Harvard Medical School researchers discovered a link between lithium deficiency and Alzheimer's disease. Studies on mice showed that lithium deprivation accelerated brain aging and memory loss, while lithium supplementation reversed these effects, even in advanced stages. Human brain tissue analysis revealed lower lithium levels in individuals with early-stage...
A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a link between increased screen time and reduced sleep in children and teens and a higher risk of cardiometabolic problems. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 Danish children and adolescents, finding that each extra hour of screen...
The Trump administration, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., terminated 22 federal contracts totaling nearly $500 million for mRNA-based vaccine development. Kennedy cited concerns about the vaccines' effectiveness against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu, though these concerns are widely disputed by the scientific community. The...
Over 7,000 chikungunya virus cases have been reported in China's Guangdong province since July, prompting stringent measures reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Foshan city is the hardest hit, implementing hospital stays and mosquito net protection for patients. The virus, spread by mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain....
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new policy extending community care authorization for veterans to one year. Previously, authorizations for 30 specialties were renewed every 90-180 days. This change aims to improve continuity of care and reduce administrative burden. While welcomed by some, concerns remain...
A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem, New York City, has claimed two lives and sickened at least 58 people. This is a significant increase from last week's reported one death and 22 illnesses. Health officials urge residents, particularly those over 50, smokers, and those with lung conditions, to...
Whooping cough cases in the US have surged, exceeding 10,000 as of May 31, a significant increase from last year's 4,800. This resurgence, linked to declining vaccination rates, has already resulted in five child deaths this year. Doctors report a rise in hospitalizations due to severe coughing fits,...
Doctors are urging a shift away from diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergy treatment, citing safer alternatives like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Diphenhydramine's drowsiness and potential for serious side effects, especially in children and the elderly, outweigh its benefits. Experts recommend newer antihistamines due to their superior...
A new University College London study reveals that losing weight is harder on an ultra-processed food (UPF) diet compared to a minimally processed food (MPF) diet, even with balanced eating. Participants following government dietary advice for eight weeks lost an average of 1% of their weight on a UPF...
Colorectal cancer diagnoses in adults under 50 are rising, prompting research into the causes. While increased screening since guidelines lowered the recommended age to 45 explains some of the rise in early-stage diagnoses, it doesn't account for the overall increase, including late-stage cancers, observed since the mid-1990s. Studies...
