Articles by Tabitha Laffernis
Mentally stimulating jobs keep your mind sharp post-retirement
A new study has found that people who work mentally challenging jobs (including teachers, air traffic controllers, doctors, and financial analysts) have stronger memory and mental acuity in the years after retiring.
Sleepless nights tied to increased stroke risk
Sufferers of insomnia aged between 18 - 35 are at an increased risk of stroke, with a new study suggesting that young insomniacs seek early treatment to combat the disorder and reduce the risk of stroke.
FDA approves Evzio, a hand-held device that can prevent opiate deaths
The FDA has now approved Evzio, a device that distributes naxolone to the bloodstream to reverse the effects of opioid overdose from drugs such as Oxycontin, Percocet and Vicodin.
CDC reports a sharp spike in e-cigarette poisonings over the past three years
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported a sharp spike in e-cigarette poisonings across the past three and a half years, calling for stronger legislation around the use, packaging and sale of the electronic devices.
Ward off liver cirrhosis death risk with two cups of coffee a day
A new study has found that people who consume two or more cups of coffee per day have a decreased mortality risk associated with liver cirrhosis.
Too much or not enough? New study sheds light on salt consumption guidelines
A new Danish study has found that despite consuming more salt than is recommended, Americans are likely eating the ideal amount of sodium per day.
Sins of the father: Sons of young male smokers may be up to 22 pounds heavier
A new study has found that fathers who began smoking regularly before the age of 11 have sons who are 5 to 10 kilos (11 to 22 pounds) heavier than boys with fathers who didn't smoke at a young age.
Apple slices or fries? 'Deceptive' fast food advertising confuses children
Children are struggling to make healthy food choices, with fast food chains promoting healthier foods and their standard fare in the same way. Just 10 percent of children are able to differentiate apple slices and french fries due to Burger King's packaging.
Immunotherapy makes its way to the U.S. in the form of grass allergy pill Oralair
Sublingual immunotherapy drug Oralair, made by French pharmaceutical company Stallergenes, has been approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug treats grass pollen allergies, and is an alternative to injections, the current industry standard.
Excessive running may be tied to shorter lifespan
New research presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting suggests that too much running can lead to a reduce life expectancy, which researchers advising runners to adopt 'moderate' regimes.
Japan's Riken Institute admits to falsification in 'game-changing' stem cell study
The Riken Institute in Japan, a premier research facility, has admitted that research published in Nature may have been falsified by lead author Haruko Obokata. The study was heralded as groundbreaking in the field of stem cell research, by creating STAP cells.
Heart health of young adults linked to brain function in later years
A new study, conducted over 25 years, has found that heart health, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in early adulthood can predict a person's brain function in later life.
Obamacare pulls off the unthinkable, reaches goal of seven million enrolments
Despite several glitches in the rollout, President Obama's signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act, has apparently reached its goal of seven million signups through Obamacare portals and the Healthcare.gov website.
Weight loss surgeries may cure Type 2 diabetes
A new study from the Cleveland Clinic has found that obese patients with Type 2 diabetes may be able to have their condition cured after undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery.
Early trial results of heart drug suggests Novartis has a winner on its hands
Pharmaceutical company Novartis has stopped a trial early, with promising results suggesting that the drug LCZ696 could be a revolutionary heart failure treatment.
All bets are off - Sara Lugger sheds 140 pounds with DietBet
At age 34, Sarah Lugger weighed 342 pounds. She decided to lose the excess weight with DietBet, a weight loss motivational site that uses games and money to encourage people to stick to their programs.
Heart attacks increase after Daylight Saving Time starts, study says
A new study has found that the start of daylight saving time heralds an increase in cardiac risk, with heart attacks rising immediately after the change. However, the end of daylight savings has the opposite effect, with heart attacks dropping by 21 percent.
Domestic cats may be spreading tuberculosis to humans
Two people in England have contracted tuberculosis from domestic housecats, in the first case of the disease being spread from felines to humans.
Watch a deaf woman experience the everyday magic of hearing for the first time
Joanne Milne, 39, has just had cochlear implants inserted in her inner ear to stimulate hearing. Deaf from birth, Milne suffers from the rare Usher Syndrome, and has also been losing her sight since her 20s. A video of Milne's reaction to hearing for the first time has captured the hearts of the Internet.
Kim Jong-Un's haircut probably won't reach the scalps of the masses
Kim Jong-Un's haircut is probably not being forced on the male student population of North Korea, with travelers to the region reporting no sign of a mass re-style.
Underweight people at a higher risk of death than overweight people, study says
A new study from St Michael's Hospital researcher Dr. Joel Ray has found the underweight people have a higher chance of early death than overweight and obese people.
Melting of the polar vortex could mean a vicious allergy season
Thanks to the harsh winter brought about the polar vortex, the Midwest and East Coast may be subjected to a particularly severe allergy season. Doctors recommend early treatment for those at risk.
Getting hitched could be key to healthy hearts: married people experience lower rates of vascular disease
A new study indicates that married people are five percent less likely to develop heart disease than their divorced, widowed and single counterparts.
Marathon men see a rapid improvement in cardiovascular health
A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session saw improvements in cardiovascular health among runners training for a marathon.
Depression among diabetics linked to higher risk of kidney disease
A new study from the University of Washington has found a link between depression and kidney disease among diabetics, with sufferers of Type 2 diabetes and major depression 85 percent more likely to develop renal failure.
Satellite images from Japan and Thailand find 300 new objects in the search for MH370
New satellite imagery from Japan and Thailand shows 300 objects in the Southern Indian Ocean, the presumed crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
Television Without Pity and DailyCandy get shafted by NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal today announced that it would be shuttering popular sites Television Without Pity and DailyCandy, with the move set to take place next week.
WHO declares India and Southeast Asia free of polio
India has now been certified as polio-free, with the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declaring the country's newfound status at a ceremony in New Delhi. It's been three years since any new cases of the disease have emerged.
Weight loss drug Alli taken off shelves in tampering scare
After unfamiliar pills were found in 20 separate bottles of Alli, a weight loss drug, pharmaceutical manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline announced the recall of all bottles in the United States and Puerto Rico. The FDA is assisting with the recall. The reason for the contamination is still unknown.
Happiness and healthy eating habits go hand-in-hand for postmenopausal women
A new study suggests that women with optimistic attitudes find it easier to adopt healthy eating habits. Happiness and optimism are not inherently key to healthful habits, with researchers emphasizing the need to develop tools such as self-regulation in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
