American Council on Science and Health

Opioid Abuse and Death: Nothing Close to a Good
Answer America's huge addiction problem stems from the use of opioid narcotics, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. But attempts to limit access to these drugs have had unintended consequences. And as the pills become more expensive and harder to get, heroin use is growing. Here an overview of a big mess.  Read more

Out-of-Hospital Births Pretty Safe, Study Finds

More and more women are choosing to give birth at home, or in birthing centers, rather than in hospitals. The important question is whether these alternatives are safe — for mothers and/or babies. A new report sheds light on this important question, and it mostly appears to support the choice. Read more

Absorb This: Delivering Drugs Through the Skin

Researchers at the University of California have been able to successfully create a liquid blood pressure medication that can be absorbed through the skin, without the requisite skin toxicity. The implications for transdermal drug delivery are multiple and profound. Read more

 

Teens Continue Trend Toward Better Choices, Study Finds

The latest edition of the annual "Monitoring the Future" survey shows encouraging trends continuing for youth smoking, substance abuse and alcohol abuse, as well. However, binge drinking remains a problem, and e-cigarettes are increasingly being used for "fun" by youngsters, rather than as an aid to quit smoking. Read more

 

Visionaries See Wearable Tech Altering Healthcare

A Swedish engineer believes electronic devices can someday be used to monitor and treat the body, day in, day out. He foresees a future in which humans are wired up like cars, with sensors that form a similar early-warning system. Meanwhile, there are others also working towards similar goals. Read more