The NPR Health Blog
Updated: 3 hours 1 min ago
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 13:30
Eight months ago, the Food and Drug Administration asked makers of beverages containing alcohol and caffeine to prove the drinks are safe. So far, nothing's been made public.
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 12:41
A new prostate cancer treatment that uses a patient's own white blood cells to effectively create a personalized vaccine has been approved. But no one really knows how it works.
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 08:53
People who ate the equivalent of one big steak a day gained four more pounds over five years than those who ate less meat. That's according to a new analysis of a major European diet study.
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 14:08
The Federal Communications Commission set aside a small band of radio waves for jet makers to test new planes. But medical device makers covet the same frequencies for a new generation of equipment.
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 12:25
People who regularly checked in online, participated in weight loss chatrooms and emailed with experts kept more weight off than those who didn't.
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 09:17
The Gulf oil spill has caused 10 times the number of beach closures so far this year, compared to all of last year, says a new report. Swimming in polluted water can increase the risk of pinkeye, hepatitis and neurological problems.
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 05:28
To prevent complications during pregnancy and afterward, women in England are being advised to get their weight under control beforehand.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 13:49
Rite Aid will pay $1 million and retrain workers to settle with the feds for tossing personal patient information into dumpsters behind several stores.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 12:23
A study suggests skipping a common test and going straight to treatment may give some back-pain sufferers quicker relief.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 11:05
Recalls of tainted lettuce, ground beef laced with a dangerous E. coli strain, and the giant oil spill in the Gulf have dented the public's perception of food safety.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 08:31
The maker of a popular brand-name medicine used to prevent blood clots is seeking a court order to prevent sales of a generic version approved by the FDA last week.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 06:01
Widespread PSA testing has led to a prostate cancer epidemic. Overtreatment of the many low-risk cancers detected has undercut the public health gains.
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 13:46
California is on track to have the worst outbreak of whooping cough in 50 years. Gaps in vaccination have allowed the infectious disease to spread.
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 13:35
Despite things like the $250 check to help them with drug coverage, most seniors don't understand the new health law.
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 12:01
Israeli researchers are developing a way for the severely disabled to communicate with their breathing.
Fri, 07/23/2010 - 14:34
The heat-resistant but hazardous mineral is still used in many less-developed countries. Business interests help fuel the market.
Fri, 07/23/2010 - 12:35
The agency just approved a generic version of the popular anticoagulant Lovenox. The move also sets a precedent that could ease the approval of generic versions of other biotech-style drugs.
Fri, 07/23/2010 - 09:32
Vaccines against a virus that causes cervical cancer could help prevent cancer of the throat. But the makers of two vaccines haven't shown much interest in pursuing the work.
Fri, 07/23/2010 - 06:05
Despite a lack of medical sex appeal, we need a lot more studies that show us what doesn't work in health care, a Yale cardiologist argues.
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 13:29
Federal investigators found evidence of overblown and deceptive claims to consumers by sellers of genetic testing services.