Health

Health
New Mexico moves toward legalizing recreational marijuana
New Mexico is another state to take a step toward legalizing recreational marijuana. Its House approved a bill that would allow state-run stores and require customers to carry a receipt with their cannabis or face penalties.
A gulp of genetically modified bacteria might someday treat a range of illnesses
Researchers think genetically engineered versions of microbes that can live in humans could help treat some rare genetic disorders and perhaps help with Type 1 diabetes, cirrhosis and cancer.
Facebook vows to quash anti-vaccine misinformation
The company said ads and other content containing false information about vaccines will be pulled from the platform and accounts that persist in disseminating discredited opinions will be disabled.
FDA says it found asbestos in makeup at Claire's
The retailer, which markets products to young women, says its products are safe and says the test results "show significant errors." Other independent testers also found asbestos in the products.
Some 'cheaper' health plans have surprising costs
Well-known insurers are selling new sorts of health plans outside the Affordable Care Act exchanges that may sound cheaper but aren't necessarily. Some, for example, charge extra for common surgeries.
Court slams UnitedHealth for restricting access to mental health care to save money
A federal judge in Northern California handed Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group a major defeat in a lawsuit over access to mental health care. The count found the pressure to reduce costs infected company policies governing mental health coverage.
FDA approves esketamine nasal spray for hard-to-treat depression
Three decades after Prozac arrived, consumers are getting a new kind of antidepressant. The medicine is based on the anesthetic ketamine, which has been used illicitly as a party drug.
Alzheimer's screenings often left out of seniors' wellness exams
A brief cognitive test can detect signs of Alzheimer's in older patients. Only half of primary care doctors routinely give one, despite coverage by Medicare as part of annual wellness visits.