Articles by Anne Francis
White House waters down FDA's proposed cigarette, e-cigarette regulations
The White House OMB weakened the FDA's proposal to regulate cigarettes and e-cigarettes by changing and removing language from the policy draft. The body is tasked to analyze the policy's potential economic consequences.
Extended heart monitoring may save patients from stroke
Some ischemic stroke causes are still undetermined but it could be due to atrial fibrillation. The condition is hard to detect and two new studies suggest a new way to test and improve its diagnosis.
Low dose aspirin intake may significantly lower risk of pancreatic cancer
According to a Yale University study, people who regularly take low-dose aspirin have lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Watching three hours of TV a day can kill you: Study
According to a new study, watching TV may increase a person's risk of premature death. Though other sedentary activities may also contribute to the increase, the evidence that watching TV is responsible for it is striking.
U.S. getting high on cannabis, more seeking treatment: UN
According to the U.N., more Americans seek treatment for marijuana-related health problems despite the global decline of consumption. The report may further intensify the on-going debate for legalization of marijuana in the country.
Bristol-Myers advanced melanoma drug Nivolumab ups survival rate during trial
Bristol-Myers found that advanced melanoma patients could use nivolumab with an approved drug as treatment for the disease. The company is now preparing for its drug approval.
Born after 2000? UK might ban you from smoking for life
The British Medical Association recommends the prohibition of cigarette and e-cigarette smoking among young people. The doctors aim to create the first smoke-free generation.
Having hip fracture surgery? Type of anesthesia used influences recovery
According to a new study, risk of disability and death is influenced by the type of anesthesia used during a hip fracture surgery. Length of hospital stay and a 30-day mortality rate were also analyzed.
Tanning addiction is real. UV rays cause endorphin high: Study
Researchers claim that sun exposure produces endorphins that can make sunbathing addictive. However, excessive exposure to UV rays is linked with skin cancer and people are encouraged to curb this habit.
England sees sharp increase in liver cancer, melanoma. Experts blame lifestyle choices
The English lifestyle may be to blame for the sharp increase of people diagnosed with liver cancer and melanoma. The findings should be a wake-up call to the public and the government to address this problem.
GCHQ has legal basis to snoop on Facebook, Twitter, and Google accounts of Britons
GCHQ admits it can spy on citizens' private activity on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and even Google because of a loophole in the law. But where does the government draw the line?
Birth of drug-addicted babies in Massachusetts triple the national rate, worries state
According to a new study, the number of Massachusetts babies born with narcotics in their systems is increasing and even reached triple the rate nationwide. Politicians have already called for various measures to address this problem.
U.S. authorities issue conditional license for PEDv vaccine to fight deadly pig virus
The USDA recently approved a conditional license allowing the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus vaccine from Harrisvaccines to be sold directly to swine producers and veterinarians. Though further tests are needed, the vaccine appears to be promising.
Parents with autistic child less likely to have more children: Study
While it has always been understood that parents of children with autism are reluctant to have more children, a new study focused on the actual numbers. The study confirmed that these parents are less likely to have more kids than those without children with ASD.
Mississippi might have its first case of chikungunya
Mississippi health officials are looking into what might just be its first case of the chikungunya virus. A resident recently traveled from Haiti where he could have contracted the virus, potentially spreading it to the state.
Mammogram, MRI screening lower risk of death among breast cancer patients: Study
The latest study on mammograms showed that the procedure is beneficial but it could be too limited or even obsolete in the future. Mammograms have its dangers and women should be well informed before undergoing through the screening.
Obamacare paves the way for healthier young adults
The Affordable Care Act allowed young adults to remain on their parents' health insurance and now, they appear to be healthier than those who did not stay on Obamacare.
Novartis submits application for marketing approval of Bexsero meningitis B vaccine
Novartis submitted its FDA application for Bexsero, a meningitis B vaccine. While 34 countries have already approved it, Bexsero was used in the United States only under a Investigational New Drug designation due to university outbreaks.
Microsoft experiments with programmable processors to boost performance of data centers
Microsoft tinkers with programmable software that may provide a better and speedier search performance. It may lower costs, power and enable customize design applications.
U.S. health care system ranks last, lags behind developed nations
Though it is the most expensive in the world, the U.S. healthcare system ranks lowest in quality and efficiency according to a new report.
Smartphone in pocket? Might not be a smart move if you are a man. Here's why
According to a new study, mobile phone exposure near the groin area may affect sperm quality and lead to fertility issues. However, further investigation is still needed.
Miracle twins from Boston born 24 days apart
Healthy twin boys were born three weeks apart in Boston. Though a bit complicated, a rare technique of keeping a twin in the womb even after the premature birth of the first child was used..
Long-term unemployment in U.S. doubles risk of depression: Survey
Based on a new survey, long-term unemployed adults are more at risk of depression than those who have full-time jobs or those who have not been out of work that long. Are they unemployed that's why they are depressed or are they depressed that's why they are unemployed?
Is the cheese industry in danger? FDA bans aging of cheese on wood
FDA issued a statement prohibiting the use of wooden boards to age cheese. Amidst the outrage of artisan cheese makers and consumers, FDA backs out and holds back new regulations for the meantime.
Ebola update: Sierra Leone struggles to contain outbreak, 12 deaths in a week
After being spared from the outbreak for months, the death toll from Ebola virus in Sierra Leone is increasing. Ebola virus can kill up to 90% of infected patients.
Older men who take statins tend to do less physical activities: Study
Based on a new study, while statins reduce bad cholesterol levels, it may also cause men to work out less. Statins include medications such as Pravachol, Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, Vytorin and Lescol.
Scientists discover on-off switch for burning stored fat. Goodbye, obesity
Scientists from University of Texas have identified the pathway where white fat is converted to beige fat. The findings could open doors for the development of new diabetes and obesity drugs.
School break means hunger for thousands of students. Where will they go?
The federal, state and local governments are feeding children from low-income families this summer. Summer food program meal sites are scheduled to start at the end of June.
Young boy battling cancer becomes superhero for a day
South Florida got their own Striker Boy when Make-A-Wish Foundation gave a 9-year-old boy with leukemia a chance to be a superhero for his birthday. Jaylen Hyde saved many lives on June 6.
CDC confirms fourth death due to mad cow disease in U.S.
The CDC confirmed the fourth death from mad cow disease in the United States. While it is a fatal disease, the WHO still believes its risk to the U.S. is still negligible.
