Medical Treatments

"Success for me is having a significant impact on dengue disease in communities," says Scott O'Neill, holding a container of mosquitoes.

EPA Approval Of Bacteria To Fight Mosquitoes Caps Long Quest

5:40pm November 08, 2017

by Joe Palca

Scientists have long sought a way to fight mosquito-borne viruses without pesticides. For researchers like Scott O'Neill, the Wolbachia bacteria offered that chance. But they had to prove it.

Researchers grew sheets of genetically altered skin cells in the lab and used them to treat a boy with life-threatening epidermolysis bullosa.

Genetically Altered Skin Saves A Boy Dying Of A Rare Disease

4:31pm November 08, 2017

by Richard Harris

An inherited disease called epidermolysis bullosa destroyed the 7-year-old's skin. Scientists grew new skin in the lab without the genetic flaw, and replaced 80 percent of his skin. He is thriving.

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The Boston-based company Orig3n has been offering free genetic testing at pro sports games.

Health & Safety

You Can Get Your DNA Tested At An NFL Game. Should You?

3:44pm November 08, 2017

by Doug Levy

Companies distributing genetic tests at pro sports events say they can help people make the most of exercise and nutrition. But regulators say some are medical tests that could land people in trouble.

Patients with Type-1 diabetes don't have enough healthy islets of Langerhans cells — hormone-secreting cells of the pancreas. Granules (orange in this image) inside these cells release insulin and other substances into the blood.

A Quest: Insulin-Releasing Implant For Type-1 Diabetes

5:14pm November 06, 2017

by Joe Palca

People who have Type-1 diabetes would love to be free of insulin injections and pumps. Researchers in San Francisco are now testing in animals an implantable pouch of living, insulin-releasing cells.

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In her San Francisco home, NeDina Brocks-Capla has made a shrine filled with memories of son Kareem Jones, who died of sickle cell disease in 2013.

Health & Safety

Sickle Cell Patients Endure Discrimination, Poor Care And Shortened Lives

2:18pm November 04, 2017

by Jenny Gold

About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, and most of them are African-American. While there is effective care for the disease, it's difficult for patients to obtain.

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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, center, and other lawmakers have a plan to overhaul the tax code that includes a provision that would repeal a tax credit for makers of drugs for rare diseases.

Health & Safety

House Republicans Aim To Eliminate Tax Credits For Orphan Drugs

2:55pm November 03, 2017

by Sarah Jane Tribble

For more than three decades, pharmaceutical companies have claimed a 50 percent tax credit for the cost of clinical trials of drugs for rare diseases. The credit is now in jeopardy.

Nora Harris, who died in October after a battle with Alzheimer's disease, signed an advance directive stipulating no care to prolong her life. Her husband took the state of Oregon to court because she was spoon-fed against her wishes.

Should Dementia Patients Be Able To Decline Spoon-Feeding?

5:02am November 03, 2017

by JoNel Aleccia

Critics say an effort to let Alzheimer's patients and others formally refuse feeding by hand as part of an advance directive raises concerns about potential mistreatment of the vulnerable.

Some creams sold for skin lightening can contain high levels of steroids.

Health & Safety

Imported Skin Creams Can Pose Unexpected Risks

4:25pm November 02, 2017

by Greta Jochem

Doctors were surprised to find a patient using a powerful steroid cream bought without a prescription at an African store in Washington, D.C. It was also easy to buy online.

Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota want drugmakers to stop wasting money by making eyedrops that are too big.

Senators Move To Reduce 'Colossal And Completely Preventable Waste' Of Drugs

9:36am November 01, 2017

by Marshall Allen

Senators cited ProPublica reporting that found drug companies have been making patients pay for oversize eyedrops and more liquid cancer medications than they need.

An overdose rescue kit handed out at an overdose prevention class this summer in New York City includes an injectable form of the drug naloxone.

Health & Safety

Counting The Heavy Cost Of Care In The Age Of Opioids

11:00am October 28, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

The city of Baltimore says it needs more money to distribute a lifesaving opioid overdose medication. And a recent study finds the cost of treating overdoses in U.S. hospital ICUs has risen sharply.

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