Health
Physical activity may help slow cognitive decline
Physical activity may help slow cognitive decline Physical activity has been found to slow cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Georgia. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 survey respondents and found that sustained physical activity was associated with delayed cognitive decline, particularly when it […]
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Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest Philadelphia psychology students created a “Philly Happiness Map” by mapping out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest, highlighting the importance of urban citizenship and forming an identity with one’s surroundings. The map reveals that happy places in Philadelphia […]
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Neuropathic pain has no immediate cause – research on a brain receptor may help stop this hard-to-treat condition
Neuropathic pain has no immediate cause – research on a brain receptor may help stop this hard-to-treat condition Neuropathic pain, which affects 10% of the US population, has no clear cause and can be debilitating, leading to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and a deep sense of helplessness. Research on a brain receptor called GluD1 suggests […]
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More than half of US teens have had at least one cavity, but fluoride programs in schools help prevent them – new research
More than half of US teens have had at least one cavity, but fluoride programs in schools help prevent them – new research More than half of US teens have had at least one cavity, but school fluoride varnish programs significantly reduce cavities by 32% in permanent teeth and 25% in primary teeth. The research […]
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Mitochondria can sense bacteria and trigger your immune system to trap them – revealing new ways to treat infections and autoimmunity
Mitochondria can sense bacteria and trigger your immune system to trap them – revealing new ways to treat infections and autoimmunity Mitochondria have been found to play a key role in sensing bacterial activity and helping neutrophils trap and kill bacteria, revealing new ways to treat infections and autoimmunity. The mitochondria can detect specific bacterial […]
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I’m a physician who has looked at hundreds of studies of vaccine safety, and here’s some of what RFK Jr. gets wrong
I’m a physician who has looked at hundreds of studies of vaccine safety, and here’s some of what RFK Jr. gets wrong Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s statements on vaccine safety have been widely criticized for being factually incorrect, casting doubt on public confidence in vaccines. The author, an infectious disease physician, has reviewed hundreds of […]
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I’m an expert in crafting public health messages: Here are 3 marketing strategies I use to make Philadelphia healthier
I’m an expert in crafting public health messages: Here are 3 marketing strategies I use to make Philadelphia healthier Philadelphia’s leading causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and unintentional drug overdose, many of which are preventable through lifestyle changes or medical interventions. The author uses segmentation analysis to break down demographics into psychographics, understanding […]
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Hope may be more important to your well-being than happiness
Hope may be more important to your well-being than happiness Hope may be more essential to well-being than happiness or gratitude, according to a new study. A team of researchers led by Megan Edwards and Laura King found that hope consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning across six studies involving over 2,300 participants. Experiencing […]
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Early-life weight gain boosts adult height but not obesity risk
Early-life weight gain boosts adult height but not obesity risk Early-life weight gain (between ages 1-10) can lead to significantly taller adults without increasing the risk of obesity or high blood pressure later in life, according to a new study. The study, which followed 1,348 participants from central Mali for 21 years, found that weight […]
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A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains
A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains Thimerosal, a mercury-based chemical used as a preservative in some vaccines, has been removed from childhood vaccines for over 20 years due to concerns about its safety. A discredited study published in 1989 falsely linked […]
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Are the medications you take safe?
Are the medications you take safe? A Harvard University physician-researcher, Jerry Avorn, argues that the FDA’s approval process for prescription drugs needs to be strengthened. The Accelerated Approval Program, introduced in the 1990s, has allowed over half of new drugs onto the market without rigorous proof of effectiveness. Avorn cites numerous examples of ineffective or […]
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3 years after abortion rights were overturned, contraception access is at risk
3 years after abortion rights were overturned, contraception access is at risk Three years after the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, access to contraception is at risk due to abortion restrictions and a decline in family planning providers. The growing demand for contraception has led to an increase in the […]
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1 trick can boost your running performance
1 trick can boost your running performance Narrowing your visual attention can boost running performance by increasing effort and pace. Research found that runners who focused on a single point ahead (attentional narrowing) ran faster, raised their heart rate, and performed better than those who looked around. The study’s authors suggest that this technique is […]
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How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for
How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for During heat waves, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat rash, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and feeling weak. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek shade, rest, and cool down […]
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When you lose your health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor – and that hurts your health
When you lose your health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor – and that hurts your health When you lose health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor, leading to missed warning signs, delayed care, and worsening health outcomes. Staying connected to a trusted doctor can keep you healthier and save the […]
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When developing countries band together, lifesaving drugs become cheaper and easier to buy − with trade-offs
When developing countries band together, lifesaving drugs become cheaper and easier to buy − with trade-offs Pooled procurement of lifesaving drugs can increase availability and reduce costs for developing countries, but it also comes with trade-offs that require flexibility and early planning. The study found that pooled procurement through international institutions reduced prices by 13% […]
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Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite
Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite, making them fascinating for environmental historians. Human actions long ago have contributed to the widespread spread of tick-borne diseases. The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and other tick species can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted […]
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Thirdhand smoke is a ‘silent threat’ to kids
Thirdhand smoke is a ‘silent threat’ to kids Thirdhand smoke, a phenomenon where chemical residue from smoking lingers in surfaces, may be underestimated by parents as a source of environmental tobacco smoke exposure to their children. A new study found that despite caregivers reporting no exposure to ETS, all children tested positive for low levels […]
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How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage
How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage Health insurance companies use artificial intelligence algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services recommended by a patient’s physicians, often leading to delays or denials of necessary care. The use of AI in health insurance can have serious consequences, including withholding care from […]
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Cannabis use disorder may raise your psychiatric illness risk
Cannabis use disorder may raise your psychiatric illness risk Cannabis use disorder has been linked to an increased risk of developing several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a new study published in Nature Mental Health. The study analyzed genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) […]
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Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis
Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis by identifying genetic material shed by tumors in the bloodstream. A study published in Cancer Discovery found that tumor-derived mutations could be detected in blood samples from participants who were later diagnosed with cancer, providing a window […]
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Sleep loss rewires the brain for cravings and weight gain – a neurologist explains the science behind the cycle
Sleep loss rewires the brain for cravings and weight gain – a neurologist explains the science behind the cycle Getting enough sleep is crucial for restoring metabolic balance in the brain and body, as it helps regulate hunger signals, weakens self-control, and impairs glucose metabolism. Sleep loss can lead to increased cravings for high-calorie foods, […]
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How to stay safe during heat waves – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for
How to stay safe during heat waves – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for Be aware of the heat wave risks: Extreme heat can become lethal quickly, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and those who work or play outside. Watch for warning signs of heat-related illnesses: Mild forms include heat […]
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How to keep your pets free of fleas
How to keep your pets free of fleas Fleas are a common problem for pets during the summer heat, causing itchiness, skin irritation, and potential health risks. Pets can pick up fleas from direct contact with other animals, the environment, or people’s clothing and gear, making prevention crucial. The signs of flea infestation include itchiness, […]
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Family and friends shoulder the real cost of dementia − $224B in unpaid care
Family and friends shoulder the real cost of dementia − $224B in unpaid care The true cost of dementia care in the US is estimated to be $277 billion per year, five times higher than the initial medical spending estimate of $53 billion. The majority of this cost ($224 billion) is attributed to unpaid care […]
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Circadian ‘clocks’ show humans are seasonal creatures
Circadian ‘clocks’ show humans are seasonal creatures New research shows that humans’ circadian clocks are influenced by seasonal changes in daylight hours, suggesting that we are indeed “seasonal creatures” despite modern conveniences. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of medical residents, found that people’s sleep schedules and circadian rhythms adjust to the changing amount […]
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Can treating inflammation boost pregnancy chances?
Can treating inflammation boost pregnancy chances? Researchers found that inflammation in the female reproductive tract can make it difficult to conceive, but replenishing a key hormone called progesterone may help keep inflammation in check. Inflammation increases when the body lacks sufficient proteins needed to respond to progesterone, which plays a crucial role in embryo development […]
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‘Smart’ dental implants could feel more like the real thing
‘Smart’ dental implants could feel more like the real thing Researchers are developing “smart” dental implants that can mimic the natural feel and function of real teeth. The new approach uses a biodegradable coating wrapped around an implant, which contains stem cells and a protein to help nerves grow and multiply around it. The coating […]
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Why don’t bats get cancer?
Why don’t bats get cancer? Bats have been found to live up to 35 years without getting cancer, equivalent to about 180 human years, due to their unique biological defenses. The study discovered that bats have a gene called p53, a tumor-suppressor that can shut down cancer, and they have two copies of this gene, […]
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Tiny changes in the heart may cut irregular heartbeat risk
Tiny changes in the heart may cut irregular heartbeat risk Researchers have discovered that microscopic structural changes in heart cells, specifically the narrowing of the perinexus gap between cells, may help reduce arrhythmia risk with age. The study found that as we get older, cardiac cells become bigger and the body compensates by making electrical […]
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