What's going on in your child's brain when you read them a story?
There are many ways young children encounter stories. A new study finds a "Goldilocks effect," where a cartoon may be "too hot" and audiobooks "too cold" for learning readers.
Health
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Under Trump, family planning funds could go to groups that oppose contraception
Several groups that promote natural family planning and abstinence education say newly proposed guidelines could open the door for them to receive federal family planning funds for the first time.
Hidden health hazards of climate change
According to the Centers for Disease Control, insect-borne diseases have tripled in the United States in recent years, and warmer weather is largely to blame.
Trying physical therapy first for low back pain may curb use of opioids
A study of patients with low back pain finds that those who got physical therapy first needed fewer pricey scans and surgeries and had "significantly lower out-of-pocket costs" for treatment overall.
Advocates blame lobbying for killing opioid fees on pharma
The conference version of the budget bill sent to the governor this week includes $16 million in funding for opioid programs, although it would come out of the state's general fund.
Favre says he went to rehab 3 times to fight addictions
Retired quarterback Brett Favre says he made three trips to rehabilitation centers during his Hall of Fame career to fight his dependence on painkillers and alcohol.
Hennepin Healthcare offers 'Compressed Sense' MRI system. Our reporter gave it a try
If you need an MRI, remaining still in a narrow tube can trigger claustrophobia. Hennepin Healthcare's new system reduces the amount of time needed to create a quality image and lets patients pick a background or film to watch while they are being scanned. MPR News reporter Brandt Williams recently had his knee checked out in the new MRI.
Hey, salad lovers: It's OK to eat romaine lettuce again
The romaine that sickened 172 people in 32 states came from Yuma, Ariz., and is likely completely gone from the food supply. What's now for sale is fresh supplies from California.
Branson-owned health company to merge with its rival
An employee well-being company owned by British billionaire Richard Branson says it will merge with its Minneapolis-based rival and make Providence the new corporate headquarters.
Albert Lea hospital workers ratify new contract with Mayo
Union workers at the Mayo Clinic Health System hospital in Albert Lea have ratified a new contract after staging a strike last December.
Nature writer Eugenia Bone: Skip hand sanitizer and miss a shampoo or two
Book author has a message for us all: Skip the hand sanitizer and miss a shampoo or two.
Is sleeping with your baby as dangerous as doctors say?
Many doctors in the U.S. say the practice puts an infant at risk of sleep-related death. A close look at the research reveals a different picture.
Call to Mind: Innovative approaches to mental well being
"Note to Self." A program featuring innovative approaches to care for your mental well being.
First lady returns to White House after kidney treatment
Melania Trump had been at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington since having an embolization procedure for an unspecified kidney condition.
State officials outline progress in investigating reports of elder abuse
Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said Friday that the backlog of more than 3,000 reports and open cases of elder abuse has been reduced to 122 cases.
Clinics that refer women for abortions would not get federal funding under new rule
The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to announce that it is reviving a Reagan-era rule that bars groups that receive federal funding from discussing abortion with patients.
Spread of Ebola in Congo a 'game changer'
A new case of the often deadly virus was confirmed in a densely populated regional capital city. Now health workers are rushing to stem its spread.
U.S. births hit a 30-year low, despite good economy
Experts said several factors may be combining to drive the declines, including shifting attitudes about motherhood and changing immigration patterns.
'Horrendous': Nurses say Mayo vendor mistreated them
Nurses tell MPR News of botched assignments, housing chaos and harsh treatment at the hands of the vendor, HCI Group, as they worked to launch Mayo's massive new medical records system.
Hospitals see growing numbers of kids and teens at risk for suicide
The number of children and teens who visited the hospital for suicidal thoughts or attempts doubled from 2008 to 2015. Rates were highest during the school year.