Health & Safety

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks at the state Capitol on April 10, 2020, in Bismarck, N.D. Burgum has signed a veto-proof bill into law, Thursday, April 20, 2023, that restricts transgender health care and criminalizes providers who give gender-affirming care to people under 18.

North Dakota governor signs law limiting trans health care

5:21am April 21, 2023

by The Associated Press

Gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations, but it has come under attack in many conservative legislatures.

Uncertainty over mifepristone is a concern — even in states where abortion is legal

5:11am April 21, 2023

Doctors in Michigan say the pending Supreme Court ruling on the abortion medication mifepristone is causing confusion and uncertainty.

A new study found that trapped stem cells may be the reason some aging hair turns gray.

Is gray hair reversible? A new study digs into the root cause of aging scalps

5:06am April 21, 2023

by Emily Olson

A team of researchers from NYU spent two years plucking away mice hair to watch what happened when it grew back. They noticed a stem cell malfunction that may explain your silver strands.

The seemingly simple act of reaching for a cup of coffee actually activates parts of the brain involved in motion, planning and emotions.

An overlooked brain system helps you grab a coffee — and plan your next cup

3:30pm April 20, 2023

by Jon Hamilton

Researchers have found a system in the brain that seems to integrate control of individual muscles with a person's intentions, emotions and entire body.

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Smoke rising over Khartoum, Sudan, this week after an internationally brokered cease-fire failed.

Khartoum's hospital system has collapsed after cease-fire fails

3:30pm April 20, 2023

After close to two weeks of fighting and a failed attempt at an internationally-brokered cease-fire, most of its hospitals are shut down and inaccessible.

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States filed lawsuits against corporations involved in the opioid crisis. Now, about $50 billion in settlement funds have begun to flow to state governments. Advocates want to make sure it is used to treat addiction.

Health & Safety

Biden promised a watchdog for opioid settlement billions, but feds are quiet so far

3:16pm April 20, 2023

by Aneri Pattani

Billions of dollars are headed to state and local governments to address the opioid crisis. If the federal government fails to oversee how the money is spent, advocates worry it will be wasted.

Students at the University of Minnesota celebrate their induction into medical school. The U.S. has disproportionately few Black and Hispanic doctors. Some of the barriers to entering the profession start before even getting into medical school, recent research finds, including financial pressures and racism.

Health & Safety

Diversity in medicine can save lives. Here's why there aren't more doctors of color

1:57pm April 20, 2023

by Maria Godoy

The U.S. desperately needs more Black and Hispanic doctors, research shows. But financial pressures and discrimination can keep young people from even applying to med school.

New data shows that an old model of the brain's motor cortex is incomplete

10:37am April 20, 2023

by Jon Hamilton

Scientists found evidence of two interleaved systems, which may help explain the connection between what's going on in our bodies and what's going on in brain areas involved in thoughts and emotions.

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The White House is gearing up for a battle over abortion pill access

7:22am April 20, 2023

Democrats campaigned on abortion rights in 2022. We examine how Vice President Harris and President Biden are talking about the issue — as the focus turns to next year's presidential race.

A growing and sophisticated variety of alcohol-free beverages are hitting bars, restaurants and grocery stores as mocktails become more popular.

Fake drinks that don't taste fake: The rise of the mocktail

5:12am April 20, 2023

A growing number of people are saying "bottoms up" to alcohol-free cocktails

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