Research News

Michele Comisky of Vienna, Va., enrolled her 8-year-old son, Jackson, in a study to test the value of probiotics in preventing the gut distress often experienced when taking antibiotics.

Could Probiotics Protect Kids From A Downside Of Antibiotics?

7:26pm December 11, 2017

by Rob Stein

Many marketing claims about the potential benefits of probiotics have raced ahead of the science, say researchers who are now trying to catch up. One NIH study is investigating kids' gut microbes.

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Australia had a particularly hard flu season this year, which may predict similar challenges for the U.S.

In The U.S., Flu Season Could Be Unusually Harsh This Year

5:34pm December 08, 2017

by Rob Stein

Health officials fear the U.S. may have a nasty flu season because the main flu virus circulating this year tends to hit people hard and the flu vaccine may be weaker than normal.

Ben Anderson collects grass samples in Western Australia. Spinifex tastes to some like salt and vinegar chips — but it's so hard and spiky that scientists say collecting samples can be painful.

Science

Scientists Discover Grass Species With Intriguing 'Salt And Vinegar' Chip Flavor

12:24pm December 08, 2017

by Angus Chen

Alas, you wouldn't want to eat this native of Western Australia — Spinifex grasses are often so hard and spiky that scientists say collecting samples can be painful.

David Lazarus developed Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and it took a while for doctors to recognize what it was.

Adults Can Get Type 1 Diabetes, Too

10:59am December 08, 2017

by Miriam E. Tucker

It used to be called juvenile diabetes because it was thought to often start in childhood. But adults are just as likely to be diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Not knowing that can delay treatment.

Researchers Look For Gun Violence Clues In Google Searches And Background Checks

2:01pm December 07, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

After the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., there was a spike in gun sales. A study examined the spike and links increased gun exposure to more accidental firearm deaths.

Even Low-Dose Contraceptives Slightly Increase Breast Cancer Risk

10:22am December 07, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

The absolute risk is very low. But low-dose formulations of birth control pills and other hormone-releasing contraceptives pose about the same risk to breasts as older formulations, a big study finds.

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Evaluating Smoking Bans

5:06am December 06, 2017

by Shankar Vedantam

A new study indicates that smoking bans, which were designed to affect adults' behavior, in fact improve children's health.

Brahman cattle graze in a field in Innisfail, Queensland, Australia. Researchers can estimate the greenhouse gas emissions and land used to produce various foods in different parts of the world. They've used that data to calculate the environmental impact

Across The World, If You Eat For Your Health, You'll Help The Planet

5:53pm December 04, 2017

by Dan Charles

Dozens of countries have government-recommended diets. That advice differs from country to country, but according to a new study, following it generally would help the environment.

A peregrine falcon in Germany. A new study finds the birds are able to dive at high speeds and catch moving prey using a mathematical principle that also guides missiles.

Science

Peregrine Falcons Attack Like Missiles To Grab Prey Midair, Scientists Find

3:57pm December 04, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

The same guidance principle that governs how missiles intercept moving targets also describes how the falcons, which are known to dive at 200 mph or more, plummet to catch their prey.

The first drugs designed to prevent migraines have been found safe and effective in studies, but aren't yet approved by the FDA.

New Drugs Could Prevent Migraine Headaches For Some People

12:35pm December 04, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

The first drugs designed specifically to prevent migraines have been found safe and effective in studies, but aren't yet FDA approved. Both drugs work by tweaking a brain system involved in pain.

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