Spider venom research has so far focused on a relatively narrow area. Now, a group of scientists in Switzerland has dug a little deeper to find out exactly how deadly it is. Could the secrets of spider venom help design new drugs? Animal venom has long been used in medicine. While the industry used to…
Many experts consider exercise to be an effective treatment for depression. However, new research casts doubt on this theory by showing that not everyone may benefit. A new study looks at whether exercise can relieve depressive symptoms in men and women equally. Depression is the number one cause of disability across the globe, according to…
Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami are the cities most likely to see the next measles outbreaks, according to an unusual new study. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University mapped the 25 American counties most at risk of measles because of their vaccine-exemption rates and proximity to airports. A similar…
OLDENBURG, Germany — The new nurse arrived at the intensive-care unit of Delmenhorst hospital with a solid letter of reference, describing him as someone who worked “independently and conscientiously.” In a crisis, it said, he reacted “with consideration” and was “technically correct.” It gave no indication that officials at his former hospital in Oldenburg, Germany,…
People with cold intolerance frequently feel cold when other people are comfortable or even warm. Cold intolerance may only occur in certain parts of the body, such as the hands or feet. Some people naturally tend to feel colder than others, without any discernible cause. However, cold intolerance can also be a symptom of an…
Gretchen Harris likes the small brick house she bought in Norman, Okla., 36 years ago. She’s fond of her neighbors and the magnolia tree she planted in the front yard. And having a single-story residence proved helpful after knee replacement surgery last summer. “It’s always been a good size for me,” she said. But Ms.…
LONDON — A new program in Wales will allow family doctors to offer patients an unusual prescription for better health: bicycles. The pilot program, the first such initiative in Britain, according to the health board that is leading it, reflects an effort by medical professionals around the world to give patients alternatives to drugs, in…
You’re reading In Her Words, where women rule the headlines. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Let me know what you think at dearmaya@nytimes.com. This year, with the future of Roe v. Wade newly in question after the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, a rash of abortion-related…
Chronic constipation often accompanies depression. Using a mouse model, researchers investigated why this relationship might occur. They have also tested an experimental drug with encouraging results. Depression and constipation often go hand in hand. Over the years, scientists have found strong links between psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of constipation, particularly in older adults.…
It was a most unusual message from a health official: People should be allowed to eat, drink and smoke as they see fit. Norway’s new minister in charge of public health said this week that adults did not need government lectures about what to put in their bodies, but it sounded a bit like she…