Health

An article on ScienceNews.com, written by Saima S. Iqbal, highlights a genetic variation prevalent in some Africans that compromises the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug. This variant produces a slower enzyme, causing a significant reduction in active drug levels in individuals…

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have been steadily declining, with approximately 16,000 new hospitalizations reported in the week ending October 14, marking a 5% decrease from the previous week. This continues the trend of decreasing hospitalizations after a peak in early September. The data…

Recent research, written about by Darren Incorvaia on ScienceNews.com, has challenged the conventional understanding of bacteriophages, bacteria-killing viruses. It was previously believed that these viruses only interacted with the bacteria they infect. However, a study conducted by microbiologist…

In June, it was announced that the final two years of a $1 billion investment in treating STDs would not be given. Since then, the rates of STDs have increased nationwide as the people working in the tracing and contact of STDs no longer have the resources to do their jobs. To read the whole…

A study has found that eating just 2 servings of red meat per week can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, and that the risk increases as consumption increases. Replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources helped to reduce the risk. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing…

Methadone is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, however, there are stricter laws regulating peoples’ access to this drug than any other drug with a similar function. These laws are extremely outdated, with some being more than 50 years old, but have not been changed to…

A new malaria vaccine is being distributed next year to 12 African countries. The vaccine requires multiple doses to be effective and according to scientists, needs to be used with other manual malaria prevention measures, like bed nets. To read the full article on Wired by Maryn Mckenna, click…

Researchers in Copenhagen have found a potential cause of Parkinson's disease in mitochondria. Over time they found that mitochondria experience damage that can lead to damage in mitochondrial DNA and result in the development of Parkinson's and other diseases throughout the brain.  To read the…

Summary: A new study reveals that older Americans are dying from falls at more than twice the rate of 20 years ago, with women, men, and all racial groups affected. Falls are the leading cause of injury death among older Americans, and the problem is growing. Falls exact a huge health toll beyond…

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a report calling for stronger guidelines for social media use among children and teenagers due to the potential risks to their mental health. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action by technology companies and lawmakers to protect young…

Pfizer's recent phase 2 clinical study using their new oral weight loss drug showed promising results and can be comparable to that of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic injections, which have showed prominent results in many obese and diabetic patients. The new pill works by triggering insulin release in the…

Naegleria fowleri is a "brain-eating" amoeba that lives in warm fresh water lakes, soil, and sometimes even heaters or pipes. There have been recent reports of hospitalized patients who have been to these warm lakes having headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea. Ohio health officials hint at…

President Biden announces that Dr. Monica Bertagnolli will be the next director of the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.). Bertagnolli has previously headed the National Cancer Institute and is herself battling early stage breast cancer. She will be just the second woman to hold this position.…

The number of diphtheria cases in the UK have risen in the past year, with 3 people having died from the disease. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the increase could have been caused by an increase in the number of asylum seekers in the UK as well as people catching diphtheria from their…