Articles by Katrina Pascual
These Disposable Mini-Robots Can Save Lives
Take a look at these disposable mini-robots developed by UC Berkeley researchers that can prove useful in search and rescue operations — at a small size and even cheaper costs.
New Tool Can Estimate Cancer Patient Survival Time
A new tool from UCLA called Survival Analysis of mRNA Isoform Variation (SURVIV) is hoped to predict cancer patient survival time better than conventional gene-based predictions.
Disney Gator Attack: How to Avoid and Survive Alligator Encounters
The recent Disney alligator attack raised the issue of safety around the reptiles. Here's how to avoid alligator attacks and survive encounters with these creatures.
Scientists Do The Math: Many Alien Civilizations Have Likely Existed
Astronomer Adam Frank wrote in the New York Times that it is astronomically likely that alien civilizations in the universe have existed. The argument is a follow-up to their May study tweaking the famous Drake equation.
Wearables Shipments Poised To Hit 213.6M Worldwide By 2020
The wearables market is forecasted to reach 213.6 million units in shipment by 2020, achieving about 20 percent growth, according to a new report from IDC. Smartwatches are predicted to be the winner.
Just 15 Minutes Of Exercise May Extend Life Span
In a new French study, just 15 minutes of physical fitness in elderly individuals translated to reduced mortality risk. Who says low exercise levels are useless?
Animals Are Astoundingly Smart And We're Testing Their Intelligence All Wrong: Primatologist
Stop judging animal intelligence on your own human terms, leading primatologist Frans de Waal urged in a recent interview. Studying animal behaviorism, he said, entails assessing their smarts based on their own natural abilities.
Qsymia Dominates Among Weight Loss Drugs In Slashing 5 Percent Of Body Weight
Qsymia emerged as the top-performing among FDA-approved and over-the-counter weight loss drugs in a new meta-analysis. The drug proved to be the best in slashing 5 percent of body weight among overweight or obese individuals.
Bird Brains Are Packed With Neurons: Study
A study presents surprising new findings on bird brains: they maintain up to twice as many neurons as primate brains of the same size. These data on their neuron count and size lend new insight into the intelligence and cognitive abilities of birds.
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels Surpass Limit: Could This Spell A Grim Future?
The atmosphere now contains 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide and has passed symbolic threshold, according to scientists using data from the Mauna Loa Observatory. What do these record CO2 levels in 2016 mean?
Volvo Prevents Roadkill With New Animal Detection Technology
The Volvo S90 2017 model banners its 'moose detector,' a trio of radar, camera and software aimed at identifying large animals on the road and avoiding situations such as car-deer collisions.
Child-Friendly Summer: What's The Best Sunscreen For Kids?
The latest EWG sunscreen report reveals the 22 best sunscreen lotions for kids. The top choices were made out of 750 sunscreen brands, with specific focus this year on those marketed for children.
Impact Calculator Relives Asteroid Strike That Wiped Out Dinosaurs
Findings from the Chicxulub Crater drilling project helped researchers reimagine the asteroid impact that led to dinosaur extinction millions of years ago. The 'impact calculator' gave them a peek into the event and what immediately followed the fateful strike.
Simple Breath Test Could Offer Lung Cancer Clues and Ease Screening
A simple, inexpensive and non-invasive breath test may be key to determining the return of lung cancer after surgery, a new study has found. See how it can be a game changer in lung cancer diagnosis.
Canada Could Legalize Recreational Marijuana As Soon As 2017
The use of recreational marijuana could already be legal in Canada as soon as next year, with its leaders pursuing legislation soon. Legalizing marijuana in Canada could open up a big market for U.S. traders, too.
Climate Change Effects In One Place Radiate Throughout The World
Climate change events in one place can reverberate all over the world - and the effects of globalization may be at play, according to a new study from the Potsdam Institute in Germany.
Doctors Not As Mindful Of Hand Hygiene When Not Watched: Study
Doctors and nurses may not be spared from the so-called 'Hawthorne Effect' and are potentially unmindful of hand hygiene when someone isn't looking. How is hand hygiene compliance in hospitals faring?
Elon Musk Reveals New Details Of SpaceX Mars Mission
Elon Musk disclosed new information on the SpaceX Mars landing mission, including how they intend to send the unmanned Dragon spacecraft to the planet as soon as 2018.
New Yellow Fever Case In Congo Linked To Local Mosquito
The new confirmed case of yellow fever in Congo was from a local carrier mosquito and not from the existing outbreak in neighboring Angola, pointing to the likelihood of a wider outbreak in the country.
Life In The Universe May Have Started On Carbon-Based Diamond Planets
The early days of the universe might have been filled with carbon-based planets or those consisting mostly of graphite, carbides and diamond, a new study has found. What is a carbon planet and what is its link to carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars?
Here's Why Congress Wants US To Return To The Moon
Members of the U.S. Congress are eyeing lunar exploration as the stepping stone toward the country's manned Mars mission by the 2030s. For them, a return to the moon is more feasible than NASA's asteroid-then-Mars landing plan.
Midlife Fitness May Help Lower Stroke Risk Later In Life
The fitter you are in midlife, the more likely you are to fight stroke beyond age 65, a new study found. Find out how this new research discovered exercise benefits on cardiovascular health.
FDA Too Slow To Act On Food Recalls: US Watchdog
The Office of Inspector General said in a new report that the FDA lacks efficient processes to ensure timely food recalls in the U.S., leading consumers at risk of illness and death.
More Than 1,000 Sheep Roam Spanish City After Shepherd Falls Asleep [Video]
In the continuing saga of animal escapes around the world, a 1,300-strong flock of sheep was filmed roaming free in the city when their lone shepherd fell asleep. Watch the video of this sheep escape in Spain.
Withings's Body Cardio Scale Can Also Track Your Heart Health
French consumer electronics firm Withings has launched Body Cardio, a high-tech fitness scale that measures one's pulse wave velocity for a snapshot of one's heart health.
Possible Salmonella, Staph Contamination Prompts Nature Made Vitamins Recall
Pharmavite issued a Nature Made vitamins recall because of possible salmonella and staph contamination. Learn more about this recent among food recalls in the United States.
California To Allow Terminally Ill Patients To Take Life-Ending Drugs
Assisted suicide in California is taking effect on June 9, Thursday, after being passed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last year. Religious groups and other parties continue to oppose the End of Life Option Act while some physicians are wondering where to draw the line.
Albino People Being Hunted In Malawi To Be Sold For Witchcraft Potions
Human rights groups warned against mounting albino killings in Malawi, where victims' body parts are sold and used in potions made by witch doctors for good luck and wealth.
Here's Why Europe Wants To Ban American Lobsters
The 85-page Swedish report on American lobsters warned that such foreign lobsters entering European waters will overtake native populations and spread diseases. U.S. and Canadian experts, however, have disputed those claims.
SpaceX To Relaunch Used Rocket For the First Time
SpaceX will realize its vision of flying a used rocket this fall with a planned launch of one of its landed Falcon 9 rockets. Commercial satellite operator SES wants to be part of the potentially historic launch.
