Nathan Seppa
Biomedical Writer (retired September 2015)
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All Stories by Nathan Seppa
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Health & Medicine
Inflammation inhibitor may limit heart attacks
A new drug suppresses an inflammation-causing protein that has been linked to heart attacks.
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Health & Medicine
Positive Jolt: Electroshock therapy may have side benefit
People with depression have high concentrations of norepinephrine, a brain hormone, but electroshock treatment lowers these levels to the normal range.
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Health & Medicine
Enzyme stopper combats cancers
An experimental drug combination that inhibits an enzyme that's abundant in tumor cells shows promise against several cancers.
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Health & Medicine
Baby Rescue: Cord blood saves infants with rare disease
Using umbilical cord blood, doctors can rescue babies from Krabbe's disease, a lethal enzyme deficiency that causes brain damage.
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Health & Medicine
Proteins’ Promise: New test could reveal early ovarian cancer
A screening test for ovarian cancer shows promise in preliminary trials.
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Health & Medicine
Waking up that lazy eye
Wearing an eye patch can improve vision in children with amblyopia, or lazy eye, up to age 17.
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Health & Medicine
Microwavable Cancers: Heat plus radiation shrinks some tumors
Heat along with radiation treatment shrinks some tumors faster than does radiation alone.
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Novel drug may take on lung cancer
A drug that bottles up the so-called epidermal growth factor receptor might fight lung cancer.
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Health & Medicine
Anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol drugs vs. cancer
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially when combined with anti-inflammatory medication, may inhibit some cancers.
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Health & Medicine
Calcium’s lingering effect slows growths
Calcium supplements' protective effect against colorectal cancer lasts years after a person stops taking the pills.
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Health & Medicine
Anti-inflammatories cut risk of mouth cancer
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can reduce a smoker's likelihood of developing mouth cancer.
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Mitochondria genes may influence cancer risk
People with cancers of the kidney or prostate are more likely to have a certain genetic variation in the mitochondria within their cells.