Karen Weintraub
USA TODAY
Cambridge, MA, United States
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Past articles by Karen:
Blood donation policy is updated, allowing gay and bisexual men to give
When Dr. Rochelle Walensky wanted to donate blood with a colleague who was gay, she realized he couldn't. She promised him she would change that. → Read More
Next COVID vaccine booster shot should target new variant not original virus, FDA panel says
The best way to prevent COVID infections will be to reconfigure the vaccine to target an XBB variant, an FDA expert panel recommended. → Read More
COVID's lasting effects: For many, wine tastes like water and smoke smells like clean air
A new study based on a 2021 national survey found more than 6 million people reported sensory loss as of that year. → Read More
Study identifies symptoms that distinguish long COVID ‒ an essential step toward much-needed treatment
Researchers can finally identify the symptoms of long COVID thanks to a study of 10,000 Americans. Here's what that means for treatment. → Read More
Weight loss startup Noom launches program prescribing new weight loss drugs like Wegovy
Qualified Noom Med users will be eligible to receive a prescription for a new class of anti-obesity drugs. → Read More
From 'science fiction' to reality: Paralyzed man walks again thanks to brain and spine implants
The new research is the first to stimulate both the spinal cord and brain, allowing a man to control his leg movements naturally. → Read More
Study finds brain 'signature' for chronic pain, which could improve diagnosis, treatment
Arthritis and other sources of chronic pain has a fundamentally different brain signature than the acute pain of a stubbed toe, study finds. → Read More
Pain is by far the most common chronic ailment in America, study finds
A study finds pain is far more common than other chronic diseases, and the more pain someone is in, the more likely they will suffer a year later. → Read More
What foods should I avoid with diabetes? Advice on best diet plan from a nutrition expert.
Half of America is at risk for diabetes. Here's a look at the best and worst foods you should eat if you're trying to control or prevent diabetes. → Read More
Cutting-edge advances in cancer treatment are underway. Here are 3 that could change lives.
A look at some of the most hopeful, surprising advances in cancer treatment and research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research. → Read More
Sugar substitute erythritol, common in keto foods, may increase your risk for stroke
Erythritol, a sweetener often added to diet products such as Truvia, may contribute to clogged arteries and strokes, a new study suggests. → Read More
Exposure to air pollution increases risk for anxiety or depression. What can you do?
New research finds a link between mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and years of exposure to relatively low levels of pollution. → Read More
How often do you need a COVID booster shot? Yearly, new data suggests.
Yale researchers have found people need annual COVID-19 booster shots to prevent or slow down outbreaks. Here's what to know. → Read More
People who haven't had COVID will likely catch XBB.1.5 – and many will get reinfected, experts say
New COVID variant XBB.1.5 is very contagious, meaning everyone is at risk for infection even if you've already had COVID. Here's what that means. → Read More
XBB.1.5, a more contagious variant, now accounts for over 40% of COVID cases
XBB.1.5 makes up more than 40% of cases, the CDC says. While it's more contagious, experts say it seems not to be more dangerous than earlier ones. → Read More
As COVID turns 3, experts worry where the next pandemic will come from – and if we'll be ready
Public health and national defense experts worry the next pandemic will come at an even higher price than this one. And the nation needs to be ready. → Read More
Americans' life expectancy continues to fall, erasing health gains of the last quarter century
A variety of factors, such as low COVID-19 vaccination rates and Americans' general poor health, is behind the life expectancy drop, experts say. → Read More
Is everyone you know sick? Explaining winter's early rush of illness – and if it will continue.
Why is everyone getting a cold or the flu? Experts say it's a combination of factors, including the pandemic, masking and other virus patterns. → Read More
As COVID cases rise, White House announces more prevention efforts, including free tests
More free at-home COVID tests are part of the White House's plan to combat rising cases this winter season. → Read More
Where did mpox go? Here's what brought down cases of disease formerly known as monkeypox.
Cases of the disease formerly known as monkeypox are down as the Biden administration declares an end to the public health emergency. → Read More