health

Dec 21, 2010

Trivial Pursuits: The Abstract’s 2010 Quiz

The Abstract staff will be taking off for a couple of weeks to prepare for 2011. In an attempt to amuse and entertain ourselves you, we’ve pulled together a quick quiz on some of the research we’ve written about in 2010. See how you do! Answers are below the photo, and include links to the… 

Nov 29, 2010

Food Fables: Learning Food Safety From Unhappy Endings

Stories have long been used to teach people about the consequences of their actions – just ask Aesop. A new study finds that storytelling is also a critical component when it comes to teaching kitchen workers the importance of food-safety practices – and hopefully saving lives. But the researchers behind this study are telling stories… 

Nov 10, 2010

Sci/Med Writers: Are We Part Of The Problem?

Research is an incremental process, and there are precious few “Eureka!” moments when an idea springs forth fully formed, unfettered by qualifiers and questions that muddy the waters. As a result, those of us who write about science and medicine often take pains to ensure that we do not overstate research results. We use our… 

Aug 25, 2010

The Microneedle And (Diagnosing) The Damage Done

A forthcoming paper from Faraday Discussions shows that scientists have been able to create hollow microneedles that can be used to inject quantum dots into skin. Quantum dots are emerging as powerful diagnostic tools for cancers (among other diseases), so this could be a significant advance in medical technology used to diagnose medical conditions. In… 

Aug 17, 2010

You Say It’s Your Birthday…Squirrel!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious matter. So it is worth paying attention when researchers find that many kids are apparently being misdiagnosed with ADHD because of their birthdays. A study from NC State, Notre Dame and Minnesota finds that children who are born just before the cut-off date for kindergarten enrollment are 25… 

Aug 4, 2010

Keep On Playing Those Mind Games

Video games aren’t just kid stuff any more. It is a multibillion dollar industry that has branched out from entertainment into areas such as educational software. Now researchers are working on ways that video games might be used to boost memory and thinking skills in the elderly – and some people aren’t crazy about that.… 

Jul 22, 2010

Everybody Hates Mosquitoes

On a hot, humid summer day, I can’t be outside for two minutes before having to swat away mosquitoes who have an insatiable appetite for my sweet blood. However, the minor annoyance of having to soothe my bites with calamine lotion is nothing compared to the major threat mosquitoes pose by spreading diseases like malaria… 

May 5, 2010

Microbe Detective

Ever been bitten by a flea? An NC State researcher has discovered that bacteria transmitted by fleas can cause chronic infections in people and even pass from mother to child. 

Feb 4, 2010

Mind Over Marathon

After winning a Bulletin-sponsored fitness makeover contest, Ellen Klingler got serious about her health. She recently completed two half marathons thanks to a 12-week training program. 

Jan 21, 2010

Healthy New Year

Boost your chances of keeping your New Year's resolutions by taking advantage of expert advice and nutrition information tailored for NC State employees. 

Oct 29, 2009

New Fitness Program

NC State employees are showing what can be done, on their own, to improve their health and fitness. 

Oct 22, 2009

More Response to SHP Changes

More letters from Bulletin readers on the upcoming changes to the State Health Plan. 

Oct 15, 2009

Response to SHP Changes

In our Oct. 8 issue, we ran an article on changes to the State Health Plan that may reduce coverage for people who smoke or have a high body mass index. Readers responded with questions and comments about the new regulations and their personal experiences with the health plan. Here’s a sample of the letters… 

Oct 8, 2009

Smoke and Mirrors

The Bulletin takes an in-depth look at the changes to the State Health Plan that could result in reduced coverage for some employees. 

Sep 24, 2009

Flu Trouble is Double

There may be two types of flu going around in the coming months, H1N1 and a seasonal variety.