Disease

Around 7,000 individuals are bitten by snakes annually in the US, with only the tiniest fractions (0.02%) dying – others suffer amputations or continuing disability. [1] Snake anti-venom is largely responsible for saving these individuals. But as with many problems, snake bites are a “neglected” disease elsewhere in our world.
President Biden is proposing that hearing aids be a covered expense under Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage policies cover it. It's time to pull some information together, my fellow citizen-scientists, to help inform our thinking.
TV commercials are vile and profoundly irritating. Perhaps none is more so than the ad for Xiaflex – a drug that can straighten your bent penis. I cannot possibly describe how much I want to throw a brick through the TV when that idiotic bent carrot shows up at dinnertime. That, plus other rants! Proudly presented in poor taste.
There is widespread agreement in the scientific and public health communities about the importance of vaccination, to bring the pandemic under control. Public actions consist mainly of wishful thinking and handwringing. Vaccination resistance is widespread throughout the nation, with few signs of abatement. Fortunately, we’re awash in data, and we still hope to find sensible patterns.
Statins prescribed to those with elevated cholesterol are among the most prescribed medications. Have you ever wondered how they protect users? (Even a little curious?) A new study on how plaque progresses is an opportunity to fill a gap in our understanding.
Media attention has focused on recent downturns in COVID-19’s breakthrough cases in hopes that the nation can reach a continuing and tolerable endemic status. Others have warned about a potential 4th wave in conjunction with increased cold weather exposures. A New York Times commentary claimed to have discovered 2-month cycles in the U.S. and globally and concludes “the worst of the pandemic is almost certainly behind us” [1].  What’s going on here? What does the future portend, given what we’ve endured thus far?
Hospital data show that the largest shares of COVID infections and deaths have been to the unvaccinated, about whom we have little personal information. The media has interviewed a few individuals, but large-scale demographic data are needed for a better understanding. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may provide some insight.
Few words strike terror into the heart of 50-year-olds more than "colonoscopy." True, it’s a procedure that most of us do not look forward to. But it's very important, and in reality, not really that bad. For you "colonoscopy virgins” here are a few words of encouragement.
“Telehealth” and “digital healthcare” have become buzzwords for corporate types and consultants – as well as an increasing reality for many patients. What do corporate leaders believe should be our path forward?
The vast majority of Americans don't trust the media to "report the news fully, accurately and fairly," according to a new Gallup poll. Let's examine some recent examples that may help explain why the public is so skeptical of journalists.
We now have both mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) and vector (AstraZeneca, J&J) vaccines. As we move to boosters, can we – should we – mix and match? Is choosing one from Column A and one from Column B better, worse, or just the same?
When it comes to media and scientific reporting, the B cells have gotten most of the attention – it makes sense, they produce the antibodies in our first wave of defense against COVID-19. But the T cells have a significant role to play and have been disrespected. It is time to give our T-cell mediated immunity a little love.