Health
Why does your doctor seem so rushed and dismissive? That bedside manner may be the result of the health care system
Why does your doctor seem so rushed and dismissive? That bedside manner may be the result of the health care system Many patients experience rushed and dismissive doctor visits due to productivity pressures and administrative burdens within the healthcare system. The root cause of these issues lies in financial pressures, declining reimbursements, and increasing administrative […]
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Weights may beat running for preventing diabetes
Weights may beat running for preventing diabetes Researchers found that resistance training (weightlifting) may be more effective than running in preventing diabetes and obesity. A study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science compared the effects of endurance exercise (running) and resistance exercise (weightlifting) on mice fed a high-fat diet, and found that […]
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The beauty backfire effect: Being too attractive can hurt fitness influencers, new research shows
The beauty backfire effect: Being too attractive can hurt fitness influencers, new research shows Research suggests that being too attractive can backfire for fitness influencers, leading to fewer likes and follows than their moderately attractive peers. The “beauty backfire effect” occurs because people view extremely attractive fitfluencers as less relatable, which can lead to lower […]
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Strict school vaccine mandates work, and parents don’t game the system − new research
Strict school vaccine mandates work, and parents don’t game the system − new research States that eliminated nonmedical vaccine exemptions for children entering kindergarten saw significant increases in vaccination rates, with an average increase of 3.2 percentage points over three years. The elimination of nonmedical exemptions did not lead to a shift to medical exemptions, […]
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Sound waves could activate chemo drugs
Sound waves could activate chemo drugs Researchers at Syracuse University have developed a method to activate chemotherapy drugs precisely where they’re needed using sound waves, sparing healthy cells. The approach uses ultrasound waves to trigger a chemical transformation in a specially designed prodrug, releasing the active drug only in targeted areas like tumors. The technology […]
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Nasal congestion is really common among ISS astronauts
Nasal congestion is really common among ISS astronauts Nasal congestion is a common issue among ISS astronauts, affecting around 85% of them during their missions. Prolonged exposure to microgravity causes fluid to shift upward toward the head, leading to swelling and pressure in the sinuses, resulting in headaches, congestion, fatigue, and disrupted sleep. The study […]
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Hydroponic gardening can boost quality of life for cancer patients
Hydroponic gardening can boost quality of life for cancer patients Indoor hydroponic gardening has been shown to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing pain, increasing mental well-being, and promoting healthier eating habits. A pilot study conducted at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center found that participants who used an AeroGarden brand hydroponic […]
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How to keep dementia from robbing your loved ones of their sense of personhood – tips for caregivers
How to keep dementia from robbing your loved ones of their sense of personhood – tips for caregivers Dementia affects millions of people worldwide, with over 6 million living with dementia in the US and 57 million globally, and is predicted to double by 2060. The social stigma associated with cognitive decline can exacerbate the […]
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How to ditch your bad sleep habits
How to ditch your bad sleep habits One in three adults don’t get the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night, leading to persistent sleep problems. Common culprits of bad sleep habits include addiction to electronic devices, everyday worries, stimulants, and excessive alcohol use. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia can […]
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FDA recall of blood pressure pills due to cancer-causing contaminant may point to higher safety risks in older generic drugs
FDA recall of blood pressure pills due to cancer-causing contaminant may point to higher safety risks in older generic drugs The FDA has recalled over 580,000 prazosin capsules due to elevated levels of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Prazosin, a generic blood pressure drug, was produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals and is prescribed to around 510,000 patients […]
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Can FitBits help treat veterans for PTSD?
Can FitBits help treat veterans for PTSD? A new study explores using wearable devices like FitBits to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) adjust to civilian life. The study, which involved 74 recently discharged US veterans, found that wearing a device on their wrist and self-reporting through a daily questionnaire could help doctors and […]
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Algorithm beats docs at diagnosing heart attacks via EKG
Algorithm beats docs at diagnosing heart attacks via EKG Researchers have developed a machine learning algorithm that can interpret electrocardiogram (EKG) data more accurately than medical professionals when it comes to diagnosing heart attacks. The algorithm, which is being developed into a user-friendly platform, provides enhanced feature detection and more information about the EKG, helping […]
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People abused by intimate partners have worse asthma – but researchers are still untangling the reasons behind this surprising link
People abused by intimate partners have worse asthma – but researchers are still untangling the reasons behind this surprising link Asthma sufferers who have been abused by intimate partners have worse asthma symptoms, but researchers are still trying to understand the reasons behind this link. Most current treatments for asthma target inflammation, but a new […]
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Health headlines can be confusing – these 3 questions can help you evaluate them
Health headlines can be confusing – these 3 questions can help you evaluate them When evaluating health headlines, ask yourself: Are people getting this illness more often? Is it due to artifactual changes or true changes in rates? Consider the type of study that led to the claim. Is it a randomized controlled trial, observational […]
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Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort − a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated
Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort − a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated Pregnancy back pain is a common issue that affects up to three-quarters of expectant mothers, yet many cases go untreated due to fear of medication or harm to the unborn baby. Untreated […]
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Why you can salvage moldy cheese but never spoiled meat − a toxicologist advises on what to watch out for
Why you can salvage moldy cheese but never spoiled meat − a toxicologist advises on what to watch out for Molds on foods can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that can be harmful to human health, and some molds are more potent cancer-causing agents than others. When it comes to grains and nuts, fungi like […]
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Phone data could help identify mental health disorders
Phone data could help identify mental health disorders Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that cellphone data can help identify mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study used a statistical analysis tool to find correlations between sensor data and mental health symptoms reported by participants, showing that sensor […]
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Parkinson’s protein clumps drain brain cells of energy
Parkinson’s protein clumps drain brain cells of energy Parkinson’s disease protein clumps can drain brain cells of energy by breaking down adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule responsible for powering cellular activities. The protein clumps, composed of alpha-synuclein, reshape themselves to trap ATP in a small pocket, causing it to break apart and release energy, similar […]
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New trick could stop lung cancer in its tracks
New trick could stop lung cancer in its tracks A researcher at the University of Missouri has discovered that tiny bubble-shaped packages called extracellular vesicles (EVs) may hold the key to stopping lung cancer in its tracks. EVs are released by nearly every cell in the body, including cancer cells, and can carry harmful signals […]
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How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities
How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities Autism rates are rising in the US, with 1 in 31 children diagnosed by age 8, up from 1 in 36 in 2023, according to the CDC. The diagnostic definition of autism spectrum disorder has expanded over time to include […]
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How alcohol exposure can cause brain damage in offspring
How alcohol exposure can cause brain damage in offspring Alcohol exposure during pregnancy or around birth can significantly impair brain development, particularly in regions that govern decision-making. The study identified a specific type of brain cell called cholinergic interneurons (CINs) as being directly linked to problems with flexible thinking and impulse control in offspring exposed […]
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CDC’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury and falls is severely compromised by Trump cuts
CDC’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury and falls is severely compromised by Trump cuts The Trump administration’s cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have severely compromised the agency’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury, and falls. Injuries are a leading cause of death in […]
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Atorvastatin recall may affect hundreds of thousands of patients – and reflects FDA’s troubles inspecting medicines manufactured overseas
Atorvastatin recall may affect hundreds of thousands of patients – and reflects FDA’s troubles inspecting medicines manufactured overseas The FDA has issued a recall for thousands of bottles of generic atorvastatin due to manufacturing issues, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of patients. The recalled medication was manufactured by Ascend Laboratories in New Jersey and failed […]
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AI chatbots routinely violate mental health ethics standards
AI chatbots routinely violate mental health ethics standards A new study has found that AI chatbots, including those used for mental health advice, systematically violate ethical standards of practice established by organizations like the American Psychological Association. The researchers identified 15 ethical risks in LLM counselors, including a lack of contextual adaptation, poor therapeutic collaboration, […]
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‘Switch’ could turn off growth of tough childhood cancer
‘Switch’ could turn off growth of tough childhood cancer Researchers at Texas A&M University Health Science Center have discovered a key weakness in one of the toughest childhood cancers, translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC), which affects children and young adults. The team found that RNA builds “droplet hubs” in cancer cells, acting as command centers […]
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Why you shouldn’t take pain relievers after your flu shot
Why you shouldn’t take pain relievers after your flu shot Take pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) after a flu shot at your own risk, as they may dilute the vaccine’s effectiveness. These medications work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, which can reduce the production of antibodies that protect against illness. Avoid […]
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Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health
Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health Young adults (18-25 years old) are at a critical stage in their lives where behaviors that can harm heart health, such as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity, become more common. The rate of heart disease among people under 40 […]
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Vaping while pregnant may pose serious risks
Vaping while pregnant may pose serious risks Vaping while pregnant poses serious risks to a developing fetus, according to new research. A recent study found that exposure to e-cigarettes with nicotine can impair the growth of the fetus and placenta in mice. Nicotine exposure may interfere with how nutrients are delivered to the fetus, similar […]
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Team sports lower blood pressure for people with chronic diseases
Team sports lower blood pressure for people with chronic diseases A new study published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology found that team sports can significantly lower blood pressure for people with high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as COPD and type 2 diabetes. The 12-week training program, which involved twice weekly […]
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Simple tool can help uncover underdiagnosed back condition
Simple tool can help uncover underdiagnosed back condition A new study has developed an innovative online screening questionnaire called the A-tool to help identify people with underdiagnosed back conditions, specifically axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The A-tool consists of a brief set of clinical questions that patients can complete themselves without a physician intermediary, and it has […]
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