Articles by Dianne Depra
Flu Season Ramps Up and You Might not have Best Flu Vaccine for It
Flu shots protect against the influenza virus but maybe not so much this year, as vaccines distributed turn out to be based on a different virus wreaking havoc in the country.
Superbugs Killing Thousands of Babies in India. Should You Worry?
Babies are naturally susceptible to infections, but everyone is at risk because superbugs resistant to antibiotics can affect anyone. And when taken hold, they might never let go.
Longer Surgery Time Translates to Higher Blood Clot Risk
Surgeries vary in length depending on how complex a case is. Now aside from the usual set of risks during surgery, doctors now also have to be mindful of a complication that arises in long surgeries: blood clots.
Isolation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales for 70,000 Years Baffles Scientists
A certain population of the humpback whale really, really, really likes the Arabian Sea, choosing to stay in the same place for tens of thousands of years.
Can You Really Quit Smoking? Your Brain Waves Can Tell if You Will Succeed or Fail
Whether or not you successfully quit smoking can now be detected in your brain. Researchers tout early detection method to effectively identify early quitters so alternative treatments can be quickly prescribed.
New FDA Drug Label Rule Makes it Easier for Pregnant, Breastfeeding Women to Understand Risks
Pregnant and breastfeeding women have to be mindful of what they take in. The final FDA rule on labeling aims to make it easier for them as risks and benefits will be clearly outlined.
Most People Ignore Cancer Signs and Symptoms, Survey Reveals
Cancer can happen to anyone at any time. Unfortunately, a lot of people are putting themselves at even bigger risk by ignoring possible cancer symptoms.
Japanese Space Probe Hayabusa2 Begins Journey to Asteroid 1999 JU3
Building upon what made the first probe work, Hayabusa2 sets off to its target asteroid, starting a six-year journey that aims to bring scientists a step closer towards understanding how life began on Earth.
NASA's Orion Test Flight Gives Glimpse of Past and Future of Space Travel
The Orion spacecraft represents ambitious plans for manned Mars exploration by 2030. Preparations, however, are highly reminiscent of missions to the moon, making a lot of people sentimental.
Toy-Related Injuries in U.S. Up and Scooters Are to Blame
Scooters are fun and apparently very dangerous. Researchers highlight the need for safety gear and adult supervision during play.
Will Texas Execute Killer Who is Schizophrenic, Delusional?
The mentally ill are reprieved for their crimes. Whether or not Scott Panetti is executed will be determined by whether or not his lawyers can prove mental illness in their client.
HIV Becoming Less Potent to Cause AIDS but Still Deadly: Study
HIV is far from being eradicated but there is good news in knowing it has become less potent, leading to less new infections which make it a bit easier to manage the virus.
Mediterranean Diet Can Help You Live Longer, Look Younger
Eating right has long been touted to be good for the health. But more than just loading up on fruits and vegetables, choosing a Mediterranean diet will be particularly beneficial.
Scientists Create Synthetic Enzymes Crucial to Life. Why This Milestone is Important
By proving enzymes can be created from non-naturally occurring materials, researchers have dramatically expanded possibilities involving their use. Now, something crucial to life need not start from something with life.
Human Love Affair with Alcohol Started 10 Million Years Ago
Humans and alcohol? It’s a tale as old as time. Well, about 10 million years old to be exact, according to a study.
Obama Asks Congress for $6.2 Billion to Help Fight Ebola
The emergency funding will go to efforts both in and out of the country, all directed towards not just keeping Ebola at bay but ending the outbreak completely.
Breast Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise in Slowing Spread, Progression of Cancer
By targeting a certain protein, a clinical trial successfully shows breast cancer progression can be slowed down. It’s not a cure but it’s definitely a step in the right direction towards beating breast cancer.
New York City Allocates $130 Million to Improve Services for Mentally Ill Inmates
New York City’s reformation plan aims to treat mentally ill offenders better, keeping them out of jail where they can hurt and be hurt themselves.
One Season of High School Football Enough to Cause Brain Changes in Players
It's not surprising that playing high school football can change players. The change, however, appears to be more physical, happening in the brain just after a season of playing.
UN Climate Change Talks Start in Peru
Lima is the last stage on which terms may be defined before the global warming deal is finalized next year. Negotiators are hard at work, ensuring all bases are covered.
Wake up During Surgery? Yes, it Happens and it has Long-Term Psychological Effects
You’d be scarred for life, too, if it happened to you. It’s called anesthetic awareness and it’s a very real risk present in all surgeries.
Graphene Can Turn You into Man of Steel: Better than Kevlar in Absorbing Impact of Supersonic Bullets
Is graphene the next big thing for armors? It could be, according to a study, given that it's better than steel and Kevlar in absorbing impact from a bullet.
U.S. Babies Still at Risk of Suffocation with Soft Bedding, Blankets in Cribs: Survey
Lay them down surrounded by warmth and softness? Not a good idea when putting babies to sleep, according to a study, as it increases risks of suffocation and death.
Artificial Pancreas Better than Conventional Insulin Pumps for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment: Study
Dealing with type 1 diabetes is difficult, but researchers may have found a better way with dual-hormone artificial pancreas. A clinical trial has yielded some promising results.
Black Friday Is Out, Green Friday Is in: Colorado Goes Marijuana for the Holidays
An ounce of pot for $50 when normal prices reach $300? That’s a Green Friday deal worth falling in line 14 hours for.
Philae Might Boot Up Again in March, say Rosetta Mission Engineers
It may be lost on a comet right now, but it's not the end for Philae. Engineers working on the Rosetta mission are hoping it will be back on its feet in a few months after warming up.
Human Behavior Studies Using Facebook, Twitter Data? Experts Warn of Possible Biases, Errors
Social media offers a wealth of information, but to take full advantage of all that data, researchers must first address issues in the data-gathering process.
This Pill Makes Your Farts Smell Like Chocolate. Perfect Holiday Gift Idea, Right?
Never worry about the after-effects of a hearty holiday meal by giving the gift of sweet-smelling farts this Yuletide season. Everyone will thank you.
Antikythera Mechanism: Ancient Computer Predates Similar Technologies by 1000 Years. What is it really?
So far, it predicts solar and lunar eclipses, forecasts astrological systems and can be used to teach astronomy. Researchers are still learning about the Antikythera Mechanism, most recently revealing the device’s calendar’s starting point.
Mount Aso in Japan Erupts, Diverts Flights
Mount Aso’s seeing elevated volcanic activity this week but it is believed it will not intensify. Just the same, residents around the volcano are being urged to stay alert at all times.
