Articles by Katrina Pascual
Scientists Want To Test Efficacy Of Flu Drugs Tamiflu And Relenza In Pandemics
A report concludes that popular antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza can reduce the duration of seasonal flu symptoms by 14 to 17 hours. However, the evidence does not support the regular use of the drugs unless the flu strain is specifically severe or the patient is very ill, as the risks may outweigh the benefits.
WHO Says No New Cases Of Ebola In West Africa Last Week: Is The Epidemic Over?
Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 was recorded as the first week with no new cases of Ebola in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone since the outbreak erupted in March 2014. These are the three West African countries at the heart of the deadly epidemic that peaked September last year.
American Eels Won't Be Listed Under Endangered Species Act: FWS
In a recent decision, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated it will not list American eels under the Endangered Species Act. Eels are used in sushi and Asian cuisine thus are commercially harvested and marketed to aquaculture firms.
Depression And Mental Health Problems Widespread Among Professional Footballers: FIFPro Study
A new FIFPro study revealed that depression and mental health issues are more prevalent among professional football players than previously believed. Both current and former professional players appeared to have higher rates of depression and/or anxiety than control groups representing the general public and even other elite athletes.
Toddler Dies From E.Coli After Visiting Oxford County Fair: Is It Safe To Bring Kids To Petting Zoos?
Maine health officials started to probe on the death and hospitalization of two toddlers who visited a petting zoo. Laboratory results have pinpointed Shiga toxins, produced by an E.coli strain that causes severe illness, as the likely culprit.
Asteroid Mining Could Be Key To Safer And More Cost-Effective Mars Mission
Asteroids, a potential source of water, oxygen, and other elements, could sustain the future human journey to Mars. Private companies wanted to be part of the action through what's called asteroid mining.
U.S. to Release 6,000 Inmates from Federal Prisons Starting Oct.30
With a Nov. 1 deadline from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, nearly 6,000 inmates will be released in the first batch and largest single release of federal convicts in U.S. history. The move is part of sentencing reforms pushed by the Obama administration.
More US Women May Now Get IUD Minutes After Giving Birth
A study showed that specific Medicaid reimbursement for an IUD or implant immediately after giving birth has increased. Here's what you need to know.
Engineers Build First Silicon Quantum Logic Gate: Breakthrough Overcomes Crucial Hurdle In Quantum Computing
An Australian team of engineers announced they have built a quantum logic gate in silicon for the first time. The breakthrough made it possible to calculate between two quantum bits of information and therefore cleared the last hurdle in making silicon quantum computing come to life.
Breastfeeding Support In US Hospitals Improving But CDC Says More Still Needs To Be Done
More hospitals are supporting new moms to breastfeed, but more improvements are needed. This is according to CDC's f latest Vital Signs report, which measured the percentage of hospital practicing the 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.'
California Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Bill Legalizing Assisted Suicide
Through ABX2-15, California becomes the fourth U.S. state to enact into law an assisted suicide option for the terminally sick. It joins Oregon, Washington and Vermont with this law that will take effect for 10 years starting in 2016.
Doctors Want To Ban Perfumes And Aftershaves In Hospitals: Here’s Why
Concerned doctors, writing in an Oct. 5 editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, called for a perfume and aftershave ban in hospitals. They argued that these artificial scents may lead to “unintended harm” to vulnerable populations, particularly those with asthma or skin sensitivities.
Earliest Corals Discovered In Nevada: What the Fossils Tell About The Triassic-Jurassic Mass Extinction Event
Researchers have discovered the fossil record of the earliest North American coral species that reappeared after the mass extinction event of the Triassic-Jurassic ages. The discovery was made in central Nevada's high desert.
FDA Orders Duodenoscope Makers To Conduct Postmarket Surveillance Studies in Healthcare Facilities
Contaminated duodenoscopes contributed to two deaths and exposed more to a dangerous “superbug” in various hospitals earlier this year. FDA ordered Olympus America, Fujifilm Medical Systems, and Pentax Medical to conduct postmarket studies to evaluate how the devices work and how to prevent them from transmitting infections.
Animal Rights Group Claims Monkeys Are Secretly Subjected To Harmful Scientific Tests
Cruelty Free International, presenting its review of published data, cried foul over the lack of "special protection" for laboratory monkeys in the UK. According to them, monkeys are still undergoing “extremely distressing, invasive and harmful experiments.”
Scientist Injects Self With 3.5 Million Year Old Germ In Quest For Eternal Life
Russian scientist Anatoli Brouchkov vouches for the benefits of giving himself a dose of a 3.5-million-year-old bacteria discovered in the Siberian permafrost. Bacillus F is said to have helped him avoid the flu for two years and enjoy better energy.
FDA Approves Alkermes' Aristada Drug As Schizophrenia Treatment
Alkermes announced that the FDA has approved its extended-release injectable for schizophrenia treatment. Aristada, poised to be launched immediately, will offer once-a-month and six-week dosing options.
10-Year-Old Child Dies From Allergic Reaction After Drinking Coconut Milk
A spate of coconut drink recalls is happening in Australia following the death of a 10-year-old with allergies to undeclared milk content in the product. In the past four weeks alone, five coconut drinks have been recalled.
Rosetta Peeks At Comet 67P's Dark Side: Here’s What Scientists Found Out
Rosetta spacecraft scientists have been witnessing surface changes on the Imhotep region of Comet 67P. Olivier Groussin, lead study author and astronomer, said they have been closely monitoring the region since August 2014.
FDA Warns Heart Device Maker St. Jude About Nonconforming Manufacturing Practices At Atlanta Plant
The FDA cited certain 'nonconformities' in St. Jude Medical's manufacturing practices at the Atlanta plant where it creates the heart failure monitor CardioMEMS HF system. The company previously faced a similar FDA warning in its plant in Sylmar, Calif.
Brazil Suspends Production And Sale Of Breast Implant Maker Silimed Products Due To Safety Risks
Brazil has followed the European Union and announced Friday that it has suspended the production, sale and use of products from breast implant maker Silimed. The major implant manufacturer failed production standards after a recent inspection of authorities.
UK Green-Lights Uterus Transplant, First Baby From Transplanted Womb Could Be Born In 2018
The UK's Health Research Authority has approved a trial that will implant a uterus in the first group of 10 women. The trial aims to follow the success of a 36-year-old Swedish woman who gave birth to a baby boy via womb transplant in October 2014.
3D Printed Igloo Made From Ice Wins NASA’s Mars Habitat Contest
A NASA design competition sought entries for a 3D-printed habitat for deep space exploration and awarded first prize to the Mars Ice House. The 3D-printed igloo harnesses the planet's liquid ice and promotes additive technology for sustainability.
Good Night's Sleep Strengthens Immune System 'Memory'
Complete, restful sleep may boost both psychological and immune system memories, according to latest research. Beware of the danger of sleep deprivation, particularly in the body's ability to ward off infections.
Death Toll From AIDS Dropping In Recent Years: Here's Why It Could Drop Even More
The annual death toll from AIDS has fallen in recent years and is expected to drop further. The World Health Organization (WHO) issues new guidelines, Obama announces a new program and African leaders unite against HIV.
USDA Warns Deadly Piglet Virus Likely Came From China: PEDv Entered US Via Feed Bags
Government officials investigate the potential sources of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv), including reusable tote bags from China. Their report states that the tote bags used for international trade were reused but often not cleaned.
What Is 'Phubbing'? Here's How This Cellphone Habit Can Ruin Your Relationship
A study by researchers from Baylor University found that cellphones, particularly the act of "phubbing" or phone snubbing, could damage romantic relationships. It can ultimately lead to depression, the study warned.
Shopping Addiction May Indicate Depression And Low Self-Esteem In Women
Shopping addiction is linked to symptoms of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, a group of psychology researchers found. The team also developed the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS).
Dating Apps Tinder and Grindr Furious Over AIDS Charity's Billboard On Sexually Transmitted Infections
Dating apps Tinder and Grindr are outraged by the series of billboards of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation blaming them for the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Tinder has sent AHF a cease-and-desist letter, while Grindr has pulled AHF ads out of its in-app advertising.
Parents Find Touching Note Of 6-Year Old Son Who Died From Amoebic Brain Infection
Read the heartbreaking note from a 6-year-old boy who died from a rare amoeba called Balamuthia mandrillaris, which caused brain and spinal cord infection and was likely contracted while playing in the dirt. Leland's mother, Amber, tells his story in a Facebook post.
