Health

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Drug use trends remain stable or decline among teens

NIH’s 2015 Monitoring the Future survey shows long term decline in illicit drug use, prescription opioid abuse, cigarette and alcohol use among the nation’s youth.

The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey (MTF) shows decreasing use of a number of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, prescription opioid pain relievers, and synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana”). Other drug use remains stable, including marijuana, with continued high rates of daily use reported among 12th graders, and ongoing declines in perception of its harms.

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Parliament rejects ‘unlawful’ proposal to import pesticide-resistant GM maize to the EU

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Poverty may slightly increase childhood risk of neurological impairment, NIH study suggests

Children from low income environments appear to have a higher risk of neurological impairment than those from more economically secure circumstances, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions. This neurological impairment appears to be distinct from the risk of cognitive and emotional delays known to accompany early-life poverty.

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Humans Are Masters of High-Quality Sleep

Study found people require half as many hours of slumber as other mammals do.

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Horror Films Really Can Curdle Your Blood

Reaction to sudden fear might have had an evolutionary benefit, researchers say.

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Seniors Who Head Back to School May Reduce Dementia Risk

Mentally stimulating activity can enhance brain function, researchers say.

Going back to school could help older people stave off dementia, a new study suggests.

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One in Five U.S. Kids Over Age 5 Has Unhealthy Cholesterol: CDC

Rates are much higher in obese children versus normal-weight, agency notes.

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Concussions Are Biggest Health Risk to Cheerleaders

As sport becomes more competitive, stunts become more dangerous, but injury rates still low, study finds.

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Could a Scan Someday Replace Lymph Node Biopsy?

Noninvasive technique shows promise for detecting spread of skin cancer.

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Colombia still faces challenges to improve health care quality

Colombia has significantly improved its health system over the past 20 years, leading to a rise in life expectancy and a fall in infant mortality. Infant mortality has fallen from 40 deaths per 1 000 live births in 1970 to 12.8 and life expectancy at birth reached 75.2 years in 2013. To maintain its ambition of universal, high-quality health care, Colombia should now focus on improving efficiency and strengthening financial sustainability, according to a new OECD report.