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

---

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

---

See Medical research.

More on [ Health science ]

NPR Topics: Science

Answering Listeners' Questions On Climate Summit
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0500
Negotiators at the Copenhagen climate summit are facing an uphill task in their attempt to come up with a political agreement on global warming. Listeners ask how a developing nation is defined, about efforts by some countries to become carbon-free, the difference between global warming and climate change, and what to expect from the summit.
Newly Discovered Planet Could Be A Watery World
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0500
The planet orbits a red dwarf star 40 light-years from our Earth, and its surface may be covered in water. But scientists say conditions on this planet would probably be too extreme to support life as we know it.
In Copenhagen, Trees May Carry The Day
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:22:00 -0500
Climate negotiators in Copenhagen may snatch a small victory from the jaws of defeat Wednesday as they put the final touches on a deal that would pay countries to save carbon-absorbing forests.
Climate Talks Deadlocked As Clashes Erupt Outside
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:07:00 -0500
As world leaders streamed into Copenhagen, disputes have left big issues unresolved just two days before participants hope to sign a historic accord to fight global warming. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters tried to disrupt the conference, and police said more than 200 were detained.

Wash Post Health

H1N1 vaccine recall includes doses sent to Washington region
Rob Stein and Michael Laris Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500
About 800,000 doses of swine flu vaccine for children are being recalled because tests found the strength of the shots had dropped since shipment, officials announced Tuesday.
Epigenetics research takes aim at cancer, Alzheimer's, autism, other illnesses
Rachel Saslow Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500
Two mice. One weighs 20 grams and has brown fur. The other is a hefty 60 grams with yellow fur and is prone to diabetes and cancer. They're identical twins, with identical DNA.
Christmas carols mention holiday foods that make tasty temptations
Emily Langer and Leigh Lambert Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make . . . it hard to eat well this time of year. If the spreads at holiday parties weren't enough to derail a diet, there are all those tempting Christmas carols. Below, we take a look at the nutritional value, or non-value, of some of the most...

Reuters: Health News

U.S. study: 1 in 5 lost health insurance in past year
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:50:06 -0500
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population -- or almost 60 million people -- went without health insurance at some point since January 2008, according to government estimates released Wednesday.
Dirty air makes for wheezy kids: study
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:29:05 -0500
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Small particles from traffic and heating oil combustion may cause children younger than two to wheeze and cough, according to a new study.
Gene maps to transform scientists' work on cancer
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:03:16 -0500
LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have indentified all the changes in cells of two deadly cancers to produce the first entire cancer gene maps and say the findings mark a "transforming moment" in their understanding of the disease.

CNN.com - Health

Legacy of sudden death spurs woman's mission
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:49:50 -0500
Touched by tragedy, Holly Morrell urges screening for heart problems. But there are questions about how far to go, to find those at risk of cardiac arrest.
Extreme diets: Life on 800 calories a day
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:28:43 -0500
Very low-calorie diets have been used to help obese patients lose weight for more than two decades. But how safe are they?
Gaps found in young people's sex knowledge
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:38:57 -0500
Most sexually active unmarried young adults believe pregnancy should be planned. Yet about half do not use contraception regularly, according to a new study that highlights the gap between intentions and behavior.

ABC News: Health

FDA Panel OK's Statins in Healthy People
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:14:49 -0500
The new recommendation suggests Crestor for those with no heart disease. Heart disease - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Cardiovascular Disorders - Rosuvastatin
Death Can Wait: Americans Are Living Longer
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:28:14 -0500
Death rates continue to drop and life expectancy has reached an all-time high. Life expectancy - Death - Health - Aging - Opposing Views
Was British Teen Killed By Loud Music?
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:24:38 -0500
British teen's death sparks inquiry. Kids and Teens - Inquiries - Government - Health - Teens

BBC News | Health | UK Edition

Experts crack cancer 'gene code'
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:06 -0000
Scientists unlock the entire genetic code of two common cancers - skin and lung - a move they say could revolutionise cancer care.
Swap success with 'salvaged' lung
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:35:12 -0000
A man becomes the first UK patient to receive lungs that would normally be rejected as too damaged.
Women have 'more sensitive touch'
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:04:40 -0000
The sense of touch is more sensitive among women than men because their fingers are smaller, a study suggests.

Newsweek Health Headlines

Genetic Lessons From a Prolific Sperm Donor
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:36:55 -0000
One of the Midwest's most prolific sperm donors may hold the key to understanding how genes affect our health.
The Case for Having Your Genes Sequenced
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:56:47 -0000
The case for having your genes sequenced.
Nine Holiday Survival Strategies
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:52:16 -0000
And eight other holiday survival strategies.

USATODAY.com Health - Top Stories

Hospice Santa volunteers face grief, kids' hard questions
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:29:01 -0000
The non-profit service organization known as Santa-America has 175 hospice-trained Santas scattered over more than 40 states. ...
FDA panel backs Crestor for heart attack, stroke prevention
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:54:46 -0000
Federal health advisers said Tuesday that expanded use of AstraZeneca's cholesterol pill Crestor can benefit patients with healthy ...
WHO: Malaria may be down by half in some countries
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:32:38 -0000
Malaria cases appear to have been slashed by half in more than a third of countries battling the disease following a renewed ...

Penn Medicine - Health and Wellness Newsletter

Diabetes Awareness Month
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0000
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the 14 million diabetes cases in the United States. With an estimated 57 million Americans at risk, awareness and prevention are critical. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes insulin resistant, meaning fat, liver and muscle cells do not process insulin correctly. Blood sugar that is unable to be stored in the proper cells builds up in the blood, resulting in high blood glucose levels — the cause of type 2 diabetes.
Join Penn's Team for the 2009 Start! Heart Walk
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0000
Get involved in this very important cause by joining a Penn Heart Walk team today. Your donations help support Penn Heart and Vascular Care and the American Heart Association's efforts to develop programs and research dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for heart disease and stroke.
Heartburn or GERD?
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0000
An estimated 60 million Americans have heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Anyone experiencing heartburn more than twice a week could have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when a muscle in the esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus and cause irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage, but most cases are treatable with lifestyle changes and medication.

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.
Foods to Lower Blood Sugar: Berries
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400
Berries are nutrition powerhouses and they may help keep your blood sugar in check.
Foods To Lower Your Blood Sugar: Cherries
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400
When you get a snack attack, reach for a handful of this sugar-lowering fruit.

Subscribe to Health RSS feed