Articles by Anne Francis
Deep-sea octopus watches over eggs for 53 months. Best mom in the world?
An octopus mom protected her brooding eggs for 53 months without leaving to eat. She wins a world record.
Depression in old people translates to faster cognitive function decline
Based on a new study, depression symptoms could be a precursor to dementia. Scientists may be able to decrease the risk of dementia soon.
Soon a simple blood test might prevent suicides
Scientists have discovered a gene that helped them predict people who had attempted suicide or had suicide thoughts through a blood test. Can we finally prevent suicides soon?
West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes bite Boston, health officials confirm
The city of Boston announced its first mosquito pool that tested positive for the West Nile Virus. So far, no human cases are reported and people are encouraged to take some precautionary steps to avoid being infected.
Long day? Watching TV, playing video games might not be good for you
Based on a new research, contrary to previous studies, watching television and playing video games after a long day at work or school do not relax stressed people. In fact, these activities make them feel worse.
Middle-aged heavy drinking leads to memory loss in old age
Based on a new study, alcohol abuse at any point in one's life may lead to memory loss later in life. However, cutting down drinking may still reverse its cognitive effects.
Targacept reports failure of overactive bladder drug, set to kill program
Targacept is stopping the development of a medication for overactive bladders after the drug failed to show a major reduction in incontinence.
Michael Douglas speaks before cancer conference, Catherine Zeta-Jones admits struggle
Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones stood up in front of 3,000 doctors to share their personal journey of battling life-threatening cancer.
AstraZeneca partners with Roche, Qiagen for co-development of lung cancer diagnostics
Qiagen and AstraZeneca are collaborating on the development and commercialization of a treatment to be paired with Iressa.
Lack of sleep makes you prone to forming false memories: Study
According to a new study, sleep deprivation makes people remember false details. If this is true, what could be the legal implications on the reliability of sleep-deprived eyewitnesses?
Boy with inoperable brain tumor gets birthday card from Justin Bieber
Daniel Nickerson has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer and support from around the world came in. He received 100,000 cards and a message from Justin Bieber.
Great white sharks tourist magnet for Cape Cod
Cape Cod has been attracting a lot of tourists because of its great white sharks and seals. Iconic sharks are now being seen as appealing rather than terrifying.
Russian satellite carrying geckos for sex experiment in trouble
Russia's Foton-M4 research satellite does not respond to ground commands and the geckos in it are in danger of starvation. The satellite could fall from orbit if experts fail to communicate with it.
31 percent of parents tag their obese kids as very healthy: Survey
According to a new study, parents do not see any health concern with their overweight or obese children. Some even think their kids are underweight and very healthy.
Where in the universe is Voyager 1? Scientists propose definitive test
Has the Voyage 1 left the solar system and reached interstellar space or not? A potential test will measure and may resolve the controversy once and for all.
Vertex drug combo for cystic fibrosis not as effective, studies confirm
Based on two new studies, the compounds found in the Vertex drug counteract each other and diminish the benefits of the drug.
Sovaldi hepatitis C drug rakes in $5.8 billion for Gilead
Gilead is being criticized for the steep price of Sovaldi. Will it lower the cost or continue to rake in billions of dollars in expense of Hepatitis C patients who cannot afford it?
McDonald's HK takes chicken nuggets, chicken burger off menu following food safety concerns
McDonald's food items in Hong Kong are being suspended after its food supplier was involved in a food safety scare in China.
Study confirms FDA worries on cancer risk with use of power morcellator
Morcellation appears to be even more risky than previously thought, according to a new study. Undetected cancerous tumors can spread even outside the uterus because of the procedure.
Apple-IBM deal is good news for BYOD users but not Microsoft or BlackBerry
Apple and IBM recently entered a partnership which could be useful to organizations and employees but bad news for BlackBerry and Microsoft. There's also little impact for other small Apple partners.
Airplanes evolve just like how flying animals do: Study
According to a new study, evolution is a biological and physical phenomenon that can be predicted. Based on evolution patterns and physics, future airplanes may be predicted.
Verizon launches new rewards program: Let us pay you to track you
Verizon offers subscribers a new rewards program called Smart Rewards. In exchange of offers and coupons, customers allow Verizon to track them.
Save: Facebook discovers a way to make you stay on its site longer
Facebook launches another feature to retain its users. Save allows users to save a list of content, places and events to check out later.
Following bubonic plague death, China seals off town of 30,000
After a man died due to bubonic plague, China sealed off Yumen, Gansu province which was turned into quarantine zones. One million yuan is allotted for vaccinations.
Diabetic Miss Idaho graces stage in bikini and insulin pump
The Facebook photo of the diabetic Miss Idaho wearing her insulin pump on stage has gone viral. She inspired other patients with diabetes to show and be proud of their insulin pumps using the hashtag #showmeyourpump.
FDA issues advisory on pure caffeine after death of Ohio teen
FDA warns that pure caffeine powder can cause serious adverse effects that can even lead to death. The agency advises the consumers to avoid the products while it investigates it.
CDC boss admits anthrax mishap should not have happened, acknowledges safety lapses
After a "sloppy" and "inexcusable" incident of mishandling, CDC admits the agency's safety lapses pattern and vows to improve its protocol and safety culture.
Hormonal contraceptives up risk of gestational diabetes
According to a new study, contraceptives increase the risk of gestational diabetes. However, it is not conclusive and needs further investigation.
Pizza Hut partners with Hershey, now offers giant chocolate chip cookie
Pizza Hut introduces its new Ultimate Hershey's Chocolate Chip Cookie dessert. It is a communal snack that enhances customer and party experience.
'Pawn Stars' Corey Harrison drops almost 200 pounds
"Pawn Stars" TV star Corey Harrison lost 192 pounds. His weight reached over 400 pounds but after getting a lot slimmer, he is determined to stay healthy.
