Articles by Katherine Derla
Older People At Risk For More Complications After Cancer Surgery
Researchers found that older patients who had cancer surgery are more prone to injuries and health issues. The chances of being sent to care facilities were also higher in this group along with an increased risk of dying before a recovery.
Strange Group Of Microbes Can Thrive Deep In The Earth Without Oxygen
An international team of researchers found a unique group of new microbes that survive underneath the Earth's surface even without light and oxygen. They called the new microbe group Hadesarchaea in honor of the Greek underworld god Hades.
Preemies With Low Birth Weight Likely To Be Bullied
Researchers have found that preemies or babies born with extremely low birth weight are more likely to be bullied. The lasting effects of bullying go all the way into adulthood and increase the risks of developing anxiety and mental health disorders.
Robots Can Learn Ethical Behavior By Reading Children's Stories
Robots learn socially accepted behavior by reading and understanding children's books, particularly stories about chivalry. Researchers developed a technology called 'Quixote' that can teach robots how to align their goals with proper human behavior in social settings.
Running May Help Slow Cancer Growth, Suggests New Mice Study
A study has found that adrenaline surge from exercise can help move natural killer (NK) immune cells towards tumors. In a mice study, the ones who ran on wheels showed a reduced rate in cancer growth.
Microchip Used In World's First Implantable Artificial Kidney
A team of scientists created the world's first artificial kidney that can be implanted and powered by the patient's own heart. Using a microchip called the "silicon nanotechnology," the bio-hybrid device mimics a real kidney and can keep patients off dialysis.
This Is How Employers Can Motivate Workers To Exercise
Hustle! A study has found that employees are more motivated to reach daily fitness goals if financial rewards are put at risk. Effective framing of workplace fitness programs with money incentives can improve its chances for success.
These Are The Best Weight Loss Apps According To Scientific Study
Australian researchers rated U.S. app Noom Weight Loss Coach as the top weight loss mobile application. The study was the first research in Australia to analyze the scientific basis and quality of numerous weight loss apps in the market.
Jamaica Uses Song And Dance To Spread Awareness About Zika Virus
The Ministry of Health Jamaica uses the power of song and dance to increase awareness about the virus. The health agency released a reggae music video titled 'We Nuh Want Zik V' wherein comedian-songwriter Dr. Michael Abrahams doles out Zika prevention tips with a catchy beat.
Dangerously Beautiful: Extinct Flower Preserved In Amber May Have Been Poisonous
Scientists found that a 30-million-year-old fossil flower belonged to an entirely new species of the Strychnos genus. The new species is called Strychnos electri and could have been poisonous.
Broccoli Compound May Slow Growth Of Breast Cancer Cells
Researchers discovered that a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower can slow down the growth of breast cancer cells, especially during the early stages. The findings can lead to improved cancer therapies.
Here's Why Discovery Of Einstein's Gravitational Waves Is Such A Big Deal
The discovery of Einstein's gravitational waves are, well, making waves all over the world. What's the big deal? Here are three reasons why you should care.
Pfizer Recalls Advil Products For Children Over Inconsistent Dosing Risk
Health Canada alerted consumers and healthcare providers about Pfizer's voluntary recall of 126 lots of Advil products for infants and children. Ibuprofen clumps can form inside the bottle and can lead to dosage inconsistencies if the products are not shaken well prior to usage.
Type 2 Diabetes Drug Liraglutide Weakens Insulin-Producing Cells
Research has found that long-term use of type 2 diabetes drug liraglutide caused degenerative weakening of insulin-producing cells. Liraglutide is an FDA-approved drug marketed as Victoza used for treating the condition alongside an exercise and diet regimen.
4 Billion People Face Water Shortage: Rising Populations, Agriculture Drive Water Demand
Rising populations and increasing agricultural practices are main drivers of worldwide water shortage. The World Wide Fund for Nature said two-thirds of the worldwide population could suffer from water shortages by 2025.
Gov. Snyder Seeks Expanded Medicaid Coverage In Flint Water Crisis
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to include pregnant women and those up to 21 years old in the medical coverage for Flint residents. The requested expansion will cover all incomes, too.
Rare Supernova Impostor Found In Nearby Galaxy NGC 300
Researchers found that a supernova-wannabe star in a nearby galaxy called NGC 300 had a badass companion. They thought the case was closed in 2010 when the impostor was first found but a second look at the supernova impostor revealed something else.
Women With Overactive Thyroid May Have Higher Risk For Breast Cancer
A Danish study found that women with hyperthyroidism have 11 percent increased risk for breast cancer compared to women with normal thyroids. On the other hand, women with hypothyroidism have reduced breast cancer risks by 6 percent.
Zika Virus Vaccine 18 Months Away From Trials: WHO
WHO said 15 companies and groups are currently in the hunt for Zika vaccines. Scientists in both Colombia and Brazil are conducting separate studies to confirm the link between the virus and microcephaly.
Asthma Medication May Raise Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk
A new research found that asthma patients aged 50 and above carry amplified risks for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A recent diagnosis for asthma is linked to AAA rupture risk by almost two-folds.
Forget Diamonds, Extremely Rare Sardinian Ichnusaite Makes Better Gift For Valentine's Day
Diamonds are a girl's best friend but not for long. Scientists have come up with an initial list of rare minerals that can soon become the best exotic gifts for Valentine's Day.
Here's Why Americans Steer Away From Driving Cars
Fewer Americans are getting or renewing driver's licenses, taking public transportation or Uber to work instead. The trend is popular among younger people, especially the Millennials, but the trend is increasing among people in their 30s and 40s.
Shorter Prison Sentence May Reduce Number Of Sexual Partners, Cut HIV Rates In Community
Researchers have found that a shorter prison sentence can help slow down HIV spread and lessen the number of sexual partners for both men and women. Findings have suggested that having a more open criminal and justice system, one that supports the maintenance of inmates’ relationships can have important effects on sexual and public health.
Exposure To E-Cigarette Vapor During Pregnancy Could Harm Unborn Baby
According to studies, e-cigarette vapor could harm the brain development of unborn and newborn babies. Two mice studies revealed that exposure to e-cigarette vapor during pregnancy can lead to increased hyperactive behavior in children.
Keeping A Healthy Heart May Protect Your Brain From Dementia
Researchers found that good heart health can help protect the brain from dementia. The study found a significant drop in the participants monitored for 40 years and overall cardiovascular health seems to be driving dementia risks down.
Whales That Died On Scottish Beaches Found To Have Toxic Levels Of Mercury
Study found cadmium and mercury in the remains of whales that died on Scottish shores in 2012. The findings suggested that the concentrations of mercury in the seas could be increasing to a level that could add more toxic stress into the marine mammals.
New Study Casts Doubt On Theories About Origins Of Yellowstone Supervolcano
New computer model undermines popular theories about Yellowstone Supervolcano's origins. The common belief is that it was formed from a mantle plume but new study says otherwise.
Robotic System May Streamline, Reduce Cost Of Drug Development
American scientists have developed an algorithm that can predict the effects of numerous individual drugs on a large number of target proteins. The robotic system can reduce necessary tests by 70 percent and make drug discovery faster, more efficient and inexpensive.
Frozen Rabbit Brain Successfully Preserved Without Damage Through New Cryonics Method
Scientists preserved a rabbit brain without damage using a new cryonics method called the aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation or ASC. This method successfully preserved the delicate brain circuitry.
Teen Marijuana Users Have Poorer Verbal Memory In Middle Age
A study discovered that middle-aged people who smoked weed as teenagers had poorer verbal memory. Verbal memory decreased by 0.13 standardized units for every five years of past marijuana exposure.
