British scientists have found an interesting way of determining a person's risk of developing skin cancer — it involves moles, driving and where you do it. So if you're often behind the wheel, take a look at your right arm if you live in the United Kingdom — or your left if you're in the United States. Read more.
Continuing declines in overall U.S. death rates between 1969 and 2013 represent major public health gains, including in most specific illnesses. COPD death rate is higher than it was initially, but is also now declining along with smoking rates. Read more.
Diet Duel: Low-Fat, Low-Carb Square Off Again
In this space we've covered numerous research articles about dieting and weight loss — especially those that evaluate the effects of low fat or low carbohydrate diets (most recently here and here). Although it might seem that the topic has been thoroughly covered, there are apparently still unanswered questions. Read more.
In a move straight out of "Dumb and Dumber," CVS was caught selling a homeopathic (read: useless) cure for constipation that was water (the usual ingredient for all things homeopathic) plus alcohol! How much? As much as a shot of bourbon. If this doesn't highlight the absurdity of this issue, then all is lost. Read more.
Studies: Statins May Mess With Flu Shot Efficacy
About 32 million Americans are currently taking statins many who are 65 years of age or older. This segment of the population is also the most vulnerable to influenza virus infections and subsequent hospitalizations. Two new studies indicate that statins can potentially interfere with the efficacy of flu vaccines. Read more.
One policy that has elicited much sturm und drang is the requirement that chain restaurants post calorie content of their foods on their menus. Some cities have had to comply with the law since 2009. So how effective has it been in stemming obesity? Not very, according to some new research. Read more
A cure for baldness is desperately craved, and has long been chased by researchers. Current treatment options run from pseudo-science to imperfect science. But a drug that's already approved for rheumatoid arthritis is showing great promise for treating the Battle of the Bald. Read more
The world’s largest clinical trial on aspirin was recently held in the United Kingdom, looking to determine whether taking daily aspirin will stop cancer, or delay its recurrence. Evidence suggests a reduction in colorectal polyps and cancer with aspirin use, depending on the dose and duration of therapy. Read more
The marathon, a true test of endurance 26.2-miles long, can truly wreak havoc on even the most experienced runner. The human body undergoes three major changes, all of which require smart steps and remedies to speed recovery. Read more
Researchers say that public housing is not all that great for your health, but a study of newly-renovated, environmentally friendly buildings indicates they are beneficial to human health. However, the findings aren't fully conclusive. Read more
Golden Rice has paved the way for more nutrient deficiencies to be addressed with other genetically engineered crops. The latest innovation by scientists is the GM cassava plant, which produces increased levels of vitamin B6. Read more
The American Academy of Pediatrics is advocating an increase in the minimum age nationwide to 21 for all tobacco products. Is this warranted? Will it have a lasting public health benefit? What do you think? Read more
A new study from a respected Swedish institute tries to implicate sweetened drinks as a cause for heart failure. But even a cursory review shows that the conclusion is utter nonsense. As it turns out, what these researchers really provided was an opportunity for us all to see what a very flawed study looks like. Read more
Media Hype: Not Every New Cancer Drug Is Awesome
A review of 100 media articles on new cancer drugs found that about one-half described the subject drug in a superlative tone that was generally uncalled for, and likely to generate false hope. Read more
Early conversations about sex gives teenagers a better chance of making smart choices about intimacy and relationships throughout their lives. And according to a recent article in JAMA Pediatrics, teens talking about sex with their mothers is particularly effective in encouraging safer sexual behavior. Read more
The cardio-protective effects of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, may become diminished as women transition through menopause. There is a possibility that it's proatherogenic, meaning it has a tendency to form plaques. Read more
JR Simplot has introduced a GM potato that resists bruising and helps limit acrylamide when cooked at high temperature. Now the company has produced another landmark spud -- which is even better. But over-regulation will be keeping it from getting to your table anytime soon. Read more
The colonoscopy. If you really think about it, it should be a horrible experience, and if you were awake during the procedure it probably would be. But it's not. Not even close. Meanwhile, colon cancer is terrible to get, but terribly easy to prevent. Read more
Spending More Shields Docs from Lawsuits, Study Suggests
A new study's data seems to support the concept of "defensive medicine," where if doctors spend more by ordering more lab tests and imaging studies they'll reduce their risk of subsequent malpractice suits. Read more
Some researchers studying autism spectrum disorder seek to understand the relationship between perception and behavior in the brain. This is partly the impetus behind a recent study, which sought to learn how the world is interpreted by an ASD sufferer. Read more
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