Weekly Health Digest: Cell Phone Radiation, DCD Program Cuts, and Alzheimer’s Blood Test

Cell Phone Radiation Study Finds More Questions Than Answers

Jacqueline Howard

Since cell phone usage became popularized in the 1990s, scientists have been questioning the effects that these devices had had on health. Two comprehensive animal studies report findings links cell phone radiation to carcinogenic evidence in male rats. There were no significant findings in female rats.

Cuts to CDC epidemic programs will endanger Americans, former chief says

Wayne Drash

Due to an expectation of reduced funding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the discontinuation of 39 of the 49 locations where the Center for Global Health works to prevent and stop the spread of infectious disease, such as Ebola and Zika. Many top officials note that this reduction could but Americans at risk for the spread of disease.

Blood test detects proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Zahid Mahmood

A new study, published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, finds that a noninvasive blood test could detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The test detects the presence and amount of protein amyloid beta, which is known to be in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s. This study found that the test predicted the appearance of amyloid beta with a 90% accuracy. Although the test isn’t ready for clinical application, researchers are much closer to finding a noninvasive test for Alzheimer’s detection.