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 ]

Science

New USDA Map May Mean Earlier Planting In North
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500
A new map from the USDA has some northern gardeners hoping to grow plants that used to be considered too fragile for cold weather zones. The hardiness zone chart is about a half zone warmer than the last one issued in 1990. The USDA says the changes are not due to global warming, but to more sophisticated mapping methods. Seed sellers and buyers say that, whatever the reason, the warmer temperatures expand possibilities for planting this spring.
'Arctic Oscilliation' Behind Season's Mixed Winter Weather
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500
For snow fans in the contiguous US, this winter has left much to be desired. The warm and mild season in the lower 48 and the wild snow dumps and cold weather up north in Alaska can be blamed largely on a weather pattern called "arctic oscillation." Audie Cornish gets an explanation of the weather phenomenon from meteorologist Jeffrey Masters.
Drone Technology Reaches New Heights
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are replacing boots on the ground in some wars. Commercially, UAVs are being used for things like crop-dusting and flood mapping. Experts discuss advances in drone technology and how to address legal and privacy concerns that stem from their use.
Addicts' Brains May Be Wired At Birth For Less Self-Control
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500
A study of cocaine addicts finds that they have abnormalities in areas of the brain involved in self-control. And these abnormalities appear to predate any drug abuse.

Wash Post Health

Researchers try to understand naked mole rats' resistance to cancer
Ivan Amato Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:30:03 -0500
With their pinkish, translucent and wrinkly skin, double-saber buck teeth and black-bead eyes, naked mole rats look like characters in a nightmare from hell. In fact, they do live underground in pitch-dark burrows where their air, from a human point of view, can contain chokingly little oxygen, t...
Doctors try new models to push health insurers aside
Michelle Andrews Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:01:00 -0500
Just about everyone agrees that the way we pay for primary care needs fixing. Under the current insurance model, doctors get paid for procedures and tests rather than for time spent with patients, which displeases doctors and patients alike and increases costs. Now some medical practices are side...
Medigap supplemental coverage can be too pricey for younger Medicare beneficiaries
Susan Jaffe Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:32:03 -0500
One night three years ago, Joe Hobson finished reading a book, went to sleep and woke up blind. The problem, caused by a rare hereditary disease, forced him to give up his 20-year communications job, along with its generous health insurance. Now 63, the Arlington man is covered by Medicare, the f...

Reuters: Health News

Komen reverses move to cut Planned Parenthood funding
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:02:14 -0500
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation backed down from its decision to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion and birth control services, following a massive outcry by supporters of the world's largest breast cancer charity.
Malaria kills twice as many as thought: study
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:58:39 -0500
LONDON (Reuters) - Malaria kills more than 1.2 million people worldwide a year, nearly twice as many as previously thought, according to new research published on Friday that questions years of assumptions about the mosquito-borne disease.
Nerve disorder does not recur after later vaccines: study
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:07:17 -0500
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite concerns by some that vaccines might cause a crippling nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, a new study finds that people who receive vaccines after previously having been diagnosed with the condition do not experience any flare-ups.

CNN.com - Health

Exclusive: Doctors cheating in dermatology exams
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:18:05 -0500
Doctors studying to become dermatologists have, for years, shared exam questions by memorizing and writing them down after the test to become board certified, CNN has confirmed.
The 'forbidden fruit' of medicinal mushrooms
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:33:26 -0500
Paul Stamets was shy as a child; he couldn't look people in the eyes, so he stared at the ground. That's where he found mushrooms.
Why I became a triathlete
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:07:51 -0500
Senior executive producer Roni Selig's personal and professional problems led to her eventually start the Fit Nation program at CNN.

ABC News: Health

Donor's Hands Help Artistic Amputee
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:54:24 -0500
By donating her husband’s skilled hands to an amputee so that he might once again play music and paint, a New Hampshire woman created a fitting legacy for a handy and generous man who never hesitated to help strangers. Jodi Lloyd stayed in the background...
Komen Foundation Reinstates Planned Parenthood Funding
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:32:17 -0500
Amid a firestorm of controversy, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation apologized for cutting off funding from Planned Parenthood and vowed to revise its policy that led to that decision. “We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast...
HPV Vaccine for Boys Urged By CDC
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:58:25 -0500
All 11- and 12-year-old boys should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, according to a statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement serves as the official recommendation of the conclusions of a CDC advisory panel vote in October that boys...

BBC News - Health

Health bodies reject NHS reforms
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:23:39 -0000
Physiotherapist leaders have joined the Royal College of GPs in calling for the health bill in England to be scrapped, increasing pressure on the government.
Malaria toll 'is twice as high'
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:07:13 -0000
The number of deaths worldwide from malaria has been underestimated, according to data published in the medical journal the Lancet.
Weekend hospital admission fears
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:37:17 -0000
Research which suggests that patients are more likely to die in hospital if they are admitted at the weekend is backed up by a major study.

USATODAY.com Feed

Komen reverses decision on funding Planned Parenthood
Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:04:34 -0000
Amid pressure and furor from critics, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation reversed a decision to end Planned Parenthood grants.
Latest illnesses point to raw milk's popularity
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:06:15 -0000
Raw milk from a dairy in Pennsylvania is now linked to 38 illnesses in four states, and the farm has temporarily suspended sales.
Minn. food company recalls about 1 million eggs in 34 states
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:50:30 -0000
A Minnesota food company is recalling more than a million hard-cooked eggs distributed to 34 states after testing revealed some may be contaminated ...

Health and Wellness Newsletter | Penn Medicine

5 tips to prevent heart disease
noreply@blogger.com (Penn Medicine) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:15:00 -0000
February is National Heart Month. Heart disease, the number one killer of adult men and women in the United States, includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and congenital heart disease. Despite its prevalence, there are ways to reduce the risk for heart disease. In fact, the best defense against heart disease is a commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Take these steps to help prevent...
Capturing a More Accurate Picture of Breast Health
noreply@blogger.com (Penn Medicine) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:15:00 -0000
It’s a revolutionary way to perform mammograms: combining traditional mammography with 3D technology to give a more accurate picture of breast health. It’s called digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and it’s being used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis at Penn. DBT captures images using traditional X-ray technology moving along a small arc around the breast and recording images at...
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence
noreply@blogger.com (Penn Medicine) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:15:00 -0000
The loss of bladder control is a common and embarrassing problem for many women, but it’s actually very common, affecting women of all ages. Symptoms of urinary incontinence can range from leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or exercising to the sudden urge to urinate. Some women also experience pelvic pressure, which can signal a variety of bladder or pelvic conditions and should be...

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.
Safety of New Drugs to Stay Alert
Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400
One man's week on a new alertness drug.
A Unique Doctor Helps Troubled Kids
Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400
Healing young minds with puppets, pranks and goofy toys.

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