Health & Medicine

  1. Health & Medicine

    Device spots sponges left behind

    A device that uses radiofrequency identification can detect tagged sponges left in patients undergoing surgery.

    By Nathan Seppa
  2. Health & Medicine

    Male circumcision could avert millions of HIV infections

    Mass circumcision of boys and men in sub-Saharan Africa could avert 2.7 million new cases of HIV infection over the next decade.

    By Nathan Seppa
  3. Health & Medicine

    Big Headache: Auras may add risk to migraines

    Women who experience migraines that are preceded by sensory irregularities face a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke.

    By Nathan Seppa
  4. Health & Medicine

    Ingredient might prevent sexually transmitted disease

    A seaweed derivative that's commonly added to many consumer products as a thickening agent can inhibit the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts.

    By Christen Brownlee
  5. Health & Medicine

    Statins might lower risk of cataracts

    Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins might slow the formation of certain types of cataracts in the eye.

    By Nathan Seppa
  6. Health & Medicine

    Keep on Going: Busy seniors live longer, more proof that it pays to stay active

    Healthy elderly people who burn a lot of calories each day may be gaining extra years of life.

    By Nathan Seppa
  7. Health & Medicine

    In utero factors shape responses to stress, sugar

    Abnormal conditions during pregnancy can lead in unexpected ways to physiological problems in children once they reach adulthood.

    By Ben Harder
  8. Health & Medicine

    Thyroid-hormone mimic lowers LDL

    A compound in a new class of potential anti-cholesterol drugs has passed an early test in people.

    By Ben Harder
  9. Health & Medicine

    Growth hormone’s risks outweigh its benefits

    Human growth hormone has substantial risks and no functional benefits for healthy, elderly people.

    By Ben Harder
  10. Health & Medicine

    Mad cow disease might linger longer

    A rare but deadly human illness spread by cannibalism has an incubation period in some individuals of about 4 decades.

    By Nathan Seppa
  11. Health & Medicine

    Salmonella may join fight against cancer

    Salmonella modified to remove its virulence works as a cancer vaccine, tests in mice show.

    By Nathan Seppa
  12. Health & Medicine

    Fruity Relief for Weekend Warriors

    Certain fruit products, such as cherry juice, may reduce pain and speed recovery from muscle injury.

    By Janet Raloff