Month: January 2023

A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading in the U.S., raising concerns about a potential wave of infections and reinfections to start the new year. The variant, called XBB.1.5, is a descendent of Omicron and a close relative of the XBB variant, which spread widely in Singapore and India this past … Read more

The number of young kids, especially toddlers, who accidentally ate marijuana-laced treats rose sharply over five years as pot became legal in more places in the U.S., according to a study published Tuesday. More than 7,000 confirmed cases of kids younger than 6 eating marijuana edibles were reported to the nation’s poison control centers between … Read more

A steady stream of promising studies have identified antibody drugs that could prevent malaria, treat a hemorrhagic fever called Lassa or block Zika. View original article Contributor: Carolyn Y. Johnson

The blow to Hamlin’s chest may have thrown his heart’s pumping mechanism out of rhythm, disrupting blood flow to his brain, two experts said Monday night. View original article Contributor: Lenny Bernstein

Mifepristone, the first of two drugs in medication abortions, previously had to be dispensed only by clinics, doctors or a few mail-order pharmacies. Now, if local drugstores or chains like CVS agree to certain rules, they can provide it. View original article Contributor: Pam Belluck

On Jan. 1, Oregon became the first state to allow adult use of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms. Licensed guides will likely determine whether the program is a success. View original article Contributor: Andrew Jacobs

As COVID-19 infections in China continue to rise, and as concerns grow over the reliability of the country’s reporting and sequencing of cases, more than a dozen countries have announced new entry restrictions on travelers arriving from China at a time when they’re largely on the way out. Some countries, including the United States and … Read more

“Cheese is packed with nutrients like protein, calcium and phosphorus, and can serve a healthy purpose in the diet,” one nutrition expert says. View original article Contributor: Stephanie Clarke

The American Experience film tells a story of honest intentions and sinister consequences. View original article Contributor: Erin Blakemore