The Looming “Hothouse Earth”
Climate scientists fear we may soon reach the point of no return, resulting in a hothouse with large portions of the planet uninhabitable.
Medical Notes: Week of September 6, 2020
A study that vaping among teenagers is a huge risk for Covid-19. Then, a study that evaluates injuries from ATV crashes. Plus, a study that shows that knowing the facts about the pandemic reduces the stress that people feel about it. And finally, you may have seen headlines recently that wearing a neck gaiter for a face mask is worse than no mask at all - a …
Medical Notes: Week of August 23, 2020
Doctors are still learning about Coronavirus and some of what they’re finding is confusing. Then, many first responders to the 9-11 attacks in New York have brains that have aged 10 years more than normal. And finally, a study shows that people over six feet tall are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Medical Notes: Week of August 16, 2020
Chemicals called endocrine disruptors cause 32 different health problems ranging from infertility to diabetes and impaired brain development. Then, The Covid-19 pandemic is making working moms cut their hours on the job… but not dads. And finally, a study shows that becoming a dad gives men a greater sense of purpose…which often leads to healthier and less …
Medical Notes: Week of August 9, 2020
A study find that Covid-19 can damage the testicles. Then doctors have discovered a way to predict who is likely to be affected by organ rejection or damage. And finally, if social media makes you mad, it turns out that its heaviest users want you to feel that way.
Medical Notes: Week of July 26, 2020
Evidence is piling up that face masks cut the risk of getting Covid-19 by up to 65 percent. Then, a study finds that, at least in the laboratory, a common asthma drug can prevent the formation of tangles. Then, A study finds that cord blood helps some children with autism improve their social communication skills. And finally, if you feel especially insecure …
Medical Notes: Week of July 12, 2020
An analysis showing states that stuck to tough shelter in place rules are now recovering. Then, your blood type could be a more factor that can raise your risk of contracting coronavirus. Plus, Americans are less happy than they've been in at least 50 years.
Medical Notes: Week of June 28, 2020
Researchers have been looking for an already existing drug to quickly take on Covid-19, and apparently, now they’ve found one. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has closed the door on using the malaria treatment Hydroxychloroquine (hy-drox-ee-klor-oh-quin) to treat Covid-19. Then, social isolation has been a lifesaver the last few months, but if it …
Medical Notes: Week of June 14, 2020
People who recover from a coronavirus infection often still have a long way to go to recover their mental health. Then, a study that shows sick leave is a good way to slow the spread of diseases like Covid-19. Plus, doing good for other people is contagious. And finally, if you’re feeling stressed and anxious about the pandemic, you can bet your dog or cat …
Medical Notes: Week of May 31, 2020
A newly developed smartphone app is remarkably effective at predicting if a person is infected with Covid-19. Then biomarkers for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease can be found in a person’s teeth in the first decade of life. Then, a study shows that changing the way physical therapy is done can improve strength by an additional 30 percent. And finally, The labels …
The Science of Immortality: When Is Life Too Long?
Some experts believe the healthy lifespan eventually may be extended to hundreds of years through genetic manipulation. This brings many philosophical and ethical questions, which a noted science author discusses.
Music and Medicine
Pre-medical students have typically majored in science, but some medical schools are finding that liberal arts and even music majors with no science background can do well. Some admissions officers and doctors believe they may even have advantages, given the importance of communications in the doctor-patient relationship. A musician-turned-med student, an …
