Health
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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New painkiller could ditch dangerous opioid side effects
New painkiller could ditch dangerous opioid side effects SBI-810, an experimental painkiller, has shown promising results in treating pain without the dangerous side effects of opioids. The drug targets a specific receptor on nerves and spinal cord, activating only a specific pain-relief pathway that avoids euphoric highs linked to addiction. Tests in mice have shown […]
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Social media overuse tied to belief in fake news
Social media overuse tied to belief in fake news A new study found that people who experience excessive social media use are more likely to believe fake news. The study, conducted by Michigan State University researchers, involved 189 participants aged 18-26 and presented them with real and false news stories formatted as social media posts. […]
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MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research
MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research The White House recently released a report highlighting the negative health effects of ultraprocessed foods on children’s health, citing research that shows nearly 70% of children’s diets consist of these foods. Ultraprocessed foods are defined as foods that […]
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Heart failure drug dosing could be simplified safely
Heart failure drug dosing could be simplified safely A new study suggests that dosing of heart failure medication can be safely simplified. The study found that patients could start vericiguat, a medication for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, at a dose of 5 mg instead of the conventional 2.5 mg starting dose. Reducing the […]
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For opioid addiction, treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing – a physician explains
For opioid addiction, treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing – a physician explains Buprenorphine treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing, emphasizing the importance of finding the right dose for each patient. A higher dose of buprenorphine (above 24 milligrams) has been shown to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and illicit opioid […]
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‘Flagging’ shows promise against tough cancers
‘Flagging’ shows promise against tough cancers Researchers have developed a new treatment approach called “flagging” that uses synthetic antigens to teach the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, offering promise against tough-to-treat cancers like brain, breast, and colon tumors. The experimental therapy works by marking tumor cells with a synthetic antigen delivered via […]
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What does it mean for Biden’s prostate cancer to be ‘aggressive’? A urologic surgeon explains
What does it mean for Biden’s prostate cancer to be ‘aggressive’? A urologic surgeon explains Biden’s prostate cancer has been diagnosed as “aggressive” due to its high grade (Gleason 9) and stage (Stage 4), indicating it has spread to his bones. The aggressiveness of a cancer is determined by its tumor grade, which indicates the […]
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Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients – new research
Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients – new research A new study found that patients hospitalized with chest pain who spend more time sedentary after discharge are at a higher risk for future heart problems and death within a year. Patients who averaged over 15 hours of sedentary […]
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Teens of any age who drink alcohol with their parents’ permission drink more as young adults, new research shows
Teens of any age who drink alcohol with their parents’ permission drink more as young adults, new research shows A study found that teenagers who drink alcohol with their parents’ permission are more likely to engage in risky drinking as young adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 300 adolescents, found that allowing teens […]
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Making eye contact and small talk with strangers is more than just being polite − the social benefits of psychological generosity
Making eye contact and small talk with strangers is more than just being polite − the social benefits of psychological generosity Engaging with strangers through eye contact and small talk can boost your mood and foster social connection, which is essential for human well-being. The way you focus your attention in public settings can either […]
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How 3D printing is personalizing health care
How 3D printing is personalizing health care 3D printing is transforming medical care by allowing for customized treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, such as prosthetic hands and implants. The technology has made significant strides in recent years, including the creation of tissue scaffolds, bioprinted liver tissue, and custom-fit dental aligners. 3D printing is also […]
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From furry friends to fish, turning up the heat helps animals fight germs − how Mother Nature’s cure offers humans a lesson on fever
From furry friends to fish, turning up the heat helps animals fight germs − how Mother Nature’s cure offers humans a lesson on fever Fever is not caused by pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 or the flu, but rather by the body’s immune system response to infection. The body raises its internal temperature to create a hostile […]
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FDA will approve COVID-19 vaccine only for older adults and high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules
FDA will approve COVID-19 vaccine only for older adults and high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules The FDA has announced that it will only approve COVID-19 vaccines for adults 65 years old and older, as well as those with one or more risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. The new […]
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