Health
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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Discovery could slash a common cancer drug’s price
Discovery could slash a common cancer drug’s price New research has identified the two missing pieces to understanding how Taxol, a common cancer drug, is formed in nature, allowing for biotech-based production. The discovery enables the development of a biotechnological method to produce Taxol in yeast cells, which could slash the price of the drug […]
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Can a pea-sized part of the brain help treat addiction?
Can a pea-sized part of the brain help treat addiction? Researchers are investigating using a small region of the brain called the habenula to potentially treat drug addiction. The habenula, also known as a “pea-sized” part of the brain, has been found to play an outsized role in addiction and substance abuse, according to research […]
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Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that’s not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide
Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that’s not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide Biden’s prostate cancer treatment decision highlights the need for personalized approach to cancer treatment, as not all men require immediate treatment. Prostate cancer can be grouped into four stages, […]
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Active young people are less likely to be depressed
Active young people are less likely to be depressed A new study found that physically active young people are less likely to be depressed. The study, conducted by Professor Silje Steinsbekk at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, followed a group of children and young people from age 6 to 18. Young people who […]
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The Women’s Health Initiative has shaped women’s health for over 30 years, but its future is uncertain
The Women’s Health Initiative has shaped women’s health for over 30 years, but its future is uncertain The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), launched in 1991, has been a groundbreaking study on women’s health for over 30 years, but its future is uncertain due to funding cuts and concerns from lead investigators. The WHI was established […]
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Children in military families face unique psychological challenges, and the barriers to getting help add to the strain
Children in military families face unique psychological challenges, and the barriers to getting help add to the strain Children in military families face unique psychological challenges due to frequent relocations, deployments, and the constant threat of war, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Military children are more likely to experience mental health […]
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What causes RFK Jr.’s strained and shaky voice? A neurologist explains this little-known disorder
What causes RFK Jr.’s strained and shaky voice? A neurologist explains this little-known disorder Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been open about his struggles with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder that causes a strained and shaky voice. The condition affects an estimated 50,000 people in North […]
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As heated tobacco products reenter the US market, evidence on their safety remains sparse – new study
As heated tobacco products reenter the US market, evidence on their safety remains sparse – new study Heated tobacco products, such as IQOS and Ploom, are reentering the US market despite limited evidence on their safety. The majority of studies on heated tobacco products’ safety are funded by tobacco companies, which can lead to biased […]
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Food allergy discovery could pave way for new treatments
Food allergy discovery could pave way for new treatments A recent study in mice has identified an innovative strategy to potentially manage food allergy risk by targeting essential immune cells in the intestine. The research found that a specific population of cells, called RORγt+ dendritic cells, play a crucial role in preventing food allergies by […]
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