Epidemiology researcher leads $1.7M study on Shingrix’s impact on dementia, stroke in nursing homes

Epidemiology professor Daniel Harris is leading research on the link between shingles and dementia in nursing home residents. The $1.7 million study examines the impact of the Shingrix vaccine on dementia risk and other neurological issues among 3.5 million residents.

Q&A: New book shows how innovation inequality fuels America’s political divide

Victor Menaldo, UW professor of political science, co-authored the forthcoming book, “U.S. Innovation Inequality and Trumpism.” The book focuses on how former President Donald Trump — like other populists that came before him — exploits ‘innovation inequality,” or the divide between areas that are more technologically advanced and those that aren’t.

How to Steal an Election: New UW course examines democracy’s vulnerability

James Long, University of Washington professor of political science, launched a new course this quarter. “How to Steal an Election” highlights the types of politicians who try to steal elections, and how and what can be done to secure them.

Diplomacy needed to deescalate war between Israel and Iran’s proxies, expert explains 

The one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel arrived with no sign of a cease-fire agreement, and multiple signs that the fighting could expand to multiple fronts and go on for years.  Virginia Tech global affairs expert Ariel Ahram answered more questions about the expanding conflict and what a solution will require. 

Fake Hurricane Helene images go viral, experts discuss the problem and how to counteract

Thousands of well-meaning social media users have been sharing photos supposedly depicting the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction that have turned out to be fake images generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Communication media expert Cayce Myers and digital literacy expert Julia Feerrar discuss the problems these images cause and how to detect them.

Why Do We Have an Electoral College? Experts Weigh In.

The president and vice president aren’t elected directly by United States citizens. Rather, they are chosen through the Electoral College.  The process has sparked debate for years. How did the Electoral College come to be, and how does it work? Is the process fair? (In 1969, New Jersey representatives of the House attempted to do away with the process.)

Experts offer advice for supporting children’s mental health

Prioritizing mental health is not only important for adults, but for children as well. “Stress and anxiety are normal parts of life that we all experience in order to keep us safe,” said Samantha Kempker-Margherio, assistant professor of psychology in Virginia Tech’s College of Science.

A Q&A with Jeffrey Upperman, a national leader in pediatric trauma and disaster preparedness.

Jeffrey Upperman, MD, surgeon-in-chief at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, talks about why the U.S. needs a coordinated initiative to emphasize the impact of disasters on children to improve both future crisis responses and the care of children in the immediate aftermath and as they develop.

Mental health and self-care during election season: MSU experts can comment

MSU experts can comment on the role emotions play during election season and how to take care of yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news.

Alarming Surge: Global Crisis of Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Since 1990, childhood obesity has nearly doubled globally, with the U.S. at the forefront. In Southern Europe, 10-15% of children are obese, while Asia has nearly half of all overweight kids under 5. Nearly 70% of the average U.S. child’s diet consists of ultra-processed foods, which are increasingly consumed by children under 24 months, raising obesity risks and reducing immunological protection. Addressing pediatric obesity requires a multifaceted approach from tackling the influence of social media and advertising on children’s food choices to increasing physical activity.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Cardiologist Honored by World Children’s Transplant Fund

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles cardiologist Jondavid Menteer, MD, was honored with the World Children’s Transplant Fund “WCTF for the Children Award.” The prestigious award recognized Dr. Menteer for 20 years of dedication and leadership in pediatric heart transplant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which is home to the largest heart center for children in the Western U.S.

Ukrainian public opinion on compromise with Russia changing, researcher explains

Two years and seven months into the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the attitudes of the Ukrainian people toward ending the war are reluctantly shifting. Virginia Tech international affairs expert Gerard Toal has researched Ukrainian public opinion for a decade. His most recent findings indicate that more Ukrainians have become open to entering into negotiations with Russia.

Play it Forward: Lasting Effects of Pretend Play in Early Childhood

As the school year revs up, a renowned child developmental psychologist highlights the robust benefits of pretend play on cognitive, social, and emotional development in children and cautions how “learning through play” has changed with the demands of contemporary society. Given natural selection’s shaping of childhood for the acquisition and refinement of species-adapted social-cognitive skills – much through pretend play – he says it’s unfortunate that modern culture is ignoring the evolved wisdom of how best to educate young children.

Presidential debate aftermath for Harris and Trump, experts discuss

The second presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential debate contrasted a polished, occasionally evasive performance by Vice President Kamala Harris against an aggressive, defensive performance by former President Donald Trump. Virginia Tech political scientist Karen Hult and media communications expert Cayce Myers discussed the results of the debate.

False-positive mammograms discourage women from breast cancer screening, study finds. Why it happens — and what to do.

Every year, millions of women get mammograms to screen for breast cancer. About 10% of them are called back for further testing. And 7% to 12% of those women receive a false-positive result, meaning that the mammogram detects something that looks like cancer, but turns out not to be.

The Trump-Harris debate: Experts lay out the stakes for both candidates

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will share a stage in what likely will be the only presidential debate prior to the November election. Political scientist Karen Hult and media and public relations expert Cayce Myers provide their thoughts on what both candidates will set out to accomplish and what weaknesses they must overcome.

False election information from AI chatbots — expert explains what to guard against and avoid

Anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots or voice assistants for election information should know these tools might provide misleading or false information. Virginia Tech digital literacy expert Julia Feerrar makes recommendations for sorting AI-generated fiction from fact.

Risks posed to humans by rare but deadly mosquito-borne disease, explained by veterinary expert

Sierra Guynn, a clinical assistant professor with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses the history and public health risks of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease that can spread between people and animals.

Nutrition know-how for patients taking anti-obesity medication

Since anti-obesity medications have become more widely known and prescribed, they have been touted as game-changing treatments for chronic overweight and obesity. But one common misconception about these medications is that they’re a magic bullet for better health, and it doesn’t necessarily matter what you eat when you’re taking them. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Tips to help families navigate food allergy policies at school

Every year, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology specialists at UT Southwestern and Children’s Health Dallas field questions from parents who are worried about whether their older kids will be exposed to allergens or whether younger students will make good choices about swapping foods and snacks at school. It takes a community to protect kids with food allergies.

Why student cellphone restrictions may benefit your child

As students begin a new school year, school district officials across California are considering or establishing cellphone-use restrictions on campus. Their reasoning? Increased screen time, along with prolonged social media use, may disrupt the learning environment, stunt social development and harm students’ mental health, they say.

Dr. Gopal Gupta Awarded on Newsweek America’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons 2024 List

MAYWOOD, IL – Newsweek and Statista are proud to announce that Gopal Gupta, MD affiliated with Loyola Medicine has earned a position in the America’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons 2024 list. This is an exclusive list of only 150 doctors in the country. Congratulations on this achievement! In an era of informed decision-making, it is increasingly important for patients to make well-founded choices about which doctor to consult for their specific condition.

Menopause is having a moment: Debunking common myths

Many women approach menopause with anxiety about the future. You’ve probably heard about it being a stressful time full of hot flashes, weight gain, and plummeting sex drive. The good news? Menopause is having a moment. That means heightened awareness, more resources dedicated to improving women’s health, and open discussions to ensure you get the information you need.