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Simple blood tests could be the future of cancer diagnosis Blood tests that detect early cancer are coming to market. Could they lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment?
an illustration of x chromosomes floating in space
Silent X chromosome genes 'reawaken' in older females, perhaps boosting brain power, study finds Females have one active X chromosome and one dormant X chromosome in each cell. But a study suggests that genes on the dormant X get "reawakened" later in life, potentially giving the brain a boost.
Side view closeup of a doctor holding a clipboard while consulting child in clinic copy space.
Diagnostic dilemma: After surgery, a 17-year-old could speak only a foreign language While waking up from knee surgery, a 17-year-old boy temporarily lost his ability to speak in his native language.

Latest about Health

What is double pneumonia? Pope Francis's diagnosis explained.

By Hatty Willmoth last updated

Pope Francis is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia — but what is this condition, and why might the pope be particularly vulnerable to it?

Viruses, Infections & Disease

What happens to the body during an asthma attack?

By Caleb Neal published

Learn what happens inside the body during an asthma attack and why treatments help prevent or reverse the effects.

Viruses, Infections & Disease

Can you forget your native language?

By Emily Cooke published

Linguists give the lowdown on whether it is possible to forget your native language.

Mind

2 'exclusively indoor' cats in Michigan caught bird flu, potentially from their owners

By Nicoletta Lanese last updated

A new report details the bird flu cases of two pet cats in Michigan whose owners work in the dairy industry. Earlier in the month, a data table from the report briefly appeared on the CDC website before being taken down.

Viruses, Infections & Disease

Why America is losing its 50-year 'war on cancer,' according to scientist Nafis Hasan

By Nafis Hasan published

"This line of attack in the War on Cancer has had few meaningful outcomes for cancer patients."

Cancer

Deadly motor-neuron disease treated in the womb in world 1st

By Jess Thomson published

An infant with a fatal genetic disease has survived past the age of 2 with no signs of the condition, thanks to treatment started in the womb.

Medicine & Drugs
An elderly man using an asthma inhaler in his bedroom

Can air purifiers help with asthma?

By Lou Mudge, Anna Gora last updated

Reference We take a closer look to see if using air purifiers helps with asthma.

Reference
Do air purifiers help with allergies? Image shows a woman holding tissues to her nose

Do air purifiers help with allergies?

By Kerry Taylor-Smith, Anna Gora last updated

REFERENCE Air purifiers can improve air quality, but do these devices help relieve allergies?

REFERENCE
Image of the rat lungworm parasite

Parasite lurking in woman's brain caused mysterious 'burning' leg sensation

By Pandora Dewan published

A woman developed an array of symptoms shortly after returning from a vacation, and parasites turned out to be the culprit.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
A close-up of a baby's eye and nose. The eye is blue.

Norrie disease: The rare genetic disorder that makes people go blind and deaf

By Emily Cooke published

Only around 500 cases of Norrie disease, a genetic condition, have been reported worldwide.

Genetics
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