An emerging infectious disease that has killed several elderly people in the U.S. Midwest is caused by the bacterium Elizabethkingia anophelis. A genomic analysis of strains isolated from hospitalized babies in Africa show that they are related to strains in Asia and from mosquitoes. This ubiquitous environmental bacterium is resistant to multiple antibiotics and appears to survive in hospitals.

Finnish smokers who are faced with a greater distance to walk to obtain cigarettes are more likely to quit the habit than those whose access hasn't changed over time. If that is true in other populations, it might be another way to influence smokers' decision to quit.

Being around smokers is almost as weird for e-cigarette users as it is non-smokers.

Honey bees are at record numbers; wild bees are fine. So why are activists still promoting a Zombie Beepocalypse? ACSH Scientific Advisor Prof. Allen Felsot settles the matter.

California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly called Proposition 65, was enacted by popular vote in 1986. It was initially sold as a way to prevent cancer and birth defects due to chemicals in drinking water and therefore got an overwhelmingly favorable response. Who isn’t in favor of clean water? (1)

Did you toss the dental floss after recent news that it may not be so beneficial? Dentists aren't happy with you.

Our public health strategy tends to be reactionary rather than preventative. Thus, instead of focusing most of our efforts in preparation for what is coming next, we are dumping limited resources on battles already fought. This is a dangerous gamble, considering that the Ebola virus has deadly cousins.

Researchers have discovered that two mutations in the estrogen receptors in breast tumors are linked to the length of survival — even if the tumors have spread. Knowledge of such mutation can inform treatment decisions and benefit patients.

With only my own stupidity to blame, I got into a Twitter "discussion" with an anti-DDT zealot. Big mistake. All I got was a stomach ache. Not sure what he got from it.

When it comes to picking someone who exudes terrific health, physical stamina and excellence in aging, a great choice would be Laird Hamilton. Given the surfing legend's sculpted physique, what principles does he live by? And in regard to maintaining his overall health and fending off back pain as he ages, does his approach make sense for the rest of us?