Science & Health

This story is part of an investigation into how federal regulators and the mining industry are failing to protect coal miners from the excessive toxic coal mine dust that causes black lung.

The concern about black lung isn't just focused on coal miners working underground. A new study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) documents severe cases of the disease among surface coal miners, too.

So scientists at the Tevatron, the premier U.S. particle collider that was shut down last year, may be announcing their own results on the Higgs search today. Tommaso Dorigo, a physicist at CERN reports the status in his Quantum Diaries Survivor blog with a post called A Significant Higgs Signal From The Tevatron !

As Dorigo puts it

By Ryan Vasquez

Tuscaloosa, AL – It's been one week since cuts to the state's Medicaid budget took effect. A dire budget shortfall prompted state lawmakers to make spending cuts. Dr. Don Williamson is Alabama's public health officer and is also chair of the Medicaid Transition task force. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez talked to Wiliamson about the short term and long term impact of the cuts as well as how to fix Medicaid going forward.

By Maggie Martin

Tuscaloosa, AL – A reported 5 million Americans have Hepatitis C, with 13,000 of those cases in Birmingham alone. And according to a new study, 75% of those patients don't know they have it and baby boomers make up the biggest group. A recent survey of over 1,000 people found that only 5% thought they were at risk for Hepatitis C. Dr. Michael Ryan is a clinical professor with the Eastern Virginia Medical School. APR's Maggie Martin talked with Ryan about why baby boomers are so at risk.

By Maggie Martin

Birmingham, AL – April's tornadoes left a devastating mark on neighborhoods and businesses across Alabama. But for some residents, the storms took a toll on their mental health as well. Alabama Public Radio's Maggie Martin takes a look at a federal program that trains and deploys Alabamians as crisis counselors to assist storm survivors rebuild their lives.

By Maggie Martin

Tuscaloosa, AL – After last week's tornados devastated dozens of neighborhoods across Alabama, health professionals scrambled to tend to the injured and prevent further illnesses from breaking out. The most pressing health issues in the state range from the blood supply for trauma victims to food and water safety. Alabama Public Radio's Maggie Martin takes a look at some of the short term health concerns in the wake of the disaster.

By Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa AL – In her final episode of Prototype, executive producer Courtney Bowland takes into a brief "hibernation" with a recap of some favorite stories as told by her faithful staff of reporters. Stay tuned as a new voice comes to Prototype this summer!

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – In this edition of Prototype, Todd Panciera talks with some University of Alabama seniors about their memories from college. Ryan Vasquez follows that with a chat with an ESPN scouting director about the celebrity aspect of football recruits. Executive Producer Courtney Bowland tries to keep herself composed as she nears the end of her EP tenure.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – On this edition of Prototype, Bulter Cain talks with a journalist who has traveled all the way from Germany, and Courtney Bowland talks love and relationships with Dr. Linda Enders, a marriage and family therapist.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – In this edition of Prototype, Todd Panciera interviews a blood plasma donor and finds out about the peculiar job requirements it takes to be one. Brandon Hollingsworth looks at some off-the-wall college classes that students are able to take. Executive Producer Courtney Bowland produced the show.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – In this edition of Prototype, Tricia Masucci investigates the process involved in "How To" make beer. Ryan Vasquez talks to a few college football recruitors about the demands of their job. And Courtney Bowland, our Executive Producer, tells us how you can contribute to the APR Fund drive and how it might get you a free iPod Nano.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – In this episode of Prototype, Brett Tannehill show us "How To" prune a crape myrtle tree. The tree is often cut improperly, a phenomenon called Crape Murder. Tricia Massuci focuses her health report on the month of March. She reviews past advice and health tips, and also some new health advice. As always, Courtney Bowland is the Executive Producer.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – This week on Prototype, Gina Smith reports on a piece of music written to honor the students who were killed one year ago in the Enterprise tornado. Then, Todd Panciera lightens the mood with a discussion about a class that has a strong link to "Sienfeld." Courtney Bowland is our executive producer.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – In this week's edition of Prototype, Courtney Bowland explains leap year; Tricia Masucci looks into dental hygiene in her health report, and Todd Panciera gives tips on how to find a suitable house or apartment.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – Barbeque and credit cards top the agenda this week. Alexa Stabler reports on the dangers associated with free spending, and Butler Cain tells us about barbeque judging school. Courtney Bowland is our Executive Producer.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – This week on Prototype, Tricia Masucci talks to a special guest flown in from above in this week's "A Day in the Life of...." Todd Panciera shows us fun things to do on Valentine's Day, and Courtney Bowland wraps up the show with a few Valentine's Day facts.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – This Week on Prototype, Jacksonville State University reporter Brandon Hollingsworth takes a look into the ''Ron Paul phenomenon.'' Then, APR News reporter Gina Smith tells us about her visit to a vineyard in central Alabama where she learned that making wine requires patience and a little bit of luck. Courtney Bowland is our Executive Producer.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – Prototype gets spacey and cheesy this week. Guest reporter Alexa Stabler tells us about a discovery that has astronomers reconsidering their view of our universe. Then, Alabama Public Radio's Gina Smith teaches us how to make goat cheese. Executive Producer Courtney Bowland guides us through the entire show.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – This week on Prototype, Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath reports on an exhibit of artifacts from Pompeii -- you know, the city destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius. Tricia Masucci then brings us a story of a sister's love for her brother, and how she's remembering him after his death in Iraq. Executive Producer Courtney Bowland produced the episode, as usual.

By Courtney Bowland, Alabama Public Radio

Tuscaloosa, AL – Prototype is back! This week, we hear from Butler Cain, who went to a conference at the University of Alabama that explored whether or not the U.S. Constitution should be rewritten to fit today's standards. He asked some law students who attended the conference their opinions.

Next, Ryan Vasquez has a medical miracle story about a patient who is managing dystonia after taking a route less traveled to surpress his disease.