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The battle of medicine vs. bacteria has been going quite poorly for more than two decades, primarily due to antibiotic resistance. The last thing we need is giving these bugs another edge. But in China, a newly-discovered gene can spread to many types of bacteria, and render useless some antibiotics that are our last line of defense against unresponsive infections.

The CDC reports that all three reportable sexually transmitted diseases -- gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis -- are on the rise, some alarmingly so. One health-care advocate says part of the problem is that effective HIV drugs are creating a climate of safety, and that "we're a victim of our own success.

Formaldehyde is a known toxin and a carcinogen. We know this from real science, as well as hysteria-based groups like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which designated the compound as a known carcinogen in 2004.

Taco Bell will join other fast food companies in the movement towards cage-free eggs, but what does this label really mean?

The Brain: An Illustrated History of Neuroscience delves into the mystery of disorders and injuries that have occurred in the brain. The book describes the innovations of technology, within science, which have altered the history of scientific exploration.

A recent study suggests that drinking three cups of black tea per day may strengthen otherwise fragile bones among the elderly, as well as reduce the risk of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Findings were linked to powerful flavonoids in tea that contain antioxidants.

All of today's domestic turkeys -- even the ones labeled organic -- are actually of the GMO variety. Years of artificial selection by optimizing genetic traits have made the genome of the turkey we eat significantly different than the genome of those found in the wild. Therefore, unless you shot yours in the woods, the turkey heading to your table is not "natural."

But it may make you feel better for the time being. Here's some tips on other effective home remedies and over-the-counter meds.
News from the American Council on Science and Health

Genetically modified salmon has finally gotten approval from the FDA, making it the first GM animal in the United States to be cleared for human consumption. But what does it mean for you? A whole lot more sustainable, locally-grown fish.

Chinese scientists have used CRISPR gene-editing tools that have created animals with more muscle mass and hair. These experiments have caused major debates and most people want to know what s next? And what is the limit?

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine discusses the role of a new protein involved in the development of neurotoxic plaques in the brain of mice with Alzheimer's. This can serve as a potentially new therapeutic intervention for treatment of the disease.

A capsule containing feces to cure C. diff? (Yeah, we know what you're thinking.) But the thing is, It probably works.

For the last 40 years, the third Thursday in November has been the day of the Great American Smokeout. And since our founding in 1978, we have campaigned against smoking on that day, as well as on the other 364 each year. If you're a smoker, November 19th is a great time to take that first step towards quitting. And we're here to help.

Some new, alarming information from the World Health Organization shows that we need a better understanding of how to correct the problem of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans. A large, multi-country survey revealed widespread confusion of how antibiotics should be used.

The U.S. Department of Justice is now finally doing what the FDA has been prevented from attempting in the past -- it's taking down makers and sellers of supplements, pursuing criminal and civil charges stemming, in part, from unlawful advertising practices.

On the Today show, actor Charlie Sheen told the world that he is HIV-positive. This was once considered a death sentence. However, it is now possible to manage this chronic disease, and nearly eliminate the risk of transmission by suppressing the viral load. Here's an explanation on how that's done.

Some bacteria have become resistant to many antibiotics, leading many health officials to express concerns that soon we may not be able to cure diseases that used to be susceptible to such drugs. Another possible reason for this resistance is the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in food animals.

The 50+ year silicone breast implant fiasco never goes away. Long after the matter should have been put to bed, another study comes out, saying the same thing: no evidence of any harm. American Council trustee, author, and retired plastic surgeon Dr. Jack Fisher speaks out. Again.

Operating rooms are often thought of as sterile, germ-free environments but even they are not immune from infection. In fact in some O-Rs, this appears to be the case. According to a first-of-its-kind study, increased comings and goings through the surgical theater is contributing to an increased infection risk for patients.

IARC calls glyphosate a carcinogen but actual experts at EFSA disagree. In fact, they actually suggest raising the the acceptable acute reference dose of glyphosate.

A recent Boston Globe article about flu vaccinations raised the notion that those who receive a flu shot every year to have less protection than those who get it less frequently. What does science make of this? It's hard to say. But we say that some protection is better than none at all.

Today, women suffering from uterine factor infertility who wish to start a family have only two options: adoption or surrogacy. But following an upcoming trial at the Cleveland Clinic, women may be able to give birth after undergoing uterus transplant surgery.

A new Swedish study shows improved survivability in relatively young heart patients opting for mechanical valve replacement, versus those receiving the bioprosthetic version. This validates previous evidence supporting the use of mechanical heart valves in middle-age patients.

Proton pump inhibitors are the third most common doctor-recommended medication in the U.S., with over 19 million prescriptions written annually. A recent study says that routine use in a hospital setting can lead to an increase in mortality from pneumonia and C. diff infection, a deadly gut bacteria.

The bacterial infection identified as scarlet fever has been spreading in Great Britain, and also in various parts of East Asia. A recent study suggests that this easily-treatable infection may not be as relatively dormant as previously assumed, since it's showing signs of antibiotic resistance.