Articles by Tabitha Laffernis
Breakthrough stem cell study signals hope for bipolar disorder patients
For the first time, stem cells specific to bipolar disorder have been created, offering some insight into the genesis of the condition. Researchers believe the study will pave the way for further investigation, ultimately creating better treatments for the disorder.
E-cigarettes not linked to cessation of smoking, study says
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that e-cigarettes are not effective smoking cessation aids, despite marketing that suggests otherwise.
Smartphone app may help alcoholics on the road to recovery
A smartphone app called A-CHESS may be able to help recovering alcoholics maintain sobriety, with 52% of A-CHESS users in the study remaining alcohol free for the following year.
Girl suspended for shaving head in support of cancer-stricken friend to return to school
Kamryn Renfro, aged nine, was suspended from charter school Caprock Academy in Colorado after shaving her head in support of her friend Delaney Clements, 11, who has lost her hair to chemotherapy.
Infections contracted in hospitals are declining, though death rates remain high
Healthcare-associate infections (HAI) are still rife in hospitals, leading to several thousand preventable infections and deaths each year. However, the numbers are dropping in a positive trend towards better hospital care.
Sleep less, eat more: toddlers who lose sleep risk weight gain
A new study from the University College London has found that toddlers who sleep less than ten hours a day consume more calories than those who sleep for thirteen or more hours.
Malaysia Airlines officials defend MH370 text message announcement
It's more than two weeks since Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared, with still no trace of the aircraft or indication as to why it went missing. Malaysian officials have announced that it went down over the Indian Ocean though no wreckage or debris has been found. Officials were condemned for the use of text messages to inform families.
Medical marijuana a boon for MS sufferers, study says
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are increasingly popular among sufferers of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly medical marijuana pills and sprays. What else is effective? Read on - you might be surprised.
WhatsApp messages lend chilling insight into Oscar Pistorius' relationship with Reeva Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius' murder trial continues, with thousands of deleted WhatsApp messages revealing a closer look at the athlete's ill-fated relationship with Reeva Steenkamp.
Air pollution kills seven million each year as WHO scientists call for policy improvements
Seven million people died as a result of pollution-related illnesses in 2012 - the figures double what was previously known. The World Health Organization has now called for policy improvements to clean the air and prevent the spread of noncommunicable diseases.
Violent video games may lead children to violent tendencies
A study from Iowa State University researchers has found a statistical inclination towards violence among children who play violent video games, though caution that the results do not automatically mean at-risk children will develop antisocial behaviors.
Drunk driving deaths more prevalent than state numbers suggest
A new study has found that discrepancies in the way states report drink driving deaths, with just three percent of death certificates noting alcohol as a cause of death. Data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System conversely suggests that 21 percent of traffic accidents include alcohol.
Aborted and miscarried fetuses burned as clinical waste in UK hospitals
Fetal remains of aborted and miscarried babies have been burned as clinical waste in several NHS hospitals in the UK, with some hospitals even burning the fetuses as a heating source.
Is lying contagious? Kids lied to by adults more likely to lie themselves
Children who are lied to by adults are more likely to lie themselves, a new study has found, with lying and other dishonest behavior thought to be learned traits.
Like mother, like daughter (or son): Study finds parallels in mother and child's activity levels
A new study published in Pediatrics has linked a mother's level of physical activity to that of their child, with more active mothers have more active children. An additional minute of moderate-to-vigorous activity or exercise per day increases a child's physical activity by 10 percent.
Pistorius to sell house where Reeva Steenkamp was killed
The Oscar Pistorius murder trial continues, despite an expected end date of March 20. Pistorius is now selling his house to raise money for his legal fees, with several sponsors dropping their contracts with him.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital live-tweeted Alexis Shapiro's surgery to raise awareness of #HyObesity
Alexis Shapiro's surgery plans changed around an hour into the procedure, with her liver too large to proceed with the planned gastric bypass and vagotomy (partial removal of the vagus nerve). Instead, Alexis received a sleeve gastrectomy, reducing the size of her stomach.
Mumps outbreak at Ohio State University tied to anti-vaccination movement
The outbreak of mumps, a disease controlled by vaccinations, has prompted medical professionals to speculate on its resurgence. With nearly 40 cases, it's thought that the anti-vaccination (or anti-vax) movement is a contributor to the spread of the virus.
Endocyte Inc. to break into the big leagues with ovarian cancer drug Vynfinit; stock soars
West Lafayette, Indiana- based pharmaceutical company Endocyte has had its first drug recommended by approval by European Union regulators. The drug, Vynfinit, is an ovarian cancer treatment that has seen promising results in trials. Endocyte's stock shares nearly doubled as a result of the news.
Psoriatic arthritis pill Otezla wins over the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Otezla, a pill to treat psoriatic arthritis. While the condition has several medications available, otezla is the first in pill form, intended for those with adverse skin reactions to injections.
Study: 1 in 5 women can't identify stroke symptoms
A new study from Columbia University has found that 1 in 5 women do not know or recognize symptoms of stroke, with the number particularly low among Hispanic women. The study calls for greater stroke awareness, such as the FAST campaign.
Hemophilia B drug Alprolix given the go-ahead in Canada, with U.S. approval imminent
Hemophilia B drug Alprolix has been granted approval in Canada and is expected to receive FDA approval later this year. The drug reduces the frequency of dosage, requiring administration just once every one to two weeks.
Throat and mouth cancers linked to HPV have hallmark symptoms, says study
A recently study from the Medical University of South Carolina has found that throat and mouth cancers caused by HPV have different signs and symptoms from the same cancers that occur in people without HPV.
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections escalating among American children
A recent study from researchers at the Rush University has found that children are at a higher risk of developing bacterial infections that resist antibiotics. The ESBL enzyme is largely the culprit, with several classes of antibiotics unable to combat the spread of the bacteria.
Revised guidelines see 13 million more Americans eligible for cholesterol-lowering statins
Research pertaining to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology's new statin use guidelines has found that 13 million more people will be eligible to take the cholesterol-lowering drugs, with these users primarily over the age of 60.
Water births have no edge over traditional delivery methods, study says
New research shows that water births do not necessarily have any benefits over traditional births, with some evidence even suggesting elevated risks for the infant. However, immersion in birthing pools may ease laboring mother's pain, thus reducing the need for anesthetics.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is on the rise due to inadequate diagnosis, says WHO
Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that multidrug- resistant tuberculosis (TB) infection rates continue to rise as medical professionals worldwide fail to diagnose the disease.
Strict parents are 30% more likely to raise obese children
A study from Canada's McGill University has shown that 'authoritarian' parents are 30 percent more likely to have obese kids aged two to five, and 37 percent more likely to have obese children aged six to 11.
Brain damage on the cards for sleep-deprived shift workers
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has demonstrated that protracted sleep loss can contribute to the loss of up to 25 percent of brain neurons. The damage was previously thought to be temporary, though new evidence shows that it is likely permanent.
Women over 60 face 1 in 6 chance of developing Alzheimer's
A report from the Alzheimer's Association has found that elderly women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's, standing at a 1 in 6 chance. Men, conversely, have a 1 in 11 chance of developing the disease.
