Latest Medical research News

Faith-based environmental groups take on fossil fuels as 'a sacred duty'

Oct. 19, 2024 10:46 AM EDT

(RNS) — In mid-September, Val Smith, chief sustainability officer at Citigroup, one of the United States’ Big Four of banking, met with four religious environmental activists to discuss the company’s record on fossil fuel investment. In 2021, Citi had pledged to reach net-zero...

With brain injuries a growing problem, the US military tests how to protect troops from blasts

Oct. 19, 2024 08:25 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The blast shook the ground and its red flash of fire covered the doorway as U.S. special operations forces blew open a door during a recent training exercise. Moments later, in their next attempt, the boom was noticeably suppressed and the blaze a bit smaller,...

Dense breasts can make it harder to spot cancer on a mammogram

Oct. 12, 2024 09:46 AM EDT

When a woman has a mammogram, the most important finding is whether there’s any sign of breast cancer. The second most important finding is whether her breasts are dense. Since early September, a new U.S. rule requires mammography centers to inform women about their...

Nobel Prize in chemistry honors 3 scientists who used AI to design proteins — life's building blocks

Oct. 09, 2024 20:18 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Three scientists who discovered powerful techniques to decode and even design novel proteins — the building blocks of life — were awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry Wednesday. Their work used advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and holds the potential to...

Bakery that makes Sara Lee and Entenmann's pushes back on FDA sesame warning

Oct. 09, 2024 13:26 PM EDT

A top U.S. commercial bakery is pushing back on a Food and Drug Administration warning to stop using labels that say its products contain sesame — a potentially dangerous allergen — when they don't. Bimbo Bakeries USA, which includes brands such as Sara Lee, Entenmann's and Ball...

Don't expect human life expectancy to grow much more, researcher says

Oct. 07, 2024 17:00 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Humanity is hitting the upper limit of life expectancy, according to a new study. Advances in medical technology and genetic research — not to mention larger numbers of people making it to age 100 — are not translating into marked jumps in lifespan overall,...

Nobel Prize in medicine honors 2 scientists for their discovery of microRNA

Oct. 07, 2024 14:19 PM EDT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two scientists won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine on Monday for their discovery of microRNA, tiny bits of genetic material that serve as on and off switches inside cells that help control what the cells do and when they do it. If scientists can better...

Medicare Advantage shopping season arrives with a dose of confusion and some political implications

Sep. 28, 2024 09:06 AM EDT

Thinner benefits and coverage changes await many older Americans shopping for health insurance this fall. That’s if their plan is even still available in 2025. More than a million people will probably have to find new coverage as major insurers cut costs and pull back from markets...

Today in History: September 28, Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

Sep. 28, 2024 00:05 AM EDT

Today is Saturday, Sept. 28, the 272nd day of 2024. There are 94 days left in the year. Today in history: On Sept. 28, 1928, Scottish medical researcher Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first effective antibiotic. Also on this date: ...

Jill Biden reveals $500 million plan that focuses on women's health at Clinton Global Initiative

Sep. 23, 2024 18:28 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — First lady Jill Biden on Monday unveiled a new set of actions to address health inequities faced by women in the United States, plans that include spending at least $500 million annually on women's health research. Jill Biden made the announcement at this year’s...