Health science is the discipline of applied science which deals with human and animal health. There are two parts to health science: the study, research, and knowledge of health and the application of that knowledge to improve health, cure diseases, and understanding how humans and animals function. Research builds on the pure sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics as well as social sciences (for example medical sociology).

Historical overview

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The foundations for the health science fields are as old as the human race. Humans have always been in need of solutions to address illness, injury, and various health related issues such as childbirth. With modern technology and the backing of the pure sciences, the scientific accuracy of these fields has greatly improved. Nevertheless, many cultures have used and continue to use various herbs and other culturally specific solutions to help solve health problems that may or may not be backed by any scientific support.

Acquisition of health-related knowledge

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See Medical research.

More on [ Health science ]

NPR Topics: Health & Science

Warming Waters Threaten 'Unicorns of the Sea'
Sun, 11 May 2008 17:45:00 -0400
Researchers studying the impact of climate change on arctic creatures say that the Narwhal — the long-tusked whale that gave rise to the myth of the unicorn — could be in danger. Narwhals hunt in ice-covered areas and may be among the first animals to feel the heat of warming arctic waters.
Chilean Volcano Erupts, Forces Evacuations
Sun, 11 May 2008 17:44:00 -0400
The Chaiten volcano in the remote Patagonia region of southern Chile has been dormant for 2,000 years. But for more than a week, lava, ash and huge plumes of smoke have spewed from the volcano. Thousands of people in surrounding towns are being forced to leave their homes and livestock behind.
Doctor Dispels Myth that Corpses Spread Disease
Sat, 10 May 2008 18:59:00 -0400
It has been a week since a cyclone devastated the Myanmar coastline. Tens of thousands of bodies have yet to be identified or buried. United Nations consultant and expert on directing disaster relief Claude de Ville de Goyet talks with Andrea Seabrook about the difficult task ahead for Myanmar.
Study: Smart Fruit Flies Are Finished First
Sat, 10 May 2008 18:28:00 -0400
The New York Times ran an article this week about a study that found intelligent fruit flies don't live as long as unintelligent ones. The scientist who performed the study, Tadeusz Kawecki, talks about what this means for the smart-guys of bugs and humans alike.

washingtonpost.com - Health

Burma Faces 'Public Health Catastrophe,' Charity Says
Amy Kazmin Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
BANGKOK, May 11 -- An estimated 1.5 million Burmese are on the brink of a "massive public health catastrophe," the British charity Oxfam warned Sunday, as survivors of Cyclone Nargis poured out of the devastated Irrawaddy Delta into regional towns in search of water, food and other help.
Families will make case for vaccine link to autism
KEVIN FREKING Mon, 12 May 2008 00:43:17 -0400
WASHINGTON -- Families claiming that a mercury-based preservative in vaccines triggers autism will challenge mainstream medicine Monday as they take their case to a federal court.
'What Is Normal and What Is Perfect?'
Steve Quinn Sat, 10 May 2008 21:34:00 -0400
JUNEAU, Alaska -- The results of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's prenatal testing were in, and the doctor's tone was ominous: "You need to come to the office so we can talk about it."

Reuters: Health News

Being breast-fed may lower breast cancer risk
Fri, 09 May 2008 12:56:27 -0400
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Adult women who were breast-fed as infants may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who were not breast-fed, unless they were first-born, study findings suggest.
Child safety seats should be centered in back seat
Sat, 10 May 2008 19:09:11 -0400
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Positioning child safety seats in the center of the back seat could cut infants' and toddlers' injury risks by nearly half, a new study suggests.
Prostate cancer deaths fall after screening program
Fri, 09 May 2008 14:32:51 -0400
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Prostate cancer deaths fell substantially in the decade after one Austrian state began free PSA screening tests for all men ages 45 to 75, according to a new study.

CNN.com - Health

Turning 50 prompts 75-pound weight loss
Fri, 09 May 2008 15:09:33 -0400
Barbara Aldrich can hardly remember a time when she wasn't a little overweight. But as her weight skyrocketed, it began to take its toll. She reached a tipping point when her doctor told her she was borderline diabetic. "That's when I decided, I don't want to give myself injections for the rest of my life," she said.
Flu vaccine doses to make record numbers
Fri, 09 May 2008 16:05:34 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
U.S. wants to end increased mad cow testing
Fri, 09 May 2008 13:07:32 -0400
Read full story for latest details.

ABC News: Health

Organ-Saving Ambulances Raise Eyebrows
Fri, 09 May 2008 16:12:20 -0400
Will a plan for organ recovery ambulances give living patients the short shrift?
Autism-Vaccine Link Gets Day in Court
Sun, 11 May 2008 17:08:56 -0400
Federal court to hear two families' claim that vaccines gave their boys autism.
The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep
Sat, 10 May 2008 15:00:15 -0400
Since birth, Rhett Lamb, 3, has struggled to get a good night's sleep.

BBC News | Health | UK Edition

MPs to debate embryology changes
Mon, 12 May 2008 07:17:59 -0000
MPs are to debate controversial proposals to change the law on the use of human embryos.
Brown vows to make care 'fairer'
Mon, 12 May 2008 10:02:06 -0000
Gordon Brown pledges to reform the social care system to cope with England's ageing population.
Mentally ill 'go without food'
Sun, 11 May 2008 23:06:21 -0000
People with mental health problems are struggling to make ends meet, the charity Mind finds.

Newsweek Health Headlines

Military Medicine: The War on Wounds
Sat, 10 May 2008 17:24:24 -0000
Why the military is backing the cool new field of regenerative medicine.
Health: Teens, Tans and Truth
Sat, 10 May 2008 17:20:03 -0000
Doctors fight back against claims that tanning is healthy. Worries about cancer and 'tanorexics.'
Baby Names: Does Popularity Affect Choice?
Sat, 10 May 2008 00:14:43 -0000
How popularity lists are changing the way parents pick names for their kids.

USATODAY.com Health - Top Stories

That first step was the hardest for this dieter
Mon, 12 May 2008 06:36:35 -0000
Heather Burczynski started walking, ate smaller portions, made better choices and lost 130 pounds in two years.
Life's little pleasures can relieve illness, stress
Mon, 12 May 2008 01:30:22 -0000
Everyday positive experiences may improve the lives and outlook of people with illness or other stresses. So I asked readers: ...
Government asks court to block wider testing for mad cow
Fri, 09 May 2008 16:12:44 -0000
The Bush administration on Friday urged a federal appeals court to stop meatpackers from testing all their animals for mad cow ...

UPHS - Health and Wellness Newsletter

Protect Your Skin from the Summer Sun
Summer is just around the corner and for most Americans that means spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, spending extended periods of time in the sun without some form of protection increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Gestational Diabetes: Managing High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy and usually goes away once the baby is born. Approximately 4 percent of all pregnant women develop the disease, which typically begins halfway through pregnancy.
Penn's Top Docs
The University of Pennsylvania Health System congratulates our 134 physicians recognized as the region’s best doctors in Philadelphia magazine’s 2008 "Top Docs" list. Featuring more Penn physicians than any other hospital or health system in the region.

Reader's Digest: Health

Choosing a Weight-Loss Program for your Child
Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Read more about this interesting rd.com article.
20 Simple Ways to Get Happy
Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Take control of your mood and improve your health
Heat for Your Health
Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400
Your health can benefit from the heat - here's how.

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