Your Health

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Arkansas Ban On Abortion After 12 Weeks

4:43pm May 27, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit has blocked an Arkansas law that bans abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy. The case was filed by two doctors on their own and their patients' behalf.

Tuesday's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to not review an ordinance passed by Alameda County, California, means that drug makers will now need to pay for collection and disposal of unused drugs in the county.

Supreme Court Says Locals Can Make Pill-Makers Pay For Drug Disposal

1:43pm May 27, 2015

by Scott Shafer

The court decision means companies are on the hook for helping at least some consumers in California safely dispose of leftover pills and other medicine. Similar measures are in the works elsewhere.

Actress Rita Wilson arrives at the premiere of the documentary Fed Up in West Hollywood, Calif., in May 2014.

Second Opinions Are Often Sought, But Their Value Isn't Clear

11:24am May 27, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Patients facing serious illnesses often seek medical reviews of their cases. Some people glean helpful advice, but researchers don't have much data about whether the consults lead to better results.

The World Health Organization has endorsed waiting to clamp the umbilical cord for at least one minute after a baby is born.

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping May Benefit Children Years Later

11:24am May 27, 2015

by Tara Haelle

Giving the newborn one last boost of blood from the placenta may help increase social and motor skills at age 4, a study finds. Earlier studies have found health benefits in infancy.

Multiple Sclerosis Patients Stressed Out By Soaring Drug Costs

3:20pm May 26, 2015

by Richard Harris

The cost of medication to treat multiple sclerosis has risen much faster than inflation, even for older drugs. Patients and insurers say manufacturers' subsidy programs have helped, but not enough.

Queue Listen Now

Hospitals seem to be doing a better job than nursing homes of keeping bedbugs at bay.

Your Roommate In The Nursing Home Might Be A Bedbug

8:32am May 26, 2015

by Angus Chen

If you're in a medical facility, bedbugs should not be on your worry list. But infestations of the bloodsucking insects in nursing homes and hospitals are on the rise.

This fungus among us — baker's yeast, aka Saccharomyces cerevisiae — is useful for more than just making bread.

You And Yeast Have More In Common Than You Might Think

4:02pm May 22, 2015

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Genetically, at least, not that much has changed in the billion years since you two last shared a relative. Roughly half the 500 genes yeast need for life are interchangeable with the human versions.

Queue Listen Now

A 3-D simulation of a human heart created by The Living Heart project.

Health & Safety

The Future Of Cardiology Will Be Shown In 3-D

3:41pm May 22, 2015

by Christina Farr

The Living Heart Project aims to create a detailed simulation of the human heart that doctors and engineers can use to test experimental treatments and interventions.

Logan Levenson had a cornea transplant to repair an eye after a fungal infection.

Health & Safety

Overnight Contacts Can Help Kids' Sight During Day, But Also Carry Risks

5:32pm May 21, 2015

by Barbara Feder Ostrov

Ophthalmologists and cornea specialists have raised concerns about the lenses, citing studies and their own experiences treating children and teens who developed eye infections after wearing them.

People In Poor Communities Are More Likely To Lose Eyesight

1:22pm May 21, 2015

by Nancy Shute

In some counties in the South, almost 20 percent of adults have severe vision loss. And those communities are also likely to be among the nation's poorest. Lack of regular eye care is just one issue.