Current smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, suggests an analysis of existing research.

New research has uncovered a mechanism by which the bacteria that cause Lyme disease fight innate immune responses, and observed a never-before-seen phenomena demonstrating the bacteria can spring back in the body weeks later. Understanding this type of bacteria, one of only a few pathogens that can actually persist in the body for long periods of time, has major implications for treatment of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

Researchers have long wondered how our cells navigate inside the body. Two new studies have now demonstrated that the cells use molecular force from within to steer themselves in a certain direction. This knowledge may be of great significance in the development of new drugs.

Testing the level of caffeine in the blood may provide a simple way to aid the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Antibodies defend our bodies against intruders. These molecules consist of proteins with attached sugars. However, the blueprint directing the processing of these sugars on the protein was not well understood until now. Scientists have now used computer analysis to complete this blueprint and confirmed their findings in the laboratory.

Scientists developed a method to genetically engineer gut bacteria to produce molecules that have the potential to treat certain disorders by altering human metabolism.

School-based mental health programs can reach large numbers of children, with increasing evidence of effectiveness in improving mental health and related outcomes, according to a research review/

Shifts in the diets of Europeans after the introduction of farming 10,000 years ago led to genetic adaptations that favored the dietary trends of the time, new research indicates. The study has implications for the growing field of nutritional genomics, called nutrigenomics. Based on one's ancestry, clinicians may one day tailor each person's diet to her or his genome to improve health and prevent disease.

Research uses computer image and statistical shape analysis to shed light on which parts of the face are most likely to be inherited. The study examined 3-D face models of nearly 1,000 UK female twins, and found that the shapes of the end of the nose, the area above and below the lips, cheekbones and the inner corner of the eye were highly influenced by genetics.

A study has found that a pattern of gene variants associated with a body type, in which weight is deposited around the abdomen, rather than in the hips and thighs, increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, as well as the incidence of several cardiovascular risk factors.

Brain activity is key to why stress increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, a study suggests.

Medical researchers examined the association between sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss and iron deficiency anemia in adults ages 21 to 90 years.

A blood test could predict how well small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients will respond to treatment, according to new research.

Globally, people's health is improving and life expectancy is rising, but progress is far from universal with chronic diseases bringing long-term illness and causing seven out of 10 deaths, according to research.

People who have a minor stroke – or even a mini-stroke - are at serious risk for further strokes in the next few days, but many people delay going to the hospital because they do not recognize the symptoms, researchers warn.

Brain training therapy, including virtual reality walking, helped kick-start connections between brain and body

People who eat lots of whole grains are less likely than others to die of cardiovascular disease or cancer during long periods of follow-up, according to a new analysis of previous studies.

Massage is better than nothing for pain relief, according to a new review. The therapy may also be an acceptable choice for people considering other options like acupuncture and physical therapy.

An international evidence review has found that certain nutritional supplements can increase the effectiveness of antidepressants for people with clinical depression.

Researchers say a blood biomarker can confirm that a concussion occurred and may eventually help guide treatment

Millions of people today take statins to help lower their cholesterol level. Currently statins are prescribed to patients based on their future risk of cardiovascular disease, mainly driven by age, which excludes many individuals who may benefit from them. Researchers have developed a new approach to determine which individuals should receive these important medications. Their findings could improve prevention of heart disease, especially in younger people.

A new study assessed the prevalence of two different types of food hypersensitivity and the risk factors associated with them.

Should retirement planning include strategies for being active in social groups? Perhaps yes, researchers say.