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Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

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Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

A drug normally used to treat narcolepsy appears to be better than Ritalin for ADHD – bolstering the theory that ADHD is a sleep disorder via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Is ADHD a sleep disorder? Stimulant drug improves symptoms

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Seventieth World Health Assembly update, 30 May 2017

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Only a fifth of birth defect cases are explained

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

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Brexit could lead to extra £500m bill for NHS

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

A pioneering CRISPR trial in China will be the first to try editing the genomes of cells inside the body, in an effort to eliminate cancer-causing HPV virus via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Boom in human gene editing as 20 CRISPR trials gear up

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Ian Paterson: Male breast patient wants a public inquiry

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Nanoparticles that chat back and forth could dispense medication

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Gene tweak in gut bacteria could turn faeces blue if you’re ill

Giving bacteria genes to make them change colour when mice have gut disorders turns mouse droppings blue in lab tests. It could theoretically work in humans via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

CRISPR causes many unwanted mutations, small study suggests

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Other studies may have failed to spot most of the unwanted mutations caused by the CRISPR gene-editing method, according to a study in only three mice via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Seven dialysis patients die in Vietnam hospital

One woman remains in intensive care and the health ministry has begun a criminal investigation. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Health service failing children with autism, nurses warn

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

World No Tobacco Day 2017: Beating tobacco for health, prosperity, the environment and national development

World No Tobacco Day 2017: Beating tobacco for health, prosperity, the environment and national development via WHO news Read More Here..

Seventieth World Health Assembly update, 29 May 2017

Delegates at the World Health Assembly have reached new agreements on dementia; immunization; refugee and migrant health; substandard and falsified medical products, and the world drug problem. via WHO news Read More Here..

Ultra-tough antibiotic to fight superbugs

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Your mind as well as your senses deserves a place at mealtimes

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Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

The Neuroanatomy of Gossips

We talk a lot. We are the only species on the planet that exchange information predominantly through talking. Other species, such as dolphins or primates, have their own languages, but they do not rely on verbal communication to the same degree, almost to the exclusion of other communication channels, as we do. Verbal communication is a cornerstone of our society. So what are we talking about so much? According to scientific research, we talk mostly about other people. In fact, a whopping two-thirds of our conversations consist of gossips. Of course, we discuss other things such as work, politics, sports, and weather, but overwhelmingly we talk about other people’s affairs, often not in a very positive light.

The scientific statistics on gossiping came as a surprise to me: what the intelligent, sensible and, as a rule, genuinely compassionate people around me would gain from spending so much time on gossips? I always believed that I almost never gossip. But when I tried to recall the topics of recent conversations with my friends, I have to admit that discussing other people does indeed take the lion’s share of what we talk about. Gossiping might be just a reflection of curiosity that all humans possess.

However, according to psychologists and evolutionary scientists, gossiping plays a key role in societal cohesion by spreading reputational information. The studies show that:

Individuals readily communicate reputational information about others, and recipients used this information to selectively interact with cooperative individuals and ostracize those who had behaved selfishly, which enabled group members to contribute to the public good with reduced threat of exploitation.

Thus, gossips mitigate egoistic behavior and counteract possible incentives to exploit the cooperative tendencies of others. They also serve to protect vulnerable members of society. Not bad!

The term “gossip” tends to have a negative connotation. Cambridge Dictionary defines gossip as conversation or reports about other people’s private lives that might be unkind, disapproving, or not true. Typically, the information shared via gossips is not substantiated by hard evidence. Although gossips are indeed often negative (and we will see below why we find negative gossiping more engaging), we do often talk about positive aspects of other people’s behavior too. We simply don’t view this kind of information sharing as gossiping. Negative gossiping might require a degree of secrecy (i.e., the subjects of the gossips are not informed about the fact that they were discussed – we talk about them behind their back). Unsurprisingly, people do not like when they find that they are being gossiped about, and hence there is a moral stigma attached to the people who are gossiping too much. However, more often than not, the gossips are not entirely negative – they tend to be a mixture of both positive and negative things. We provide other people with our assessment of another person’s reputation as we see it, typically involving both the person’s strengths and weaknesses, and with only limited evidence to substantiate either. These assessments might still be viewed unfavorably by the subjects of gossips, even when the assessment is predominantly positive. Nonetheless, we accept positive assessments with pleasure, but tend to be annoyed by criticism.

Being social creatures, we pay lots of attention to the opinion of others about us. Positive assessments by others are associated with higher social status, a larger number of friends and followers, and better chances of succeeding in any new venture and finding and attracting the best mating partners.

The part of the brain responsible for our social behavior is the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is involved in social cognition and executive control. Social cognition refers to our ability to regulate our behavior and actions based on the real or assumed presence of other people. This is a trait that makes some want to conform to the norms and rules of society in which we live. Executive control channels our actual behavior and thoughts in the desirable direction. Studies with the use of functional MRI brain scans revealed the patterns of activation in the prefrontal cortex in response to positive and negative gossip about themselves, their best friends, and celebrities. A very interesting and revealing picture has emerged from these studies.

Two separate areas of the prefrontal cortex get activated in response to positive and negative gossip: positive gossip activates the orbital prefrontal cortex region, while negative gossip activates the superior medial prefrontal cortex. The intensity of responses was, however, very different depending on whether the gossip was about the subject of study or other people. Substantial activation of the superior medial prefrontal cortex was observed in both cases, regardless of the subject of the negative gossip. The orbital prefrontal cortex region was highly activated by positive gossip about the subjects themselves. However, this response was rather muted when the subjects listened to positive gossip about their friends or celebrities.

This study revealed volumes about the internal processes in our brain. It is quite clear that our ego makes us very attentive to any kind of information about ourselves passed around by other people. However, when it comes to information about others, we are biased to notice and register negative information preferentially. No wonder that the stories of scandals involving celebrities attract more attention than anything good these people do! Our own neuroanatomy makes celebrity magazines filled with the stories of scandals, cheating, and divorces, much more popular that magazines about happy family life.

References

Baumeister, R., Zhang, L., & Vohs, K. (2004). Gossip as cultural learning.(2), 111-121 DOI: 10.1037/1089-2680.8.2.111

Bosson, J. et al. (2006). Interpersonal chemistry through negativity: Bonding by sharing negative attitudes about others Personal Relationships, 13 (2), 135-150 DOI:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2006.00109.x

Dunbar, R. (2004). Gossip in evolutionary perspective. Review of General Psychology, 8 (2), 100-110 DOI:10.1037/1089-2680.8.2.100

Feinberg, M., Willer, R., & Schultz, M. (2014). Gossip and Ostracism Promote Cooperation in Groups Psychological Science, 25 (3), 656-664 DOI: 10.1177/0956797613510184

Feinberg, M., Willer, R., Stellar, J., & Keltner, D. (2012). The virtues of gossip: Reputational information sharing as prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102 (5), 1015-1030 DOI: 10.1037/a0026650

Martinescu, E., Janssen, O., & Nijstad, B. (2014). Tell Me the Gossip: The Self-Evaluative Function of Receiving Gossip About Others Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 40 (12), 1668-1680 DOI: 10.1177/0146167214554916

Peng X, Li Y, Wang P, Mo L, & Chen Q (2015). The ugly truth: negative gossip about celebrities and positive gossip about self entertain people in different ways. Social neuroscience, 10 (3), 320-36 PMID: 25580932

Image via Baruska/Pixabay.

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People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Seventieth World Health Assembly update, 26 May 2017

World Health Assembly focused on implementation of the International Health Regulations, and improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. via WHO news Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hot, sleepless nights will get more common with climate change

People in the US stand to lose sleep as the climate warms – and those in hotter countries will be harder hit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Seventieth World Health Assembly update, 25 May

The World Health Assembly today made decisions relating to polio, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, and the health workforce.

Delegates paid tribute to ongoing efforts to end polio transmission in the last three endemic countries - Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. They expressed concern about the continued shortage of inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and noted the urgent need to contain polioviruses in safe facilities, destroy unneeded materials, and appropriately contain resources that can be used for research or other purposes. This has become particularly important since the eradication of type 2 of the wild poliovirus in 2015. via WHO news Read More Here..

Audit reveals delays in asthma emergency care

Emergency departments say they are struggling to adhere to treatment time standards Related items from OnMedica Inhalers Many patients diagnosed with asthma don’t have the condition New asthma pill offers hope for people with severe symptoms Asthma costs UK health service at least £1bn every year Unsafe asthma prescribing threatens 22,000 people’s lives

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

One million teen study reveals suicide risk

Adolescents admitted due to drugs, alcohol or violence should be seen by mental health professional Related items from OnMedica Abused children unable to access mental health services Nearly one in four children denied access to mental health services in England Surge in reports of girls and young women self-harming Child mental health funding not reaching CCGs Commission more teen mental health and alcohol services

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Tobacco production 'breaches human rights laws’

Government human rights organisation tells tobacco giant to ‘stop selling tobacco’ Related items from OnMedica Too few governments using tax in tobacco control strategies, says WHO Cancer charity calls for a ‘tobacco levy’ to save quit services Cutting smoking rates could save NHS £67m a year Smoking consumes nearly 6% of global healthcare costs Plain pack regulations for cigarettes and hand-rolled tobacco in force

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Commissioners ‘failing’ to consider wider societal issues

Survey shows majority of CCGs make procurement decisions on cost basis alone Related items from OnMedica GPs warned over potential conflicts of interest in CCG decisions A third of CCG GP referral screening schemes run by private firms Lords refuse to annul ‘competition’ clause in Health and Social Care Act Competition among hospitals boosts performance Alternative primary care providers perform worse than traditional GP practices

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Can fish skin help treat burns?

Doctors in Brazil are experimenting with a new treatment for burns by using fish skin. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Ancestry.com denies exploiting users' DNA

The genealogy service says it is changing its terms and conditions after being criticised. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Fitness trackers 'poor at measuring calories burned'

But they are accurate at measuring heart rate, a study of seven devices has found. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

‘Worryingly’ high levels of suicide amongst people with autism

Differences in risk factors for suicide in autism mean journey from suicidal thoughts to behaviour might be quite different Related items from OnMedica Keeping our focus on suicide prevention Better training for GPs needed to help prevent suicide People with autism die prematurely Parent ‘training’ can improve severity of child’s autism symptoms Personalising support for people living with autism

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

First African to head World Health Organization

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will be the new director-general of WHO Related items from OnMedica Somalia heading for cycle of hunger and disease, says WHO 12 bacteria posing greatest threat to human health named Global language of drug-resistant infections 'must change' World’s first malaria vaccine to be piloted Pollution kills 1.7 million children, says WHO

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Cannabis derivative cannabidiol reduces seizures in severe epilepsy disorder

Seizure frequency was reduced by 39% in Dravet syndrome Related items from OnMedica Diabetes linked to epilepsy Study reveals mental cost of epilepsy in pregnancy Evidence to back use of cannabis for MS is limited Medical cannabis should be made legal, say MPs New guidelines on epilepsy in pregnancy

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Delayed rather than immediate antibiotics may be preferable for uncomplicated RTIs

Delayed antibiotics do not increase risk of hospital admission or death compared to immediate, but do reduce likelihood of repeat consultation Related items from OnMedica GPs need support to convince public to stop expecting antibiotics Antibiotics not effective for treating infected eczema in children

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Seventieth World Health Assembly update

WHA approved the Organization’s proposed programme budget of US$ 4421.5 million for the biennium via WHO news Read More Here..

Cuts to addiction services in England are ‘a false economy’

‘Savings’ in specialist services are increasing pressure elsewhere in the NHS, addiction expert warns Related items from OnMedica Substance misuse grows in the 50+ age group UK’s war on drugs has failed, say experts Medical cannabis should be made legal, say MPs Preventing drug-related deaths Failing national drugs policy behind rising death toll, say experts

via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Learning to read and write rewires adult brain in six months

Illiterate adults who have learned to read and write over half a year show brain changes – even in regions not obviously linked to reading, writing or learning via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..