Articles by Judy Mottl
Smartphones carry more than contacts, photos; they also carry our personal microbiomes
Research reveals smartphones and cell phones are home to bacteria and not all that bacteria is bad. Women's handsets boast more bacteria than a man's, notes study.
Pediatricians: Reading is the best developmental activity for infants
Pediatrics group urges parents to start reading to children as soon as they are born as it stimulates brain development. It can also strengthen the bond between parent and child, says the group.
Stress plays critical role in heart attack scenario, turns white cells into an enemy
There's long been the phrase 'stress kills' and new research seems to give that slang bumper sticker of a saying some greater relevance. A weak immune system can create perfect conditions for a heart attack.
Diets heavy in dairy could improve colon cancer survival rate, research reveals
New research indicates dairy and milk consumption may lead to longer survival for colon cancer patients. But one doctor refutes that completely and says dairy shouldn't be in anyone's diet.
Extra nutrients aren't necessarily a good thing for young children, elderly or those pregnant
New research warns parents, elderly of risks in excessive intake of vitamin A. The Environmental Working Group advises closer attention to nutrient intake given potential health risks.
Genes may play factor in marijuana use, development of schizophrenia, research reveals
The genes linked to potential development of schizophrenia may also be a factor in a person's use of marijuana, according to a research team at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. The common psychiatric disorder impacts one in 100 and those who use pot are twice as likely to develop the disorder.
Routine vitamin D screenings not necessary, says federal health task force
Federal task force isn't advocating widespread screening for vitamin D. One reason is uncertainty over whether supplements are necessary when levels are low.
Study: Pesticide exposure during pregnancy may factor into baby's autism risk
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that exposure to common pesticides during pregnancy may be a factor in a child's developmental delay and autism. They claim results 'strengthen' the evidence the two factors are related.
Americans not saving much, as 26% have no emergency savings
A new Bankrate.com report reveals 26 percent of Americans have no emergency savings and the number of those with three months' expenses in savings dipped from 45 percent in 2013 to 40 percent this year. The report also notes that 67 percent of Americans have saved less than the recommended six months' worth of expenses and half have saved less than three months' expenses.
E-cig update: FDA extends public comment on new proposed e-cigarette rules
In April the FDA announced new efforts to review further regulation of e-cigarettes in response to consumer concerns the devices are being increasingly marketed toward children. Currently FDA regulates cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco.
Standing may become the new craze at team meetings
A new report reveals standing, rather than sitting, during meetings not only boosts individual performance but team creativity. The authors say it is the first study to validate the interpersonal effects of non-sedentary work configurations.
U.S. gas price jumps nearly 2 cents in last two weeks, says new survey
The latest Lundberg survey reports the average regular gas price in the U.S. spiked 1.87 cents in just the past two weeks to hit $3.7098 a gallon. That price reflects an 11.29 cents bump compared to a year ago and is the highest regular gas price since May 2.
E-cigs under fire once again, this time from Michigan lawmaker
Michigan Governor may veto an e-cig law because he says it's not strong enough to stop sales to minors. His actions come on the heels of a California congresswoman's action regarding e-cigarettes.
Yo. Yes I'm talking to you. New app draws some unwanted attention to no one's surprise
A million dollars for a software app that lets a user click once to send a "Yo" to a contact. Yup, that's the state of mobile apps today, and clearly illustrates venture capitalists are so hungry to invest they're not thinking.
E-cigs draw more lawmaker scrutiny: New bill aims to regulate like traditional tobacco
E-cigs remain hot topic of debate with yet another lawmaker aiming to regulate smoking device. The feds are already mulling new rules on marketing.
E-cigarettes remain a hot topic with lawmakers as industry growth continues
E-cigarette makers are under scrutiny for marketing that lawmakers and anti-smoking groups believe is focused on youth. A federal agency is considering enacting more regulatory measures on the devices.
Sunshine lover? Love to tan? You may just be addicted to feeling good, says new study
New research indicates the act of tanning can possibly be addictive. The big reason? It feels good. If you love tanning, whether it'd be outdoors or in a salon, it may be that you've become addicted to the sun worshipping practice, says a new study.
Depression may be factor in women having heart attacks, claims new study
Depression may play a role in women suffering a heart attack and clogged artery issues, according to new research in the Journal of the American Heart Association. A study claims women ages 55 and younger are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack if they're moderately or heavily depressed.
Gene mutations can decrease risk of coronary heart disease, may lead to better treatment
The mutations impact a gene called APOC3, according to research published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, and play into the role of triglycerides, which is a type of fat in human blood. High triglyceride levels are a major factor in heart disease.
Chikungunya spreading, mosquito-borne virus is being viewed as a national threat
There are now two more confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya, in Florida with two residents testing positive for the disease. So far, all cases recorded have been people infected while they were abroad.
Big tobacco puts a big target on e-cigarette market, R.J. Reynolds prepping national product launch
The e-cigarette market, which has already seen big growth, is only going to get bigger as traditional tobacco companies make a move. The first is R.J. Reynolds and its new Vuse e-cigarette.
Sitting all day, or all night, may bring on higher risk of certain cancers, says new report.
Couch potatoes are at a higher risk of several cancers, says a new report. The research team recommends incorporating exercise into the day routine if you spend most of your day sitting.
E-cigarette marketing robust as vendors pack more flavor options on the shelves
Marketing of the electronic smoking device is going strong despite increasing debate on its effectiveness and potential health concerns, with more e-cig flavors crowding the shelves. The number of flavors, says a researcher, is staggering.
Staring at PC screens impacts eye secretions, symptoms mimic dry eye disease
If you stare at a PC screen all day and your eyes start to hurt, then it's time to blink and drop in some artificial tears. Long hours of computer use can bring on symptoms of dry eye disease, according to new research.
Caffeine impact on boys, post puberty, is more dramatic than girls' reaction
New research indicates boys have a greater response to caffeine post puberty than girls. Teenagers are now consuming greater amounts of caffeine thanks to energy drinks, states a separate report.
Weight-loss surgery could cut cancer risk, reduce diabetes diagnosis potential
New research indicates bariatric surgery could do more than reduce weight gain. It may reduce cancer risk, says new report.
Steak is a better health choice over that hotdog or salami which can be heart killers
New research reveals that men should pass on the hotdog and salami platters and just stick to steak if they're hungry for meat. Be forewarned a high diet of processed red meat brings on a higher risk of heart issues.
New gene treatment reveals promising future for rare blood disorder
A new gene therapy from Bluebird Bio has helped two patients suffering from beta-thalassemia. The disorder requires blood transfusions as treatment. The gene therapy eliminated those transfusions within a 12-day period of being administered.
WHO: Blood supply demands attention around the globe, especially in developing countries
India, which boasts a population of 1.2 billion citizens, is facing a blood shortage crisis and the World Health Organization is making a worldwide plea for blood donations.
Fasting can spur weight loss, possibly stem heart disease and diabetes
Researchers say a food fast has shown to have a beneficial result in weight loss which is a key aspect of avoiding diabetes and may also lower bad cholesterol levels which can prevent heart disease.
