When It Comes to Pandemics and Outbreaks, Could Climate Change Be to Blame?

Medicine & Technology Feb 18, 2015

While many factors play into the development of a viral or bacterial outbreak, including herd immunity and preexisting healthcare practices, current outbreaks of the Ebola virus and the measles have many wondering exactly what’s causing the reemergence of such lethal diseases. Well, the obvious answers of vaccinations and poor sanitation conditions are readily available, but many may not consider an even more significant culprit—climate change.

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton Marks the Start of Children’s Mental Health Week with a Call to Action

Feb 16, 2015

During a visit to Bethlem and Maudsley School last week, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton recorded a call to action video released today to mark the start of Children’s Mental Health Week. The campaign, which seeks to combat stigma against mental health services, is led by the Place2Be children’s charity in the UK. And this year the message comes in light of new studies which reveal that a third of parents would feel embarrassed if their 15 to 18-year-olds sought mental health from counselors at their schools.

Could New HIV Strain Cross the Atlantic? Fears of the Spread of Aggressive HIV from Cuba

Feb 15, 2015

Though advances in HIV research and treatment have come to find ways of mitigating the virus, the disease continues to affects millions worldwide. And when the virus moves quickly, so does fear. In light of the discovery of a new strain of HIV, many are left wondering—could you too be at risk for contracting the disease?

New HIV Strain in Cuba Has Researchers Rushing to Stop Fast Progression of AIDS

Feb 15, 2015

In a new study published in the journal EBioMedicine, researchers with Belgium’s University of Leuvan report the discovery of a new strain of HIV which may prove to be far more lethal to patients in the West. Originally found in patients in Cuba, the new strain poses particular threats to those infected with HIV as it can develop into AIDS within three years of infection. Though efforts have significantly lowered the infection rates of HIV, as well as prolonged lives with the help of antiretroviral drugs, researchers fear that the fast-moving virus may advance too quickly to treat.

Healthcare Workers Attacked in Guinea as Locals Give Ebola the Upper Hand

Feb 14, 2015

In light of news that healthcare workers with the Red Cross planned to disinfect a local school infected with Ebola, crowds of central Guinean residents attacked an Ebola facility and healthcare workers, government officials reported Saturday, Feb. 14. Though the healthcare workers continue to try to fight and contain the disease, local uprisings have interfered greatly with their work in the field. And government officials are saying that the counterproductive actions of locals are forcefully giving the Ebola virus the upper hand.

Valentine’s Day In Space—A Promise to Better Heart Health

Feb 14, 2015

When better than Valentine’s Day to discuss matters of the heart? As February happens to be American Heart Month, dedicated to heart health and the physical fitness of everyone around the world, it seems that NASA and astronauts aboard the International Space Station are taking the promise of heart health to new heights. A new year, a new crew, and a new attitude has come aboard the International Space Station, and this time they’re vowing to keep their hearts just as healthy as their minds and our thirst for knowledge in space exploration.

Head Lice Home Remedy Leads To the Death of Massachusetts Toddler

Feb 05, 2015

After a head lice home remedy went awry last Saturday, Jan. 31, one Springfield, Mass. toddler died. While typical treatments include simple insecticide shampoos, the toddler’s parents decided to opt for an alternative treatment using household items, which resulted in the suffocation of the 18-month-old.

Clearing Up the Smoke—Editorial On E-Cigarettes Study & Public Opinion

Jan 28, 2015

In a recent article published by our writers entitled “Just a Bunch of Hot Air? The Truth About Vaping” our journalist investigated new research published by the New England Journal of Medicine regarding e-cigarettes and health implications associated with vaping. Readers have said that the article propagated fear tactics to decidedly speak against vaping, and with so many questions having recently arisen in response to the article, the editorial staff has decided that it is best to clear up the subject here.

Pediatricians Weigh In On Medical Marijuana for Kids

Jan 28, 2015

While some parents swear by medical marijuana for their kids, one powerful pediatricians group says that while more research is needed, it currently should only be used as a treatment for severely ill children.

Just A Bunch Of Hot Air? The Truth About Vaping

Jan 27, 2015

Vaping has become an incredibly marketable practice in recent years, promising smokers a "healthy" alternative to tobacco cigarettes. But are these manufactures just blowing hot air?

Extra Funding Sought to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Jan 27, 2015

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a growing problem around the country for both doctors and hospitals, causing an estimated 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths around the United States each year. And in an effort to combat these resistant forms of bacteria, the Obama administration wants to double the amount of federal funding dedicated to fighting these superbugs.

Over-the-Counter Drugs Linked to Increased Chance of “Dementia”

Jan 27, 2015

A new study has linked the use of common medications, including many over-the-counter treatments for conditions such as insomnia or even hay fever, to dementia.

eSight Glasses Give Blind Mother New Sight & The Ability to See Her Son for the First Time

Jan 26, 2015

Imagine bringing a child into the world but never meeting him, visually speaking. Unfortunately, that's the reality for many legally blind mothers―but eSight aim's to change that.

Scientists Can Now Unboil Eggs

Jan 26, 2015

Did you ever wish you could unboil those eggs you just finished boiling, just so that you could use them in some other culinary masterpiece? Well, maybe someday you can thanks to a team of scientists at the University of California.

Breast Cancer Patients Have Limited Knowledge of Their Disease

Jan 26, 2015

A new study published in the journal Cancer reveals that many women with breast cancer in the United States don't actually know much about their condition, with minority women being less likely to report accurate information about their tumors than Caucasian women.