Nathan Seppa
Biomedical Writer (retired September 2015)
Trustworthy journalism comes at a price.
Scientists and journalists share a core belief in questioning, observing and verifying to reach the truth. Science News reports on crucial research and discovery across science disciplines. We need your financial support to make it happen – every contribution makes a difference.
All Stories by Nathan Seppa
-
Health & MedicineDouble Duty: Diabetes drug protects reopened heart vessels
A drug normally prescribed to hold blood sugar in check provides an unexpected benefit to heart patients.
-
Health & MedicineMRI detects missed breast cancers
Magnetic resonance imaging detects breast cancer better than does mammography and might be preferable for certain women at high risk.
-
Health & MedicineCancer vaccine gets first test in patients
The first clinical test of a cancer vaccine that targets a protein called carcinoembryonic antigen shows promise.
-
Health & MedicineEarly cancer therapy and heart problems
Pediatric cancer treatment with chest radiation or anthracyclines can cause a heightened risk of heart disease at an earlier age than previously believed.
-
Health & MedicineGene profiles might guide chemotherapy
Profiles of genetic variations in cancer patients could help oncologists predict the outcome of chemotherapy.
-
Health & MedicineDo zinc lozenges shorten common colds?
People taking zinc to fight a cold report less coughing, less nasal discharge, and a shorter cold than do people getting a placebo.
-
Health & MedicineCoffee linked to rheumatoid arthritis
People who drink four or more cups of coffee per day appear more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis than are those drinking less.
-
Health & MedicineCarotid surgery stands test of time
Surgery to remove blockages from the carotid artery in the neck has lasting effects against stroke over several years and even provides some benefit when it's delayed.
-
Health & MedicineFull-Length Pregnancy: Progesterone product may reduce premature births
A drug related to the female hormone progesterone helps some pregnant women who are prone to premature birth extend their pregnancies.
-
Health & MedicineCancer Advance: Treatment combinations stall colorectal cancer
Two experimental drugs can induce remission in colorectal cancer patients and extend their survival.
-
Health & MedicineGene therapy thwarts hepatitis C in mice
Gene therapy that induces infected liver cells to self-destruct slows hepatitis C dramatically in mice.
-
Health & MedicineFlawed Therapy: Hormone replacement takes more hits
Elderly women taking estrogen and progestin are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke than are women not taking the hormones.