Health
The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends
The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends Despite frequent use of the term “crisis,” college student mental health data reveals both challenges and positive trends. The percentage of students contemplating suicide has decreased slightly over the past two years, according to the Healthy Minds Study. The demand […]
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Older adults with dementia misjudge their financial skills – which may make them more vulnerable to fraud, new research finds
Older adults with dementia misjudge their financial skills – which may make them more vulnerable to fraud, new research finds Older adults with dementia often misjudge their financial skills, making them more vulnerable to fraud. A recent study found that people without dementia are generally aware of their financial abilities and this awareness improves over […]
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Is the plastic in your kitchen dangerous for your health?
Is the plastic in your kitchen dangerous for your health? Plastic containers and utensils in your kitchen may be releasing harmful chemicals that can affect human health. The plastics used in kitchen utensils, such as black plastic spatulas and cutting boards, may contain brominated flame retardants and heavy metals, which have been linked to cancer, […]
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Data on sexual orientation and gender is critical to public health – without it, health crises continue unnoticed
Data on sexual orientation and gender is critical to public health – without it, health crises continue unnoticed The Trump administration’s efforts to restrict data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity are harming public health by erasing critical information needed to address health disparities. The CDC has deleted gender identity variables from its webpages, […]
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Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected
Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill has been criticized by those most affected, who argue that it won’t solve the opioid epidemic and instead perpetuates stigma against people who use drugs. The bill’s increased penalties for small amounts of fentanyl have been linked […]
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Can a sleeping pill protect against Alzheimer’s damage?
Can a sleeping pill protect against Alzheimer’s damage? A new study suggests that a common sleep aid called lemborexant may help protect against Alzheimer’s damage by reducing the buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain. The drug, which blocks orexin receptors, has been shown to improve sleep patterns and reduce inflammation caused by tau […]
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Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks
Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks Tobacco use among adolescents has decreased significantly over the past few decades, but e-cigarette use remains a complex problem for public health and policy. Many adolescents who smoke or vape are aware of the health risks associated with tobacco use, […]
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Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work
Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work A new study found that teenagers’ sleep habits can affect how their brains work, particularly when it comes to decision-making, self-reflection, and processing information. Adolescents who get less sleep are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as acting out, poor impulse control, and aggressiveness, […]
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Will you be able to get a COVID shot this fall?
Will you be able to get a COVID shot this fall? Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, effective immediately. The FDA has also changed its policy framework, stating that boosters will only be available to adults over […]
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Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows
Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows A study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than half of U.S. teens living in households with firearms believe they can access and load a firearm at home, even when parents report storing all firearms locked […]
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LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society
LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society LGBTQ+ patients who receive affirming care from their doctors are more likely to stay up-to-date on preventive services, such as flu shots and cancer screenings, which can save lives and money. The study found that 34% of […]
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Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research
Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research Researchers have identified a small cluster of neurons in the medial orbitofrontal cortex that play a key role in suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery was made using a genetically modified mouse model that allowed researchers to map […]
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US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians
US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians The US healthcare system was deliberately designed to prioritize profit and politicians over people, leading to high costs and deep inequities. The system’s architecture, […]
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Game theory explains why reasonable parents make vaccine choices that fuel outbreaks
Game theory explains why reasonable parents make vaccine choices that fuel outbreaks Game theory explains why parents who don’t vaccinate their children are not necessarily making selfish or uninformed decisions, but rather responding to a system where individual and collective incentives aren’t properly aligned. The decision not to vaccinate involves a “free rider problem,” where […]
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Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families
Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families The US government recently cut over $1 billion in funding to two programs that helped schools and food banks provide fresh produce to children and families, including Local Food for Schools and the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. The […]
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Our trans health study was terminated by the government – the effects of abrupt NIH grant cuts ripple across science and society
Our trans health study was terminated by the government – the effects of abrupt NIH grant cuts ripple across science and society Funding cuts to trans health research have been terminated by the government, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to medically and legally restrict trans rights. The termination of grants like this one harms […]
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Memories of the good parts of using drugs can keep people hooked − altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction
Memories of the good parts of using drugs can keep people hooked − altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction Researchers are exploring how memories of rewards can be altered to help treat addiction. By understanding how reward memories work and interact with each other, scientists can develop more effective treatments for […]
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Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science
Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science Methylene blue, a synthetic dye originally created as a fabric dye, has been touted online as a “nootropic agent” that enhances cognitive function and boosts brain energy, but evidence supporting its health benefits is scarce. The chemical has some serious risks, including interactions […]
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1 in 4 children suffers from chronic pain − school nurses could be key to helping them manage it
1 in 4 children suffers from chronic pain − school nurses could be key to helping them manage it Chronic pain affects approximately 25% of children, with symptoms lasting for years on end and impacting daily life, academics, and mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach in treating chronic pain in […]
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Millions of US children have parents with substance use disorder, and the consequences are staggering − new research
Millions of US children have parents with substance use disorder, and the consequences are staggering − new research Millions of US children have parents with substance use disorder, affecting nearly 19 million children (1 in 4) and an estimated increase of over 10 million since 2009-2014. The most common substance misused by parents is alcohol, […]
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Why do we yawn?
Why do we yawn? Yawning is an instinct that occurs in all animals, including cats. The exact reason for yawning in humans is still unknown and not definitively studied. Some experts suggest that yawning may be related to sleep needs, hunger, or boredom, but these theories are not conclusive. Fetuses have been observed yawning, suggesting […]
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RFK Jr. says annual COVID-19 shots no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women – a public health expert explains the new guidance
RFK Jr. says annual COVID-19 shots no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women – a public health expert explains the new guidance The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer recommend annual COVID-19 shots for healthy children and pregnant women, citing a lack of evidence to support vaccinating these […]
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Public health and private equity: What the Walgreens buyout could mean for the future of pharmacy care
Public health and private equity: What the Walgreens buyout could mean for the future of pharmacy care Walgreens’ recent acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion marks a significant turning point for the pharmacy chain, which has faced financial pressures and declining sales in recent years. The deal raises questions about Sycamore’s […]
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People around the world agree on which senses tell us who’s sick
People around the world agree on which senses tell us who’s sick A new study involving over 19,000 people from 58 countries found that people worldwide agree on which senses are most useful for detecting illness in others, with sight and hearing ranking first. The study’s findings suggest that people tend to prefer senses that […]
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More Colorado workplaces are becoming safe places for employees in recovery
More Colorado workplaces are becoming safe places for employees in recovery Colorado workplaces are becoming increasingly supportive of employees in recovery, thanks to programs like the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative. The initiative aims to provide employers with training guidelines and policies to support employees with substance use disorders, reducing stigma and promoting a safe […]
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Listen: How dementia changes how people act
Listen: How dementia changes how people act Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in people under the age of 65, and one of its key signs is changes in behavior. A neurologist, Bruce Miller, has spent decades observing people with FTD at the University of San Francisco’s Memory and Aging Center to […]
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Different kinds of mindfulness may fight different kinds of anxiety
Different kinds of mindfulness may fight different kinds of anxiety Researchers propose that different types of mindfulness practices may be more effective for specific types of anxiety, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety symptoms, but experts still need to understand how it works and which approaches are […]
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Chronic stress contributes to cognitive decline and dementia risk – 2 healthy-aging experts explain what you can do about it
Chronic stress contributes to cognitive decline and dementia risk – 2 healthy-aging experts explain what you can do about it Chronic stress is linked to cognitive decline and dementia risk, with a recent study finding that 42% of Americans may develop dementia between ages 55-95. Stressful events and social isolation can exacerbate cognitive aging, making […]
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Billy Joel has excess fluid in his brain – a neurologist explains what happens when this protective liquid gets out of balance
Billy Joel has excess fluid in his brain – a neurologist explains what happens when this protective liquid gets out of balance Billy Joel has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s cavities, leading to enlarged ventricles and pressure on surrounding tissue. CSF is […]
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A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility
A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility Male fertility rates have been declining over the past half-century, with a recent study finding that male infertility rates increased nearly 80% from 1990 to 2019. A common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may be contributing to this trend, as it can infiltrate […]
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