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New thinking about tinnitus

Tinnitus is widely believed to be caused by hearing loss. But that theory hasn't explained the cause of the problem for people with normal hearing tests who still have tinnitus. Increasing evidence suggests that some of these people have "hidden" hearing loss: damage to the auditory nerve-which carries sound signals from the ear to the brain-that isn't picked up by conventional tests. The evidence offers hope that if perhaps one day auditory nerve fibers can be regenerated, it might help reduce the perception of tinnitus.

Colon cancer risks higher in people with diabetes

A 2023 study suggests that having diabetes may be tied to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than not having diabetes.

What is dropless cataract surgery?

Dropless cataract surgery is a new innovation. It enables eye surgeons to administer a medication into a patient's eye during surgery that eliminates the need to use expensive, inconvenient eye drops for several weeks after surgery.

Why are cold symptoms worse at night?

Cold symptoms can worsen at night for several reasons. Immune cells become more active at night, creating inflammation that aggravates respiratory symptoms. Lower cortisol levels also fuel symptoms, and lying down allows mucus to pool at the back of the throat.

Is chronic fatigue syndrome all in your brain?

A new study from the National Institutes of Health has performed more diverse and extensive biological measurements of people experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome than any previous research. Here's what they found and what it means.

Measles: The serious risks of falling vaccination rates

We think of measles as a minor viral infection in children that goes away without complications, but it can have complications, and they can be serious or even fatal. Here's how to protect yourself, your circle, and your community - and why you should.

Ask the doctor: What is the condition called sepsis?

Can you please explain what sepsis is? What happens in the body to make it fatal?

One more reason to brush your teeth?

New research suggests that people who are hospitalized in an intensive care unit are far less likely to develop pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice daily. They also need ventilators for less time, are able to leave the ICU more quickly, and are less likely to die in the ICU.

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