New Study Challenges Previous Understanding About the Causes of Cerebral Palsy Oct. 20, 2020 A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and an international team shows about 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be tied to de novo genetic mutations or mutations that appear in a child but not in the parents. Arizona Daily Wildcat
Increased Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 May Accelerate Myopia Epidemic Oct. 20, 2020 There is concern among ophthalmologists that increased screen time might further accelerate the myopia epidemic. “As ophthalmologists, we have now an opportunity to raise awareness among parents and teachers and eventually engage with policy makers and curriculum developers to set up strategies for myopia mitigation that will help students also beyond the pandemic,” said Jordana M. Smith, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Healio
Is Arizona About to Face Another Exponential Increase in COVID-19 Cases? Oct. 20, 2020 Community spread of the coronavirus is back to the levels Arizona saw in late May, according to Joe Gerald, an associate professor in the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with increases now in all age groups, not just college students. The Arizona Republic
UArizona Study: COVID-19 Antibodies Might Provide Long-Term Immunity Oct. 20, 2020 University of Arizona Heath Sciences researchers developed one of the most accurate COVID-19 antibody tests available and now have shown antibodies persist for months after infection, providing long-term immunity. KTAR-FM Phoenix
Consumer Masks Could Soon Come With Labels Saying How Well They Work Oct. 20, 2020 The personal protective equipment industry is trying to inject some clarity into the mask-purchasing experience by creating a uniform set of standards to show consumers how well the products would protect them and those around them. "Whether it's a standard or whether it's something equivalent to the Consumer Reports rating (of) good, better or best, it is probably useful because otherwise people are lost," said Philip Harber, a professor of public health at the University of Arizona who studies the use of respirators. He warned that given some Americans' hostility toward masks, the standards have to be "very, very, very simple." The Washington Post
Researchers Find Biomarker That Can Appear Before Stomach Cancer Oct. 20, 2020 A promising new biomarker that appears in patients before stomach cancer develops may help with early detection of the disease and improve patient response to therapy, according to findings in a study led by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers. MedicalXPress
Identification of Biomarker May Lead to Earlier Detection of Stomach Cancer Oct. 19, 2020 A blood sample may make it easier to detect gastric cancers and could lead to improved treatments for cancers that are resistant to common immunotherapies. Read more Thumbnail
Kicking Off A 20-Day Virtual Celebration of Public Health Oct. 19, 2020 The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health marks its 20th anniversary with a special celebration for 20 days. Read more Image
Fry's No Longer Sanitizing Shopping Carts Oct. 19, 2020 Fry's grocery stores is no longer sanitizing shopping carts for customers. Instead, the stores are providing sanitizing wipes for customers to do it themselves. "Obviously shopping carts are one of those things that a high number of people are going to be touching," Dr. Sahd Marvasti from the University of Arizona College of Medicine said. "But if I had to choose between whether or not masks were required versus universal sanitizing, I would choose masks." KPNX-TV (NBC) Phoenix
Science and the Dairy Dilemma Oct. 19, 2020 Milk drinking in America has fallen by 40% since 1975. But its production and consumption has risen by 9%. The article references a study published in Nutritional Reviews in February 2020 by Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Arizona College of Public Health in Tucson. The researchers recommend milk be downgraded as a separate and essential food. Dr. Jacobs says it should be placed in a much lower category as one of many foods that could provide protein. New Delhi Times