Melanoma Advances
Fifteen years ago, advanced melanoma was usually lethal. But new treatments harnessing the immune system have increased survival so much that researchers haven’t completely been able to quantify it.


Fifteen years ago, advanced melanoma was usually lethal. But new treatments harnessing the immune system have increased survival so much that researchers haven’t completely been able to quantify it.

The last three flu seasons have been bad, but there’s a chance this year could be even worse. Then, sleeping too much can be a risk factor for stroke. Plus, more than 30 million people in the United States think they’re allergic to penicillin when they’re not. And finally, if you’re scheduled for surgery, ask your doctor what kind of music she listens to in …

During the holidays, reflux problems are magnified by big meals with trigger foods like chocolate and alcohol. But reflux sometimes doesn’t show up as heartburn. A gastroenterologist discusses reflux, how it may appear as asthma or hoarseness, and how it can be treated.

Winter in general, and the holidays in particular, are the busiest time of year in hospital emergency departments, even in places where it doesn’t snow. Experts discuss the increase in deaths of all kinds, including the “Merry Christmas Coronary” and possible reasons those deaths bounce up.

A new study showing an injectable could be the answer for people with food allergies. Then, people suffering from depression may find some improvement by taking aspirin or ibuprofen. And finally, if you spend your workday wearing headphones, listening to music… you may be a lot less productive than you think.

Scientists may someday be able to treat alcoholic liver disease with something short of a liver transplant. Then, if you want to keep the mind alive as you age, play games. And finally, a new study shows giving buses an inexpensive engine retrofit helps not only the health of students who ride them, but also their academic performance.

A study that finds that artery blockages discovered during stress tests can be managed with medication. Then, a study indicating cigarette smoking has hit an all-time low. Also, having more meatless burgers now could cut your dementia risk later. And finally, if people are more anxious these days, maybe it’s because they’re not getting enough sleep.

A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology shows that people with conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are often made miserable by itching. Those with itch were more than twice as likely to be depressed and nearly twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts as controls without those conditions.

Women undergoing cancer treatment often suffer hair loss and other impacts on appearance. A noted beauty expert discusses best ways to deal with it.

Some agencies estimate that 50,000 children have been born in the US using donor eggs. But egg donation (or sale, as some insist) is not regulated, and while short term risks are known, few donors have been followed for years. Long term risks are not well understood. Experts discuss what we know… and what we don’t.

A three-drug combination that effectively targets Cystic Fibrosis. Then, a study shows that 13 percent of people over age 50 have pills left over from their last prescription. Then, a study that shows that having PTSD nearly doubles a person’s risk of infections. And finally...a study suggests that smaller brain size comes first before heavy alcohol use.

For those left behind when a loved one dies of suicide, recovery can be difficult. Stigma, guilt, and blame are exceptionally common. They need more support, but often get less, and their own risk of suicide is elevated. Experts—one a suicide survivor herself—discuss the difficulties and ways survivors can cope.
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