Jen Christensen
Jen Christensen is a producer with CNN's Health, Medical and Wellness Unit. She produces multi-platform projects and documentaries, primarily for CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. She also does data analysis and is a reporter for CNN.com. She has earned the highest awards in broadcasting including the Peabody and the DuPont as a producer for CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour on the documentary God's (Jewish) Warriors. She has produced several award-winning documentaries and has an extensive background in investigative production. Prior to CNN, she worked as an award-winning investigative producer with WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C., and as a show and segment producer at WTVQ-TV, Lexington, K.Y., and WXIN-TV's weekend newsroom.
Biography:
https://www.cnn.com/profiles/jen-christensen
92%
The Daily's Verdict
This author is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.
Bias
95%
Examples:
- Jen Christensen is a producer with CNN's Health, Medical and Wellness Unit. In addition, she produces multi-platform projects and documentaries, primarily for CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour.
- Prior to CNN, she was an award-winning investigative producer with WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C.
- She has also worked as a freelance reporter and photographer for The Advocate, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Southern Voice, Sirius OutQ Radio News and others.
- She has earned the highest awards in broadcasting including the Peabody and the DuPont as a producer for CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour on the documentary God's (Jewish) Warriors.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- In one article, it is mentioned that 'Providers can tailor these options to fit the patient and their family, but the interventions should involve at least 26 hours in a calendar year and include supervised physical activity.' This could be seen as a conflict of interest as it suggests a specific method of intervention for children with high BMI.
Contradictions
95%
Examples:
- In one article, it is mentioned that 'At least 28 people have been hospitalized with Listeria monocytogenes infections since May.' However, in another article published later, there are no mentions of the number of people hospitalized.
- The articles on listeria outbreaks linked to deli meat mention different numbers of affected individuals and states where the outbreak occurred.
Deceptions
85%
Examples:
- In one article, the author states that 'measles is highly contagious and can cause serious symptoms that can lead to pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications, but it is preventable with vaccination.' This statement could be seen as deceptive because it implies that vaccination is the only way to prevent measles, while in reality, there are other methods such as quarantine and isolation.
- The author mentions that there are no therapies specifically approved to treat obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and the number of people who have it has been growing significantly. This is an example of deceptive phrasing.
Recent Articles
Two Dead, 28 Hospitalized in Nationwide Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats: CDC Investigates
Broke On: Wednesday, 29 May 2024Two people have died and at least 28 were hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats in 12 states. Many sick individuals may not have sought medical care or their illnesses may not yet be connected with the investigation. The CDC is investigating which specific products may have been contaminated, and advises pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems to avoid deli meat unless it has been reheated until steaming hot. CDC Warns of Multistate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats, Two Deaths Reported
Broke On: Friday, 19 July 2024The CDC reports a multistate listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meats, with 28 hospitalized and two deaths in New Jersey and Illinois. Pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness or death. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination. The CDC advises against consuming deli meat unless reheated to 165°F and urges anyone with symptoms after consuming deli meat in the past month to contact their healthcare provider. 
Neuroscientists Discover Distinct Brain Network Patterns for Sex and Gender in Young People
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024Neuroscientists Elvisha Dhamala and her team identified distinct brain network patterns associated with sex and gender in young people based on functional brain imaging data from over 4,700 children in the US. Using predictive modeling, they found that sex was linked to visual processing, motor control, sensory processing regions, and some executive functions. Gender was related more broadly to executive function and possibly impacted networks supporting attention and social cognition. The findings could lead to more nuanced approaches in medical contexts for equal treatment based on sex and gender. 
New Study: Children's Secondhand Exposure to Nicotine from E-Cigarettes vs Tobacco Smoke - Comparative Findings
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open reveals that children living with e-cigarette users absorb 84% less nicotine through secondhand aerosols than those exposed to tobacco smoke. However, vaping still poses risks for children, particularly regarding lung development. 
Biden's Debate Performance Raises Concerns: Focus Shifts to Trump's Potential Presidency Again
Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024President Joe Biden's debate performance raised concerns about his mental fitness, leading some Democrats to refocus on Trump's potential presidency. Despite calls for cognitive tests and growing public doubts, there is no clear defiance from the Democratic Party leadership. Biden's advisers plan a comeback narrative, but some believe it may not be enough to quell concerns about his ability to effectively campaign and win reelection. 
FDA Approves New Alzheimer's Treatment: Donanemab Slows Cognitive Decline
Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024The FDA approves Eli Lilly's donanemab, a monoclonal antibody treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease that helps remove amyloid plaque buildup in the brain and significantly slows cognitive decline. The drug, sold as Kisunla, costs $12,522 for six months or about $32,000 yearly. 
US Government Prepares for Potential Bird Flu Pandemic with Moderna's mRNA Vaccine Development
Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024The US government invests $176 million in Moderna's mRNA vaccine development for a potential bird flu pandemic, targeting the H5N1 strain. Early testing results should be available soon, with late-stage testing starting in 2025. The CDC assesses the risk to the general population as low but takes precautions as H5N1 bird flu has been identified in dairy cows and farm workers. Moderna's mRNA technology vaccine receives funding for a late-stage clinical trial through BARDA, emphasizing pandemic preparedness. 
FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Donanemab: A New Hope for Early Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024The FDA approves Eli Lilly's donanemab, the second drug for treating early Alzheimer's symptoms. This first-of-its-kind treatment targets amyloid protein deposits in the brain and slows down disease progression, allowing patients to live more independently. Despite reported side effects, benefits outweigh risks with a 39% reduced risk of clinical stage progression. Donanemab costs $12,522 for six months or about $32,000 per year. 
Unprecedented Surge in Dengue Cases: Over 9.7 Million Reported in Americas Region in 2024
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024In the first half of 2024, over 9.7 million dengue cases have been reported in the Americas region, more than double the number from all of 2023. Puerto Rico alone recorded over 1,498 cases and the CDC has issued a health advisory in the United States. The increase is attributed to warmer temperatures and continuous transmission in some US states and territories. The World Health Organization reports a 30% increase in dengue cases worldwide between 2019-2023, linking this trend to climate change. 
USPSTF Shifts Focus: Behavioral Interventions for Childhood Obesity Over Medications
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends comprehensive intensive behavioral interventions for children aged 6 and above with high BMI, rather than prescribing obesity medications. This shift is based on insufficient evidence on the benefits of pharmacotherapy for adolescents. The recommendations emphasize the importance of self-monitoring, goal-setting, supervised physical activity, and healthier eating habits as part of these interventions.
