Lots of doctors don’t clean them between appointments
Public Health
Bird Flu Isn’t Just China’s Problem Anymore
With the Chinese New Year and the Olympics on the horizon, health officials can only watch and wait for a potential pandemic
The Secret Life Of Bed Bugs: Study Reveals Seasonal Trends in Growth
Bed bug infestations are a nightmare for homeowners. And residents of Philadelphia are familiar with the pain, since reports of infestations in the city have increased over the years.
A team of Penn Medicine researchers are …
TIME Explains: The Meningitis Outbreak at Princeton University
Seven cases of a rare form of meningitis were reported on Princeton University’s campus. Here’s what you need to know.
1 In 10 People in the World Will Have Diabetes By 2035
Disease continues to grow despite treatments
Watch: Cleanliness Showdown–Hand Sanitizers v. Soap and Water
It’s flu season, and the best way to keep influenza viruses from making you sick is to keep your hands clean. But do you need to invest in pricey hand sanitizers to avoid the sniffles?
First Case of New Bird Flu Identified in Human Patient
The latest version is called H6N1, and represents the first time that this strain of bird flu has jumped from birds to people.
The Philippines’ Next Challenge: Rebuilding Its Public Health
Typhoon Haiyan has left the country’s infrastructure in shambles. The precarious community needs to figure out how to properly collect the bodies of the dead, keep salt out of the water supply, and control any infectious disease …
Food Allergics Beware: Herbal Products May Contain Surprise Ingredients
New research for the University of Guelph shows that the majority of herbal products on the market contain ingredients that are not listed on their labels.
CDC Calls Back Furloughed Scientists to Handle Salmonella Outbreak
Only two of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s foodborne pathogen investigators were on duty during the government shutdown as a salmonella outbreak continued to sicken nearly 300 people in 18 states.
Gloves and Gowns Don’t Stop Spread of All Infections in Hospitals
Bacterial infections can imperil the fragile patients at hospitals‘ intensive care units. And a new study reveals an unlikely spreader: the health care workers who treat them. The standard sterile hospital garb typically thought to prevent infections isn’t helping.
What The Shutdown Means For Your Health
The government is closed — which means that important public health programs like disease-tracking and food safety efforts, not to mention important basic medical research, may be going dark.
Fish May Be Unfairly Blamed as Primary Source of Mercury Exposure
It’s well known advice for pregnant women — don’t eat fish while you’re expecting, since the mercury they contain could harm a developing brain.