Scotland leads the way in the UK on the question of assisted dying with a consultation happening now in the Scottish Parliament, while doctors thrash around getting no closer to a decision. The stance of many medics, who take a … Read More
Dose of sun early in pregnancy could lower risk of premature birth and disabilities
We are all desperate for a bit of sunshine, but for mums-to-be, a blast of rays could be a real life-changer. Because women who get more sunlight in their first trimester lessen their chances of having placenta problems linked to premature … Read More
New study could help children and young people suffering from long Covid
Long Covid is proving to be a widespread and persistent problem for sufferers. Now a new study from King’s College London reveals that long Covid isn’t just a condition of adults but can also affect children and young people. And … Read More
Unease over Covid booster jab as poorer countries still waiting for their first shot
A few weeks ago my husband and I obeyed the call and had our Covid booster jab. But I have a feeling of deep unease about vaccines being used for third doses when so many poorer nations haven’t started on their … Read More
Viagra isn’t just a benefit in bedroom- it’s also good for your heart’s health
Well, who’d have thought it? Viagra’s good for your heart! Besides treating sexual impotence, it strongly suppresses abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which can cause palpitations, breathlessness, fainting and sometimes sudden death. The initial studies done in female sheep, showed the … Read More
Proof that shows teachers are not at greater risk of catching Covid in school
Teachers are not at greater risk of catching Covid in the classroom, an excellent study from New Zealand found earlier this year. But it’s taken us a while to catch up with this thinking – and there have been many … Read More
Listening to music could be key to improving endurance on run – even when exhausted
They say music may be the food of love… well, it might be the food of exercise too if we believe the research from Moray House School of Education and Sport at Edinburgh University. One of its research studies proposes that … Read More
Treatment for rare skin condition affecting fingers lies in the palm of your hand
Have you ever heard of the condition Dupuytren’s contracture, which gradually causes the fingers to close in on the hand? I was reminded of it by a recent report in the British Medical Journal, and a relative of mine had … Read More
Drinking three to four cups of coffee can reduce risk of chronic liver disease
There’s more to your morning cup of coffee than you might imagine. It turns out it could be protecting you from liver disease. But does it depend if your preference is for caf or decaf? No. Apparently, drinking coffee – … Read More
How virtual clinical trials look set to revolutionise the world of medicine
One of the main factors that made our stunning Covid-19 vaccine roll-out possible was the speed, facilitated by the collaboration of scientists of many nations around the world working in unison on clinical trials. These trials prove the safety and efficacy of … Read More