MEDICINE & HEALTH

Ecstasy for the Terminally Ill? Will This Party Drug Prove Effective Against Anxiety?

CHEMISTRY Scientists from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are hoping to help 18 terminally ill patients relieve their anxiety, depression, and fear in the next year during extended psychotherapy sessions enhanced by MDMA (ecstasy). The Marin County-based double-blind trial will see subjects test either full doses of MDMA (125 milligrams) or active placebo doses (30 milligrams).

Fighting Fire With Fire—Viruses to Combat Disease

University of Virginia School of Medicine scientists have unraveled the mystery of a strange virus in the hopes of creating more effective tools in the war against human disease. The secret weapon this virus may offer? "Armor" for disease-fighting DNA courtesy of the SIRV2 virus, who calls acid at almost boiling temperatures home.

Moderate Drinking May Damage Aging Hearts

According to a new study, despite the positive effects on cardiovascular systems of moderate alcohol consumption, seniors with aging hearts who consume two or more drinks a day may be doing some damage to their hearts.

Skin Cancer Treated with...Herpes

In a new trial that could pave the way for future cancer treatments, patients with aggressive skin cancer were successfully treated with "virotherapy." This type of therapy uses a modified herpes virus to attack melanoma cells and even has shown the potential to overcome the cancer even when the disease has spread throughout the body.

Study Finds Many Sunscreen Products Not Doing Their Job

The summer vacation season is finally here and many schools are now out for the season or about to get out. Pools are opening and beaches are gearing up for a season of sun bathers, kids and adults that are looking to enjoy a cool dip in the pool or a just a little time in the sun. However, in a new report by the Environmental Working Group, researchers have found that as much as 80 percent of sunscreen products don't work to the level they claim, and some could even be dangerous.

Johns Hopkins Launches First Ever Center to Focus on Lyme Disease

Johns Hopkins is launching the first ever Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center that will explore the causes and possible cures for the disease that infects approximately 300,000 people and costs an estimated $1.3 billion each year to treat.

Smoking Rates Continue to Drop in Many States

Cigarette smoking continues to decline in about half of American states, according to the latest estimates from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, despite this good news, rates have gone up in some states and a new trend has begun to emerge as people begin to use a combination of tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Study Says Dyslexia Is Not Related to Eye Sight

Researchers have been searching for causes for dyslexia for years now, but a new study out of England has found that it is not connected to bad eyesight. Patients that had near perfect vision were diagnosed with dyslexia at the same rates as those who did not.

SIDS Risk Linked to Elevation

New research found that babies who live at higher elevations, specifically those that rise above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), may face a slightly higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS. However researchers caution parents not to panic about these new findings.

How to Stay Healthy and Safe This Memorial Day

Millions of Americans around the country will be firing up their grills and spending Memorial Day outside as they celebrate the holiday. However, before you starting grilling up that perfect hamburger, make sure you follow these safety tips to keep you safe, healthy and happy so you can enjoy this holiday.

E-Cigs Versus Traditional Tobacco-What's Worse?

Ironically, despite having the healthier e-cigarette alternative at hand, many are choosing to continue smoking conventional cigarettes. Authorities think this may be because they mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are as dangerous as their traditional counterparts.

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