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While the U.S. population continues to struggle with a well-known obesity epidemic, according to the results of a new Gallup poll it appears that the problem is getting worse before it will get better. The nation's obesity rate has climbed to a record high, with 28 percent of all adults falling into this category.

Far too many antibiotic prescriptions are written for infections that cannot be treated by them. A new study published in JAMA shows how some simple behavioral interventions can change prescribers habits toward more evidence-based prescribing.

George Washington may be the only popularly elected ruler in history who, when his supporters offered to crown him King, relinquished his power instead.

Is a certain kind of artificial turf harmful? So far it is just claims by lawyers prepping for a lawsuit but it merits study because they have scared parents. What doesn't need study, the facts are in, is that Coke has managed to frustrate Food Nazis once again - by being successful with smaller serving sizes

A British microbiologist found that some beard bacteria contains anti-adhesion molecules, which prevent bacterial binding to surfaces. That means that hipster beards may harbor bacteria capable of killing drug-resistant bacteria.

Imagine going to a family get-together and seeing the same face on both your mom and your second cousin. Or not being able to recognize either one of them. Welcome to the frustrating world of the face-blind. But a new test hopes to improve on previous ones that have kept sufferers in the dark.

Fluorine is the most reactive element of all. Most chemists will never use, or even see it. But, there are a few people with more than a few screws loose that will demonstrate how reactive it really is. You won't believe it.

It is a little known, and extremely unimportant fact that chemicals from plants are slightly radioactive, while chemicals from crude oil are not. This has no health consequences whatsoever, but the reason why is quite interesting. It is also the basis for carbon 14 dating.

A systematic review of controlled clinical trials reveals that opioid analgesics are not superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, in treating the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

If someone has been obese for many years, would undergoing bariatric surgery still be helpful, allowing them to live longer? A recent study shows that while middle-aged patients benefitted, "bypass surgery is protective against mortality even for older patients."

In a study of younger women with breast cancer, more and more are deciding to get tested for the BRCA mutation, which they should be getting. Some of them decided not to get tested and just opt for mastectomy, but this is unnecessary in general.

Leon Bellan, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University, used his creative vision and a $40 cotton candy machine to create tiny threads that resemble patterns formed by capillaries. In the body, these may be able to keep tissues viable and functional for transplantation.

A silly article makes it appear as though Walgreens pharmacies are contributing to the heroin addiction problem. But all the company is doing is making the life-saving antidote -- naloxone -- available in its stores.

In a surprising report, researchers using data from the long-term Framingham, MA study have shown that the age-specific incidence of new cases of dementia have actually fallen by 44 percent since 1977. The number of overall new cases, however, will continue to rise as the population ages.

Until recently, it looked like the African AIDS epidemic might finally be controlled, with the widespread use of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs. But poor compliance has caused HIV to mutate in a way such that tenofovir, one of the most important ARV drugs, often no longer works, threatening not only Africa, but world as well.

Dirty dishes. Scattered papers. And a countertop in desperate need of a serious wipe down. Why is this important? Evidence points to a largely overlooked player that has the potential to wreak havoc on a dieter's quest to maintain their eating discipline: A cluttered, chaotic kitchen.

When it comes to the Zika virus, a quaint anomaly for decades, those who live in rural areas have much different ideas than urban dwellers on how to prevent the mosquito-transmitted infection from becoming a major health problem in the United States.

The National Academy of Medicine conservatively approved studies to be conducted, on a limited basis, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) in women with mitochondrial disease allowing them to have their own genetic children.

As if we needed more reasons to indulge in chocolate: Researchers now say the sweet treat is good for expectant mothers and their babies. However, the take-away message is not "Eat chocolate daily for a healthy heart and baby," but rather, "It's OK to enjoy some every once in a while."

With the uncertainty surrounding the Zika virus, which could turn to panic if it reaches epidemic proportions in the U.S., mosquito control may become more important than ever. Although it hasn't been used here since 1972, DDT is creeping into discussions about how to contain the virus. It's unlikely to be used, but in the meantime we ask: What is DDT? And is it really poisonous?

Many competitive speed eaters maintain a steely focus to give themselves the best shot at winning. But some body-prep techniques they use to help clear the path (or more correctly, the throat) to victory, can endanger these champions of chow because they can lose sight of the health dangers inherent to the sport.

Although obesity is linked to a myriad of negative health effects, there are some obese people who still seem to escape these impacts. But a new study from South Korea suggests that there may be hidden health impacts even in these people with so-called "healthy obesity."

Too many pregnant women in America still smoke, with major consequences for their offspring. A new CDC report illustrates the extent of the problem, but says nothing about how to ameliorate it, such as by providing more effective cessation methods.

A large segment of health-conscious Americans avoid foods that are deep fried, for fear that it may clog their arteries or lead to certain cancers. But countering these ideas, some recent studies show that deep frying with olive oil may actually provide health benefits.

The Environmental Working Group -- which has almost single-handedly manufactured the belief that if something sounds like a chemical it must be scary -- will help you be a winner in the organic/natural food marketplace. That is, as long as you pay them.