Public Health

Study Explains How the First Effective HIV Vaccine Worked

By Alice ParkApril 05, 20120

In 2009, researchers reported that an AIDS vaccine had for the first time protected people against HIV. Since then, the researchers have been wondering, How did it work?

Americans May Be Fatter Than We Think, Study Says

By Alice ParkApril 03, 20120

It’s no secret that as a population, Americans been getting heavier, but researchers now say that our weight problem may be worse than we thought.

The Healthiest Places to Live in the U.S., Ranked

By Alice ParkApril 03, 20120

How healthy is your county? An interactive survey ranks 3,000 U.S. counties on health measures including the number of fast food restaurants and the level of physical activity among residents.

Soda Wars: Can the Color in Your Cola Give You Cancer?

By Bryan WalshMarch 06, 20120

A public-health advocacy group is on a mission to get caramel coloring banned from soda on the grounds that it may cause cancer.

Hands Up, Feet Apart: Government Says Airport Scanners Are Safe

By Alexandra SifferlinMarch 02, 20120

The Department of Homeland Security insists that backscatter X-ray machines pose no danger to public health. Are you persuaded?

Colonoscopies Cut the Risk of Cancer Death by Half

By Alice ParkFeb. 23, 20120

Katie Couric was right: colonoscopies are uncomfortable, but they lower the risk of cancer and save lives.

FDA Approves a 10-Minute, No-Comb Treatment for Head Lice

By Sora SongFeb. 08, 20120

The new treatment, called Sklice, promises to be a real time-saver.

Vaccines: They’re Not Just for Kids (But Too Few U.S. Adults Are Getting Immunized)

By Alexandra SifferlinFeb. 03, 20120

Don’t blame adults too much: adult vaccine schedules are much tricker to manage than the standard immunization requirements for children.

Exposure to Common Chemicals May Weaken Vaccine Response

By Alice ParkJan. 25, 20120

A study finds disturbing evidence that chemicals found in furniture, fast-food packaging and microwave popcorn bags may compromise children’s immune systems.