Articles by Katrina Pascual
African Wars Pose Threat To Largest Gorilla Subspecies
The species of the largest gorilla in the world is declining in numbers due to the bloody civil wars that have plagued the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a new report. The bloodshed and violence have decimated the Grauer’s gorillas, found only in the DRC.
Archeologists Find Human Remains In Laos Plain Of Jars
An unearthed burial ground at the Plain of Jars in Laos shed light on the mystery behind the huge, ancient stone jars of unknown origin in the area. It is deemed the first major archeological find at the site since the 1930s.
Study Confirms Side Effects Of Statin Are Real
A new study covering about 500 patients confirmed the muscle-related side effects of statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Muscle pain from statins, as well related symptoms, however, continue to puzzle doctors and remain controversial.
Scientists Call For Action To Combat Ocean Acidification
In a new report, scientists called for rapid, decisive and multi-state action on ocean acidification and hypoxia on the West Coast. They identified global carbon dioxide emissions as the leading cause of these rising problems that affect seafood, ecosystems and local communities.
Vitamin D Supplements Linked To Improvements In Heart Failure Patients
University of Leeds researchers showed that daily vitamin D supplementation translated to improved heart function in heart failure patients. The benefits, though, were seen in vitamin D3, the type produced in the skin, and not D2.
NASA, Japan Release 2.95 Million Satellite Earth Images To The Public
NASA and Japan have made available more than 2.95 million satellite Earth images - 16 years' worth of data - from ASTER, which captures images of the planet in visible and thermal infrared wavelengths and with amazing detail to help scientists better observe Earth.
This Is How Mexico Plans To Fight Air Pollution And Why This May Not Work
Mexico City implemented a stricter car ban through its 'no circulation' policy to curb its rising smog and air pollution levels. Will these measures work or simply result in inconvenience and worsen the problem in the long term?
Cholesterol Drug Evacetrapib Does Not Reduce Cardiovascular Events
Eli Lilly and Company's cholesterol medication evacetrapib, discontinued in a large trial back in October, did not reduce major cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. This was discovered recently by researchers who, for the first time, saw the data behind the discontinuation of the trial.
Waistline Better Than BMI In Predicting Heart Disease Risk
Abdominal fat emerged as a strong predictor of heart illness in type 1 or type 2 diabetes patients. The link between belly fat - which manifests in apple-shaped bodies - and left ventricular dysfunction even appeared independent of BMI and total weight.
Mindfulness Training May Treat Veterans With PTSD
Mindfulness could change veterans’ brains. A new study said that it can increase their brain connections, and help them find the off-switch to that endless loop of negative thoughts.
Clash Of Titans: Whale Watchers Witness Transient Orca Whales Attack Gray Whales Off The Coast Of Everett
Whale watchers had the rare chance of witnessing a fight between four orcas and two 40-ton gray whales in Puget Sound. While orcas aren't called killer whales for nothing, young male orca T137A probably didn't expect the fight he picked.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin Rocket Launches And Lands For The Third Time
For the third successful time, Blue Origin launched the reusable New Shepard rocket and landed it back on Earth last April 2. The unmanned test vouches for reusable booster technology championed by Blue Origin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and helps make his space tourism vision a closer reality.
Alaska Air Nearing Deal To Buy Richard Branson's Virgin America
According to reports from deal insiders, Alaska Air is outbidding JetBlue airways and nearing a deal to acquire Virgin America for over $2 billion. The deal may be announced as early as Monday.
Food Competition, Scarcity Of Prey Drove Megalodon Shark To Extinction
Carcharocles megalodon, the largest shark that ever swam Earth’s waters, may have disappeared due to competition for food and prey scarcity. These findings go against previous beliefs that climate change drove megalodon sharks to die off.
Online Gambling Rising Among Teenagers: Study
Teens these days are gambling online more than previously thought, a new Canadian study revealed. And researchers warned that the earlier people start, the more likely gambling will become an issue later in life.
Possible Ransomware Attack Still Cripples MedStar Health Computer System
Hospitals within MedStar's network are still recovering from a cyberattack that paralyzed their email and patient record databases. The $5 billion health care provider, however, refused to call it a ransomware attack, and maintains that its systems will soon fully recover.
US, China Commit To Sign Paris Climate Deal On Earth Day
The United States and China will sign the Paris climate agreement on April 22, with a view of bringing the accord into force this year. In a joint presidential statement, the two countries reiterated their commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change under the landmark deal.
Midnight Snacks May Increase Risk For Breast Cancer Recurrence: Why Fasting Counts
A new research has linked shorter overnight fasts to an increased likelihood of breast cancer recurrence. Why do fasting and timing meals count?
BPA Found In 86 Percent Of Food Cans Sold In Canadian Stores
In a new survey of 192 food cans from major retailers, 86 percent of those purchased in Canada contained the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A or BPA. The report also warned about the safety and dangers of BPA alternatives.
Twitter May Help You Quit Smoking: Study
Micro-blogging site Twitter may be more effective than traditional methods of helping smokers kick the habit. Here's how the social media channel could assist in smoking cessation.
Obama Commutes Sentences Of 61 Federal Drug Offenders
President Barack Obama granted early release to 61 federal drug offenders as part of sentencing reform initiatives. The clemency targets certain nonviolent federal drug offenders who may have been over sentenced.
Gut Bacteria May Help Prevent Stroke: Study
Attesting to the fundamental influence of gut bacteria on overall health, a new study showed that certain kinds of beneficial microbes can reduce the severity of stroke. These results then make dietary changes a promising area of stroke prevention in the future.
Long-Term Antibiotic Treatment Fails To Ease Lyme Disease Symptoms
Twelve weeks of antibiotic therapy offered no additional benefit to people with long-term symptoms of Lyme disease, according to a new Dutch study. The subjects reported muscular or joint pain, fatigue and other persistent symptoms despite initial antibiotic treatment.
Biologists Discover Tadpoles That Hide In The Sand
Biologists have discovered tadpoles from Indian dancing frogs in Western Ghats - the first documented tadpoles in this frog family. Unlike others tadpoles, the Micrixalus herrei burrow through sand and even swallow some of the material.
Mass Coral Bleaching Threatens World Heritage Status Of Great Barrier Reef
The recent mass coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef could jeopardize its world heritage status, warned scientists and conservationists. UNESCO will likely watch the disaster unfold with great alarm as it is pinned on El Niño and climate change.
Vegetarian Diet May Alter Human DNA, Raising Cancer, Heart Disease Risks
Long-term vegetarianism can lead to a gene mutation that can make someone more prone to inflammation and therefore maintain a higher risk of heart disease, colorectal cancer and other inflammatory conditions.
Criminologists Use Pigs To Study How Human Bodies Decompose Underwater
Decomposing pig carcasses may assist criminologists and forensic experts better understand the decomposition of human bodies underwater. The findings may one day improve the time frame involved in recovering human remains in deep ocean waters.
Pregnant Woman Delays Brain Cancer Treatment For Unborn Baby
A woman from New York decided to delay her brain cancer treatment to prioritize the well-being of the child in her womb. She is hopeful that she will beat glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer.
Study Reveals How To Increase Success Odds In Online Dating
An open, expansive posture can give someone better chances at a second date, a new study from UC Berkeley revealed. Subtle yet powerful nonverbal cues, after all, prove to be more important than ever in the age of online dating.
Acupuncture May Help Ease Hot Flashes In Breast Cancer Patients
Pairing enhanced self-care with once-weekly acupuncture sessions significantly reduced hot flashes among breast cancer patients, says a recent Italian study. Acupuncture was also deemed safe and feasible, although some insurance providers are yet to cover it.
