Your Health

Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients Jack Willis (center), Nolan Willis (right) and Max LeClaire, attended the opening of Sarepta Therapeutics new headquarters in Cambridge, Mass., in 2014.

Controversy Continues Over Muscular Dystrophy Drug, Despite FDA Approval

8:59am September 24, 2016

by Richard Harris

The Food and Drug Administration approved a muscular dystrophy drug despite deeply flawed evidence. Was the decision a dangerous precedent or flexible pragmatism reflecting patients' values?

Dr. Harry Selker, a cardiologist, works on collaborations to improve delivery of medical care.

This Doctor Is Trying To Stop Heart Attacks In Their Tracks

4:59pm September 23, 2016

by Arun Rath

Harry Selker has spent his life trying to come up with better ways to keep people from dying of heart attacks. Now he's intent on figuring out if a simple, cheap medication could be a game changer.

Changing habits and better health care have vastly reduced the risk of death by heart disease.

Are We Reaching The End Of The Trend For Longer, Healthier Lives?

11:52am September 23, 2016

by Richard Harris

In the past 50 years, better medical care and healthier habits have greatly reduced the risk of dying young from heart disease. But the obesity epidemic threatens to reverse that happy trend.

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Easy and precise editing of DNA is making possible experiments with human embryos that raise a host of ethical questions.

Breaking Taboo, Swedish Scientist Seeks To Edit DNA Of Healthy Human Embryos

9:58am September 22, 2016

by Rob Stein

A Swedish biologist wants to change the genes of healthy human embryos to find ways to treat infertility and other diseases. The experiments intensify ethical questions about genetic engineering.

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All that holiday grubbing really does pack on the pounds. How much? Researchers tracked the weights of 3,000 people in Germany, Japan and the U.S. and found a weight spike after every major holiday.

We Really Do Get A Little More Santa-Like, Physically, During The Holidays

5:12pm September 21, 2016

by Angus Chen

All that holiday grubbing does indeed pack on the pounds. How much? Researchers tracked the weights of 3,000 people in Germany, Japan and the U.S. and found a weight spike after every major holiday.

How A 'Sixth Sense' Helps Simone Biles Fly, And The Rest Of Us Walk

5:03pm September 21, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

Scientists are finally beginning to understand proprioception, a sense that tells us where our body is in space. Much of what they've learned comes from two girls with a rare genetic disorder.

Mylan CEO Claims EpiPens Aren't As Profitable As Everyone Thinks

4:30pm September 21, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

In testimony prepared for a congressional hearing, Mylan CEO Heather Bresch says the company makes about $50 in profit on each EpiPen. Analysts say it's still a hefty margin.

Sammy Mack got tested for the Zika virus after realizing she had been in the suspected transmission zone in Miami while pregnant.

Reporter's Notebook: Pregnant And Caught In Zika Test Limbo

6:21pm September 20, 2016

by Sammy Mack

Pregnant women in South Florida can get free Zika tests through the state's health department. But delays in getting back the results are heightening worries and may affect medical options.

They're so cute. So colorful. But are they really making you fitter?

Weight Loss On Your Wrist? Fitness Trackers May Not Help

3:26pm September 20, 2016

by Erin Ross

Researchers were surprised that the young adults given fitness trackers lost less weight than their peers who didn't have the gizmos. Maybe they're not as motivating as we hope.

Under Internal Revenue Service rules, high-deductible insurance plans that can link to health savings accounts can only cover preventive services, such as vaccinations and mammograms, until patients pay down their deductible.

Tax Rule Limits Care For Chronic Ills Under High-Deductible Health Plans

2:06pm September 20, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

The IRS limits health plans linked to health savings accounts from covering most care until the deductible is paid off. Proposed legislation would expand what's allowed before that happens.