Science
Note: The day of an eclipse is given in Universal Time (UT) and may start a day earlier or later depending on your time zone. 26 January. Annular eclipse of the Sun. Visible from a wide track that traverses the southern Atlantic Ocean, missing the African continent by 560 miles, curving over the southern Indian Ocean, reaching land… Read more
Note: The day of an eclipse is given in Universal Time (UT) and may start a day earlier or later depending on your time zone. (See Phenomena, 2008, to find time of eclipse.) February 7. Annular eclipse of the Sun. Visible from a wide track that traverses Antarctica and Southern regions of the Pacific Ocean. A partial… Read more
Conservation efforts help population of bald eagle increase from 400 to 10,000 over 40 years by Beth Rowen Bald Eagle Related Links Endangered and Threatened SpeciesJefferson MemorialFounding FathersUnited States Department of the InteriorExternal Resources U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceU.S. Department of the InteriorAmerica's national… Read more
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Humans H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Pigs What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)? Novel H1N1 (often referred to as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus… Read more
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2009
Swine Flu FAQs
Swine Flu in Humans
Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are… Read more
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2009
H1N1 (Swine Flu) FAQs
Swine Flu in Pigs
Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have… Read more
by Liz Olson
Related Links
Number of U.S. Transplants Per Year, 1988–2007
Number of Cadaveric U.S. Organ Donors
Encyclopedia: Transplantation, medical
On January 16, 2008, a Dartmouth-led study was released by the Journal of the American Medical Association on the disparities between organ transplant recipients. In the… Read more
Many people are not sure how much weight they should lose. Weight loss of only 5-10 percent of body weight may improve many of the problems associated with overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Even a smaller weight loss can make a difference.
If you are trying to lose weight, do so slowly and steadily. A generally safe rate is l… Read more
A New Symbol for Healthy Eating
by Catherine McNiff
In June 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled MyPlate, the new symbol of healthy eating. Long criticized for being cumbersome and user-unfriendly, the nutritional guideline system called MyPyramid is now a relic of the past as the USDA tries to keep… Read more
Many Americans believe it is normal to gain weight as we age, but doing so increases our risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis, breathing problems, and other illnesses. To maintain a healthy body weight, people must balance the amount of calories in the foods and drinks they consume with… Read more
Grain products, vegetables, and fruits are key parts of a varied diet. They are emphasized in this guideline because they provide vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber), and other substances that are important for good health. They are also generally low in fat, depending on how they are prepared and what is added to… Read more
"The Ninth Report on Carcinogens"
The Ninth Report on Carcinogens, published May 15, 2000, lists 218 substances known or suspected to cause cancer. The Ninth Report added (or upgraded) 14 substances, including secondhand smoke, alcoholic beverages, excessive sun, sun lamps, and tanning beds. Saccharin, the artificial sweetener, was removed from… Read more
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization
Ebola Fact Sheet
Rare and Deadly Diseases
What is Ebola virus disease?
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%. The illness affects… Read more
Facts and stats about the virus
2014 West Africa Ebola Virus Outbreak Map
Related Links
Ebola FAQs
Common Infectious Diseases Worldwide
Medical Advances Timeline
World Health Statistics
Top Deadly Diseases of the World
An outbreak of Ebola struck several countries in West Africa in May 2014. By the… Read more
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
In September 2007, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, led by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), released its annual study, which surveyed approximately 67,500 people. SAMHSA reported that illicit drug use has declined among… Read more
Research suggests that the location of body fat also is an important factor in health risks for adults. Excess fat in the abdomen (stomach area) is a greater health risk than excess fat in the hips and thighs. Extra fat in the abdomen is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, early heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Smoking and too… Read more
William Upjohn Born: 1853 Birthplace: Richland, Michigan Dissolvable pill—In 1880, Upjohn began developing a pill that dissolved easily in the stomach. In 1884 he invented a machine to mass-produce these pills with a regulated dosage. Died: 1932… Read more
Willard Boyle Born: 1924 Birthplace: Nova Scotia Charge-coupled device—The charge-coupled device (CCD) was key to advancing digital imaging technology, and can be found in most imaging devices including digital cameras, scanners and satellite surveillance… Read more
Vinton Cerf Born: 1943 Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)—Cerf and Kahn created the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) that allows the widespread use of the Internet. Cerf and Kahn are often referred to as the “fathers of the Internet… Read more
Robert Langer, Jr. Born: 1948 Birthplace: Albany, New York Controlled Drug Delivery—Langer revolutionized biomedical technology through the development of a controlled drug delivery system. He also pioneered a variety of remotely controlled drug delivery systems that vary the amount… Read more
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