Tess Francke
Latest MedTruth Work by Tess Francke
‘Dark Waters:’ A True Story of Toxic...
Tess Francke · May 8, 2020
The corrupt story of water pollution in America unfolds in the 2019 film 'Dark Waters' from the perspective of a Cincinnati attorney played by Mark Ruffalo, who comes to the gut-wrenching realization that mega-corporations dump hazardous waste into water sources.
Health FeaturesWhat We Can Learn From 'Osmosis Jones' D...
Tess Francke · March 27, 2020
'Osmosis Jones,' a 2001 movie, provides insight into how the human body fights pathogens, plus tips on how to stay healthy and other fundamental topics that can help us better navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
Health FeaturesDoes Advil Worsen Coronavirus Symptoms?
Tess Francke · March 23, 2020
Though there’s no research specifically on ibuprofen and COVID-19, according to French Health Minister Olivier Véran, drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin prolong coronavirus symptoms, and he recommended acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
Research + Findings-
‘Dark Waters:’ A True Story of Toxic...
Tess Francke · May 8, 2020
The corrupt story of water pollution in America unfolds in the 2019 film 'Dark Waters' from the perspective of a Cincinnati attorney played by Mark Ruffalo, who comes to the gut-wrenching realization that mega-corporations dump hazardous waste into water sources.
Health Features -
What We Can Learn From 'Osmosis Jones' D...
Tess Francke · March 27, 2020
'Osmosis Jones,' a 2001 movie, provides insight into how the human body fights pathogens, plus tips on how to stay healthy and other fundamental topics that can help us better navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
Health Features -
Does Advil Worsen Coronavirus Symptoms?
Tess Francke · March 23, 2020
Though there’s no research specifically on ibuprofen and COVID-19, according to French Health Minister Olivier Véran, drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin prolong coronavirus symptoms, and he recommended acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
Research + Findings
6 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics
Tess Francke · March 9, 2020
Invisible pieces of plastic hide in everyday household dust, shampoo, toys, soup can linings, electronics, cosmetics and numerous other products.
Health FeaturesDoes Chronic Inflammation Cause Mental Fatigue?
Tess Francke · January 29, 2020
A study on inflammation and fatigue reveals that a specific brain network is affected by inflammation, which could lead to brain fog, a symptom experienced by many autoimmune disease patients.
Research + FindingsiPap: The Emerging Future of Cervical Cancer Screening Technology
Tess Francke · January 21, 2020
A new, at-home cervical cancer screening test may just revolutionize early detection, especially in international markets that lack the infrastructure to provide easy access to doctors and regular pap smear tests.
Women's HealthIs Your Drinking Water Contaminated With Toxic PFAS?
Tess Francke · January 14, 2020
PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals, have reached toxic levels of contamination in drinking water sources in the U.S. Consumer products such as pans and rugs may contain PFAS as well.
Research + Findings6 Books and Films for Navigating Life with Chronic Illness
Tess Francke · January 8, 2020
In addition to a network of support, books and films can help those suffering from a condition cope. These resources are tailored to chronic illness sufferers, as they all highlight particular chronic conditions.
Health FeaturesFDA Encourages Use of Disposable Duodenoscopes
Tess Francke · November 18, 2019
Traditional duodenoscopes may cause infection. The FDA recommends hospitals transition to disposable duodenoscopes and warns against illegal ATP test strips used to determine cleanliness.
FDA RegulationGet our reporting in your inbox
FDA Warns of Lung Inflammation Caused by Breast Cancer Drugs
Tess Francke · October 31, 2019
The FDA warns patients of lung inflammation caused by breast cancer medications Ibrance, Kisqali and Verzenio.
FDA RegulationFive Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Getting an IUD
Tess Francke · October 17, 2019
There are many options women consider when exploring birth control methods. Here are the questions you should ask your doctor when considering getting an IUD.
Health FeaturesJohnson & Johnson Reached $20.4 Million Settlement With Ohio Counties in Landmark Opioid Case
Tess Francke · October 9, 2019
Johnson & Johnson reached a $20.4 million settlement with Cuyahoga and Summit counties in Ohio. The company resolves all claims by the counties without admission of liability.
Legal DevelopmentsNew Patient Reporting Technology Empowers Cancer Patients, Offering Remote Care
Tess Francke · October 8, 2019
Recent studies have found that rural cancer patients face challenges in accessing quality care over their metropolitan counterparts, which may impact life expectancy. Noona, a new system designed to provide cancer patients care and symptom assessment from the comfort of their own home, may just change that.
MedTechFriday Film: 'Diagnosis' on Netflix Explores Medical Mysteries
Tess Francke · October 7, 2019
In Netflix's docu-series Diagnosis, New York Times columnist Dr. Lisa Sanders uses the power of writing and the internet to connect the dots for people with undiagnosed and mysterious medical conditions. Each episode tracks the story of a patient with a rare case who is seeking answers to what is causing their symptoms.
Health FeaturesJudge Orders J&J to Pay $572 Million to Remediate Opioid Damages in Oklahoma
Tess Francke · September 5, 2019
After a nearly two-month trial, Judge Thad Balkman of Cleveland County District Court ruled Johnson & Johnson had intentionally played down the dangers and oversold the benefits of opioids. The company will pay $572 million for the community destruction caused by prescription painkillers.
Legal DevelopmentsFriday Film: Chasing the Cure, A Docu-Series About Medical Mysteries
Tess Francke · August 9, 2019
Produced by journalist and former "Today" anchor, Ann Curry, the docu-series "Chasing the Cure" follows unsolved medical mysteries in the hopes of getting diagnoses for those who live with them. Each episode invites viewers to provide insights, making for a show with a real capacity for impact.
Health FeaturesPFAS: The Forever Chemical in Drinking Water?
Tess Francke · July 24, 2019
PFAS describes class of over 3,000 chemicals that are used in textiles, paper products, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. Known for being grease and water-resistant, these chemicals are only just beginning to be recognized and studied for the environmental and health risks they may pose.
Health FeaturesDeep Breath, the Future of Non-Invasive Cancer Detection Is Here
Tess Francke · July 8, 2019
Cancer detection may have just become much easier with a new non-invasive approach that new companies are exploring. Owlstone Medical has pioneered "breath biopsy" - a diagnostic tool they call "a breathalyzer for disease." Using breathomics, they're able to identify disease with breath tests alone.
MedTechIn the Lab: Ovarian Cancer Cells Show Mutation from Talc Exposure
Tess Francke · June 24, 2019
The link between talc powder and ovarian cancer has been warned about for years. Now, a recent study identifying evidence of cell mutation shows the way talc powder promotes the generation of ovarian cancer cells. This is the first study to confirm the cellular effect of talc.
Research + FindingsDiabetes Support Project: How Support from Spouses Benefits Diabetics
Tess Francke · January 23, 2019
The Diabetes Support Project shows the impact and benefits of involving spouses and significant others in the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients.
Health FeaturesResearchers Develop New Blood Test to Detect Cancer in 10 Minutes
Tess Francke · April 11, 2019
It's a quest to detect multiple types of cancer in its early stages with the simple blood test that would take under 10 minutes to report results. Researchers say it will be at least five years before there is sufficient data to show whether it can work.
NewsFDA Warns of Stroke and Complications with Lemtrada for MS
Tess Francke · December 6, 2018
The FDA is warning Lemtrada consumers about cases of stroke and blood vessel wall tears in the lining of arteries in the head and neck, called arterial dissection, that lead to permanent disability or death.
FDA RegulationHow to Find Healing After a Hysterectomy
Tess Francke · January 28, 2019
As many as 60,000 hysterectomies are performed each year. Despite how common they are, healing after a hysterectomy is no easy feat.
Women's HealthAre Tampons Safe?
Tess Francke · April 3, 2019
Nearly 85 percent of menstruating women in the United States use tampons. The average woman will purchase 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, yet millennials are increasingly opting for other feminine hygiene options. But why?
Women's Health5 Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer
Tess Francke · May 21, 2019
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Though that statistic can be intimidating, skin cancer is preventable. Here are five tips you can embrace to better protect your skin this summer.
Health FeaturesFood and Mood: How to Treat Depression With Diet
Tess Francke · May 29, 2019
In the average lifespan, 60 tons of food will pass through the GI tract along with microorganisms from the environment. The gut has a big job, so it's no wonder diet can drastically impact wellbeing. Recent science suggests it's a perfectly effective regulatory solution to treat depression with diet.
Health FeaturesBill Proposed to End Neglected Tropical Diseases
Tess Francke · May 20, 2019
The End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act, bill H.R. 826, deals with a group of 17 parasitic, bacterial and viral diseases. The bill intends to assist the 1 billion of the world’s poorest people affected by these illnesses.
Laws + CongressFDA Approves First New Flu Treatment in Nearly 20 Years
Tess Francke · November 6, 2018
A single-dose flu pill, Xofluza, is the only new flu treatment approved by the FDA in nearly 20 years. The medication could cost between
FDA RegulationCould New Legislation Cut Drug Prices in Half?
Tess Francke · April 25, 2019
The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2019 intends to end manufacturer monopolies and create a database of drug prices. Americans won't pay more for prescription drugs than the median price of the five major countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan.
Laws + CongressWhy Ovarian Cancer Patients and Doctors Should Discuss Sexual Health
Tess Francke · May 9, 2019
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer investigated how doctors and nurses discuss sexual health with ovarian cancer patients in Leeds, England. Researchers found that a majority of doctors think sexual health should be discussed, yet less than one-quarter actually address it.
Women's HealthCommon Side Effects of the Zostavax Shingles Vaccine
Tess Francke · September 27, 2018
The Zostavax shingles vaccine is generally safe and administered with no side effects, though some individuals have filed lawsuits alleging it may cause vision and hearing loss.
Health FeaturesCanadian Warning for Chemo Drug Tasigna Differs from U.S. Label
Tess Francke · September 19, 2018
In 2013, Health Canada warned its citizens about a potentially deadly cardiovascular side effect linked to a chemotherapy drug.
FDA RegulationSpilling the Tea on How to Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Tess Francke · January 16, 2019
Tea has excellent benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. The best tea for diabetes is high in antioxidants, such as green tea, black tea and rooibus tea.
Health Features