Senate confirms Burwell as new HHS secretary
(J. Scott Applewhite - Ap Photos / AP)
24 Republicans join Democrats in approving White House budget director to succeed Sebelius.
Latest headlines
Report on BP spill blames blowout preventer procedures
Investigators says the drill pipe buckled in the first minutes of the Gulf of Mexico disaster.
Wonder why some are depressed, others resilient?
A study using mice appears to find a switch-like mechanism in the brain that regulates emotions.
Opponents of health-care law look for a way out
Christian co-ops are an increasingly popular way to skirt the Affordable Care Act, but experts advise caution.
Painful mosquito-borne virus has arrived in the U.S.
Chikungunya produces high fever and horrible pain in joints. The disease is rarely fatal, but there is no treatment other than pain relief.
The families who make a living from recycling China’s trash
After the United States, China throws out the largest amount of old appliances and electronics.
Report says NASA has no shot at putting humans on Mars
The NRC review says NASA strategy, without a funding boost, will invite “failure” and “disillusionment.”
Researchers connect man’s death of MERS to camel
Evidence supports what was suspected: Disease can spread from animal to human.
Suicides are more likely in the dead of the night, study finds
“If you are awake when reason sleeps, you are at risk,” said the study’s author.
No you can’t crush a man’s skull with your bare hands
Researchers who have studied the strength of the human head say not even “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones could do it.
Foodborne transmission of norovirus is much more common than outbreaks on cruise ships
Most attacks by the nasty gastro virus, which affects 20 million people each year, are the result of poor hygiene among food handlers, CDC says
FDA approves new weapon in its battle against MRSA
New drug is first approved under government program to encourage development of powerful new antibiotics
A primer on EPA’s plan for carbon regulation
The EPA has proposed a rule to cut emissions from existing coal plants by as much as 30 percent by 2030.
Hiccups: The Mechanism
Many things can trigger hiccups — a sudden fright, eating too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages — but sometimes there’s no clear cause. Nor is there always a surefire cure. Here is what happens in the body during a bout of hiccups:
Hiccups: We all get them, but they still remain a mystery
As for remedies, some swear by peanut butter; others say drink upside down. No one knows for sure.
Telling the weather hundreds of years ago by tree rings
Scientist says there have been some severe mega-droughts, including one that nearly killed off Jamestown.
Are some antimicrobial soaps harmful?
A look at the science behind Minnesota’s ban of the chemical triclosan.
Shakespeare was wrong: Richard III was not a hunchback
New research says the medieval king had severe scoliosis, but it would have been barely noticeable.
Pentagon eyes brain implants to treat psychiatric disorders
DARPA seeks new therapies for depression, chronic pain, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The message of a new film: Don’t fear sharks, save them
In a documentary, Madison Stewart, age 20, dives with sharks to prove her point.
Never mind the feather boa: She’s here to talk physics
Katherine Freese’s “The Cosmic Cocktail” offers science with personality.
Hearing loss is common; treatment, hearing aids can help
First step is to have an ear, nose and throat specialist check for impacted earwax and other reversible causes.
Consumers clamor for coconut, but is it in fact healthful?
Experts say the data just isn’t sufficient to start recommending daily doses of the sweet indulgence.
Can your vacation photos top these?
The 2014 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest accepts shots through June 30. Get inspired by these entries.
Why John Podesta runs
During Clinton’s second term, “I had to melt the stress off.” He thinks his new boss should get off the treadmill.
How much does early learning pay off?
An article looks at the research on preschool and its benefits.
Too little sleep may make children obese, study finds
Kids who slept the least were 2½ times as likely as others to be obese at age 7.
Avoid years of pain by seeing a specialist
Consulting a specialist should be priority, especially if there’s persistent pain.
Videos inform patients about end-of-life medical options
Harvard doctors aim to ease the way for frank discussions among patients, relatives and providers.
The what-if scenario: Sending religious texts to the moon
A sacred Jewish scroll could be the first step in setting up a moon-based backup of human culture.
Significant public health benefits from EPA’s proposed coal plant rule
Cutbacks on soot and chemicals will reduce incidence of asthma, lung disease and heart problems
EPA seeks to cut coal-plant emissions up to 30% by 2030
The rule is one of the most significant steps the government has taken to curb greenhouse-gas emissions.
Astronomers find a ‘Mega-Earth,’ rethink planet rules
Kepler-10c suggests planets can grow huge without ballooning into a Jupiter-like gas giant.
Nine things you can do to stay health at the World Cup
Malaria, yellow fever and schistosomiasis are among the concerns for travelers to the soccer tournament
Personalized medicine increasingly becomes a reality
One-size-fits-all drugs are giving way to treatments tailored to individuals’ genetic makeups.
Skywatch: June offers a plethora of planets
A roundup of what to see at night this month and area events of interest to stargazers.
Suspend your disbelief: All that cynicism may be bad for your health
People who are very cynical late in their lives may be more likely to develop dementia.
Medicare to cover sex change operations
The Obama administration on Friday ended a 33-year ban on the federal insurance program’s coverage of gender reassignment surgeries — a key victory for transgender rights and a decision that is likely to pressure more insurers to provide for such services.
Some of the problems that led to VA health system scandal
Veterans Health Administration is a network of 1,700 hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, nursing homes.
Why do U.S. spy satellites rely on Russian rocket engines?
The United States is behind in creating the workhorse engines for our spy and military agencies.
The ‘cool’ way to rocket into space
The Los Angeles-based company SpaceX unveils new, reusable craft Dragon V2, which its founder had said would be futuristic.
The Post Most: National
The top-read stories of the past four hours
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1Seattle shooter was obsessed with Columbine, report says. Student who stopped him hailed as hero.
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2LeBron James prematurely exits a very hot Game 1 with cramps. Predictably, Twitter has a field day.
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3One person killed, three others injured in shooting at Seattle Pacific University
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4
Opponents of health-care law turn to faith-based nonprofits to cover medical expenses -
5
Why are some depressed, others resilient? Scientists home in one part of the brain.
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