Health

Health Germ-zapping 'robots' combat hospital superbugs Germ-zapping 'robots' combat hospital superbugs
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer Published: Apr 29, 2013 at 7:53 AM PDT
The rise of these superbugs, along with increased pressure from the government and insurers, is driving hospitals to try all sorts of new approaches to stop their spread.
Health Senate bill targets large compounding pharmacies Senate bill targets large compounding pharmacies
By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer Published: Apr 28, 2013 at 4:32 PM PDT
Large specialty pharmacies like the one that triggered a deadly meningitis outbreak last year would be subject to federal safety inspections and manufacturing standards under a new Senate proposal introduced Friday.
Health Latest HIV vaccine doesn't work; govt halts study Latest HIV vaccine doesn't work; govt halts study
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 9:08 AM PDT
The latest bad news in the hunt for an AIDS vaccine: The government halted a large U.S. study on Thursday, saying the experimental shots aren't preventing HIV infection.
Health Newfound hormone holds hope for diabetes treatment Newfound hormone holds hope for diabetes treatment
By MALCOLM RITTER, AP Science Writer Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 11:51 AM PDT
Scientists have identified a hormone that can sharply boost the number of cells that make insulin in mice, a discovery that may someday lead to a treatment for the most common type of diabetes.
Health Study: Lax attitude on teens and prescription drug abuse Study: Lax attitude on teens and prescription drug abuse
By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 12:41 PM PDT
More parents need to talk with their teens about the dangers of abusing Ritalin, Adderall and other prescription drugs, suggests a new study that finds discouraging trends on kids and drug use.
Health NYC proposes raising age for cigarette purchases to 21 NYC proposes raising age for cigarette purchases to 21
By JENNIFER PELTZ, Associated Press Published: Apr 22, 2013 at 4:14 PM PDT
No one under 21 would be able to buy cigarettes in New York City under a proposal unveiled Monday to make the city the most populous place in America to set the minimum age that high.
Health Docs warn teens: Don't take the cinnamon challenge Docs warn teens: Don't take the cinnamon challenge
By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer Published: Apr 22, 2013 at 7:22 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 22, 2013 at 9:27 AM PDT
Don't take the cinnamon challenge. That's the advice from doctors in a new report about a dangerous prank depicted in popular YouTube videos but which has led to hospitalizations and a surge in calls to U.S. poison centers.
Health WHO: China bird flu not spreading easily in humans WHO: China bird flu not spreading easily in humans
By GILLIAN WONG, Associated Press Published: Apr 19, 2013 at 7:35 AM PDT
There's no evidence a new bird flu strain is spreading easily among people in China even though there may be sporadic cases of the virus spreading to people who have close contacts with patients, the World Health Organization said Friday.
Health Fearing abuse, FDA blocks generic OxyContin Fearing abuse, FDA blocks generic OxyContin
By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer Published: Apr 17, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT
Federal health regulators will require generic versions of the best-selling painkiller OxyContin to include recent formulation changes designed to make the pill harder to abuse.
Health Colic may be linked with migraines, research says Colic may be linked with migraines, research says
By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer Published: Apr 16, 2013 at 1:15 PM PDT
The distressing nonstop crying in babies with colic is often blamed on tummy trouble, but a new study says the problem could be linked with migraine headaches in at least some infants.
Health A new case in China adds unknowns to bird flu A new case in China adds unknowns to bird flu
By Associated Press Published: Apr 16, 2013 at 9:11 AM PDT
A new case of bird flu in China's capital, a 4-year-old boy who displayed no symptoms, is adding to the unknowns about the latest outbreak that has caused 63 confirmed cases and 14 deaths, health officials said Monday.