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Women who suffer from some of the more extreme menopausal symptoms can take heart from a new analysis of the Women's Health Initiative data. A long-term, follow-up found no link between hormone replacement therapy and all-cause mortality, total cancer mortality or cardiovascular mortality.

Training for my first marathon has brought with it some new experiences, one of which is (very) sore legs. The running world's advice for relief, universally, is to soak sore muscles in a bath with Epsom salt. Turns out that trying to find the science behind this practice – which athletes swear by – left me running in circles. 

Gatorade needs a better marketing team. A very curious advertisement contained a diagram of an organic molecule that, if it actually existed, would probably be dangerous. You certainly wouldn't be drinking it.

A new study just published in JAMA Internal Medicine states that for those who are HIV-positive, lung-cancer prevention – specifically, trying to quit – should actually take priority over the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Chalk up another horrific distinction for the ills of cigarette smoking.

Texans who drank raw milk from a dairy near Fort Worth could be at risk of developing brucellosis — a bacterial infection that can have multiple deleterious effects. Raw milk is not better than pasteurized milk in terms of nutrition, and certainly not in terms of safety!
 

Despite the fact “everything” is not possible to test for, the science for many of these perceived threats are not there. That said, spontaneous and acquired mutations are a reality. But chasing “what ifs” usually perpetuates fear, anxiety and misplaced concern.

Here are some of the Council's media hits from over the past seven days.

There are two different types of fat: white and brown. White fat is a fat storage depot, whereas brown fat transforms energy into heat. Researchers have successfully created a patch containing a micro-needle that delivers sustained release drugs in nanoparticles, stimulating white fat to turn to brown.

The agency just gave the green light to Pear Pharmaceuticals, which developed reSet, a digital device that delivers therapy assistance to those suffering from cocaine, marijuana, alcohol or stimulant abuse. It is not intended to be a standalone approach, but rather used in conjunction with standard outpatient addiction therapy.

Some bad studies are simply bad, while others are both bad – and harmful. A recent study, which determined that antidepressants will make you 33% more likely to die, is an example of the latter. Worse, it could frighten away those in need of antidepressant therapy for no reason. Disgraceful. 

Both obesity in general, and central obesity, are associated with a higher risk of some breast cancers, finds a new Chinese study. The strength of the association was affected by whether the tumors carried receptors for estrogen or progesterone.

Heartburn, what heartburn? Backaches? Step aside. Of all the dreadful pregnancy symptoms ACSH's Ana Dolaskie thought she would endure, she didn't see this one coming. That is, until now.

A recent paper with too many qualifiers tries to link pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine in the first trimester, and miscarriages. Regardless of the quality of the science, this will almost certainly result in (1) pregnant women second-guessing their flu shot, and (2) the anti-vaccine crowd using this to fuel its fire. So, the takeaway: don't hesitate, vaccinate.

Among the reverberating issues created in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma is a particularly disturbing one: multiple deaths at a Florida nursing home. Here we explore why those over 65 are especially susceptible to such scorching conditions.

Panel members, saying they were "very impressed" with the drug called Shingrix, voted 11-0 in favor of approval. While the FDA isn't bound by the group's recommendation, the chances for the administration's full approval appear to be exceedingly good. If approved, Shingrix will go head to head against Zostavax, the only other shingles prevention drug on the market.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is very widely used for various types of pain, and to reduce fevers. The drug is also largely perceived as safe and effective. We've already written that it's not all that safe. But does it work well? The answer is: Not even close. Multiple Cochrane reviews make this clear.

It used to be that breast cancer diagnosis often meant a radical surgery, removing the breast as well as underlying muscle. But in the last few decades, we've learned that such extreme measures are usually not necessary. And recent research indicates that minimal surgery (along with radiation and systemic treatment) may be all that's necessary, in some cases.

The pop singer published to her Instagram account that she was the recipient of a kidney transplant. The 25-year-old previously revealed her Lupus diagnosis, and Gomez attributed this latest development to complications of that condition.

Scientists are not above hyping data to make themselves look good. Contrary to popular wisdom, studies funded by industry were no likelier to have "spin" than studies that were not funded by industry.

Instagram set off a social media firestorm by removing a photo deemed offensive; it was of a young boy with a congenital syndrome, replete with facial deformities. And, it wasn't the first time this occured.

Gases are being now infused into various beverages, especially coffee and beer for a variety of reasons. But there is a viral video of two maniacs who tried "helium-infused beer." If they were looking for laughs they succeeded mightily. But is it real?

A new study in JAMA Surgery reports that a crucial decision – whether a breast cancer patient should undergo a double mastectomy when only one breast is affected – is heavily influenced by her surgeon's recommendation.

Most Americans are rightly squeamish about forcing anyone to do anything against their will. But allowing homeless people to do whatever they want is no longer a viable solution. When a community fails to practice proper hygiene and sanitation, it becomes a ticking time bomb for infectious disease.

Due to the opaque nature of the pharmaceutical industry’s disclosures, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine sought to quantify a standard amount companies spent on the research and development of cancer drugs. Do these R&D costs justify such high prices and revenues?

There is ongoing discussion in the medical community and among politicians about when and whether terminally ill patients can receive access to medicines not approved by regulators. With the support of the “right to try” movement, 37 states—and recently, the U.S. Senate—have passed laws aimed at providing easier access to experimental treatments that have undergone only the most rudimentary human testing.