health & medicine
Research discovers link between industrial cleaning chemicals, Parkinson's
New research out of California indicates there may be a link between two powerful chemicals, trichloroethylene, or TCE, and PERC, or perchloroethylene. The research came from looking at 99 sets of twins, one with Parkinson's and one without.
50 years later, remembering the horrors brought on by thalidomide
Drug makers 50 years ago finally removed the drug thalidomide from the market as evidence mounted that it caused terrible birth defects, especially in Europe. But for an alert, determined FDA employee, it could have been as bad or worse in the United States.
Governors ask feds to reclassify marijuana as medicine; government balks
Two governors want the federal government to "down-schedule" marijuana as a drug with approved medical uses. But the Health and Human Services administration is resisting. Opponents of down-scheduling say there are marijuana-based medications already on the market that are safe and effective.
Doctors question effectiveness, morality of taking an obese 8-year-old out of his home
An 8-year-old Ohio boy was taken from his parents and his home because he's overweight. He weighs nearly 200 pounds when a typical third grader weighs 60 pounds. Now the state has put him in foster care, but many are wondering if it's going to help — and if it's even right.
Patent expires on blockbuster Lipitor drug; generics on the way
After 20 years being the only game in town, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, is about to get some competition in the space for treating those with chronic high cholesterol. The patent expired Wednesday and one generic drug is ready to hit the market. Others should arrive in six months.
Romania's healthcare system leaving poor without access to care, for years
Romania's public healthcare system is under fire for being woefully inadequate. According to many, the poor will wait years for even basic services, doctors are leaving the profession or going overseas to practice medicine.
Public gets mixed messages regarding efficacy of Avastin for treating breast cancer
Late last week, the FDA ruled that Avastin could no longer be marketed as treatment for breast cancer. But Medicare and virtually all private insurance providers will continue to pay for just that use of the drug. It's a mixed message that has raised some eyebrows.
For Movember (moustache November), men are letting their whiskers grow
An international effort to raise money for and awareness of men's health has taken root on men's faces around the world.
Supreme Court ready to hear arguments over Obamacare
The U.S. Supreme Court today announced it would consider whether President Barack Obama's healthcare legislation is constitutional — and they've booked 5.5 hours for the discussion in the spring.
American midwife discovers challenges of medicine in Haiti
Erin Curtiss, a midwife in Seattle, went to Haiti to help train more midwives. What she found, though, shocked her and disappointed her, but left her wanting to help more.
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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.