Health

A simple selfie could hold hidden clues to one’s biological age — and even how long they’ll live. That’s according to researchers from Mass General Brigham, who developed a deep-learning algorithm called FaceAge. Using a photo of someone’s face, the artificial intelligence tool generates predictions of the subject’s biological age, …

Five years after the worldwide hyperfocus on COVID-19 began, some are concerned about the next pandemic — whether it could be caused by influenza, bird flu or another pathogen. Too easily overlooked are non-influenza, non-COVID viruses and bacteria that are burgeoning and spreading unchecked — both in the U.S. and …

Chemicals found in plastics have been linked to a multitude of health risks — and now heart disease mortality has been added to the list. In an analysis of population surveys, researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that daily exposure to chemicals in common household items could have been a …

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm on a potential measles exposure at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. In a news release on April 30, the department identified two confirmed measles cases in Cook County. These are the first two cases in the county, following the state’s …

Scientist shares reversal of liver disease in new trial Arun Sanyal, M.D., director of the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, discusses the clinical trial involving 800 participants, in which a weekly dose of semaglutide was effective at treating fatty liver disease. Using semaglutide injections, scientists were …

Allergy season is upon us, and it’s bringing about some of the worst cases yet. “Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns allow plants and trees to grow in places they didn’t before,” according to the American Lung Association — which means a rising pollen count, and even new types of …

‘My dog detected my cancer before doctors did’ Breanna Bortner’s dog, Mochi, began fixating on her breast before she was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer, showing unusual and intuitive behavior throughout her journey. A Grammy-winning singer and his family have revealed the surprising early symptoms of his brain cancer. …

Gossiping gets a bad rap, but psychology experts say it could actually benefit our mental health. The activity can help “make meaning of our world and situations,” according to Thea Gallagher, PsyD, director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health. “It can also help us be more informed about the …

Snake yoga slithers into California studio A California yoga studio combined its love for yoga and pythons to create a “unique experience” called “snake yoga” — ball pythons will slither on the participants during their “flow.” Scientists have developed what they believe is the most widely effective antivenom ever — …

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer, the product’s maker announced on Friday. The DIY test could serve as an alternative to in-person “Pap smears,” which are recommended every three years for women up to age 65. The self-collection device — …