Fast food has changed quite a bit in recent years. In addition to the usual burgers and fries on the menu, most restaurants now also offer healthier options like wraps, salads, fruit and yogurt. But that doesn’t mean everyone is eating well or as well they should. In fact, a new study out of the […]
Tiger mosquitoes are capable of transmitting yellow fever
Since December 2016, Brazil has been grappling with its worst yellow fever outbreak in several decades. To date, there have been 2,043 human cases including 676 fatalities, mainly occurring in ten Brazilian states including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These two states, the most heavily populated in Brazil, had been free of yellow fever […]
‘Fitcations’ Are a Great Way to Shape Up
FRIDAY, Sept. 21, 2018 — From a three-day bike race to raise awareness of a charitable cause, to adventure travel abroad, you can take exercise to a brand new level on a fitness trip. With no shortage of “fitcation” options available any time of year, start with some research, either by destination or by the […]
Searching for a diagnosis: How scientists are untangling the mystery of developmental disorders
Evie Walker sits on Alison’s lap, playing a game she never grows tired of: turning her mum’s hand over and over, stroking and examining it. When she takes a break and looks around, it is with the open-mouthed look of curiosity and awe that you see in many infants. Evie’s vocabulary currently consists of a […]
Survey finds 2M US teens are vaping marijuana
A school-based survey shows nearly 1 in 11 U.S. students have used marijuana in electronic cigarettes, heightening concern about the new popularity of vaping among teens. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, but results published Monday mean 2.1 million middle and high school students have used them to get high. The devices are generally considered a less […]
Lesbian, gay or bisexual youth are at increased risk of using multiple substances
Young people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are at increased risk of using substances such as alcohol, nicotine and marijuana, a new study from Oregon State University has found. These youth are also at higher risk of polysubstance use, meaning they are more likely to use more than one substance than their heterosexual […]
Among Teens, Transgender Boys Are Most Likely to Attempt Suicide
Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States, and the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults (age 10 to 34). And while there are countless reasons one may attempt suicide, a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found being trans may put one at an increased risk. […]
Researchers find answers as to why some people are at risk of gout
University of Otago researchers have helped characterise a genetic variant that enables new understanding of why some people are at risk of gout, a painful and debilitating arthritic disease. Gout is caused by persistently elevated levels of urate in the blood, which causes severe joint pain and swelling, especially in peoples’ toes, knees, elbows, wrists […]
Brains of people with schizophrenia are less reactive to social rewards like smiling faces, study shows
In imaging studies, UCLA researchers found that the brains of people with schizophrenia are less sensitive to social rewards, such as the positive feelings that can come from social interactions with people, than they are to so-called nonsocial rewards, such as money or objects. People generally find social stimulation rewarding, which in turn motivates them […]
Even ‘good’ levels of air pollution are bad for smokers
(HealthDay)—Even low levels of air pollution can pose a threat to the lungs of cigarette smokers, researchers say. They tested 29 nonsmokers, 71 smokers without lung disease, and 58 smokers with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that the lungs of both groups of smokers could be harmed by levels […]