Health & Medicine

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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drug natalizumab, which limits relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis, may get a second chance after being withdrawn from use in 2005.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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Health & Medicine

    Study upgrades protons’ risk to DNA

    Proton radiation causes worse breaks in DNA than researchers had expected.

    By Janet Raloff
  8. Health & Medicine

    Fooling the Satiety Meter (with recipe)

    New studies in portion control reveal that diluted calories are far more effective at satisfying hunger than energy-dense ones are.

    By Janet Raloff
  9. Health & Medicine

    Looking Ahead: Tests might predict Alzheimer’s risk

    Two tests show promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairment years before symptoms arise.

    By Nathan Seppa
  10. Health & Medicine

    Not So Sweet: Cancers in rats that consumed aspartame

    A large, new study in rats suggests that the artificial sweetener aspartame may be a carcinogen, but critics question the finding's validity.

    By Ben Harder
  11. Health & Medicine

    Alzheimer’s drug shows staying power

    The drug memantine slowed mental decline in people with moderate-to-advanced Alzheimer's disease in a 12-month trial, the longest test of the drug to date.

    By Nathan Seppa
  12. Health & Medicine

    Of taters and tots

    For each serving of french fries that a preschool girl typically consumed per week, her adult risk of developing breast cancer climbed.

    By Janet Raloff