Multilingualism boosts cognitive skills in autistic children, study suggests

A study from UCLA Health adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without autism.

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5 things we know and still don’t know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

Five years ago, a cluster of people in Wuhan, China, fell sick with a virus never before seen in the world.

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Beware the snowstorm: Shoveling could trigger heart attacks, expert says

Walking in a winter wonderland may sound serene and peaceful, but shoveling your sidewalks to take that walk could quickly change delightful to deadly. According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, research shows that the exertion of shoveling snow may lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

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Expanding the agenda for more just genomics

Genomics is being integrated into biomedical research, medicine, and public health at a rapid pace, but the capacities necessary to ensure the fair, global distribution of benefits are lagging. A new special report outlines opportunities to enhance justice in genomics, towards a world in which genomic medicine promotes health equity, protects privacy, and respects the rights and values of individuals and communities.

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AI aids in discovery of potential glaucoma drug candidates

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder characterized by fluid buildup inside the eye, causing ocular hypertension. By 2040, it is estimated that 111.8 million people worldwide will be affected by glaucoma, potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Currently, there are treatments available to manage ocular hypertension, but a cure for glaucoma remains elusive.

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Can patient groups remain independent with drug company funding? Experts say safeguards needed

Patient organizations and charities are at risk of aligning their interests with their corporate funders even when this doesn’t benefit their members, according to a new study led by the University of Bath in the UK. To combat this, the researchers are calling for action to safeguard the independence of patient groups.

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Milan says no to all outdoor smoking in Italy’s toughest ban

Smokers in Italy’s financial and fashion capital of Milan risk being fined for lighting up on city streets or crowded public areas, after the country’s toughest ban came into effect on Wednesday.

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Pupil size in sleep reveals how memories are processed

Cornell University researchers have found that the pupil is key to understanding how, and when, the brain forms strong, long-lasting memories.

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Can probiotic supplements prevent hangovers?

The ads on podcasts and social media were tantalizing: over-the-counter probiotic supplements that could ward off the worst effects of a hangover if taken before drinking.

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Age influences satisfaction and complications in breast reconstruction patients

For patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy, age impacts surgical outcomes, with older age negatively correlated with the Satisfaction with Breasts domain of the BREAST-Q, but positively correlated with Psychosocial Well-Being, according to a study published in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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