Health & Medicine
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HumansVitamin D targets increased
A panel advises raising the dietary allowance for the nutrient, but some scientists say the new recommendations are still woefully low.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineA few stray hairs
Brain regions that sense the world can also flick a whisker, research in mice shows, suggesting that the organ’s division of labor is not so clear-cut.
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Health & MedicineAntiretroviral drugs may prevent HIV infection
Gay and bisexual men who don’t have the AIDS virus can reduce their risk of getting it by taking a drug combination, a new study finds.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansVisor might protect troops from blasts
Computer simulations show that the current military helmet lets explosive forces into the head through the face.
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HumansExtra weight in early childhood foretells later disease risk
A study tracking kids from birth into young adulthood identifies ages 2 to 6 as most crucial for predicting later problems with metabolic syndrome.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineNew drug bumps up good cholesterol
Anacetrapib raises beneficial HDL while lowering harmful LDL, a medical trial finds, suggesting it may be a powerful new weapon against cardiovascular disease.
By Nathan Seppa -
LifeGenes jump more in one type of autism
A mutation that causes Rett syndrome also increases the activity of retrotransposons in the brain.
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Health & MedicineMining fat tissue for cardiac repair
Stem cells that are abundant in adipose tissue seem to boost the recovery of heart tissues in people who survive the big one, early research shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineJet lag makes hamsters dumb
A new study highlights the perils of shifting time zones.
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Health & MedicineFlick of a whisker can prevent stroke damage in rats
A new study in animals suggests sensory stimulation could potentially provide a nondrug method for protecting human patients.
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Health & MedicineFish oil fails to hold off heart arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation patients who took capsules rich in omega-3 fatty acids had about as many episodes as those getting a placebo, a study finds.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicinePain-free pianists use their backs
Pianists who use smaller arm and finger muscles are more prone to injury than players who activate their back and neck muscles.