The Past, Present, and Future of FDA Accelerate Approval

By Stephanie Baringer In recent years, the process in which therapeutics are approved for use by the FDA has been in the spotlight. From the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines (read more in a previous LTS article) to the approval of then-anticipated breakthrough drug aducanumab for Alzheimer’s disease (see my previous LTS article on the … Continue reading The Past, Present, and Future of FDA Accelerate Approval

How Weevil Our Crops Recover?: The history of how Alabama farmers went (pea)nuts over an invasive pest

By Laura Odom It’s a tale as old as time: the farming of a crop supports the economy of a region until importation, human travel, or climate change introduces an invasive pest species that likes to snack on the aforementioned crop. Invasive species are often advantaged in new habitats, as they typically have no natural … Continue reading How Weevil Our Crops Recover?: The history of how Alabama farmers went (pea)nuts over an invasive pest

Breaking Barriers: 10 women that have changed the face of science

By: Carli King Women have been historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields. Currently, women account for nearly half of the United States workforce; however, they represent only 27% of STEM employees1. While gains have undoubtedly been made – from 8% of STEM workers in 1970 being women – there is still … Continue reading Breaking Barriers: 10 women that have changed the face of science

Give “Seeing Red” a New Meaning by Donating Blood

By Carli King Ring in the new year with a lifesaving resolution: donating blood in 2023. Even a donation of one pint of blood has the possibility to save up to three lives1. Despite approximately 63% of the United States population being considered eligible blood donors2, only a mere 3% of the population currently donates … Continue reading Give “Seeing Red” a New Meaning by Donating Blood

“Quality is our Recipe” – Lettuce Reconsider That Slogan

By Savanna Ledford Wendy’s is a popular fast-food chain that promises quality and offers great late night eats to over 12 million loyal customers.1 However, in a turn of events that turned stomachs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an E. coli investigation after 97 people fell ill after eating sandwiches with … Continue reading “Quality is our Recipe” – Lettuce Reconsider That Slogan

Inconceivable! The Mechanisms Behind Birth Control and the Importance of Knowing What is Best for You

By Gaelyn Lyons Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade in July2022, there have been concerns about the right to birth control for people who menstruate. Justice Clarence Thomas's comments about reconsidering previous Supreme Court decisions on birth control fueled many of these concerns.1 In response, the House of Representatives passed a bill … Continue reading Inconceivable! The Mechanisms Behind Birth Control and the Importance of Knowing What is Best for You

How Aggressive and Costly is End-of-Life Care for Cancer Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias?

By Xingran Weng, DrPH This article is based on the dissertation of Dr. Xingran Weng who defended his thesis at PSCOM on February 22, 2022. Let’s think about a tough situation Imagine an older individual has been diagnosed with cancer and moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (roughly 20% older persons with cancer diagnosed with … Continue reading How Aggressive and Costly is End-of-Life Care for Cancer Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias?

COVID-19 Causes Lingering Brain Fog: How Can We Combat The Effects?

By Laura Budurlean Are you a victim of “brain fog”? You can blame the pandemic. Individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, resulting in COVID-19, sometimes experience lingering brain fog, one of the symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS or “long-COVID”). Brain fog is characterized by a general confusion, an inability to focus, and decreased mental clarity … Continue reading COVID-19 Causes Lingering Brain Fog: How Can We Combat The Effects?