University of Arizona and CNIC researchers find that the cell’s tiny power plants plug directly into the nucleus — like docking a charger — to fuel the genes that build hearts, brains and bodies

A new Northwestern University study has found one in three middle-aged American adults ages 35 to 64 cannot consistently read prescription instructions correctly, understand medical forms or recall details from doctor visits involving chronic condition diagnoses. These skills — often referred to as health literacy — are critical for managing common conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which commonly emerge in midlife.

The study author said, “This work is not about pointing out what people can't do, but rather, can we confuse patients less?” 

While previous research has found more than half of adults 65 and older have a difficult time engaging with the health care system, this is the first study to focus on middle-aged adults.