Scientists are testing hundreds of different kinds of animals as well as waste and storm water for COVID-19, looking for reservoirs for possible mutation. They’ve learned even pets can possibly harbor the virus but probably aren’t a threat. An expert discusses how the knowledge will combat COVID variants.
Homelessness continues to be a stubborn problem despite many well-intentioned programs. A new experimental study finds that giving homeless people thousands of dollars in cash helps get many of them off the streets for good, calling into question many assumptions about the homeless and how they got that way. Experts discuss the new program and its implications for ending homelessness.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of April 18, 2021 including: A new study finds COVID-19 was likely circulating undetected for nearly two months before late December 2019. Then, a study indicating weight loss surgery significantly cuts the risk of cancer in people with severe obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. And finally, a small study finds that early in the lockdown, a weight gain of two pounds a month was pretty typical.
Plagues such as COVID-19 are nothing new, and this pandemic is far from the worst the world has ever faced. A physician and historian examines COVID in comparison to other pandemics and discusses the lessons that will serve us well in the future.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of April 11, 2021 including: A federal task force says far more smokers and former smokers should be eligible for free CT scans to screen for lung cancer. Then, a single head injury could result in dementia decades later. Then, Women with heart disease do a lot better when they’re treated by women doctors. And finally, if you want to cut your risk of diabetes… eat breakfast early.
Today’s students often type their assignments, no matter the grade level. Writing by hand is done less frequently, and some students are barely able to produce cursive writing. However, studies show that writing by hand creates a better connection to the brain for learning content. Experts discuss how we might tap this connection in an increasingly tech world.
Many people are relieved that, thanks to vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be waning. But the mental health wreckage of the last year will take longer to overcome. Experts discuss how it’s showing up and what people can do to get back on track.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of April 4, 2021 including: One of the oldest drugs in the world, aspirin, may help prevent COVID-19 infections and make illnesses that do take place much less serious. Then, people with Crohn’s disease often have flare-ups. One reason those sores don’t heal—fungus in foods. And finally… bosses who demand that employees keep their noses to the grindstone may be hurting productivity.
Pain varies from person to person and is totally subjective. It can’t be truly measured. This makes pain management one of the greatest challenges in healthcare. An expert discusses how pain works and how doctors struggle to contain it.
During the pandemic, millions of people have adopted diets full of comfort food, and have wrecked their heart health in the process. Now as the world begins to return to a semblance of normal, they will face wildly conflicting dietary advice. An expert cardiologist discusses how people can cut through the confusion.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of March 28, 2021 including: About 10 percent of people will have a kidney stone at some point in their lives. When it happens, doctors may want to check for Osteoporosis, too. Then, more evidence that a vitamin d deficiency may leave you more susceptible to COVID. And finally… a lot of people take a probiotic to improve their gut health, but a new study suggests… try avocados instead.
Knee replacements are successful for 80 percent of recipients, yet many assume the success rate should be higher. Those who are not successful often are bitterly disappointed. However, patients and physicians can take steps to avoid a bad result. New techniques also offer much faster recovery. Experts discuss.
Today, women outnumber men in medical school. But 175 years ago, women were unheard of in medicine. An author discusses the ingenuity it took for two sisters to break barriers in medicine for women.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of March 21, 2021 including: Rich countries are buying all the available COVID-19 vaccine for themselves… leaving poor countries in the cold. Then, Have you been double masking? If you haven’t been able to get the vaccine, it could be one of the best things you can do to stay safe from COVID. And finally, you may think that loud music is distracting while you’re driving… but a new study finds that young drivers are more distracted by not having music.
