U.S. Researchers Engineer Smart Capsule to Target Colon Diseases

U.S. Researchers Engineer Smart Capsule to Target Colon Diseases

A new electronic drug capsule engineered to deliver medications directly to the colon could potentially offer a more effective and cheaper option for treating people with gastrointestinal conditions, according to researchers at Purdue University in Indiana. 

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Adult Obesity Rates Top 30% in Half of States

Adult Obesity Rates Top 30% in Half of States

Obesity still plagues millions of Americans, as rates remain high in most states, a new report finds. The South and Midwest have the highest adult obesity rates, making up 23 of the 25 states with rates now topping 30 percent. In 42 states, blacks have obesity rates of 30 percent or more, as do Hispanics in 30 states.  Obesity rates of 30 percent or more among whites are found in 13 states, the findings showed. The obesity epidemic is one of the nation's most serious health crises

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New Study Says Fungi Could Lead to Cheaper Cancer Treatment

New Study Says Fungi Could Lead to Cheaper Cancer Treatment

Cheaper anti-cancer drugs for humans might ultimately stem from a new study. Scientists have developed a kind of microbial 'bandage' that protects yew trees from disease-causing fungi. The researchers found that naturally occurring fungi in the yew's vascular system act like an immune system to swarm a wound site and protect against invading pathogens.

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CDC Better Prepared for Flu Season This Year

CDC Better Prepared for Flu Season This Year

Health officials expect to avoid a repeat of last winter, when immunizations weren't a good match for a surprise strain. Manufacturers project that more than 170 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available this season. Options range from traditional shots, a nasal spray, a high-dose version for seniors and even a needle-free injection for the squeamish.

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Kids Are Getting Drunk Using Hand Sanitizer

Kids Are Getting Drunk Using Hand Sanitizer

Six-year-old Nhaijah Russell swallowed three or four squirts of seemingly innocuous liquid hand sanitizer at school. It tasted good, she said, like strawberry. It also contained enough alcohol to make her dangerously drunk. She arrived at the emergency room slurring her words and unable to walk. Many poison control center hotlines across the US has seen a nearly 500% increase in calls related to children younger than 12 ingesting hand sanitizer, according to new analysis by the Georgia Poison Center, which has been going on for awhile. 

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NSAIDs may be more harmful than you think

NSAIDs may be more harmful than you think

Anti-inflammatory drugs are some of the most common drugs taken every day. We have all taken them at some point, including Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen. These medications are also known as NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are commonly used to help with things like pain, fever, and muscle cramps. However, there have been studies popping up saying that NSAIDs are linked to an increased risk of conditions like heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, and stomach ulcers.

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