December 2009 Headlines

No More Shame: Understanding the 'Baby Blues'

With more than 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, it may surprise you to learn the number one problem following childbirth is postpartum depression.

The Hidden Dangers of Mold Exposure

Guidelines for hazardous substances like radon, asbestos and lead already exist, but for those with mold lurking in their home, there's little warning.

Research: Marriage Good for You

Tying the knot reduces the risks of depression and anxiety. That's according to one of the most comprehensive studies conducted on the subject.

Less States Reporting Widespread Swine Flu Cases

Health officials say swine flu was widespread in only four states last week, indicating the fall wave of illness is still declining.

Russian Spacecraft May Knock Away Asteroid

Russia's space agency chief  says a spacecraft may be dispatched to knock a large asteroid off course and reduce the chances of earth impact.

Tylenol Arthritis Caplet Recall Expanded

Johnson & Johnson is expanding a voluntary recall of Tylenol Arthritis Caplets due to reports of a moldy smell that can cause nausea and sickness.

Problems in FDA Heart Device Approval Process

Two new studies find shortfalls in the Food and Drug Administration's approval process for heart devices such as pacemakers and stents.

Star of Wonder

The Star of Bethlehem has fascinated writers for centuries. Was it a star? Was it a comet or simply a miracle? Some astronomers and historians are teaming up to give a logical, yet miraculous explanation.

Stocking Stuffer: Card Good for Eye, Dental Visit

Health care providers are offering gift cards that can be used to pay bills and insurance premiums or for specific services at eye doctors and dentist offices.

Vatican Defends Move on World War II-Era Pope

The Vatican said Wednesday the pope's decision to move Pope Pius XII closer to sainthood isn't an act of hostility against those who say he didn't sufficiently denounce the Holocaust.

More Americans Suffer from Nearsightedness

The number of people suffering nearsightedness is dramatically increasing according to new studies

Health Officials: Swine Flu Vaccine Readily Available

After weeks of shortages, health officials now say there is enough swine flu vaccine for everyone, including people that are not in high-risk groups.

Study: Obesity Rate in Africa High Among Poor

Researchers say obesity in Africa is climbing among poor city dwellers who are eating cheap, high fat, high sugar foods.

New Film Seeks to Debunk Darwin

As the world marks the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's The Origin of the Species, a new film seeks to debunk his theory of evolution.

Study: CT Scans May Be Linked to Cancer, Deaths

Radiation from CT scans may be linked to cancer and more deaths, according to studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Study: Internet Keeps Your Brain Young

A New University of California study says using the Internet can help keep your brain "young."

Study: Alcohol Boosts Breast Cancer Recurrence

A new study shows that drinking alcohol boosts a woman's chance of having a recurrence of breast cancer.

CDC: 1 in 6 Americans Have Had Swine Flu

Swine flu has sickened about 50 million Americans, and killed about 10,000, according to new estimates released by federal health officials.

WHO: Smoking Kills 5 Million Every Year

A new United Nations report on tobacco use found smoking kills nearly 5 million people a year.

Obesity Linked to Fatal Heart Disease Cases

A new study shows people may be able to predict their chances of getting heart disease just by measuring their waist-lines.

British Researchers: Little Evidence Tamiflu Works

British researchers say there is little evidence Tamiflu stops complications in healthy people who catch the flu.

U.S. Cancer Rates Continue to Decline

A new report shows that cancer deaths in the U.S. have been dropping since the 1990's.

Global Warming: Fact or Publicity Stunt?

The United Nations climate summit is going forward in Copenhagen despite what some are calling the worst scientific scandal of our time.

Virgin Galactic to Unveil Commercial Spaceship

After five years of secret construction, the cloak is coming off a privately funded spacecraft designed to fly well-heeled tourists into space.

Obama Administration Launches Swine Flu Ads

The government released several television and radio ads to counter the illness that has already infected millions.

Calif. Company Recalls Ground Beef Products

A California company is recalling more than 20,000 pounds of ground beef because of possible salmonella contamination.

Study: No Link Between Cell Phone Use, Cancer

A new study appears to dispel the notion that there's a link between cell phone use and brain cancer.

Exercise May Keep Your Body Young

A new study published in the journal Circulation shows exercise could help keep the cells in your body young.

New Stem Cell Lines Ok'd for Tax-Paid Research

Researchers have notified the NIH that they may apply for approval of another 250 stem cell lines.

Giant Jellyfish Threaten Japan's Fishing Industry

Huge swarms of giant jellyfish are invading the waters along Japan's Pacific coast, putting the fishing industry in jeopardy.

Climate Change Researcher Steps Down During Probe

A prominent scientist researching climate change is being investigated for e-mails he wrote suggesting that data on climate change be manipulated.

Scientists Create Mind Controlled Robotic Hand

Scientists say they have connected a robotic hand to a man who had lost an arm, allowing him to feel sensations in the artificial hand and control it with his thoughts.

White House Sticks to Its Guns on Global Warming

The White House says it still believes in global warming despite the recent discovery of documents suggesting the phenomenon poses no threat.