health & medicine
Powerful computer models help researchers react to pandemic spread
Researchers at Virginia Tech University have created a high-tech computer model that will allow them to model that effects of a pandemic outbreak on the American population. It's a new tool that can help scientists and doctors plan a counter-attack on the disease.
Uzbekistan may have program to forcibly sterilizing women for population control
In a new report from the BBC, critics are alleging that the government in Uzbekistan is possibly running a secret program to forcibly sterilize women as a means of population control. Doctors are said to be given monthly quotas and sterilization sometimes occurs without the woman's knowledge. Uzbekistan denies any program exists.
Advocates say FDA should ban all non-medical use of antibiotics in animals
Farmers often use low doses of antibiotics on their large farms to keep disease at bay. But critics say that's leading to drug resistant bugs that are killing people. A new court ruling will require the FDA to stop the use of two specific antibiotics, but activists are targeting the whole range of antibiotics used in animals.
Researchers find new information on causes of autism
More autism diagnoses have been reported in recent years -- though experts believe that's because of greater diagnosis and awareness, not an increase in the actual rate in society. New information has come forward pointing to more information about where autism comes from.
Soldier's alleged killing of Afghan civilians opens discussion on troops' use of prescription drugs
The debate on the effectiveness of prescription drugs for soldiers is heating up in the wake of the killing of 17 Afghan civilians, allegedly by Robert Bales whose attorney has asked for a list of medications Bales' took at the time of the shootings. There's an ongoing debate over whether drugs are more helpful or harmful for the armed forces.
Religious, public health officials try to find common ground in fight against HIV in Africa
In Swaziland, the strained relationship between religious leaders and public health officials is improving, if slightly. The two groups are trying to work together more as the country battles an HIV infection rate among adults that may be as high as 25 percent.
Rate of autism diagnoses rises dramatically, cause unknown
In a report released Thursday, the Center for Disease Control estimated 1 in 88 children in the United States has received a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder. The report has renewed the debate over the causes and diagnostic criteria for autism.
Genetic testing opens doors -- but doesn't always lead to solutions
Genetic tests allow doctors to diagnose disease and patients to glimpse their medical future, but the knowledge of what's in your DNA doesn't always help. One English man discovered that the tests didn't change his life -- and in fact left him with a tough question.
Germans struggle to understand American resistance to healthcare reform
Germans have had a form of national healthcare for about 100 years. Conservative and liberals, employees and employers all embrace the national system as one that leads to a healthier, more productive workforce. So, when it comes to understanding the U.S. debate, they're left scratching their heads.
Experts worry a broad Supreme Court ruling on Medicaid expansion could rewrite limits of federal power
As the Supreme Court takes up the last day of arguments over the Affordable Care Act, supporters of the bill are pointing to what they say are dire consequences of a decision to strike down the federal expansion of Medicaid. They say such an expansion could put an end to programs like unemployment benefits, the Clean Air Act or the Civil Rights Act.
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(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ...
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Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.