Health & Medicine

  1. Health & Medicine

    Ear Protection: Combo vaccine prevents some infections

    A vaccine that triggers immunity against two common bacteria can prevent many ear infections in babies.

    By Nathan Seppa
  2. Health & Medicine

    Got Data? Consuming calcium, dairy doesn’t keep off weight

    Dairy products and other calcium-containing foods don't prevent weight gain, according to a 12-year study of middle-aged men.

    By Ben Harder
  3. Health & Medicine

    Genes for macular degeneration

    Variations in two genes could account for three-quarters of all cases of age-related macular degeneration.

    By Christen Brownlee
  4. Health & Medicine

    Low-protein diet boosts treatment

    A diet low in protein can improve the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduce the periods of the most debilitating symptoms suffered by Parkinson's disease patients.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  5. Health & Medicine

    A link between emotional stress and heart attacks

    In some people with heart disease, a stressful event precipitates changes in blood components and flow that may trigger a heart attack.

    By Nathan Seppa
  6. Health & Medicine

    Indigestion drug makes headway

    An experimental drug relieves symptoms of a form of chronic indigestion called functional dyspepsia better than a placebo does.

    By Nathan Seppa
  7. Health & Medicine

    West Nile Virus

    This Web site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines the spread of West Nile virus across the United States, complete with up-to-date maps showing which states are hardest hit. The site also explores workplace safety, the biology behind the virus’ spread, and some fascinating history of West Nile, including the virus’ first […]

    By Science News
  8. Health & Medicine

    Gender Gap: Male-only gene affects men’s dopamine levels

    A gene found only in men affects the brain's production of dopamine, a finding that may help explain why men are more likely than women to develop Parkinson's disease and other dopamine-related illnesses.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  9. Health & Medicine

    Do Over: New MS drug may be safe after all

    The experimental drug natalizumab, which limits relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis, may get a second chance after being withdrawn from use in 2005.

    By Nathan Seppa
  10. Health & Medicine

    Prescription Strength Chocolate, Revisited

    Studies reported at a recent symposium on chocolate's biological impact are zeroing in on the ingredients that seem to make it good for your heart.

    By Janet Raloff
  11. Health & Medicine

    Birth Deterrent: Stress hormone cited in early miscarriages

    High levels of a stress hormone in newly pregnant women might make them more likely to have miscarriages.

    By Nathan Seppa
  12. Health & Medicine

    Saw palmetto flunks prostate exam

    An herbal supplement used by 2.5 million men in the United States has failed to outperform a dummy capsule taken for urinary problems.

    By Nathan Seppa