't
2019 Jul 19
Two experts ask whether dads are making their health a priority. Evidence suggests not. Pressures to provide income often hold fathers back.
Elder abuse increasing, without increased awareness
2019 Jul 19
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15; were you aware? Not many people are, yet abuse is growing. Two experts explain the trend and offer possible solutions.
How to handle raccoons, snakes and other critters in your yard (hint: not with a thermos)
2019 Jul 19
As humans encroach on wildlife habitats, it's only natural that wildlife come into yards and playgrounds. Here are some tips to peacefully coexist, or to keep critters away if you don't want that.
Rapid DNA analysis helps diagnose mystery diseases
2019 Jul 19
Superfast DNA analysis is now being used to crack medical mysteries when physicians can't figure out whether an infectious microbe is causing the disease.
What’s wrong with those anti-vaxxers? They're just like the rest of us
2019 May 22
As measles cases surge, people blame parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. A sociologist who has studied public health says anti-vaxxers may not be so different from the rest of us.
Phage therapy to prevent cholera infections – and possibly those caused by other deadly bacteria
2019 May 22
Cholera kills fast, and outbreaks are common in war-torn regions and after natural disasters where clean water is scarce. A new strategy to prevent cholera infections is a 'cocktail' of live virus.
The US could have ended up with a British-style health care system: Here is why it didn’t
2019 May 22
As candidates propose ways to provide health insurance for more people, it's important to know that some proposals could have unexpected consequences, including potential closure of public hospitals.
Doris Day was a sunny actress and a domestic violence survivor; are there lessons?
2019 May 22
Que sera, sera? Well, maybe not. Nothing says that women have to accept the status quo. Doris Day spoke out about wife-beating in an era in which it wasn't accepted. Surely there are lessons.
US fertility keeps dropping – but that's not a reason to panic
2019 May 22
The number of births in the US is down 2% – to what the CDC calls 'the lowest number of births in 32 years.' This drop brings the US more in line with its peers.
How traumatic injury has become a health care crisis
2019 May 22
Trauma results in 41 million emergency department visits a year and hundreds of thousands of deaths. May is National Trauma Awareness month, and two experts explain why it's time to pay attention.
Tooth fairy study reveals children near lead smelters are exposed to dangerous lead in the womb
2019 May 22
Lead contamination is not just a problem for Flint, Michigan. It is an issue in many regions. One epidemiologist figured out how to measure past lead exposure using treasured biological samples.
Is the brain parasite _Toxoplasma_ manipulating your behavior, or is your immune system to blame?
2019 May 22
The parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects hosts, causes cysts in the brain and changes the behavior of the host. But is the microbe changing the hosts behavior or is the immune system to blame?
Sunscreen wouldn't have saved Bob Marley from melanoma, and it won't help other dark-skinned people
2019 May 22
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, but the messaging around sunscreen for people with black skin needs to changes. Sunscreen has never been shown to reduce skin cancer risk in black people.
The unique harm of sexual abuse in the black community
2019 May 22
Sexual abuse has unique effects on people who are members of the same minority group, research suggests. An expert who has studied the issue in detail explains the added issue of cultural betrayal.
The hazards of living on the right side of a time zone border
2019 May 22
Humans have natural cycles for when they are active and for when they sleep. Modern work and school schedules interfere with this, and more studies are showing why there's a possible health risk.
Platelets: The chameleons of cancer biology
2019 May 22
Platelets heal wounds. But they also seem to play a paradoxical role in both promoting and inhibiting the growth of solid tumors.
Why some doctors are prescribing a day in the park or a walk on the beach for good health
2019 May 22
Studies that look at the effect of nature on patients recovering from surgery have shown that it can enhance recovery. Now, some doctors are beginning to prescribe doses of nature to prevent illness.
Just 16 minutes of sleep loss can harm work concentration the next day
2019 May 22
The health dangers of not getting enough restorative sleep have been documented for some time. Now, studies are suggesting that sleep loss is not only bad for your health but also for your job.
Recalls of medical devices and drugs are up - can anyone predict when it will happen next?
2019 May 22
Every year, thousands of medical devices and drugs are recalled in the US. But the decision to recall a flawed product is often left up to the manufacturer.
No cure for Alzheimer's disease in my lifetime
2019 May 22
After the failure of multiple drug trials the outlook for an Alzheimer's drug is bleak. This shouldn't be a surprise. We don't know the cause or even how to diagnose the disease.
When is dead really dead? Study on pig brains reinforces that death is a vast gray area
2019 May 22
A recent study on the brains of pigs suggested that some activity could be restored even after the porkers had been dead for four hours. A neuroscientist who specializes in brain death explains.
Brain scans help shed light on the PTSD brain, but they cannot diagnose PTSD
2019 May 22
The brain can do a lot, but it is vulnerable, especially to traumatic events. Over the years, researchers have learned the unique ways in which it is damaged by experiencing or witnessing trauma.
If my measles shot was years ago, am I still protected? 5 questions answered
2019 May 22
The growing number of cases of measles has many people asking: Am I safe? A vaccine expert provides some answers.
New cholesterol study may lead you to ask: Pass the eggs, or pass on the eggs?
2019 May 22
A recent study revisited the issue about eating foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs. The findings are nuanced but suggest that those with high cholesterol may want to limit food with cholesterol.
April 15 is the day tobacco companies pay $9 billion for tobacco illnesses, but is it enough?
2019 May 22
April 15 is not only a day to pay individual taxes to the IRS. It is also the day that tobacco companies must pay a penalty to help offset states' costs for the treatment of tobacco-related diseases.
A frenemy fungus provides clues about a new deadly one
2019 May 22
A deadly fungus called _Candida auris_, is among us and is now detected in more than 20 countries. It is resistant to many anti-fungal drugs. But a familiar fungus may reveal a solution.
Mapping the US counties where traffic air pollution hurts children the most
2019 May 22
Childhood asthma cases caused by traffic pollution are on the decline. But children in some parts of the country are faring better than others.
Can changing the microbiome reverse lactose intolerance?
2019 May 22
You may think that your milk-drinking, ice cream-licking days are behind you as you battle the discomfort of lactose intolerance. But there maybe be a way to reverse the situation.
Measles outbreaks show legal challenges of balancing personal rights and public good
2019 May 22
As the measles outbreaks spread, public health officials are trying different measures to curb it. Yet there are limits to what they can do as they balance community safety and personal freedom.