Articles by Linda Nguyen
This unfortunate tick bite will turn you off red meat
A tick bite could have an unfortunate side effect – a meat allergy. People are reporting allergic reactions to red meat after being bit by Lone Star ticks.
Wearable sensors will track Parkinson’s: Michael J. Fox Foundation reports
Two companies are teaming up to combat Parkinson’s with a new tool. The tool is a wearable sensor that would monitor the symptoms of Parkinson’s patients over the course of the day.
Abnormal heart rhythms up stroke risk for post-surgery patients
There are many risks to surgeries. Now, there’s one more – researchers suggest that an abnormal heart rhythm after surgery may suggest an increased risk for stroke.
Birth rate among unmarried women under 35 is decreasing, CDC reports
Births outside of marriage are decreasing, but in women over 35, there has actually been an increase in unmarried births. This follows a trend of couples waiting to get married.
WHO backs untested Ebola drugs as ethical measures for desperate times
Experimental drugs may now be enlisted in the current battle against Ebola. After some successful cases of drugs helping patients, WHO is considering the possibility of utilizing other experimental Ebola drugs.
Artificial 3-D brain tissue is most accurate model yet and can sustain lab-grown neurons
Tufts researchers have created a working brain model that is more viable than previous models. This could provide a valuable model for understanding brain function.
Colon cancer test approved by FDA: At-home test yields 90 percent accuracy
A new, noninvasive test may help physicians detect colorectal cancer earlier. The test has been approved by the FDA and is in the process of receiving Medicare approval.
Can a cancer cure be found in snake, bee and scorpion venom?
A bee sting is very unpleasant for most people, but scientists have suggested that bee venom could be used in a new class of cancer-fighting drugs. Scientists hope that this venom could help with a more targeted approach to fighting cancer.
No apolipoprotein, no Alzheimer’s? Man missing gene leads to new treatment idea
Scientists have found a new development in Alzheimer’s treatment. A patient without apoE, a gene that is known to become a risk factor for Alzheimer’s if mutated, has shown that the brain can function normally even without apoE.
Overall lung cancer rates are dropping, but some subtypes are going the other way
While lung cancer rates are decreasing, some types of lung cancer are going in the opposite direction. Scientists suggest that fewer smokers may help the rates decline even more.
Ebola outbreak started with 2-year-old boy from Guinea
Doctors have identified the origin of the current Ebola epidemic as a 2-year-old boy who died in December. His mother, sister and grandmother all died shortly after. It is unclear how he contracted the disease.
30 minutes of exercise is all it takes to lower breast cancer risk
Regular physical activity was shown to decrease invasive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Exercising as little as walking 30 minutes a day over four years can benefit women.
New molecule may be key to unlocking heart failure treatment
Heart failure is an important public health issue in the US contributing to one in nine deaths per year. This costly disease may come to a halt with a new molecule discovered by researchers.
Concussions are cause for serious concern, no matter what part of the head is hit
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries from sports are incredibly dangerous, especially in high school athletes. A recent study says that where the concussion occurs though, is not as important.
New mutated gene enhances breast cancer risk
Researchers have identified a third gene PALB2 where mutations may lead to increased risk of breast cancer. This is the third gene, the first two being BRCA1 or BRCA2, that has been linked to breast cancer.
Tattoo inks recalled as FDA warns of infections
Some tattoo inks have been recalled as a result of bacterial infection. The FDA warns consumers to inspect their tattoo inks before doing an in-home tattoo or getting one done.
Older adult brains work best in morning, so stop hitting snooze
When looking at cognitive function in older adults, morning results might be very different from afternoon test results. Researchers have found a noticeable difference in brain function throughout the day.
Fast-track med school with 3 years instead of 4 in California
Students interested in becoming primary care physicians may be able to finish their medical school studies in three years rather than the traditional four years. This program aims to encourage students to pursue primary care medicine.
Anorexia is driven by misguided pride and positive emotions
People with anorexia may be receiving positive reinforcement from their weight loss. Researchers found that along with negative emotions, women who suffer from anorexia may have positive feelings from pride in maintaining or exceeding their weight loss goals.
Feds no longer disclosing hospital errors to the public
CMS is no longer reporting instances in which hospitals make life-threatening errors such as leaving surgical equipment in bodies.
Cytori stem-cell trials halted, investigators remain hopeful despite plummeting stock
An experimental stem cell therapy for heart failure has been halted after patients had issues with blood flow to the brain.
Early depression is difficult for kids to shake off later
Depression in preschoolers may continue through childhood and early adolescence according to a recent study.
Is daily aspirin boon or bane? Study shows it may reduce risk of gut cancer
Scientists have associated daily aspirin use with a reduction in certain types of cancers and lowered risk for heart attacks.
Tobacco leaves enlisted in fight against Ebola
Tobacco plants may prove useful in the midst of the Ebola epidemic. Two patients receiving an experimental serum have shown some improvement.
Alzheimer's patients not liable for lawsuits, California court says
Alzheimer's patients are not liable for injuries they give to their home health workers. This ruling encourages re-examination of current policies and the training given to in-home caregivers.
How to identify narcissists without counting their selfies
Deciding whether people are narcissistic may be as simple as asking them straight out, according to a recent study.
Sleep apnea not linked to cancer, large study finds
People with sleep apnea have many concerns, but they can take comfort in the fact that a recent study shows that there is no definitive link between sleep apnea and cancer.
Transforming thought into action: Accenture, Philips announce wearable tech for neurodegenerative patients
Patients with ALS may have some hope for autonomy in their lives after Accenture and Royal Philips announced a wearable display that could monitor brainwaves.
'Gluten-free' labels now FDA-regulated: No wheat, rye, barley
Gluten–free foods will now be regulated by the FDA in order to ensure that their labels are not misleading.
Amgen's blood cancer drug successful in late-stage trial
Kyprolis, Amgen’s drug for patients with multiple myeloma, has demonstrated pharmacological benefits in its third stage of clinical trials.
