Based out of the city of Medellin, I have covered Colombia and Latin America for a wide range of media outlets including the Miami Herald, the Independent, the Toronto Star and Sky News. I work predominantly in print, but have also produced videos, photography and multimedia work and have done TV ...

Report Linking Pesticide to Cancer Could Undermine Colombia Coca Eradication

27 Mar 2017  |  insightcrime.org  |  English  |  Health Concerns

Scientists affiliated with the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer have reported that glyphosate, a chemical used in aerial eradication of coca crops in Colombia, is likely carcinogenic. This finding, which indicates DNA and chromosomal damage in cells and a correlation with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, challenges the Colombian government's controversial eradication policy. Monsanto, the agrochemical manufacturer, disputes the findings. Aerial fumigation has been criticized for harming legal crops, health, and the environment. Colombia, which sprayed 47,053 hectares in 2013, has faced calls for policy reevaluation and legal actions, including a settlement with Ecuador over border spraying damages.

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International Court of Justice International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization United Nations Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

Ari Bendersky is a Chicago-based lifestyle journalist specializing in food, wine, music and travel and is the author of "1000 Food & Art Styling Ideas,” a coffee table book highlighting beautiful food photography. Ari, the former founding editor of Eater Chicago, has been writing for 20+ years and ...

FDA prompted to investigate Prime energy drinks

10 Jul 2023  |  www.supplysidefbj.com  |  English  |  Artificial Sweeteners

Prime energy drink, popular among children and teenagers, is under FDA investigation following concerns raised by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer about its high caffeine content and marketing practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry have highlighted the potential dangers of caffeine for adolescents. Concurrently, aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' by WHO and other international organizations, prompting health concerns. Additionally, innovations in plant-based foods are highlighted, including spirulina-based chicken cutlets by SimpliiGood and oat milk cheese by Armored Fresh, along with Simple Mills' sustainable veggie crackers.

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Center for Science in the Public Interest International Agency for Research on Cancer FDA WHO Food and Agriculture Organization American Academy of Pediatrics American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

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Jitendra Choubey is Bangalore / New Delhi based Journalist. He writes on Environment, Climate Change, Natural hazard, Politics, Agriculture, Food, AgriBusiness, Agri-Technology and Science. He worked with magazine (Down To Earth) as well as daily newspaper (The New Indian Express) in India. He is ...

Government may allow cultivation of herbicide-tolerant GM crops, trains manpower for spraying glyphosate

17 Mar 2024  |  The New Indian Express  |  English  |  Pesticide Regulation

The Indian government is considering the legalization of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops and is preparing a workforce to manage the application of glyphosate, a herbicide that these crops depend on. Glyphosate is currently restricted to use in certain areas and is considered a possible carcinogen. The National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) in Hyderabad is tasked with training master trainers, who will then train pest control officers (PCOs) to safely apply glyphosate. The government aims to create over 4000 PCOs, primarily from the ranks of progressive farmers and rural educated youth. So far, 370 master trainers and around 450 PCOs have been trained. The move comes amid reports of illegal cultivation of herbicide-tolerant GM cotton, which may lead to its legalization following this initiative.

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Centre for Integrated Pest Management International Agency for Research on Cancer Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage Krishi Vigyan Kendra

Megan Clement is a journalist and editor specialising in gender, human rights, cities, international development and social policy. She also writes about Paris, where she has lived since 2015. Her reporting has appeared in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, The New ...

Abandoned for the crime of getting sick

07 Oct 2024  |  Les Glorieuses  |  English  |  Women's Rights

The article highlights the issue of healthcare discrimination against women in Egypt, where women are often abandoned by their partners when they fall ill. It discusses the cultural and economic factors contributing to this discrimination, including the prioritization of male family members for medical treatment and resources. The Egyptian government's initiatives, such as the '100 Million Healthy Lives' and 'First 1,000 Days' programs, aim to address these disparities, but challenges remain due to societal norms and lack of legal protection for women. Organizations like the Mersal Foundation are working to provide free healthcare services to women denied treatment by their families.

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National Council for Women International Agency for Research on Cancer Egyptian government Mersal Foundation World Bank Ministry of Social Solidarity

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I’m Grace Dobush, a freelance journalist based in Germany and operating worldwide. I’m a polymath with a wide range of interests, and my editorial experience includes everything from politics and history to graphic design and craft business. I love working on stories that give historical context to ...

Bayer Shares Plummet Upon Verdict That Roundup Caused Man’s Cancer

20 Mar 2019  |  fortune.com  |  English  |  Health

Bayer's shares dropped over 12% following a verdict that its product Roundup caused cancer, raising concerns about future lawsuits. The ruling is part of the Hardeman v Monsanto trial, with Bayer facing over 11,200 similar lawsuits. Despite the jury's decision, Bayer maintains that glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, does not cause cancer. Analysts suggest that settling the litigation could cost Bayer up to $5 billion. Previous cases, such as Dewayne Johnson's, have also resulted in significant damages against Bayer. Regulatory bodies and scientific organizations are divided on glyphosate's carcinogenic risk.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer European Chemicals Agency EU Food Safety Authority UN Food and Agriculture Organization World Health Organization

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Hello and welcome to my profile !

To introduce myself : 

I have an extensive experience in media production, living and working across four continents for a wide range of public and private entities.

As a multimedia producer and reporter, I have :

- reported on European social and ...

Occupational cancer - how to minimise risks?

29 May 2019  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Workplace Safety

The article discusses the significant issue of occupational cancer within the European Union, highlighting that it accounts for 52% of annual work-related deaths. The EU has listed 26 carcinogenic and mutagenic substances that employers must manage to reduce exposure. Despite regulations, enforcement is lacking, particularly in smaller enterprises. The article features insights from Kruno Piškur, a lumber factory manager in Croatia, and Christa Sedlatschek, director of EU-OSHA, who emphasize the importance of systematic approaches to occupational safety. The article underscores the need for better oversight and compliance to protect workers' health.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer European Agency for Safety and Health at Work European Union Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia

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Amirmohammad (Omid) Karimi is an Iranian journalist based in Cologne, Germany.

I am an Iranian journalist who has worked for more than 20 years in various Persian language media (magazines, newspapers, websites, news agencies, social media and visual media) in the social field such as health, ...

Daily crash of a passenger plane in Iranian hospitals; How is the situation of cancer patients in Europe?

05 Feb 2025  |  parsi.euronews.com  |  Persian  |  Healthcare Crisis

The article highlights the severe challenges faced by cancer patients in Iran, where daily deaths from cancer are likened to a plane crash. It criticizes the Iranian healthcare system for its inadequate facilities, long waiting times, and the impact of economic sanctions on drug availability. The article contrasts this with the situation in Europe, where cancer cases are expected to rise significantly, but healthcare systems are better equipped to handle the increase. It emphasizes the need for early detection and improved healthcare policies to manage the growing cancer burden.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer Ministry of Health (Iran) Tehran University of Medical Sciences

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My name is Stephen Maina, a competent, efficient and eloquent journalist/ photo journalist based in Nairobi Kenya. I have 11 years experience in the production and film industry, I believe am highly focused, results oriented, hardworking, time conscious, team player with good communications skills  ...

Dental fluorosis and oral health in the African Esophageal Cancer Corridor: Findings from the Kenya ESCCAPE case–control study and a pan-African perspective

06 May 2024  |  Wiley Online Library  |  English  |  Science & Environment

The study investigates the link between oral health indicators and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Kenya, focusing on dental fluorosis due to excessive early-life fluoride intake from water in the African Rift Valley. Findings indicate a strong association between moderate/severe dental fluorosis and ESCC, with a 9.4-fold increased risk, particularly in individuals with tooth loss or decay. Poor oral hygiene, use of non-piped water, and reliance on the mswaki stick for tooth brushing were also associated with increased ESCC risk. The study suggests that dental fluorosis may be a proxy for life-long high fluoride intake or other carcinogenic factors in water, and points to the potential of preventing ESCC through improved oral hygiene and access to modern oral hygiene methods.

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International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization

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Catalina Oquendo is a colombian journalist based in Buenos Aires. She works for the main newspaper in Colombia during 12 years covering armed conflict, social affairs and cultural affairs. Kiplinger Fellow 2015, won Simon Bolívar Award in Colombia and she was finalist  Online News Association award ...

Colombia faces the tragedy of involuntary abortions associated with glyphosate, used against coca planting

30 Sept 2020  |  brasil.elpais.com  |  Portuguese  |  Human Rights

Colombia is grappling with the severe health impacts of glyphosate fumigations used to eradicate coca plantations. Cases of involuntary abortions and other health issues among women exposed to the herbicide have been documented and presented to human rights bodies. Despite the suspension of glyphosate use in 2015 due to its classification as a probable carcinogen, the current government under Iván Duque, influenced by U.S. anti-drug policies, is considering resuming fumigations. Research highlights significant reproductive health risks, urging precautionary measures to prevent exposure.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer Center for Reproductive Rights Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence and Non-Repetition Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Colombian Police Group of Epidemiology and Population Health of the University of Valle United Nations Constitutional Court White House

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Dorothy Otieno is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Married women who engage in unsafe sex are less likely to test for cervical cancer

28 Jul 2018  |  nation.africa  |  English  |  Medical Research

A study reveals that married and cohabiting women who engage in risky sexual behavior are less likely to seek cervical cancer screening, potentially due to a perceived lower risk of cervical cancer and other STIs. The study, based on data from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, found that 21% of currently or formerly married women or those living with a partner had a cervical cancer screening, compared to 14% of unmarried women. The study highlights the need for contextually relevant strategies to increase cervical cancer examination among women engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. It also emphasizes the importance of education, wealth, and urban residency in increasing the likelihood of screening. Cervical cancer, caused by HPV infection, is the most frequent cancer among Kenyan women aged 15 to 44 and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Screening can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancers, and early treatment is crucial.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ohio University Kenya Demographic and Health Survey World Health Organization Cleveland Clinic Akron General

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Tamara Pearson has been a journalist for 22 years, and an editor as well for a total of 12 of those. She is based in Puebla, Mexico.

7 Toxic Food Chemicals We Still Use That Are Banned In Europe

08 Feb 2017  |  The Alternative Daily  |  English  |  Regulations

The article highlights the stark differences between U.S. and European food safety regulations, focusing on seven chemicals banned in Europe but still used in the U.S. These include rBGH and rBST in dairy products, olestra in packaged foods, artificial food dyes like Yellow 6 and Red 40, brominated vegetable oil in soft drinks, potassium bromate and azodicarbonamide in baked goods, and diphenylamine on apples. The article criticizes the FDA's lenient approach and praises the EU's precautionary measures, raising concerns about potential health risks such as cancer and other serious conditions.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer U.S. Food and Drug Administration European Union

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I am a digitally savvy journalist and editor with a keen interest in collaborations, tracking political promises and solutions journalism. I recently completed a certificate course in investigative journalism from Wits. In my freelance career I have focused on cross-platform editing, project ...

Why science says no to drinking alcohol

21 Feb 2024  |  www.dailymaverick.co.za  |  English  |  Heart Disease

The article discusses the evolving scientific consensus on alcohol consumption, highlighting that even moderate drinking may pose health risks, including cancer and heart disease. It references various studies and expert opinions, including those from the World Health Organisation, American Cancer Society, and other health organizations, which now suggest that no amount of alcohol is safe. The article also touches on the historical context of alcohol consumption guidelines and the recent changes in recommendations from health authorities in different countries. Overall, it emphasizes that drinking less is better for health and advises individuals to consider their personal health history when deciding on alcohol consumption.

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South African Medical Research Council Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation International Agency for Research on Cancer Centre for Addiction and Mental Health American Cancer Society World Health Organisation Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa World Heart Federation University of Washington’s School of Medicine University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine Brock University

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David Santa Cruz is a journalist based in Ciudad de México, Mexico. On his 18 year as journalist has collaborated with at least 40 media at 25 countries. Includes radio, magazines, newspapers, TV, internet and one news agency. His main language is spanish and can translate to it from english and ...

The main victims of Glyphosate are in the countryside

06 Jul 2023  |  Comestible.info  |  Spanish  |  Drug Policy

Glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide whose commercial version is Roundup by Monsanto, is used in Colombia to eradicate illicit coca crops as part of Plan Colombia, sponsored by the United States. Despite its widespread use, glyphosate has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, and environmental damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a potential carcinogen, and studies in Argentina and Paraguay have shown increased birth defects and health problems in areas with heavy glyphosate use. Colombian farmers, such as Miguel Ángel Jaramillo, have suffered skin conditions due to glyphosate spraying. The ineffectiveness of glyphosate in reducing coca cultivation, along with its health and environmental impacts, has led to calls for the suspension of its use and a shift towards manual eradication and crop substitution, especially in the context of peace negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

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Washington Office on Latin America Environmental Protection Agency International Agency for Research on Cancer Plan Colombia World Health Organization Greenpeace InSight Crime Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

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YAO YU is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Gastric polyp detection in gastroscopic images using deep neural network

22 Apr 2021  |  journals.plos.org  |  English  |  Deep Learning

Gastric cancer is a significant health threat, with gastric polyps being potential precursors to cancer. Accurate detection of these polyps is crucial but challenging due to their small size and the complex gastric environment. Traditional computer-aided detection methods struggle with accuracy, especially for small polyps. This study proposes a new feature fusion and extraction module combined with the YOLOv3 network to improve detection accuracy. The proposed method enhances the detection of small polyps by fusing features from different levels, resulting in better performance compared to existing methods like YOLOv3, YOLOv3-spp, and YOLOv4. The study demonstrates significant improvements in precision, recall, and overall detection metrics, highlighting the potential for better early diagnosis and treatment of gastric polyps.

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International Agency for Research on Cancer

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