What's New

A UCLA study has uncovered a biological clock embedded in our genomes that may shed light on why our bodies age and how we can slow the process; the new research is the first to result in the development of an age-predictive tool that uses a previously unknown time-keeping mechanism in the body to accurately gauge the age of diverse human organs, tissues and cell types. more »

For teens, their parents and teachers, NIDA has upgraded its popular teen website to a responsive design model that automatically adjusts to fit the viewer’s screen for better viewing through smartphones and tablets. Through smartphones and tablets. Spanish language versions of easy to understand resources on drug abuse and addiction are now also available. more »

Roberta McReynolds writes: Since aging tends to go hand-in-hand with a gradually fading resistance to illness, it makes sense that the likelihood of getting shingles tends to strike people age 60 and over. In a cruel twist of fate, I developed the first symptoms of shingles just 23 days after my 60th birthday; merely weeks after I became old enough to obtain the shingles vaccine. Did my warranty just expire? Each day that passed the complex pain became more brutal and impossible to ignore; the ‘electric shock treatments’ intensified.   more »

Maggie Clark writes: A 2012 audit in St. Petersburg showed the number of dangerous side-impact collisions did decrease at intersections where the red-light cameras had been installed. However, rear-end collisions actually increased at those intersections, as more drivers stopped short to avoid violations. In addition to identifying drivers who run through a red light, the cameras tag those who fail to come to a full and complete stop before turning right on red. more »