Dina Fine Maron, formerly an associate editor at Scientific American, is now a wildlife trade investigative reporter at National Geographic.
Global Water Shortages Grow Worse But Nations Have Few Answers
As we have been hearing, global water shortages are poised to exacerbate regional conflict and hobble economic growth. Yet the problem is growing worse, and is threatening to deal devastating blows to health, according to top water officials from the U.S.
NIH Begins Gene Therapy Trial for Parkinson’s Disease
All eyes were on Perry Cohen when he froze at the microphone. His voice failed him. He couldn’t read his notes. Eventually, the once-powerful Parkinson’s disease speaker had to be helped off the stage halfway through his speech.
Phased Out: Human Sleep Patterns Linked to Full Moon
“It must be the moon”—the newest excuse for why you’re tired today
Risk of Human-to-Human Spread of Deadly New Bird Flu Virus Higher Than Previously Thought
Mounting evidence suggests lethal H7N9 bird flu poses “worrisome” threat
President Touts "Obamacare" Benefits, Return of $504 Million to Consumers This Summer
Defecation Nation: Pig Waste Likely to Rise in U.S. from Business Deal
A proposed acquisition of Smithfield Foods would send pork to China and leave more pig feces in the U.S., potentially increasing the risk of superbug infections and other diseases
Toxic Burn Pits at U.S. Marine Base in Afghanistan Threaten Health
Tube-Feeding in America
“It was never enjoyable but it got easier”
Medicare May Fund Brain Scans for Alzheimer’s Research
Test that uses imaging agent to detect protein buildup may get government funding, but only in limited cases
Pill of Goods: International Counterfeit Drug Ring Hit in Massive Sting
Court documents review process that led the FDA to shut down more than 1,600 illegal pharmacy Web sites
Cell Whisperer: Lasers Unlock Secrets of the Blood
An advanced form of ultrasound may help researchers assess the health of blood and diagnose disease without breaking the skin
NIH Will Curb Research on Chimps
A new decision from the nation’s medical research agency will send most of its chimps into retirement
Sweet ‘n Sour: A Common Sugar May Help Pathogens Conquer the Human Gut
Fucose may help Salmonella defeat the gut’s natural microbiota
A New Cyber Concern: Hack Attacks on Medical Devices
The FDA issues guidelines to manufacturers to protect their products
Supreme Court Strikes Down Anti-Prostitution Pledge Tied to Global AIDS Funding
U.S. Bioterror Detection Program Comes Under Scrutiny
A national air sampling system tasked with picking up terrorist biological attacks faces scrutiny
Supreme Court Rejects Patents on 2 Naturally Occurring Genes
Former NSA Whistleblower Sheds Light on the Science of Surveillance [Q&A]
Thomas Drake talks about surveillance algorithms and the outlook for the latest alleged whistleblower Edward Snowden, drawing from his own NSA prosecution
How Social Media Is Changing Disaster Response
Congress is grappling with the benefits and risks of using Facebook, Twitter and other social media during emergencies
Toxic Waste Sites Take Toll on Millions in Poor Nations
New studies attempt to quantify just how harmful the rampant exposure to lead and other chemicals is in the developing world
Flame Retardants Linked to Lower IQs, Hyperactivity in Children
A new study confirms that exposure in the womb to fire-beating chemicals in furniture and carpet pads may hinder child development
Electric Vehicle Market Looks for a Recharge
Fisker Automotive is on life-support despite a government loan, but electric vehicle innovators continue to draw a road map for the industry
FDA Promises to Flex Regulatory Muscle to Oversee Compounding Pharmacies, but May Need Help
Following on the fungal meningitis outbreak, ongoing inspection issues raise new questions about how to prevent further drug-related outbreaks at pharmacies that custom-blend medications
Doctors Prepare to Explain and Treat Climate-Related Symptoms
Climate change is beginning to impact public health