Air Pollution May Be Linked to Autism Risk in Kids, Study Finds

About one in 36 children in the United States are on theautism spectrum, but scientists still don’t know why some kids’ brains develop differently than neurotypical ones.Now, new research suggests that being exposed to certain types of pollution during key developmental periods in pregnancy and early childhood may be a reason.The scientific review, published in the journalBrain Medicine, found that common air pollutants—like fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides—can trigger a series of biological events that may contribute toautism spectrum disorder (ASD)....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1895 words · Erica Lee

Air Pollution Particles Can Reach the Placenta, Study Finds

Key TakeawaysScientists have found evidence of carbon-based particles and metals embedded in placental cells.There is not yet direct evidence of pollution particles in fetuses.The study included 15 women exposed to air pollution in London, but it may have implications for pregnant women elsewhere. Key Takeaways Scientists have found evidence of carbon-based particles and metals embedded in placental cells.There is not yet direct evidence of pollution particles in fetuses.The study included 15 women exposed to air pollution in London, but it may have implications for pregnant women elsewhere....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1780 words · Daniel Stewart

Air Quality Is Improving Nationwide, but One Type of Harmful Pollution Remains a Threat

Key TakeawaysFewer Americans are living in counties with failing air pollution grades, thanks to falling rates of ozone pollution.But there has been an increase in fine particle pollution, particularly in Western states.Particle pollution can cause severe short- and long-term health effects, including lung cancer and heart disease. Key Takeaways Fewer Americans are living in counties with failing air pollution grades, thanks to falling rates of ozone pollution.But there has been an increase in fine particle pollution, particularly in Western states....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2265 words · Edward Wilson

Air Travelers Can Volunteer for a Nasal Swab to Help With Infectious Disease Surveillance

Key TakeawaysThe CDC is expanding its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program to track RSV, influenza, and more than 30 other respiratory viruses.The program intends to track the flow of viruses into the U.S. from foreign travelers and to understand which COVID-19 variants are circulating.Testing nasal swab samples and wastewater can help fill gaps in international viral surveillance, the agency said. Key Takeaways The CDC is expanding its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program to track RSV, influenza, and more than 30 other respiratory viruses....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 768 words · Michael Allen

Airborne vs Emergen-C: A Pharmacist Explains Which Is Better

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Airborne?What Is Emergen-C?Comparing the TwoIngredient EffectivenessSafetySpecial ConsiderationsTips to Stay Healthy Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Airborne? What Is Emergen-C? Comparing the Two Ingredient Effectiveness Safety Special Considerations Tips to Stay Healthy Airborne and Emergen-C are popular immune support supplements marketed as immune system boosters. They comprise 10% of all dietary supplement sales in the United States. These products share common goals: to support immune health and prevent or shorten the duration of colds....

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2391 words · Crystal Williams

Airplanes May Not Be as Dirty as You Think

Key TakeawaysBackseat pockets and high-touch areas like tray tables and toilet seats are likely the germiest spots on airplanes.Most commercial airplanes have HEPA filters that remove bacteria, viruses, and fungi from the air. They also have sanitation protocols that require cleaning surfaces.Experts say maintaining hand hygiene is more important than disinfecting surfaces. Key Takeaways Backseat pockets and high-touch areas like tray tables and toilet seats are likely the germiest spots on airplanes....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1042 words · Gina Brooks

Akathisia vs. Tardive Dyskinesia: What Are the Differences?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTardive Dyskinesia and AkathisiaSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Tardive Dyskinesia and Akathisia Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Tardive dyskinesiaandakathisiaare movement disorders that occur asside effects of certain medications, especially medications that are used to treat psychiatric disorders. If you are having new involuntary movements or a sense of restlessness, it’s important that you make an appointment to see your neurologist or psychiatrist so you can work together to plan a management strategy that’s right for you....

January 17, 2025 · 13 min · 2628 words · Douglas Baker

Alabama Ruling Threatens IVF by Classifying Lab Embryos as Children

Key TakeawaysThe Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos grown in a lab can be considered “unborn children” and destroying an embryo is punishable under the state’s wrongful death law.At least two major fertility clinics have since paused their operations.Major medical groups criticize the decision, saying it could endanger health providers and make fertility treatments inaccessible for many people who have difficulty getting pregnant. Key Takeaways The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos grown in a lab can be considered “unborn children” and destroying an embryo is punishable under the state’s wrongful death law....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 987 words · Calvin Henry

Albumin Blood Test

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose of Albumin Blood Test High Albumin Low Albumin An albumin blood test measures albumin, the most common protein found in blood plasma. Its purpose is to ensure blood stays in arteries and veins, and helps carry hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body. Normal albumin levels are between 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 34 to 54 grams per liter (g/L)....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 964 words · James Ruiz

Alcohol Allergies and Intolerance

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGluten SensitivityHistamine IntoleranceSulfite AllergiesYeast AllergiesGrape AllergiesCorn AllergiesFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Gluten Sensitivity Histamine Intolerance Sulfite Allergies Yeast Allergies Grape Allergies Corn Allergies Frequently Asked Questions If drinking alcohol—also known as ethanol—gives youfood allergy symptomssuch as flushing or hives, you may have an intolerance to alcohol.A food allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to things we eat, while a food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food that does not involve the immune system....

January 17, 2025 · 14 min · 2931 words · Zachary Stokes

Alcohol Alternatives Worth Trying

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHomemade MocktailsPremixed AlternativesHerbal Alcohol AlternativesMaking It a Habit Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Homemade Mocktails Premixed Alternatives Herbal Alcohol Alternatives Making It a Habit No matter your reason for exploring alternatives to alcohol—whether it’s for health reasons, a desire to cut back on consumption, or simply curiosity about new experiences—there is a diverse array of options available to suit your preferences....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1386 words · Noah Scott

Alcohol and Depression: Understanding the Connection

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDoes Depression Drive You to Drink Alcohol?Does Drinking Too Much Make You Depressed?How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Depression Last?Is It Genes or Lifestyle?What You Can Do to Manage Alcohol and Depression Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Does Depression Drive You to Drink Alcohol? Does Drinking Too Much Make You Depressed? How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Depression Last? Is It Genes or Lifestyle? What You Can Do to Manage Alcohol and Depression...

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1490 words · Vincent Parker

Alcohol and Eczema: Does Drinking Trigger Flares?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAlcohol and EczemaAlcohol Varieties & EczemaTracking TriggersDrink Responsibly Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Alcohol and Eczema Alcohol Varieties & Eczema Tracking Triggers Drink Responsibly Some studies ofnummular(discoid) eczema have found an association between alcohol consumption and a flare.The American Academy of Dermatology lists heavy alcohol drinking as a possible cause of a flare of nummular eczema. The Good Brigade / Getty Images...

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2149 words · Karen Huffman