TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 — Feeling trapped behind a desk, a counter or on the factory floor does no favors for the mind. Now, research helps confirm that women with jobs that demand long hours may be more prone to depression. Researchers found that compared with women who worked a standard 40-hour week, those who […]
Be yourself at work—It’s healthier and more productive
At work, it’s healthier and more productive just to be yourself, according to a new study from Rice University, Texas A&M University, the University of Memphis, Xavier University, Portland State University and the University of California, Berkeley. The study, “Stigma Expression Outcomes and Boundary Conditions: A Meta-Analysis” will appear in an upcoming edition of the […]
Anti-vaxxers: admitting that vaccinology is an imperfect science may be a better way to defeat sceptics
Around the world, vaccines are in retreat, shunned by populations who, for the most part, have never been exposed to the diseases that blighted or shortened the lives of their grandparents’ generation. But with the possible exception of quinine – for centuries the only treatment for malaria – and antibiotics, vaccines have saved more lives […]
Researchers find silicone wristbands to be an effective way to measure children’s nicotine exposure
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins, but their exposure is often difficult and expensive to measure. The results of those measurements, however, can be crucial for research on the success of preventative measures. Jenny Quintana and her research team at San Diego State University’s School of […]
Women’s Brains May Be More ‘Age-Resistant’ Than Men’s
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 — “Boys will be boys” goes the old saying, but girls might have the last laugh. It turns out that female brains tend to age more slowly, researchers report. On average, women’s brains appear to be about three years younger than those of men at the same chronological age. This could […]
Overprescribing of antidepressant medications may be common in elderly patients
In a Pharmacology Research & Perspectives study of individuals living in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 2005-2012, potential overprescribing of antidepressant medications occurred in nearly one-quarter of elderly residents. Potential antidepressant overprescribing was most likely in individuals residing in nursing homes; patients having a higher number of comorbid medical conditions; individuals who were outpatients; those taking […]
Three weeks in a cast may be just as good as six for healing ankle fractures
Wearing a cast or ankle support for three weeks may be no worse than the usual six weeks for healing ankle fractures, suggest the findings of a randomised controlled trial published in The BMJ today. The healing process after 3 weeks was just as successful compared with conventional therapy of six weeks, without any added […]
I Don't Know Who My Adopted Child Will Be
Lately, my husband and I have been announcing to our friends and family that we’re starting the process of independent adoption. Many friends are simply excited for us. Reactions like, “What an awesome season of life for you!” and “That’s so great!” abound. These are both the simplest and, honestly, the best responses we get. […]
Diabetes-inducing blood vessel damage could be prevented by a growth factor, study finds
Scientists have identified a growth factor found in the kidneys that could minimise the diabetes-inducing effects of blood vessel damage. The findings come in the wake of recent data from Diabetes UK which revealed that almost 4.6 million people nationwide have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Coupled with the recent NHS announcement that […]
Yes, Anxiety Can Be a Learned Behavior, & You're Teaching It to Your Kids
Anxiety is a normal part of being a parent. From dealing with countless unknowns to being in charge of other people’s lives, there is always plenty to worry about. But some parents who live with anxiety (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) beyond day-to-day nervousness may also be concerned about whether they can pass their anxiety down […]