MEDICINE & HEALTH

Hepatitis C On the Rise in Appalachia

MEDICINE & HEALTH The rates of hepatitis C infections have more than tripled in four Appalachian states from 2006 to 2012, fueled by prescription drug abuse among those who inject drugs, especially in rural areas, United States health officials said.

New Research Finds Measles Weakens Immune System for Up to Three Years

If the advocates for immunization didn't have a strong enough case already, they can now add another arrow to their quiver. It turns out children who contract measles not only suffer a potential life threatening illness, but their immune system takes a whack for up to three years afterwards.

Vegetable Compound PEITC May Fight Cancer Stem Cells

Your mother was right: eating your green veggies, not to mention your apple a day, might keep the oncologist away. Researchers have found that chewing up cruciferous vegetables transforms a precursor compound and enzyme they contain into a powerful cancer-preventing compound called phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC).

Red Blood Cells Reveal Trap Door for Malaria—How This Parasite Finds Its Way In

In breaking news out of Harvard, researchers announce today they may have identified a crucial link in the deadly chain of malaria infection – the red blood cell’s entry portal for the lethal parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Their discovery may pave the way for a much anticipated therapy – a vaccine.

Healthy Diet May Help Our Brains Age

A new study has found that the healthier we eat over the years, the better shape our brains will be in as we age. Researchers from McMaster University found that people from all over the world who kept a Mediterranean style diet in middle age had a reduced risk of cognitive decline as they got older.

Pathologist Warns Measles Outbreak Threatens Herd Immunity

Gary W. Procop, MD, a fellow of the College of American Pathologists (FCAP), wants the public to better understand the benefits of herd immunity-and to realize that they will not work if too many people refuse to vaccinate.

Is Fruit Making You Hungry?

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it may not do much help you put the fork down. In a new study scientists have found why you may feel emptiness in your stomach even after eating a fruit salad.

Poultry Pathogens Sweep the Midwest

If you've ever dreamt of owning your own industrial chicken farm, you may want to hold off just yet. It turns out a deadly avian influenza is sweeping across the Midwest like an infectious prairie fire.

Flexing Some Muscle—How Onions May Be The Next Endeavor in Biomedical Engineering

While it may sound silly, it turns out onion tweezers may turn out to be the next endeavor in the study of biomedical engineering. And while this root vegetable is known to pack a pungent smell, it turns out that its epidermal cells pack quite a punch too—enough to even inspire artificial muscle formation. Okay, so this one needs a bit more explaining.

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