At least 1,300 people have died from the flu so far this season, according to a preliminary estimate released Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses and 23,000 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the analysis. So far this season, the CDC has received reports…… MORE
Researchers have developed a self-cleaning plastic wrap that repels bacteria — and could be used to prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistant superbugs, and other forms of dangerous bacteria. A team of scientists from Canada’s McMaster University used a combination of nano-scale surface engineering and chemistry to develop a plastic surface — a treated form…… MORE
As the sun breaks over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, the smooth, graceful moves of Tai Chi sweep across the green spaces below. Surrounded by dozens of people from all ages, former ballet dancer Linda Fung joins them in breathing deeply in and out, her face calm and serene. “It is the most unbelievable, beautiful,…… MORE
Just days after health officials urged Americans to throw out their salad kits over E. coli concerns, the Food and Drug Administration announced it’s investigating three separate E. coli outbreaks linked to salad products. The first outbreak, linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, region, has already affected about 102 people across 21 states,…… MORE
“Magic mushrooms” may have moved one step closer to becoming a treatment for depression. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is called psilocybin — and a new British study suggests it could safely be used to treat depression when other drugs have failed, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide. The study, conducted by King’s…… MORE
Dr. Paul Spiegel looks back at the years he worked for the United Nations helping to coordinate vaccination campaigns for refugees in war-torn sub-Saharan Africa. There weren’t nearly enough doctors. There often wasn’t any power. Sometimes medical staffers had to flee from armed militias. So, he wonders: Why does the US government say it’s too…… MORE
New York state health officials have extended a ban on flavored liquids used in e-cigarette devices. The state health department’s Public Health and Health Planning Council voted Thursday to reauthorize its emergency prohibition on flavored e-liquids. The renewal is effective for another 90 days and bans the sale of all flavored e-liquids, other than tobacco…… MORE
The US Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Stephen Hahn to be the next commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration. The Senate vote was 72 to 18. Hahn, 59, is a well-known radiation oncology expert and is the current chief medical executive of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where…… MORE
‘Tis the season of holiday parties, powered by fatty, salty hors d’oeuvres with plenty of booze to wash them down. The combination can create what doctors call “holiday heart syndrome.” It’s a term coined in 1978 to describe the sudden increase of patients in emergency rooms during the holidays complaining of irregular heart rhythms known…… MORE
Despite reassurances from the federal government, some members of Congress say they worry migrant children won’t be safe from the flu this season. In the last flu season, three children died of the flu while in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection. As in many areas around the United States this year, the…… MORE
We finally have what happened to get Dan Spilo kicked off ‘Survivor.’ It seems that after an immunity challenge, he touched the leg of a female crew member and another player witnessed it. He claimed it was an accident but no one believed him because of his history of being handsy. Justin Timberlake is trying…
Kevin Hart says there was a diva on the set of ‘Jumanji: The Next Level.’ He says that he has complained to everyone about having to work with…a problematic camel. For the first time in their 20 years, ‘Survivor’ has had to kick off a cast member for inappropriate behavior. Dan Spilo was warned early…