Lab Report: Health, Science and Medicine

  • Jeff Mermelstein / Gallery Stock

    Engaging the brain with games like mah-jongg can delay the onset of dementia but lead to faster-progressing disease once it emerges.

    (2 of 2)

    A genetic survey of 50,000 people has revealed the first gene linked to migraine headaches--and potential for more targeted treatment. A variant of the newly identified gene causes a brain chemical to build up between nerve endings, triggering a migraine's painful symptoms.

    PICK A BETTER BERRY

    Sure, they're easier on the environment, but are organic strawberries--free of pesticides and synthetic growth promoters--actually more nutritious? Yes, at least according to a new study that compared conventionally grown and organic strawberries. The organic fruit not only contained more antioxidants and other compounds beneficial to health; in a blind test, it tasted better too.

    DATA SET

    31.2%

    Percentage of first-time mothers delivering by cesarean section in the U.S. from 2002 to 2008

    100%

    Percentage increase in emergency-room visits for sports-related concussions among 8-to-13-year-olds from 1997 to 2007

    Sources: Amer. Journal of Med.; Amer. Journal of Ob. & Gyn.; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; Nature Genetics; Neurology; NEJM; PLOS ONE; Pediatrics

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. Next Page