Hypothesis: A tiny dose of a chemical causes a greater biological response than a small or moderate dose. Sound ridiculous? Sure does. But that idea, known as hormesis, sounds just as wacky as when Einstein outlined quantum mechanics and Wegener proposed continental drift (and we know how those turned out).
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In Brazil, a new viral infection called Zika is doing great harm. It's causing an epidemic of severe birth defects, so much so that doctors are advising women to delay becoming pregnant. There is no treatment for it, although in non-pregnant victims the symptoms are not terribly severe.
Nitrogen triiodide is exceedingly cool stuff. The purple solid is very easy to make, but you better keep it wet. Once dry, it's a powerful contact explosive which could theoretically be useful for practical jokes. I know, because I survived after someone played one on me.
While the Zika virus from Central America is captivating the U.S. and many audiences around the world, another disease is creeping behind the curtains and across our southern border: Chagas disease. An average human case is transmitted by an infected "kissing bug," but the smootch it delivers is rather nasty.
On Friday Dec. 18, the latest installment of the Star Wars saga will premiere, revealing more about that galaxy far, far away. But how far away is that galaxy? For medicine, it may be closer than you thought.
There's a new study published in the journal Cell Reports, where scientists have identified a protein that could potentially clear 80 percent of LDL- or "bad-" cholesterol from the blood stream, without any apparent side effects.
The Zika virus is getting a lot of media attention so the Centers for Disease Control has issued an update.
The Environmental Working Group -- which has almost single-handedly manufactured the belief that if something sounds like a chemical it must be scary -- will help you be a winner in the organic/natural food marketplace. That is, as long as you pay them.
Many competitive speed eaters maintain a steely focus to give themselves the best shot at winning. But some body-prep techniques they use to help clear the path (or more correctly, the throat) to victory, can endanger these champions of chow because they can lose sight of the health dangers inherent to the sport.
With the uncertainty surrounding the Zika virus, which could turn to panic if it reaches epidemic proportions in the U.S., mosquito control may become more important than ever. Although it hasn't been used here since 1972, DDT is creeping into discussions about how to contain the virus. It's unlikely to be used, but in the meantime we ask: What is DDT? And is it really poisonous?
In a surprising report, researchers using data from the long-term Framingham, MA study have shown that the age-specific incidence of new cases of dementia have actually fallen by 44 percent since 1977. The number of overall new cases, however, will continue to rise as the population ages.
A silly article makes it appear as though Walgreens pharmacies are contributing to the heroin addiction problem. But all the company is doing is making the life-saving antidote -- naloxone -- available in its stores.
Imagine going to a family get-together and seeing the same face on both your mom and your second cousin. Or not being able to recognize either one of them. Welcome to the frustrating world of the face-blind. But a new test hopes to improve on previous ones that have kept sufferers in the dark.
We often hear about the next big thing in stem cell therapy, though few of these promises are backed up by evidence. But we appear to be close to a genuine breakthrough, based on a new technique capable of regenerating any human tissue damaged by injury, disease or aging.
Modern canning technology has almost entirely eliminated botulism poisoning. So, if bisphenol-A, otherwise known as BPA, is going to be tossed out of one can into another, something is going to have to take its place to keep all of us who own a can opener, safe.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force has issued its final recommendations for aspirin use, as it applies to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. It mostly pertains to those in the 50-to-59 and 60-to-69 age groups.
Many tout the benefits of switching to a “chemical-free lifestyle.” The problem, however, is that the word “chemical” is commonly misused. Everything is a chemical – ordinary table salt (sodium chloride), for instance, and even water (dihydrogen monoxide). So here’s a handy guide to the chemicals in your kitchen, and what they mean for your health.
The rat population is an ongoing problem due, in large part, to the fact that they're really good at one thing -- making more rats. But through a bit of biological jujitsu, or using the opponent's force against itself, researchers have developed an application that uses sex pheromones that can greatly help in the capture of these nasty rodents.
Though it may seem like it is recent, chemophobia has been building up for decades. Generations ago activists were using the language of scientists - possible, known, etc. - against science.
Compounding pharmacies are part of a Justice Dept. probe for healthcare fraud. One involves Aspire Rx, which makes a pain cream called Rx Pro that's promoted by Favre, the former NFL great. The investigation comes amidst a backdrop of recent hazardous practices that have led to many deaths and a range of disabilities.
Researchers have been able to identify a gene that determines maleness in mosquitoes, and if that were introduced into females it could potentially help wipe out the vector for the Zika virus infection. This method could also be applied to fighting other diseases such as yellow fever, Dengue and Chikungunya.
Reality TV star, "Mob Wife" Angela Riaola died of extensive cancers caused by her long-term smoking addiction. Why can't our scientists find effective ways to prevent or treat this key public health crisis: cigarette smoking addiction?
As ominous as the Zika virus has become, and it's potential impact on pregnant women and their babies, it's just one of several health concerns facing travelers who are planning to attend the Summer Games in Brazil. Polluted waterways and an increase in crime will also be part of Rio's Olympic experience.
A Nebraska-based study of changes in the prevalence of arthritis and related conditions found large increases during the period of 2007-2012. One possible reason for this situation is the ongoing, widespread prevalence of obesity in the state.
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