Spit Test May Reveal The Severity Of A Child's Concussion
By measuring fragments of genetic material in saliva, scientists were able to accurately predict whether a young person's concussion symptoms would last days or weeks.
medical research
We're All Tired. But When Could Fatigue Mean a Medical Problem?
Avoiding your phone and TV at night and setting a firm bedtime might solve your problem if you feel tired a lot. But fatigue can also be a sign of disease.
Drugs That Work In Mice Often Fail When Tried In People
Most potential new drugs don't work when tested in people. It's a major disappointment and it drives up the cost of developing new drugs. One big reason is the use of animals in medical research.
Why Are More Young Americans Getting Colon Cancer?
Data suggests that the rate of colon cancer among people under 50 is on the rise, but there are lots of possible explanations for that. Scientists say teasing out the truth will be tricky.
To Test Zika Vaccines, Scientists Need A New Outbreak
It's a bit of a paradox, but researchers say they need Zika virus to re-emerge this year so they can test vaccines designed to defeat it.
Can Changing When And What We Eat Help Outwit Disease?
I'm fasting intermittently as part of a research study, to see if changing my gut microbiome affects my multiple sclerosis. But maybe living on Peanut Chews isn't the best strategy.
I'm Fasting For Science: Will It Help Tame My Multiple Sclerosis?
I like to eat, often and a lot. But when I heard about a medical study looking at whether fasting might tame the painful symptoms of MS, I was all in. Then I ate that 7 a.m. bagel.
Glowing Human Cells May Shed Light On Sickness And Health
Researchers who developed a collection of human stem cells with glowing internal structures have begun sharing them with colleagues. The glow reveals the secret workings of cells.
Patients Increasingly Influence The Direction Of Medical Research
Medical researchers are no longer ignoring the people who have the most to gain — or lose. But as patient advocates become more influential, they risk being co-opted by the biomedical industry.
In Boston's 'Safe Space,' Surprising Insights Into Drug Highs
As doctors and nurses learn more about what the body goes through during drug use, they are changing the treatment they provide for patients on heroin and other drugs.