The FDA is fast-tracking a second psilocybin drug to treat depression
(Rachel Feltman/ Popular Science) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, known for giving “magic mushrooms” their mind-altering powers, a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for the second time in just over a year.
This designation, which is designed to expedite the development …
From cataracts to macular degeneration: Age-related eye problems and how to treat them
(Langis Michaud/ The Conversation) — Monique is 77 years old. I met her when she came to the eye clinic at the University of Montréal, where I am a professor. A retired teacher, Monique has enjoyed an active and full life with her students and family and considers herself lucky to be in good health.
She is concerned, however, about …
Intermittent fasting improves survival in heart patients
(Anicka Slachta/ Cardiovascular Business) — A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia this November found that heart patients who practiced routine intermittent fasting over a period of four and a half years were ultimately healthier than those who didn’t.
Benjamin Horne, PhD, the …
Study links some antibiotics to a raised risk of Parkinson’s disease
(Catharine Paddock/ Medical News Today) — Scientists have found a link between the use of oral antibiotics and the risk of Parkinson’s disease. They suggest that the connection could be due to the drugs’ impact on gut microbes.
The findings also suggest that up to 15 years can elapse between antibiotic exposure and the emergence …
Quebec pledges new regulations for vaping by next spring
(Kalina Laframboise/ Global News) — The Quebec government is pledging new regulations aimed at addressing vaping after at least three confirmed cases of severe lung illness have occurred in the province.
Health Minister Danielle McCann announced Monday she will put in place a plan to fight smoking and vaping by next spring.
Dr. Horacio …
Avoid romaine lettuce from Salinas, Ca., Canadian officials warn
(Canadian Press) — Canadian health officials are warning consumers to avoid romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, Calif., because of another food poisoning outbreak.
The notice comes almost exactly one year after a similar outbreak led to a blanket warning about romaine, ranging from whole heads to pre-cut salad mixes.
The Public Health …
World’s oldest people may have supercharged immune cells
(Stephanie Pappas/ Live Science) — The secret to living past 110 may be an increase in killer cells in the bloodstream.
New research finds that “supercentenarians,” or people who make it to 110 years of age or older, have higher-than-typical concentrations of a particularly rare type of T helper cell in their blood. …
Doctors warn of danger of ‘feather duvet lung’
(Nicola Davis/ The Guardian) — As winter approaches it might be tempting to curl up under a thick feather duvet, but experts have warned it might lead to more than just warm toes.
Doctors have reported a case of “feather duvet lung” – a lung inflammation caused by breathing in dust from the feathers in bedding – and have called for medical …
A new era for migraine relief
(Greg Breining/ AAMC News) — 38 million Americans suffer from nausea, intense sensitivity to light, and some of the other debilitating symptoms of migraine headaches. Finally, there are new treatments to help them.
Jessica Ailani, MD, director of the MedStar Georgetown Headache Center, had been treating a woman for several years