Topic: Journal of the American Medical Association

Surge in babies born addicted to prescription drugs worries hospitals

Babies born addicted to prescription drugs are increasing in Tennessee — the first state to track the number of babies born dependent on drugs. And a study published last year said more than 13,000 infants nationwide were affected in 2009. 

Do gun laws reduce gun deaths? New study says 'yes,' but data are thin.

Researchers on both sides of the great gun debate note that there isn't yet adequate data on the link between gun deaths and gun laws, but President Obama aims to fund new research.

Gun control 101: Why is Obama pushing for new gun research?

A key part of President Obama's plan to rein in gun violence is his push to kick-start fresh gun-control-related research by federal agencies. Republicans have blocked such research in the past.

Progress Watch Racial gap in life expectancy reaches new low in US

Between 2003 and 2008, the gap in life expectancy between white and black men fell from 6.5 years to 5.4, Canadian researchers found. For women, it fell from 4.6 years to 3.7. 

Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform

Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Obama's health care law, the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. But some Republicans, like presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, hope to repeal the law under the next Congress. Here, writers explore five key aspects of health-care reform.

Progress Watch How to curb chronic homelessness? First, a home!

Permanent supportive housing, a movement to supply homeless people with housing first and deal with their other issues second, has made big strides in reducing homelessness this decade.

Opinion: Next big obstacle for Obama's Affordable Care Act? It's not just the Supreme Court.

The success of the new health care law depends on enrolling 30 million people in insurance plans. If officials don't clarify and simplify that enrollment process, the law will amount to a significant waste of time and taxpayer dollars.

Cell phone radiation: Is it harmful?

Cell phone radiation has been proven to alter brain activity. But it's not clear if it's dangerous. Try an earphone?

NASA press conference about alien life? An E.T. rumor.

NASA plans a press conference today at 2 p.m. to discuss an astrobiology finding. The Internet buzz is that alien life was found on Titan. Not entirely true, according to reporters who have seen the research.

Kabul 'safer' for kids than London or New York, says NATO official

Children’s advocates, aid workers, and human rights campaigners challenged the statement from NATO's civilian representative Mark Sedwill, saying it was blind to ground realities.

The Monitor's View: California voters should reject legalizing marijuana

Proposition 19 would make California the first state to fully legalize marijuana. Supporters sound persuasive with talk about weakening Mexican drug cartels and helping state revenues with taxes on pot. But their arguments don't hold up.

Opinion: The abortion debate needs to include the forgotten fathers

If the father of an aborted child can feel the emotions as the mother, why not include the dad in the discussion - as the Supreme Court might well do?

The Monitor's View: Marijuana legalization? A White House rebuttal, finally

White House 'drug czar' Gil Kerlikowske lays out his most thorough arguments yet against marijuana legalization. They help clear up confusion over White House drug policy, and can serve as talking points for parents and officials.

King Tut: The science behind the discovery

The ground-breaking DNA study not only proved that King Tut wasn't murdered. It marks a new chapter in the application of modern science to ancient history.

King Tut DNA testing sheds light on how he lived and died

The first successful DNA testing of Egyptian mummies -- including on that of King Tut -- sheds light on what caused the boy king's death, and what led to his problems in life.

Afghanistan mental health: Treatment caught between ancient and modern worlds

While Afghanistan mental health treatment has improved in cities, many rural residents still opt to send the ill to shrines, where they may be chained and poorly fed. Aid workers are trying to expand training for community health workers.

90,000 flu deaths: Where did that number come from?

The estimate, released Tuesday, draws on analysis of how viruses operate, as well as their history. But it's a 'possibility' not a prediction, experts caution.

Oregon's 'death with dignity' law enters healthcare debate

Supporters say end-of-life care, including counseling and hospice, have made the state a model. Opponents look at Oregon and see "medical rationing" and "death panels."

Battle over the baby bottle: Should containers with bisphenol A be banned?

A number of states are moving to curtail the sale and use of bottles that have this chemical. But industry groups say BPA's risks are overblown.

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