Carol Pearson

University of Missouri Works to Make a Better MRI

New technology is expected to make having an MRI more comfortable for patients

University of Missouri Works to Make a Better MRI

When people get magnetic resonance imaging scans, known as MRI's, they spend a long time in a tube with very little head room. The procedure is especially difficult for people who are claustrophobic. At the University of Missouri, researchers are working to make the experience better for both doctors and patients. More from VOA's Carol Pearson.

Fear, Stigma, Ignorance Keep AIDS Epidemic Going

30 years from now will we still have a World AIDS Day? Or could AIDS be a thing of the past?

WHO: Fear, Stigma and Ignorance Keep AIDS Epidemic Going

30 years from now will we still have a World AIDS Day?

Stigma, Fear and Ignorance Keep AIDS Epidemic Going

On Dec. 1, we observe the 30th World AIDS Day. There's been a lot of progress over the past 30 years, but people still die from AIDS. And others are newly infected every day. As VOA's Carol Pearson reports, we have the tools to end the epidemic, but it's far from over.

Study Shows Chemotherapy Not Needed To Treat Many Breast Cancers

Study Shows Chemotherapy Not Needed to Treat Many Breast Cancers

After a diagnosis of breast cancer, many women have surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. But a new study shows that if it's caught early enough, women might be able to avoid the chemotherapy. VOA's Carol Pearson has more.

Healthy Children Who Aren't Growing, May Not Make Enough Human Growth Hormone

If a child is unusually short, testing to see if there's a deficiency of human growth hormone could be needed

Healthy Children Who Aren't Growing, May Not Make Enough Human Growth Hormone

Most healthy children between the ages of four and 10 grow about five centimeters (two inches) a year. So, one family knew something was wrong when their son fit into the same clothes, season after season. VOA's Carol Pearson reports doctors were able to get him growing once again after testing for a growth hormone.

Fathers’ Exercise Impacts the Health of Their Children

Men who want to have children in the near future should consider getting exercise

When Dad's Exercise, Their Children are Healthier

Many people know that a woman's health, including her diet and exercise habits, can impact the health of her baby even before she gets pregnant. Many women try to shed excess weight and check with their doctors to optimize their health. But, until recently, little was known about the role a father's diet and exercise choices might play. VOA's Carol Pearson reports on a study that shows, just like for women, there is a link between the father's health and that of his unborn children.

Many Parents Misinformed About the Flu Shot

Children are slipping through the cracks and not being protected against the flu because their parents don’t have the facts about the vaccine

Some Parents Don't Understand The Flu Shot

Most people associate the flu with coldlike symptoms. They don't realize the flu can lead to life-threatening complications. Last year was a particularly bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere: Nearly 80,000 people died in the U.S., including 180 children. Already this year, a child in Florida died from the flu. A hospital there did some research and found a significant number of parents are concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the flu vaccine. VOA's Carol Pearson has details.

Low-cost Study Has High Impact Results for Premature Babies

A team of specialists come up with a formula to give the smallest premature babies a chance to thrive

Low-cost Study Has High Impact Results for Premature Babies

No one knows why some babies are born prematurely, but some of the smallest premature babies weigh under 1,500 grams. These tiny babies -- micro preemies -- cannot afford to lose any weight. At Children's National Medical Center in Washington, a team of specialists has come up with a plan to give these babies the best chance to thrive. More from VOA's Carol Pearson.

WHO Chief Urges Action on Deadly Non-Communicable Diseases

At UNGA, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls on world leaders to raise taxes on tobacco, restrict ads for alcohol, and reduce salt, sugar and fats in food

Deputy UN Chief: Fight Against TB Wildly Underfunded

Amina Mohammad says disease is fueled by poverty, inequality, migration and conflict, and that an additional $13 billion per year is needed to get disease under control

DRC Tries to Contain Ebola with New Medical Tools Amid Conflict

The DRC faces challenges in containing the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country near Uganda and Rwanda

DRC Tries to Contain Ebola With New Medical Tools Amid Conflict

The Ebola virus has struck again in the Democratic Republic of Congo — it's the DRC's 10th outbreak since Ebola was first identified in 1976. VOA's Carol Pearson reports scientists have made significant medical gains in the past few years, but the country faces huge challenges in getting this outbreak under control.

Glioblastoma Remains a Deadly Form of Cancer

Despite advances in fighting other cancers, researchers are still striving to improve treatment, survival rates of the variety that killed Senator John McCain