Public Health: From the American Council on Science and Health

October 1: The start of breast cancer awareness month - October is breast cancer awareness month - everyone should learn what they can about the disease from reliable sources, and filter that information through one's own personal and family history. Not all internet searches will yield reliable results, however. Read more.

The truth about Ebola in America: an epidemic, or even an outbreak, is extremely unlikely - With one definite case of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (and one other possible) having been diagnosed in Dallas, those who said it can't happen here have been proven wrong. What about those warning of an epidemic? Also wrong. Read more.

Acupuncture does not benefit those suffering from chronic knee pain - Chronic knee pain is very common in adults over the age of 50. And many turn to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, for relief. However, a new study finds that acupuncture is not so effective in alleviating this pain. Read more.

California bans single-use plastic bags - As California becomes the first state to ban plastic bags, government officials recommend instead using reusable bags as a solution. However, reusable bags can be a public health concern all on their own. Read more 

Pediatricians recommend IUDs and hormonal implants for teen girls - In a newly updated policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends IUDs or hormonal implants as a first-line contraceptive for sexually active teens based on evidence that these are safe and effective for adolescents. Read more.

Hate GM? Better not get Ebola (or diabetes) - The anti-Ebola drug ZMAPP is made using GM technology. For people who incorrectly believe that GM technology is unsafe, in the words of Dr. Bloom, "you better hide in a vault until the epidemic has passed," and avoid insulin while you're at it. Read more.

Bariatric surgery and diabetes: The focus of future research - The benefits of bariatric surgery for weight loss and type 2 diabetes have been studied extensively. However, gaps remain regarding the long-term complications of such interventions. A recent workshop focuses on the areas in need of further investigation. Read more.

A new study from Federal geologists - AND Tyrone Hayes! - shows no frog harm from atrazine - Will wonders never cease? Strident "toxic atrazine" mythologizer Tyrone Hayes of UC-Berkeley finds no evidence of amphibian effects from the most commonly used safe and effective herbicide. Read more.