Articles by Anne Francis
High antidepressant dose may lead to suicide among teens
Children and young adults who take higher-than-prescribed doses of antidepressants appear to be more at risk to suicidal thoughts and self harm than those who take recommended dosages. There's no evidence that higher doses help more than lower ones, thus, may even add risk to the patient.
Medical marijuana may help ease MS but ineffective for treating mental disorders
A review of available studies shows that medical marijuana may alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms but evidence is still not enough to conclude that it can treat brain diseases. Researchers also noted that marijuana has dangerous effects.
Scientists map tsetse fly genome. Will this be the end of the deadly sleeping sickness?
A group of scientists from around the world studied the genetic code of the tsetse fly, an insect whose bite causes parasitic disease. The study aims to eradicate the population by interfering with its reproduction.
Scent of man freaks out lab mice
Scientists claim that the scent of a man increases the stress levels of rodents. The new study demonstrates the importance of the experimenter's gender to the accuracy of study results involving rats and mice.
Alibaba Group partners with UCWeb to challenge Baidu in search market
Alibaba Group and UCWeb announced its joint venture for a mobile search project called Shenma. The new search engine is integrated with Alibaba's current system allowing customers to purchase products through the Shenma platform.
FDA shows greenlight to HPV DNA test for cervical cancer. How will it save lives?
FDA recently approved a DNA-based HPV test for first option in cervical cancer screening. While HPV cannot be treated, early detection of cervix cell changes can save lives.
Microsoft: U.S. search warrants do not apply to content stored in servers abroad
The U.S. government sought for emails stored in Ireland but Microsoft challenged the search warrant, claiming that data stored outside of the country cannot be obtained. On April 25, the federal judge rejected the company's claim and maintained the status quo.
Measles cases in U.S. worst in 20 years: CDC
CDC reports an increase in measles cases in the U.S. in 2014. The outbreaks can be traced to unvaccinated people who travel outside the country, bring the infection back with them when they return and spread it.
Smartphone printed on T-Shirt? Possible with nanolaser technology
The new spaser technology offers many advantages such as being used as alternative to transition-based devices among others. However, the most exciting possibility is that these spasers might just be able to print a smart phone on a t-shirt!
Ronald McDonald gets a new look, ready for posting selfies on Twitter
McDonald's breaks its silence and debuts Ronald's new wardrobe and tech-savvy image to better engage with its customers. The largest hamburger chain seems ready to go back to the forefront and boost its weak sales.
More than 80,000 people to die of pancreatic cancer in Europe this year: Study
In an alarming increase of estimated pancreatic cancer deaths in Europe in 2014, experts urged for immediate measures to prevent and treat the disease. However, while rates for a few types of cancer are expected to increase, several others are predicted to decrease.
Want well-rounded kids? Give them some sweets, snacks, and allow some TV time
A new study shows that children who eat snacks and sweets are happier than those who do only occasionally or never. It also shows that allowing an hour of television for your child may prove to be beneficial to his or her well-being.
Lab-grown human skin from stem cells may soon replace animals in cosmetic, drug testing
A new research was able to successfully grow genetically identical samples of the human skin for the first time. The artificial skin can be used to test drugs and cosmetics and study several skin conditions as well.
What's 'beezin'? Teens try to get high using lip balm on eyelids
Teens are getting a new kind of high from 'beezin,' which is the act of slathering Burt's Bees lip balm on the eyelids. Doctors say that while the product claims to be 100 percent natural, beezin may still pose serious health risks.
Ohio woman fakes terminal cancer to raise $21,000
An Ohio woman is charged with felony theft after faking terminal intestinal cancer and collecting donation from family, friends and supporters.
Acting out your dreams? Sleep disorder may indicate Parkinson's, Alzheimer's: Study
A new study shows that people who act out their dreams may develop brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia in the near future. A sleep disorder is now considered as the best predictor of brain diseases.
Older parents are more at risk of having a child with autism
A recent study shows that the risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability is associated with the parental age. The mother's age is stronger and more complex than the father's age effect.
Traumatic brain injury patients with more education recover faster: Study
Aside from the untiring reminders of parents about higher education, doctors may have a good and convincing reason why learning should be taken seriously. See why it matters in cases of traumatic brain injury.
Scientists tweak cochlear implant with gene therapy, improve hearing in animals
University of New South Wales researchers made a remarkable breakthrough in delivering nerve booster and cochlear implant technique. The new method could be a promising approach in hearing loss treatment.
Pain kills sexual drive in females, study in mice suggests
A new study in mice shows that pain lowers sexual desire in females whereas the male mice still wanted to copulate even if their genitals and other body parts were in pain. Researchers believe female sexual behavior may be regulated by biological factors, instead of social or cultural ones.
New study links marijuana use to heart attack, stroke
A new study shows that young, middle-aged adults who use marijuana may develop cardiovascular-related and other health problems. Health issues caused by pot smoking includes blood clotting and tiny vessel changes, increased angina and strokes, among others.
Ebola outbreak in Africa: Death toll climbs to 147
The World Health Organization reported more than 140 deaths cause by the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Despite rumors of it spreading to other countries, the virus appears to remain contained in Guinea and Liberia.
DNA editing technique to cure adult genes
Gene editing system in laboratory mice is now linked to correcting human diseases such as Huntington's disease, hemophilia and other diseases caused by single mutations.
Apple headed to NFC and mobile payments?
Is Apple ready for mobile payment technology? Rumors about secret meetings, patent filings and analyst predictions indicate the company is.
Whooping cough cases up in Long Beach, health officials campaign for immunization
Long Beach health officials recorded a significant increase of whooping cases in the city. They warn the residents about the disease's adverse effects and encourage families to immunize themselves.
Laughter improves brain work, good for short-term memory
A Loma Linda University research showed that laughter improves short-term memory in older adults. Those who laughed for 20 minutes lowered their blood pressure and decreased their level of cortisol, a stress hormone that is connected to stress.
Low vitamin D in pregnancy increases risk of toddler cavities
A new study suggests that vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women can lead to toddler tooth cavities. Scientists from University of Manitoba suggest that health behavior and socio-economic status of mothers are linked to deficient teeth enamel in babies.
Chicken recall: Prime Pak Foods recalls 24,000 tenders for undeclared allergens and misbranding
The USDA announced the recall of 24,000 breaded chicken breast tenders from Prime Pak Foods in Georgia. The products are formulated with eggs and wheat, allergens that were not declared on the product label.
Green Leaf Medicinals, Health Canada recall Purple Kush medical marijuana before 4-20
Greenleaf Medicinals recalled a batch of marijuana for unclear reasons. The recall comes after Health Canada's inspection yielded "questionable production practices" by the medical marijuana supplier.
Dengue cure: Scientists probe new techniques, drug target for vaccine discovered
Scientists have found new information about the virus that causes Dengue fever and other closely related diseases such as the West Nile, Japanese encephalitis and Yellow fever that may help develop treatments or vaccines against it.
