Category Archives: Health

Vaginal Microbes Might Explain Why Only Some HPV Cases Result in Cancer

Lactobacillus organisms and vaginal squamous epithelial cell. Photo courtesy CDC.

A new study could help explain why some women with HPV develop cervical cancers while others do not.

The research suggests healthy vaginal microbes correspond to reduced risk of cervical cancer.

Read/listen to my full story at KJZZ’s Arizona Science Desk:
Arizona Study Links HPV, Cervical Cancer to Vaginal Microbes

Shade Parking Offers Little Protection for Kids in Cars

Photo by Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand.

‘Tis the season for 110-degree days, excessive-heat warnings and trolling the parking lot for a shady spot. But new research suggests those in the shade might not have it made after all — especially if they are young children.

Read/listen to my full story at KJZZ’s Arizona Science Desk:
For Children In Cars, Shade Offers Little Protection From Lethal Heat

Study Zeroes in on the Genetics of Sunburn

Ouch. Photo by Phil Kates.

With summer fast approaching, many turn their thoughts to swimsuit bods and summer tans. Now, a new genetic study might help explain why some of us burn while others tan.

The answer could help predict who gets skin cancer, because severe sunburns, particularly in childhood, strongly intensify skin cancer risk.

Read/listen to my full story at KJZZ’s Arizona Science Desk:
Genetic Study Shows Why Some Tan, Some Burn — And What That Means For Skin Cancer

Brain Combats Rare Dementia by Recruiting New Neurons

Image by Aneta Kielar / University of Arizona

A team of researchers at University of Arizona and the University of Toronto have published a study of a rare dementia called primary progressive aphasia, or PPA.

The research linked improved patient outcomes to the brain’s capacity to “recruit” other areas of the brain to make up for deficits.

Read/listen to my full story at KJZZ’s Arizona Science Desk:
UA Study Examines How Brain Rewires Itself To Cope With Rare Dementia

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Recovery Improved by Experimental Skin Spray

Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the Burn Center at Maricopa Integrated Health System in Phoenix, Arizona, treated Christin Lipinski with an experimental skin spray. Photo by Nicholas Gerbis – KJZZ.

A special education teacher in the Glendale, Arizona’s Peoria Unified School District has recovered from a necrotizing fasciitis, better known as flesh-eating bacteria.

Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the Burn Center at Maricopa Integrated Health System, used an experimental skin spray called ReCell to improve the healing and reconstruction of the woman’s large open arm wound.

Read/listen to my full story at KJZZ’s Arizona Science Desk:
https://science.kjzz.org/node/625640