Articles by Dianne Depra
Humpback Whales Becoming More and More Common in Waters Around New York City
Make way for Manhattan’s newest guests! Humpback whale numbers are the biggest they’ve been in years, reaching up to 87 sightings in 2014.
Air Pollution Warnings issued in Southern Minnesota. Authorities Concerned Thick Fog Could Cause Health Problems
Air pollution is serious business. Minnesota geared up for its effects by releasing a health advisory warning residents in the southern portion of the state.
Trapping in Northern Maine Shut Down After the Deaths of 2 Lynx
Traps are necessary for catching pests. However, when the wrong creatures are captured accidentally, traps must be shut down no matter how necessary they may be.
Ebola Vaccine Human Tests Show Promising Results
Ebola has claimed so many lives, but there is a ray of hope in the promising results that the recent clinical trial brought. Hopefully results continue to be promising in the next phases of the trial.
Virtual Doctor App Currently Being Tested by Walgreens
Already the leading drugstore in the nation, Walgreens aims to take healthcare to the next level with telemedicine, creating a virtual doctor app for online checkups and prescriptions.
New 'High-Entropy' Alloy is Stronger than Titanium but Lighter than Aluminum
Alloys are already impressive but they just got even better with high-entropy alloys. Nothing like any alloy ever made, high-entropy alloys not only act as one material but also grow stronger where other alloys weaken.
5 Trillion Pieces of Plastic Floating in World's Oceans. How Does the Problem Affect Marine Life?
Fish, birds and reptiles can’t easily tell the difference between a small fish and a floating piece of plastic, ingesting said plastic along with the pollutants it absorbed on its journey across the world’s oceans.
Brain Injury Hormone Treatment not Effective says Study
Progesterone held promise but results didn’t turn out quite as expected during the clinical trial, with the hormone performing no better than placebo during treatment.
International Climate Aid Fails to Reach Many of the Poorest Countries in Need
Climate change is real and it has left the poorest countries reeling from its effects. Unfortunately, climate funding isn't reaching these countries enough.
Orbital Sciences to Use an Atlas Rocket to Replace Doomed Antares
Even NASA’s top contractors need help. To fulfill its contract with the agency, Orbital Sciences is turning to the Atlas V rocket as an alternative to its Antares for now.
Journalists, Students Get Up Close and Personal with Hawaii Lava Flow
Big Island residents have chosen to use the lava flow as a learning experience for children in an effort to let them cope better with the situation. The tour also gave journalists a glimpse of what Mother Nature is capable of.
Parents of Teen Who Died from Caffeine Overdoes Seek Ban on Caffeine Powder
Without proper labels, it’s easy to go beyond recommended doses. The FDA is being petitioned then to focus more on powdered caffeine and the danger it brings.
Severe Flu Season from October to May Predicted by the CDC
The flu season may regularly come but it’s never the same. A more severe strain of the influenza virus is making its rounds, highlighting the need for caution and vigilance.
Study Shows Women with Dense Breasts May Have Little to Gain from Additional Breast Cancer Tests
Got diagnosed with dense breasts? Don’t rush to a second screening just yet! A study suggests a careful consideration of breast cancer risks before anything else to determine if an extra screening is necessary.
New Type of Superconductor Observed to Possess 'Unusual' Electronic State
With the discovery of a new electronic state, further understanding of superconductors is achieved, allowing researchers to take a step forward towards coming up with real-world applications.
New Technology From Intel Helps Stephen Hawking Talk Two Times Faster
With a mind as active as Stephen Hawking's, you can expect overflowing thoughts. Technology that would be able to translate those thoughts into speech quickly will definitely help, thanks to Intel.
Chances of Extreme Heat Waves in Europe Up Tenfold
Human influence on climate is definitely becoming evident, leading to record spikes in temperature. As the climate generally becomes warmer, risks of extreme heatwaves happening also increase.
CBERS-4 Satellite Hitches a Ride into Space on China's 200th Rocket Launch
With 200 launches under its belt, China is steadily gaining the experience it needs to create better spacecrafts. CBERS-4 is the result of working together with Brazil to achieve common space goals.
Scientists Find Key Protein to Supercharge Healing. Eat your Heart Out Wolverine
The body is under assault all the time. With the discovery of a protein that controls healing, wounds may disappear faster, reducing the time it needs to fully recover.
Exotic Material May Be the Next Big Thing in Electronics
Move over, silicon. Samarium hexaboride is here, touting dramatic capabilities that could significantly boost computing power. The material receives official classification, solving a mystery that physicists have pondered for decades.
World's Oldest Two-faced Cat Frank and Louie Succumbs to Cancer at 15
In his 15 years of existence, Frank and Louie defied the odds by surviving well beyond what the typical Janus cat is capable of. The two-faced feline finally said goodbye on Thursday.
Novartis Version of Amgen Cancer Drug Just as Good as Original
It’s always a good thing to have other options. Novartis’ version of Neupogen appears to be just as effective as the original, providing breast cancer patients with neutropenia other choices to consider.
Aspirin Studies Show Conflicting Results Weighing Risks, Benefits. To Take or Not to Take?
All medications have their pros and cons. To take advantage of them, a balance between benefits and risks must be achieved. A study takes on aspirin to determine where it stands for heart health.
Text Message as Lifesaver: Text Reminders Help Patients Stick to Prescribed Drugs
A study shows that taking advantage of technology is effective in ensuring people take their medication on time. A simple text message may be all it takes for patients to stay on track in improving the effects of treatment.
Will This Broccoli Pill be a Game Changer in War Against Cancer?
Mom was right when she made you eat your broccoli. Full of sulforaphane, the vegetable has the potential to prevent, slow down, and ultimately stop the spread of cancer in the body.
Arizona Pastor: Kill Gays for AIDS-free World by Christmas. Really, now? [Video]
Just in time for World AIDS Day, Steven Anderson delivered a sermon aimed at eradicating the disease in time for Christmas. His intentions were good but his methods? Not so much.
FDA Approves Jakafi for Rare, Deadly Bone Marrow Disease
Polycythemia vera leads to complications like enlarged spleens. Clinical trials proved Jakafi was effective and safe, earning the medication an approval from the FDA.
Watch Shark Pups of Dead Shark Delivered by Beachgoers in South Africa [Video]
You know what’s more fascinating than a shark? Performing an emergency C-section on a shark to save its pups, as a group of beachgoers in South Africa would discover.
Why Humans are Smarter than Chimps? Thank this Brain Network
Chimps may appear more cunning but humans are still smarter, according to a study. Brain differences show people still have higher cognitive abilities than other primates.
Nobel Prize Medal of James Watson Sets Auction Record at $4.8 Million
Nobel Prize gold medals make for great mementos but they're even better as collectors' items. James Watson's medal fetched a record $4.8 million in an auction.
