60-Second Health

Latest Episodes:

Laser Light Coaxes Damaged Rodent Tooth Repair May 28, 2014

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Low-power laser light shined on damaged rat teeth activates growth factors that cue stem cells to generate the tooth constituent dentin, leading to regeneration. Dina Fine Maron reports

Vitamin C Helps Pregnant Smokers Have Healthier Babies May 20, 2014

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Children of smokers who popped vitamin C during pregnancy had better lung function than kids of other women who also smoked during pregnancy. Dina Fine Maron reports

Some Nail Salon Dryers Bombard Skin with UV May 06, 2014

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Just a few nail drying sessions under the highest output UV bulbs used in some salons could age the skin and bump up the risk of skin cancer. Dina Fine Maron reports

Snot Clouds Achieve Unexpected Buoyancy Apr 29, 2014

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Sneeze and cough particles form a cloud whose turbulence pulls in surrounding air, which allows the goop to maintain buoyancy and move farther than expected. Cynthia Graber reports

Morning Light Exposure Tied to Lower Weight Apr 18, 2014

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Exposure to bright light in the morning appears linked to reduced appetite and lower body weight, regardless of sleep patterns. Sophie Bushwick reports

Hand Soap Ingredient Can Up Body Bacteria Burden Apr 09, 2014

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Residues of the antimicrobial agent triclosan can paradoxically boost bacterial growth in our bodies, by giving microbes a comfortable biofilm in which to rest. Christopher Intagliata reports

Many More Americans Issue End-of-Life Instructions Apr 04, 2014

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The number of Americans aged 60 or more who issued advance directives governing their end-of-life care went from 47 percent in 2000 to 72 percent in 2010. Dina Fine Maron reports

Goo Keeps Bones Strong but Supple Mar 27, 2014

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Bones are filled with a viscous fluid that’s key to their function as support structures, and which could inform osteoporosis research. Dina Fine Maron reports

Dodgers Doc: No Noninjury Tommy John Surgery to Improve Performance Mar 18, 2014

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Stan Conte, vice president of medical services for the L.A. Dodgers, advised parents and coaches of young athletes to not consider Tommy John surgery on healthy arms for the sake of improving performance. He spoke at the SABR conference in Phoenix on March 13. Steve Mirsky reports

Flu Vaccine Keeps Connecticut Kids from Hospitals Mar 11, 2014

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After flu shot regulations upped Connecticut kids' vaccination rate, their hospitalization risk went down. Dina Fine Maron reports