Articles by Judy Mottl
Chikungunya virus making its way across U.S., no cure for mosquito-borne illness
The chikungunya virus is steadily making its way across the U.S. The newest mosquito-borne disease has now hit Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida as the weekend arrived.
Teens fighting less, smoking less and having less sex, but some bad habits are increasing
Most teenage bad habits are on the decline but some behavior remains a concern to federal agency officials. Texting while driving and unprotected sex appear to be increasing.
Gay hook-up apps may double risk of STDs, claims new research
Hooking up is getting easier for everyone, men and women, thanks to online dating sites, social networks and smartphone apps that help people meet up on the moment or find a new mate. But it's not without some drawbacks.
Vitamin D deficiency spikes risk of premature death, says new research
Yet another study on vitamin D. This time researchers claim a low level of the vitamin may double the chances of premature death.
Great Recession spurred suicides on global front with 10,000 deaths between North America and Europe
Researchers say more insight is needed on what specifically spurs suicides during bad economic years. The U.S. saw a spike of 4.8 percent between 2007 and 2010.
1 in 4 diabetic Americans undiagnosed, 10% of U.S. population struggling with diabetes
Researchers call the diabetes figures alarming. The related costs, from work loss and medical care, will spike, says new report.
Cell phones may spur infertility in men, especially if housed in pant pockets
New research indicates carrying a cell phone in pants pocket could impact a man's fertility. Environmental exposure potential needs more study, say researchers.
AMA lobbying for tougher e-cigarette regulations on marketing, sales of electronic smoking devices
The American Medical Association wants even more restrictions, such as not allowing e-cigarette makers to make devices in child-appealing flavors such as bubble gum and cotton candy. It would also like childproof packaging used in manufacturing.
Diabetes treatment cost and use on rapid rise, nearly as rapid as diagnosis trend
Diabetics are paying twice as much for newer insulin treatment options and are using more insulin. Out-of-pocket prescription cost jumped from $19 to $36 in one decade.
Hair dye remains a cancer-causing risk to hair stylists, says new research
A new Swedish research study claims carcinogens in hairdressers' blood could be tied to the hair dye and hair curling products inherent in their occupation. They recommend further research to assess potential higher risks of cancer.
Autism costs top million-dollar mark in U.S. and UK, higher than researchers expected
The research report parses out the specific costs for the U.S. and UK. The lifetime cost of supporting a patient was $2.4 million in the U.S. and $2.2 million in the UK. The lifetime cost to support a patient with autism but without an intellectual disability was $1.4 million in both locations.
Facebook posting on patient's diagnosis leads to hospital firing action
The University of Cincinnati Medical Center says it has fired a staffer tied to allegations of a patient's data being posted on Facebook. The patient is suing the center as well as two employees and an ex-lover.
Fasting kick-starts stem cells into immune system rejuvenation mode, says new research
New study reveals three days of fasting can bolster the immune system. It's especially effective for chemo patients and the elderly, says research.
Watercress tops powerhouse fruit, veggie list; time to slice crust off white bread
New ranking of vegetables and fruits shows some surprising results. Research reveals the top 41 "powerhouse fruits and vegetables."
Baby immune system boosted by insect allegens and bacteria in inner-city locales
Allergen and bacteria-rich living environments could be healthy for children one year and younger in inner-city areas as research indicates it may help boost immunity and thwart allergies and asthma risks later in life. High exposure to both bacteria and allergens may help infants avoid wheeze and allergic sensitization which are precursors to allergies and asthmas, reveals a new report that studied children in Baltimore, Boston, New York and St. Louis.
Marijuana may stem fertility in men so stop toking if you're trying for a baby
If you're toking and trying to have a baby, you might want to stop smoking pot, says a new study. Research indicates marijuana may negatively impact sperm.
Breakfast, no breakfast? Morning meal doesn't play into weight loss efforts, says study
New study says it doesn't matter if you eat breakfast or don't eat breakfast if you're dieting. The decision doesn't impact weight loss efforts.
Intel's to-do list: Display price drop, a wireless workplace and wire-free charging
Intel hopes to make the computing experience less cluttered, wireless and a more visually stimulating experience. It's working with partners on all three efforts.
Hormones may play a factor in autistic disorder, says new research
High levels of male hormone in boys may indicate that such hormones may be a contributing factor in autism spectrum disorder. New research report indicates more study regarding girls diagnosed with autism is needed.
As battle of e-cigarette safety rages a start-up takes a different approach to helping smokers quit
A start-up hopes to capitalize on the smoking segment aiming to quit the habit. A start-up developing a cigarette lighter that could help wanna-be ex-smokers has just seven days to meet its crowdfunding goal and it's a goal within reach.
E-cigarette TV ads directed at youths spiked 256% in two years, claims new report
The marketing push, says a new study, is putting the electronic smoking device in front of 24 million children. Such exposure, say researchers will increase youth use of the device.
MySpace launches unique marketing strategy to lure back members
If you left any embarrassing photos at MySpace way back when the social network is reaching out to remind you as a way to get you back on its site. Blackmail? Nope, just a way to engage, says the struggling social music site.
Blonde is just a matter of a tiny stem cell molecule tweak, says new research
Scientists say hair color is due to a tiny DNA change, one single letter of genetic code. The change does not influence eye color, personality or intellect.
White bread is not the dieter's friend: A new study claims it can foster obesity
It's better to avoid white bread if you're looking to lose weight. New research says there is a 40 percent higher risk of obesity if you eat two or more daily servings of white bread.
Swedish artist intends to put a little red house on the moon but needs $15M to make it happen
Mikael Genberg is envisioning a Swedish cottage about 6 and half feet by 10 feet. It isn't being built to actually house a human, it's more of an artistic creation.
New non-small lung cancer drug shows promise in extending life expectancy
A new drug is showing promise in helping non-small call lung cancer patients live a bit longer, about six weeks, and researchers believe it's significant given the fatality factor with such cancer.
Hormone drug in breast cancer treatment may boost fertility, survival rates
A new study reveals a new drug treatment could help breast cancer patients avoid fertility challenges following treatment and may even boost cancer survival chances. But authors warn it isn't a panacea for all patients.
New moms are older; fewer teens are having babies, claims new CDC research
A CDC report says women are putting off having that first baby for career and economic reasons and that public awareness is likely why teenage pregnancy is declining. Fertility rate hit a record low in 2013.
Snap! Snapshot CEO email furor reveals more than a few lessons to be learned
While the leaked emails obviously provide an insider's view to Evan Spiegel as a wild partier and woman chaser, with a penchant for rallying college boy fun in a very "Animal House" way, they also reveal how understanding the Silicon Valley and the Internet industry are of such behavior.
Melanoma deaths on decline in Israel; U.S. athletes are at greater risk, say new research reports
U.S. college athletes need to be better informed about sun exposure and melanoma, says one report. Another research effort notes a drop in melanoma in Israel.
