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 & Medicine Health & MedicineChemotherapy baldness thwarted in ratsScientists studying rats have now developed a medication that wards off chemotherapy-induced baldness. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineProtein predicts prostate cancer spreadProstate cancer patients who harbor high concentrations of a protein called thymosine beta-15 in their tumors face an increased risk that the cancer will spread. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineGetting melanoma chemotherapy to workA drug that turns off a gene that blocks the action of chemotherapy in melanoma shows promise against this lethal skin cancer. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineHigh estrogen linked to lung cancerEstrogen receptors proliferating on tumor cells in women's lungs may account for why women seem more easily affected by the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineBreast cancer options made clearerAn inexpensive test for two proteins in the blood can indicate whether women with breast cancer that hasn't yet spread to lymph nodes are likely to face such a relapse after surgery. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineInto the Tank: Pressurized oxygen is best at countering carbon monoxide exposureOxygen treatment for serious carbon monoxide poisoning prevents long-term brain damage best if delivered as pressurized gas. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineSilencing the BRCA1 gene spells troubleSome breast cancer patients without a mutation in the BRCA1 gene nevertheless have an incapacitated gene, silenced by a process called hypermethylation of nearby DNA. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineFrom rabies virus to anti-HIV vaccineResearchers working with mice are trying to fashion an HIV vaccine by using a weakened rabies virus to bring an HIV glycoprotein to the attention of the immune system. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineTests may better detect prostate cancerTwo novel tests for prostate cancer may help physicians catch this disease earlier and with far fewer false alarms. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineCell mixture attacks pancreas tumorsWhite blood cells injected into patients with pancreatic tumors incite an immune response that blunts the cancer in some patients and extends survival. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineAre varsity athletes prone to ALS?A survey of patients treated for neurological problems reveals that those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) are more likely to have been varsity athletes and remained slim all their lives. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineSurgery beats splints for wrist syndromeSurgery proves better than nighttime splints for relieving the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.