Health

Boston researchers working on blood test for autism

Getting a diagnosis for autism is not easy, with many children having to wait to see specially trained doctors and specialists who spend hours observing the child’s behaviour before rendering a verdict. But U.S. doctors are working on an experimental blood test they believe might help detect the disorder – even before symptoms begin.

Physical therapist Tyler Detmer, left, works with patient Jacob Bullard at WashU, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care'

If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well.

Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces

Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.

A genetic analysis of samples of the bird flu virus from a Louisiana patient show the virus likely mutated in the patient to potentially become more transmissible to humans. (CDC / NIAID / AP via CNN Newsource)

Virus in Louisiana bird flu patient shows mutations that could increase transmissibility to humans, CDC analysis finds

A genetic analysis of samples from the patient in Louisiana recently hospitalized with the country’s first severe case of H5N1 bird flu show the virus likely mutated in the patient to become potentially more transmissible to humans.

Northwest Naturals has recalled cat food after it was found to have been contaminated with bird flu. The product was distributed in British Columbia. (Image credit: nw-naturals.net)

Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials

Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.

A seagull sits at the edge of the beach in Brigantine, N.J., on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

Bird poop may be the key to stopping the next flu pandemic. Here's why

A U.S. estuary outlet is an ecological wonder not seen anywhere else in the world, and a bonanza for scientists who are looking to stop the next pandemic.

Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam speaks at the Canadian Immunization Conference, in Ottawa, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

These are Dr. Theresa Tam's top health concerns for Canada in 2025

As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.

Health Canada has recalled a series of plush toys due to a choking hazard. (Health Canada)

Plush toys recalled in Canada due to choking hazard

Health Canada announced a recall on a series of plush toys due to a choking hazard. Anyone who has purchased an elephant, giraffe, lion, tiger and/or panda plush toy with an attached baby animal can return them to the place of purchase for a refund.