Health

Health
Man who stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers avoids prison time
A federal judge told the man who stole a pair of the iconic ruby red slippers slippers worn in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” that his crime was “extraordinary in its stupidity, selfishness and impact,” yet he did not sentence him to any prison time because the thief is terminally ill.
Scientists can tell how fast you're aging. Now, the trick is to slow it down
Longevity research is booming. Scientists are looking for ways to target the basic biology of aging. And here's the exciting part: Our biological age appears to be malleable.
Hopeful downticks in Minnesota’s COVID-19, RSV and flu data
In the Twin Cities seven-county metro, new hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV are down by 12 percent, 33 percent and 28 percent, respectively, for the first week in January compared to the last week in December. COVID hospital admissions ticked down during the first week in January after climbing for the nine previous weeks.
New gene-editing tools may help wipe out mosquito-borne diseases
Scientists say gene-editing technology may eradicate a mosquito in the U.S. that spreads dengue and other diseases. Concerns remain about the possible environmental impact of bioengineered mosquitoes.
Better wellness visits, healthier kids: Minnesota pediatricians try a new approach
Some pediatricians in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud are experimenting with a program they say is improving basic kid wellness visits and may lead to better outcomes for some of the youngest, neediest Minnesotans. The state’s looking at how it might help the program grow.
JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know
The CDC estimates that up to 86 percent of new COVID-19 cases stem from the latest mutation. The virus continues to evolve so rapidly that "our immune systems have not been able to keep up," an expert says.
Minnesota auditor finds missteps in cannabis boss hire but won’t launch further probe
Minnesota’s legislative auditor concludes that background steps were missed when Gov. Tim Walz picked his first Office of Cannabis Management leader, which ended with a quick resignation.