Medicine for frostbite; Boricua masks and vaccines; counting carbohydrates – Morning Medical Update

Science against frostbite

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Aurlymyn (iloprost), the first injection to reduce risk of finger or toe amputation due to severe frostbite. The drug is a vasodilator, which opens blood vessels and prevents blood from clotting. Added bonus: Here are some tips to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Trouble on the island

Puerto Rican lawmakers, religious leaders and scientists clashed this month over mask mandates in response to rising COVID-19 cases. Other contentious issues: personal freedoms and childhood vaccination. The Associated Press reports from San Juan.

What exactly is ‘low carb’?

Americans are turning to “low-carbohydrate” diets in hopes of losing weight and reversing the effects of Type 2 diabetes. But what exactly does it mean to follow a “low-carb” diet? While there is not yet a consensus on a definition, researchers say it is urgently needed. Incidentally, they also found a “striking” amount of clinical trials on low-carb diets over the last 20 years, according to this study and accompanying news release.