Health
A red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading – and the lone star tick isn’t the only alpha-gal carrier to worry about
A red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading – and the lone star tick isn’t the only alpha-gal carrier to worry about A red meat allergy from tick bites, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is spreading rapidly across the US and globally, affecting an estimated 450,000 people in the US. The allergy is caused by […]
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‘Forever chemicals’ found in reusable period products
‘Forever chemicals’ found in reusable period products Researchers have detected “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) in reusable feminine hygiene products, including menstrual underwear and pads. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that almost a third of reusable period products contained PFAS, with some containing high concentrations suggesting intentional […]
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The 3 worst things you can say after a pet dies, and what to say instead
The 3 worst things you can say after a pet dies, and what to say instead The loss of a pet can be just as painful and valid as human loss, but it often gets minimized or dismissed by society, leading to “disenfranchised grief” that feels invisible and isolating. When responding to someone who has […]
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Speech-based AI tool flags sign of Parkinson’s
Speech-based AI tool flags sign of Parkinson’s A new speech-based AI tool has been developed to help assess signs of Parkinson’s disease, with nearly 86% accuracy. The tool uses a web-based screening test that asks users to recite two pangrams, which are short sentences using all 26 letters of the alphabet. Users simply read aloud […]
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Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups
Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups Shingles vaccination rates increased among adults aged 50+ during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain for underserved groups. The CDC recommends shingles vaccination for all adults aged 50 and older, but uptake has been low due to limited awareness, cost […]
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Parents don’t need to try harder – to ease parenting stress, forget self-reliance and look for ways to share the care
Parents don’t need to try harder – to ease parenting stress, forget self-reliance and look for ways to share the care Parents don’t need to try harder or be self-reliant to ease parenting stress; instead, they need connection and support from others. The traditional nuclear family ideal, which emphasizes self-reliance, is a relatively recent development […]
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It is becoming easier to create AI avatars of the deceased − here is why Buddhism would caution against it
It is becoming easier to create AI avatars of the deceased − here is why Buddhism would caution against it Buddhism cautions against creating AI avatars of the deceased as it may distort reality and intensify attachment to an illusion, potentially deepening suffering. Grief can be a catalyst for compassion in Buddhism, but it’s essential […]
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How FDA panelists casting doubt on antidepressant use during pregnancy could lead to devastating outcomes for mothers
How FDA panelists casting doubt on antidepressant use during pregnancy could lead to devastating outcomes for mothers Despite FDA panelists casting doubt on the safety of antidepressant medications (SSRIs) during pregnancy, research shows that the risks of untreated depression far outweigh those of SSRIs. The benefits of using SSRIs in pregnancy, including improved maternal mental […]
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Fruits and veggies could help you sleep better
Fruits and veggies could help you sleep better Fruits and vegetables may help improve sleep quality by reducing sleep fragmentation and promoting deeper, more uninterrupted sleep. A new study found that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables during the day was associated with better sleep quality at night, with participants who consumed more […]
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Are you really allergic to penicillin? A pharmacist explains why there’s a good chance you’re not − and how you can find out for sure
Are you really allergic to penicillin? A pharmacist explains why there’s a good chance you’re not − and how you can find out for sure Only 1% of Americans who report a penicillin allergy actually have one, making it likely that many people are incorrectly labeled as allergic. A penicillin skin test can safely determine […]
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When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery
When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery Disasters can have long-lasting impacts on mental health, even after headlines fade, highlighting the need for sustained emotional support to facilitate recovery. The emotional toll of disasters can be […]
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‘Forever chemicals’ affect developing male brains
‘Forever chemicals’ affect developing male brains Research conducted by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester found that early life exposure to PFHxA, a type of “forever chemical,” may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. The study suggests that males are more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment, […]
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Wildfire smoke can make your outdoor workout hazardous to your health – an exercise scientist explains how to gauge the risk
Wildfire smoke can make your outdoor workout hazardous to your health – an exercise scientist explains how to gauge the risk Wildfire smoke can make outdoor exercise hazardous to your health due to air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that worsens heart and lung disease. The effects of exposure to wildfire smoke on health […]
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What you should know about artificial food dye concerns
What you should know about artificial food dye concerns Artificial food dyes have been used for over 150 years to color foods, but recent concerns have led to a shift towards natural coloring. Kraft Heinz and General Mills are phasing out artificial dyes in their US foods, while Texas has passed a law requiring food […]
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The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health? Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular, but their effectiveness and limitations are still unclear. The use of AI-based therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mild to moderate cases, with some studies suggesting that […]
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The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help
The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help Rural areas are disproportionately affected by disasters, with older adults being particularly vulnerable due to higher rates of chronic health problems and limited access to healthcare. The aging population in rural America […]
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Muscle weakness in cancer survivors may be caused by treatable weakness in blood vessels – new research
Muscle weakness in cancer survivors may be caused by treatable weakness in blood vessels – new research Researchers have discovered that muscle weakness in cancer survivors may be caused by treatable weakness in blood vessels, which can lead to a condition called cachexia. The study found that tumors can destroy blood vessels in muscles even […]
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Is 1 type of water healthier for you than others?
Is 1 type of water healthier for you than others? According to Roger Fielding, senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA), there is no physiological basis for a nutritional advantage to consuming specialty waters like alkaline water or electrolyte water over regular plain old water. The main concern […]
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How weather changes cause migraines – a neurologist explains the triggers and what you can do to ease the pain
How weather changes cause migraines – a neurologist explains the triggers and what you can do to ease the pain Approximately 30-50% of people with migraines identify weather changes as a trigger, making it one of the most commonly reported migraine sources. Weather triggers can vary from person to person, but common culprits include barometric […]
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Heart drug kills dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria
Heart drug kills dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria Fendiline, a heart drug previously used to treat arrhythmia, has been found to selectively kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers identified a specific weakness in the lipoprotein trafficking pathway of the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, which is weakened in resistant bacteria. The study employed an entirely new strategy to target […]
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Face analysis tech could spot PTSD in kids
Face analysis tech could spot PTSD in kids Researchers at the University of South Florida are developing a new technology that uses face analysis to identify childhood PTSD. The system, led by Alison Salloum and Shaun Canavan, analyzes facial expressions to detect subtle patterns linked to emotional expression in children with PTSD. The technology strips […]
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AI in health care could save lives and money − but change won’t happen overnight
AI in health care could save lives and money − but change won’t happen overnight Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by analyzing patient data prior to surgery, helping doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses, and streamlining hospital workflows. However, AI’s impact on healthcare so far has been relatively low due […]
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Speedballing – the deadly mix of stimulants and opioids – requires a new approach to prevention and treatment
Speedballing – the deadly mix of stimulants and opioids – requires a new approach to prevention and treatment Speedballing, the combination of stimulants and opioids, kills nearly 35,000 people in the US every year, making it a leading cause of overdose deaths across the country. The practice of speedballing has evolved from a niche subculture […]
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Plants in hospital rooms may enhance recovery
Plants in hospital rooms may enhance recovery Researchers at Texas A&M University found that hospital rooms designed with natural elements like indoor plants, green décor, and views of nature significantly enhance relaxation and mental clarity in simulated patients. The study used immersive virtual reality (VR) to simulate hospital environments for 188 participants over the age […]
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Philadelphians with mental illness want to work, pray, date and socialize just like everyone else – here’s how creating more inclusive communities is good for public health
Philadelphians with mental illness want to work, pray, date and socialize just like everyone else – here’s how creating more inclusive communities is good for public health Approximately 6% of American adults (15.4 million) live with significant mental health conditions, making community inclusion a major challenge for them. Community inclusion refers to everyone’s right to […]
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Parents who oppose sex education in schools often don’t discuss it at home
Parents who oppose sex education in schools often don’t discuss it at home Parents who oppose comprehensive sex education in schools often don’t discuss it at home, despite claiming that sex education should only be taught at home. The Trump administration’s directive to remove gender-identity materials from California’s sex education lessons has led to a […]
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How to best protect your skin from the sun this summer
How to best protect your skin from the sun this summer According to dermatologist Elnaz Firoz, sunscreen use mistakes are common at the beach, despite its widespread popularity and recommendation by the American Academy of Dermatology. Firoz notes that people often apply sunscreen incorrectly, such as applying it too late or reapplying too frequently, which […]
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Deadly Salmonella in cows is on the rise globally
Deadly Salmonella in cows is on the rise globally Salmonella Dublin, a deadly disease affecting cows globally, has seen a rise in recent years, with infection rates increasing to 18% in the US and 60% in the UK. The economic impact of Salmonella Dublin on Danish dairy farms over a 10-year period was studied, revealing […]
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1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth
1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth 1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities, highlighting the need for parents to protect their children’s teeth through regular dental care and preventive measures. The lack of access to dental care in Florida is a significant […]
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Poverty may kickstart the next pandemic
Poverty may kickstart the next pandemic Poverty may be a driving force behind the emergence and spread of animal-borne disease outbreaks, according to new research. The study found that socioeconomic factors such as poverty, international travel, and poor access to healthcare contribute to the spread of bacterial diseases like tuberculosis, plague, and salmonella. Environmental factors […]
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