Health Check: should we be using alcohol-based hand sanitisers?

Aug 01, 2016 07:16 am UTC| Health

Theyre everywhere in hospitals, travellers backpacks and the aisles of pharmacies in winter, but do we really need to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers? And what should we make of the marketing claims theyre needed to kill...

A new male contraceptive could help men bear the family planning burden

Jul 29, 2016 07:09 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

A new method of male contraception that is as effective as a vasectomy but entirely reversible with little to no side-effects is being tested and is showing promising results in animal trials. If it is successful, it...

Childhood shyness: when is it normal and when is it cause for concern?

Jul 28, 2016 02:34 am UTC| Health Life

When parents observe shyness in their child, they may wonder if it is normal or cause for concern. For instance, in social situations, the child may cling to their parent, be hesitant to speak, reluctant to interact with...

COVID Virus Crisis

GMOs lead the fight against Zika, Ebola and the next unknown pandemic

Jul 28, 2016 02:25 am UTC| Health Science

The shadow of the Zika virus hangs over the Rio Olympic Games, with visitors and even high-profile athletes citing worries about Zika as a reason to stay away (even if the risk is probably quite low). The publics concerns...

Explainer: the A, B, C, D and E of hepatitis

Jul 28, 2016 02:12 am UTC| Health

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. While we usually think of hepatitis A to E viruses, anything that causes inflammation or damage to the liver can be considered as a form of hepatitis. Hepatitis A, B, C, D and...

US Election Series

Even presidential candidates need sleep

Jul 27, 2016 09:05 am UTC| Health Politics

The demands of being a presidential candidate take a toll on sleep. And the demands are not likely to lessen for whomever is elected. President Obama says he schedules six hours of sleep a night but that is not always...

Fentanyl, the anaesthetic that may have been used as a chemical weapon on Chechen rebels

Jul 27, 2016 07:35 am UTC| Health

Fentanyl is a synthetic analgesic (pain relieving) drug in the same class as morphine. It is used to treat acute or chronic pain, including for epidurals given to women during childbirth. It is thought that in 2002...