Health topics

It’s cold and flu season again. While that means many people will be getting flu shots, there’s one member of the family you may not realize needs one too: your dog. The H3N8 virus, identified in 2004 and commonly known as “dog flu,” has sickened thousands of dogs in 38 states. Currently there are outbreaks in the New York metropolitan area and near San Antonio, Texas, with other states like Penns

A new study finds those who had high IQs were more likely to use certain illicit drugs as they aged.

A study of 20,000 US families found kids with fathers suffering from depression are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems than other children. Michael Weitzman at the New York University School of Medicine, who authored the study, said these findings are especially important at a time when unemployment is high and some military dads are returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with emot

Researchers have used an experimental drug to help obese monkeys lose weight — and it could work for humans too. The medication, Adipotide, works by finding and sticking to proteins on the surface of blood vessels that feed white fat cells, and then releasing a synthetic molecule that kills those cells.

‘Black Swan’ and ‘Requiem for a Dream’ director Darren Aronofsky knows a thing or two about psychological thrillers. Now he’s applying those skills to a creepy new set of ads in an effort to discourage the use of methamphetamines.

UPDATE — Despite a previous report by TMZ on the death of Andy Rooney’s college roommate Bob Ruthman at the memorial service of the ’60 Minutes’ icon, Ruthman was later revived. Rooney’s son Brian stood up on a chair and pronounced Ruthman dead after the man suffered a heart attack. However, FDNY was able to resuscitate Ruthman once at New York hospital and he is currently in intensive care. Read

A new study published in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs may have found a potential link between older adults, financial woes, and alcohol and tobacco usage.

Scientists may have found a way to stave off some effects of aging simply by removing human cells that stop dividing as we get older.

On November 2 in Tokyo, auto maker Toyota unveiled several robotic devices designed to help paralyzed people and the elderly walk. These robots include sensors that detect the user’s posture, grasp and holding strength, and motor control technology that facilitates someone’s desired motion.

Scientists have found a way to genetically modify rice as a replacement for human blood. The idea is to extract a protein containing human genes that could then be used in lieu of actual blood to help burn victims and those who’ve suffered massive blood loss. It’s seen as a viable solution to shortages of blood donations, and it circumvents the need for HIV and hepatitis screenings that must be do

Country legend Willie Nelson has been forced to postpone back-to-back shows this week due to an unspecified illness. A statement on his website only explained Thursday night’s postponement in Washington D.C., saying, “The show tonight at 9:30 Club has been postponed due to illness. All tickets will be honored for the new date once it is rescheduled. Check back soon for more details.”

Setting your clock back an hour early this Sunday morning may led to depressingly shorter days, but experts believe the end of daylight saving time is healthy in general.