The government is banning more than a dozen chemicals used in antibacterial soaps, including triclosan. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato) If you thought antibacterial soap was the best way to kill germs during flu season, think again. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that not only are the chemicals used in those soaps ineffective, but they may not even be safe for daily and long-term use. "Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs,...

Scientists have found evidence that small particles found in pollution can enter the brain through breathing. That's bad news for those who live in some of the world's most polluted cities. The study, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that magnetite particles can get into the brain. These particles are extremely tiny– fewer than 200 nanometers in diameter– but they are toxic, the study said. Barbara Maher, a professor of environmental science at the University of...

At a Glance Florida health officials have confirmed 84 pregnant women in the state have tested positive for Zika. At least 15 of the women have already given birth. At least one baby has been born with microcephaly. As Zika continues to spread in Florida, local health officials have announced that 84 pregnant women have tested positive for the virus in the state. At least 15 of them have already given birth. The Department of Health made the announcement in...

In this Jan. 27, 2016 file photo, an Aedes aegypti mosquito known to carry the Zika virus is photographed through a microscope at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) At a Glance Experts say the Zika threat could continue in the South through the fall, even as temperatures decline.Florida is especially vulnerable due to its hot, humid climate. It's been a good week for the fight against the Zika virus in South Florida. On Monday,...

At a Glance New study finds the two-thirds of all Americans have unhealthy levels of the carcinogenic chemical chromium-6.Chromium-6 was made famous by environmental activist Erin Brockovich and the 2000 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts. High levels of chromium-6 are tainting the drinking water of 218 million Americans, a new study says. According to a study by the research and advocacy nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), the carcinogenic chemical made famous in the 2000 movie "Erin Brockovich"...

Health officials in Miami uncover mosquitoes carrying dengue fever, as Zika mosquitoes are tracked down. ...

At a Glance Officials in Florida discovered Miami's first locally-acquired case of the dengue virus.This infection is the second in the state this year. While testing thousands of residents for the Zika virus, Florida health officials discovered Miami's first case of locally-acquired dengue. Wednesday, NBC News reports. It is the second in the state this year and the first in the Miami area. A traveler from Connecticut also caught the virus in Florida. Dengue is and occasionally develops into severe...

South Korea-based Yujin Robot developed GoCart, a robotic meal transport system for hospitals and elderly care facilities, freeing up health care workers to focus on patients. ...

Authorities and disaster relief organizations are mobilizing for a possible "tsunami of cholera" in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Some humanitarian groups are not limiting their relief efforts to supplying food, water and medical supplies to the victims of Haiti, they have also prepared for a second deadly wave that could be just a devastating to the people of Haiti— a spike in cholera infections. “Hurricane Matthew's flood waters will likely kill innocent Haitians twice: first with raging flood waters...

At a Glance After suffering through a water crisis, residents in Flint, Michigan, are facing a bacterial outbreak. The disease, shigellosis, is associated with poor hand washing hygiene and has a host of unsavory symptoms. Officials believe the outbreak may be due to residents still being wary of the city's water. After suffering through a crippling water crisis, residents in Flint, Michigan, and surrounding counties are facing a new beast in the form of a bacterial outbreak. Shigellosis, an illness...

Miami health officials announced on Thursday that they have located a new Zika zone. The news comesless than a month after the nearby Wynwood neighborhood was declared as being clear of the virus following aggressive mosquito spraying. Five people have been infected with the viruswithin a 1-square-mile area of the city just north of the Little Haiti neighborhood and about 3 miles north of Wynwood, according to a statement from Gov. Rick Scott's office. It is the third Miami-area neighborhood...

(Tim Boyle/Getty Images) At a Glance Residents in Eight Mile, Alabama, have been sickened for the past eight years after a lightning bolt led to an underground pipe leak.The chemical mercaptan, which is added to natural gas so leaks can be spotted, can sicken those who are frequently in contact with it. Late last year, residents in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Porter Ranch were chased from their homes by an awful scent that was making people sick. It came...