Informed consent forms for lung cancer clinical trials may be a barrier to informed trial participation

Informed consent forms are overwhelming for patients. They are written at a level that is too high for most patients, thus possibly impeding real informed consents, according to a report given today at the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer in Vienna.

Drought increases microbe-laden dust landing in Sierras

Dust from all over the world is landing in the Sierra Nevada mountains carrying microbes that are toxic to both plants and humans.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/drought-increases-microbe-laden-dust-landing-in-sierras

Major test of first possible Lyme vaccine in 20 years begins

Researchers are seeking thousands of volunteers in the U.S. and Europe to test the first potential vaccine against Lyme disease in 20 years—in hopes of better fighting the tick-borne threat.

Google outage reported by tens of thousands of users

Tens of thousands of users reported being unable to access various Google services on Monday night, according to outage monitor Downdetector.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/google-outage-reported-by-tens-of-thousands-of-users

Efforts to save money on prescription drugs associated with increased stroke risk for seniors

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke, and for decades the anticoagulant warfarin was the standard treatment for lowering that hazard. However, numerous drug and food interactions make warfarin burdensome for patients. A new class of drugs—non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs)—have emerged as an alternative that is more effective as well as less burdensome. But these drugs also come with a higher price tag than generic warfarin.

Locally supportive climates may do little to aid mental health for LGBTQ+ youth amidst broader societal stigma

As rates of youth mental health issues soar in the United States, new research offers surprising insights into how social factors affect trends for LGBTQ+ youth, who are especially at risk due to the harmful effects of discrimination.

Research shows parents are 'winging it' on their kids' mobile use

As many parents will attest, children and teens' mobile use is a significant source of family arguments.

Legalized cannabis linked to fewer synthetic cannabinoid poisonings

Synthetic cannabinoids, dangerous designer drugs known by such street names as K2, Spice or AK-47, appear to have less appeal in states that have legalized the natural form of cannabis.