Laura Kelly

Plague found in fleas in Arizona

Health officials in Arizona confirmed that fleas in at least two counties have tested positive for plague, ABC news reported over the weekend. While the disease is considered a relic of the Middle Ages, cases have popped up in the southwestern U.S.

August 14, 2017

5 deaths associated with gastric-bypass procedure spur FDA warning

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning Friday to medical providers to closely monitor patients undergoing a specific gastric-bypass procedure, following the deaths of five people shortly after they underwent the operation.

August 11, 2017

Majority of VA hospitals offer holistic therapies, alternative to opioids: Study

Nearly 80 percent of military medical facilities are offering alternative medicines for pain management and psychological treatment instead of opioids when possible, according to a study published Thursday by the nonprofit RAND Corp.

August 11, 2017

Cancer patients under stress with unexpected health costs: Study

The shock of a cancer diagnosis typically leaves little room for a patient to worry about much else. But rising and unexpected costs of care add an additional burden to a person and their family already hit with an unexpected life change, according to oncology research published Thursday.

August 10, 2017

Alcohol abuse in U.S. increasing as researchers warn of ‘public health crisis’: Study

Alcohol use is increasing in the U.S., particularly for women and minority groups, in a public health crisis overshadowed by the opioid epidemic and debate over the legalization of marijuana, according to a study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry.

August 9, 2017

Energy drinks associated with increased alcohol and drug abuse: Study

College students who consume highly caffeinated energy drinks are at an increased risk for abusing alcohol and cocaine, according to a study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

August 8, 2017

Mexican papayas suspected; salmonella outbreak in U.S. expands to third fruit distributor

A third fruit distributor issued a recall Tuesday for papayas suspected of being contaminated with salmonella, in a growing outbreak that has caused one death and sickened over 100 people in 16 states since May.

August 8, 2017

Bennet Omalu, ‘concussion’ doctor, says high school football is child abuse

The physician credited with discovering Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in American football players said that anyone who lets children play football could be held accountable for abuse.

August 8, 2017

Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal scandals threaten Israel rule

After 11 years running the region's most powerful and economically dynamic nation, the reign of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suffered a major blow in recent days as mounting legal pressure enveloping him, his wife and close associates on charges of corruption and fraud have some Israelis pondering the prospect of a post-Netanyahu future.

August 7, 2017

Sam Kanizay of Australia recovering from sea fleas who chomped on his legs

An Australian teenager emerged from his local waters with massive bleeding to his calf muscles and feet, after he was attacked by carnivorous sea creatures and had to be taken to the hospital to treat the injuries

August 7, 2017

Smithsonian will remove IMAX screen to expand cafeteria

Nature and education filmmakers are crying foul over the Smithsonian's decision to close the IMAX theater at its National Museum of Natural History in order to expand cafeteria space.

August 3, 2017

Human rights activists: Still no justice for Yazidi genocide victims

August 3 marks the third anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide in Iraq, human rights activists are stressing that not a single Islamic State member has been brought to justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

August 3, 2017

Alcohol consumption has little health benefits: Study

While a raft of studies link moderate drinking with various health benefits, a noted British researcher warns that such findings must be viewed in context of the studies' limitations.

August 2, 2017

iPhone cases, hundreds of thousands, recalled for causing burns, skin irritations

A recall was issued for over 260,000 iPhone cases with a glittery liquid mix because consumers reported serious injuries and burns when the case broke and the liquid came in contact with their skin.

August 2, 2017

Florida confirms first sexually transmitted case of Zika

The Florida Department of Health announced the first sexually transmitted case of Zika virus but emphasized that no transmission of Zika through mosquitoes took place in the state.

August 2, 2017

Fareed Yasseen, Iraqi ambassador to U.S., says justice for ISIS victims country’s biggest challenge

Iraqis who lived under the rule of the Islamic State for the past three years deserve justice, the Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S. said Tuesday, at the opening of a panel discussion about that country's minorities and the myriad of challenges in providing humanitarian assistance and future security.

August 1, 2017

Longer sleep associated with lower BMI, smaller waist: Study

Longer sleep periods are associated with a lower body mass index and positive metabolic health markers, according to a study published Tuesday, with the researchers highlighting the role of sleep in the battle against obesity.

August 1, 2017

‘13 Reasons Why’: Internet searches for ‘suicide’ increase after premiere of Netflix show: Study

The Netflix series "13 Reasons Why," which explores how bullying contributes to a high-school girl's suicide, has sparked conversation in the U.S. about how media can influence the behaviors of young people, with many fearing the show glamorizes suicide.

July 31, 2017

Autism researchers examine eye movements to better understand genetic causes of the disorder

New research in the study of autism further links the syndrome to changes in genes, adding more data to the complicated question of whether the environment or biology is responsible for the behavioral disorder.

July 27, 2017

U.N. leaders visit Yemen to issue plea for help in humanitarian crisis

The heads of three United Nation humanitarian organizations traveled to Yemen and met with warring leaders in Aden and Sanaa, issuing a plea to both them to allow humanitarian assistance into the war-torn country and find a peaceful solution to a nearly two-year civil war.

July 26, 2017