Posted on · NASA has begun the countdown for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on Friday afternoon from Cape Canaveral. This will be the shuttle program's 3rd to last flight. Mission specialists reported this morning that the weather forecast looks clear for an on-time departure. But eyes could get a little misty, since this is the last flight for this particular shuttle. Carrie Feibel has more.
Posted on · In 2007, clean-air activists declared victory when a Dallas company agreed not to build eight coal-burning power plants in Texas. But the so-called "Texas coal wars" are not over. Thirteen new coal-fired plants are currently under construction or seeking permits or financing. One would be located in Matagorda County, just 60 miles southwest of Houston. KUHF Health Science and Technology reporter Carrie Feibel reports on the ongoing fight.
Posted on · When it comes to medical acronyms, few are more frightening than ALS. ALS is short for amyotrophic (ay-my-uh-trof-ik) lateral sclerosis. Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a fatal nerve disease that slowly paralyzes the entire body. There is no cure, and no one knows the cause. But the ALS clinic at Methodist Hospital is hardly a place of somber despair. KUHF Health, Science and Technology reporter Carrie Feibel visited and has this report.
Posted on · In Galveston, scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch are doing their final checks on the new level four biosafety lab, or BSL four. BSL four labs have the tightest safety controls, so scientists can work with the deadliest and most dangerous pathogens on the planet — germs like Ebola. KUHF health science and technology reporter Carrie Feibel took a tour in the last months before the viruses are brought in and the lab goes "hot." After that, only approved researchers can get in and out.
Posted on · The new health care law could help an estimated 4.5 million uninsured people get affordable coverage in Texas, which according to the census has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. But the new law doesn't mean that free clinics and charity care for the uninsured will disappear. To find out why, KUHF health science and technology reporter Carrie Feibel sat down with Karen Love, executive director of the Harris County Healthcare Alliance.
Posted on · Health care reform is now law, but doctors remain unhappy and are still lobbying the federal government. Today the Texas Medical Association held seven press conferences across the state, including one at Houston's Park Plaza Hospital. The doctors say the new law fails to fix a major problem in Medicare payments. Health, science and technology reporter Carrie Feibel has more.
Posted on · Having a baby is complicated enough. But these days a pregnant mom must also decide whether to save the blood from her baby's umbilical cord. The blood contains medically useful stem cells that would otherwise be thrown away. Parents must make a biological gamble whether to keep the blood for their family, or try to donate it. KUHF Health, Science and Technology reporter Carrie Feibel reports.
Posted on · With Congress pushing for health care reform, many would-be doctors know that their profession is facing some big changes. Still, the uncertainty hasn't taken the joy out of one of medical school's most important rituals: Match Day. Carrie Feibel joined fourth year students from the University of Texas at Houston.
Posted on · Ranching is a rough industry, so it makes sense that rodeo is a rough sport. Concussions, sprains and fractures are everyday occurrences. At the Houston Rodeo, a medical team stands ready with ice, tape and bandages. Health, science and technology reporter Carrie Feibel paid a visit to find out just how dangerous rodeo really is.
Posted on · While attention has shifted to the recent earthquake in Chile, thousands of Haitians are still struggling with untreated injuries. A team of 24 doctors and nurses from the Texas Medical Center spent this past week in the northern Haitian town of Milot. Carrie Feibel spoke to one doctor between surgeries.
Posted on · This year marks the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the BuckyBall. The finding earned two Rice University chemists a Nobel Prize, and marked the emergence of nanotechnology — the ability to build and manipulate tiny bits of matter. "Nanotech" is hot in Houston, not only because of the discoveries made here, but because the research could have a huge impact on the energy and healthcare industries. Carrie Feibel reports.
Posted on · Medical exams over the internet. The technology exists and it's common practice in Texas prisons and remote rural clinics. Now, top research hospitals in Houston are finding that telemedicine can help bring front-line treatments to far-away patients. From the KUHF health and science desk, Carrie Feibel reports.
Posted on · Bill Clinton's latest brush with chest pain yesterday, which sent him to a Manhattan hospital for insertion of stents, has local doctors reminding their patients that there really is no cure for coronary artery disease. Carrie Feibel reports.
Posted on · The EPA came to Houston Tuesday to hold one of three national hearings on ozone Pollution. They're discussing whether to create a new, lower standard that could be a huge challenge for cities like Houston. Carrie Feibel was there.
Posted on · For years, Houston has struggled to meet the EPA limits on ozone and other air pollutants. Now, the Obama administration wants to tighten the ozone standard even more. It's holding three public hearings across the country — one will take place here in Houston, tomorrow. Carrie Feibel reports.