Articles by Anne Francis
A cup of coffee a day can protect your eyes from diseases, blindness
A new study shows that a cup of coffee a day can prevent retinal degeneration in mice. An antioxidant found in coffee may be able to fight off the causes of glaucoma, blurry vision or even blindness.
Rate of first births in older women in U.S. on the rise: CDC
CDC reports that the number of "older" first-time mothers in the United States have significantly increased since 1990. The new technology of freezing women's eggs and in vitro fertilization allow women to have children at their own time.
Hello, Vancouver and your pot vending machine. Ah, restricted to members of B.C. Pain Society.
B.C. Pain Society has started operating Canada's first marijuana vending machine. Health Canada said such business is illegal but dispensaries are being allowed to offer questionable services until ongoing legal challenges are settled.
'Super pill' will not turn you to Superman but save you from heart attack, stroke
The new "super pill" is a polypill, a combination of cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering medications. Researchers believe that this affordable medication can help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Syphilis affects 16,663 individuals in the U.S. annually, stats double since 2005
Syphilis is back in the United States from being almost completely eradicated in 2000 to doubling rates in 2014. Lack of medical follow-up and sexual history secrecy are the main causes of the spread and CDC recommends health care proffessionals to encourage safe sex and STD screenings.
Klotho gene variant not only helps slow aging but also helps old people stay sharp
Klotho gene variant called KL-VS may not only slow aging but it can also potentially make people smarter. The findings may be key to developing a drug that increases klotho levels or mimics the protein's function to aid people in improving their cognitive performance.
MERS update: Saudi Arabia reports 18 new cases
Saudi Arabia has reported a total number of 449 MERS infection to date. 121 patients have died from the disease and the country's health officials are now more proactive in protecting the health of the people.
Don't worry if you see Jesus on your toast. Experts say, you're not crazy.
Based on a new study, face pareidolia is a normal behavior based on physical causes. People who see faces in inanimate objects expect to see the images and being wired to face recognition, the brain processes such visual perception.
Need a lung? Humanized pig organs for transplant will be available in the near future
Synthetic Genomics Inc. and Lung Biotechnology Inc. team up to develop humanized pig lungs for organ transplantation. The collaboration aims to eliminate chronic and acute rejection that happens even in human to human organ transplants.
Toronto kids most susceptible to cavities, least likely to get proper dental care: Study
Latest study shows that very few children visit the dentist by the recommended age of 1. Researchers emphasized on the importance of dental care and how untreated cavities can cause not only pain but also more adverse effects in children.
Ban young people from using tanning beds: Saskatchewan's Opposition party
Saskatchewan's opposition NDP is calling for the prohibition of tanning beds for young people due to its association with skin cancer risks. The government might limit the use of tanning beds in the future.
Pacific Organic recalls mangoes for possible Listeria contamination
Pacific Organic Produce is recalling several cases of organic mangoes that maybe contaminated with Listeria. The mangoes were delivered to retailers and distributors in several U.S. states.
Health reforms in Massachusetts help decline mortality rates: Study
Based on a new study, expanding health insurance coverage helps lower mortality rates. The study suggests that Obamacare may save lives soon as it becomes available to Americans nationwide.
FDA approves AstraZeneca's EPANOVA, adjunct to diet for people with very high triglyceride levels
AstraZeneca won the approval of the FDA for Epanova, a new pill for heart diseases. Epanova is a fish oil-based medication that will compete against GlaxoSmithKline’s Lovaza and Amarin’s Vascepa.
Weight loss surgery decreases liver damage, mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver
A new study shows that bariatric surgery can help patients resolve their NAFLD and other liver diseases. Researchers recommend the procedure to people with a BMI of over 35 and 40.
Breakthrough fertility treatments, demand for designer babies may 'threaten humanity,' says IVF pioneer
Fertility expert Robert Winston expressed his fear that breakthrough IVF treatments could soon threaten the humanity. He said that parents who are enthusiastic and desperate may demand to enhance the appearance and abilities of their babies in the future.
'Tony Hawk,' 'Guitar Hero' developer Neversoft merges with Infinity Ward
Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk developer Neversoft merges with Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward. Neversoft will retire its name with Activision exec. VP heads the new combined studio.
Checking emails after office hours ups level of stress. Now, drop that smartphone, tablet
A new study shows that emailing outside normal working hours increase a worker's stress levels. It could be due to a physical toll or a productive stress that some actually desire.
Ford names new CEO: Allan Mulally, out. Mark Fields, in.
Mark Fields is named as Ford's new CEO. Allan Mulally retires on July 1, turning over a new driverless car era to his successor.
An aspirin a day prevents heart attack? Not for everyone, says FDA
Aspirin has been a secondary prevention for stroke and heart attack but FDA said evidence is not enough to consider it as a primary prevention. Bayer maintains that FDA approved aspirin to numerous cardiovascular indications and those who are in an aspirin regimen should consult with their healthcare provider.
Have asthma? You might be prone to bone loss, says study
People who have asthma appear to be more prone to bone loss than those who don't. Reasons could be low levels of vitamin D, corticosteroid use, race or even unhealthy habits.
Virgin Mobile customers vent frustration on social media after big network outage in Australia
Virgin Mobile Australia had a network outage on May 3, leaving millions of its customers without service. Disgruntled customers took to social media to vent out their frustrations over the telco's poor customer service.
Oink! Deadly virus killing 1 in 10 pigs in the U.S., expect pork price to rise
A virus that killed millions of pigs in the U.S. causes the price of pork to increase to a record high. France, China and Japan issued restrictions on pig imports from the U.S.
Divorce rate spikes among older couples if wife becomes sick
Divorce rate appears to increase among older married couples when the wife falls ill as opposed to when the husband does. The new study aims to create awareness about the link between divorce and disease and encourage advocates to broaden support for couples experiencing the illness of a partner.
Google Glass components only cost $79.78. Will you still buy it for $1,500?
Google Glass is priced at $1,500 but its estimated BOM is only at around $80. The estimate is based on the device's parts only, excluding other production factors. But will this price tag still be reduced in the future?
Travelers to Caribbean: Beware of Chikungunya!
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus has recently arrived in the Caribbean. The CDC issued a warning for travelers, encouraging them to use repellants and permethrin-treated clothes.
The SCiO food scanner can revolutionize how we see food and change our eating habits
SCiO is a food scanner that identifies a physical matter's molecular fingerprint. It is a portable gadget that can help people be more aware of their food and drug intake.
Will the 'Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare' be the reinforcement Activision is looking for?
The "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare" trailer was recently revealed and it seems that Activision used a Hollywood production to draw the attention of gamers. The game appears to focus on a PMC that will go against the government.
Babies should sleep on their back, not on tummy. Study reminds parents of safe infant sleep practices
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the leading cause of death among babies in the U.S. However, despite a national campaign for awareness, many families still do not follow the recommended guidelines for their infant's safe sleeping.
Embryonic stem cells cloned from woman with Type 1 diabetes may aid treatment research
Scientists have created the first disease-specific embryonic stem cell line with two sets of chromosomes. The study can be used to explore potential treatment for diabetes and other serious conditions.
