There have been at least 1,300 flu deaths in the US so far this season, CDC estimates
At least 1,300 people have died from the flu so far this season, according to a preliminary estimate released Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses and 23,000 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the analysis. So far this season, the CDC has received reports…… MORE
Scientists develop superbug-resistant, self-cleaning plastic wrap
Researchers have developed a self-cleaning plastic wrap that repels bacteria — and could be used to prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistant superbugs, and other forms of dangerous bacteria. A team of scientists from Canada’s McMaster University used a combination of nano-scale surface engineering and chemistry to develop a plastic surface — a treated form…… MORE
Medicine in motion: How Tai Chi heals body and mind
As the sun breaks over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, the smooth, graceful moves of Tai Chi sweep across the green spaces below. Surrounded by dozens of people from all ages, former ballet dancer Linda Fung joins them in breathing deeply in and out, her face calm and serene. “It is the most unbelievable, beautiful,…… MORE
The FDA is investigating 3 separate E. coli outbreaks
Just days after health officials urged Americans to throw out their salad kits over E. coli concerns, the Food and Drug Administration announced it’s investigating three separate E. coli outbreaks linked to salad products. The first outbreak, linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, region, has already affected about 102 people across 21 states,…… MORE
‘Magic mushroom’ ingredient could be used to treat depression, study says
“Magic mushrooms” may have moved one step closer to becoming a treatment for depression. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is called psilocybin — and a new British study suggests it could safely be used to treat depression when other drugs have failed, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide. The study, conducted by King’s…… MORE
After arrests of protesting doctors, border agency digs in on refusal to vaccinate migrants
Dr. Paul Spiegel looks back at the years he worked for the United Nations helping to coordinate vaccination campaigns for refugees in war-torn sub-Saharan Africa. There weren’t nearly enough doctors. There often wasn’t any power. Sometimes medical staffers had to flee from armed militias. So, he wonders: Why does the US government say it’s too…… MORE
New York state renews ban on flavored vaping liquids
New York state health officials have extended a ban on flavored liquids used in e-cigarette devices. The state health department’s Public Health and Health Planning Council voted Thursday to reauthorize its emergency prohibition on flavored e-liquids. The renewal is effective for another 90 days and bans the sale of all flavored e-liquids, other than tobacco…… MORE
Senate confirms Dr. Stephen Hahn as FDA commissioner
The US Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Stephen Hahn to be the next commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration. The Senate vote was 72 to 18. Hahn, 59, is a well-known radiation oncology expert and is the current chief medical executive of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where…… MORE
‘Holiday heart syndrome’: What is it and how to avoid it
‘Tis the season of holiday parties, powered by fatty, salty hors d’oeuvres with plenty of booze to wash them down. The combination can create what doctors call “holiday heart syndrome.” It’s a term coined in 1978 to describe the sudden increase of patients in emergency rooms during the holidays complaining of irregular heart rhythms known…… MORE
Border agency says it’s doing all it can to stop children from dying from flu. Others aren’t so sure
Despite reassurances from the federal government, some members of Congress say they worry migrant children won’t be safe from the flu this season. In the last flu season, three children died of the flu while in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection. As in many areas around the United States this year, the…… MORE