Gina Kolata
Gina Kolata is a New York Times reporter focused on diseases and treatments. She writes about the discovery and impact of new treatments, as well as the challenges faced by patients and researchers. Kolata has a master's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Maryland and has been recognized for her investigative reporting and explanatory journalism. She is also the author of several books, including her most recent, “Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family’s Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Saved Them. Kolata is committed to The Times’s ethical guidelines and takes pains to avoid conflicts of interest and surprise her sources. She prefers to be contacted by email. Contact: kolata@nytimes.com Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips
Biography:
https://www.nytimes.com/by/gina-kolata
80%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
85%
Examples:
- Additionally, while Kolata generally avoids expressing her personal views in her reporting, there are instances where she seems to imply a certain perspective on certain topics.
- Gina Kolata appears to have a strong commitment to reporting accurately and fairly on medical topics. She often highlights the potential benefits and drawbacks of new treatments, as well as the experiences of patients who use them. However, there may be instances where she presents information in a way that could be seen as favoring certain viewpoints or interests.
- Kolata also seems to prioritize stories that showcase the positive impact of medical advances and the challenges faced by researchers and patients. This focus may sometimes lead to an oversimplification or omission of complex issues related to medical research and its applications.
Conflicts of Interest
85%
Examples:
- Kolata appears to be diligent in disclosing potential conflicts of interest in her reporting. However, there may be instances where she does not fully explore the financial or personal ties that could influence her coverage of certain topics.
- She also sometimes reports on studies or developments that are funded by private companies or organizations, which may have a vested interest in the outcomes of these studies. In these cases, Kolata generally provides context around the funding sources and potential conflicts, but there may still be instances where readers could question her objectivity.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In some of her articles, Kolata highlights the effectiveness and potential benefits of new medical treatments or screening methods. However, there are also instances where she reports on contradictions or limitations associated with these same treatments or methods.
- Overall, Kolata seems to provide a balanced and nuanced view of the medical field and its challenges, while also highlighting areas where more research or transparency is needed.
- She also covers stories related to the challenges faced by individuals who must make decisions about their own health care, such as whether to undergo certain procedures or take specific medications. In these cases, Kolata often presents information that may challenge readers' assumptions and beliefs about medical topics.
Deceptions
70%
Examples:
- For example, she sometimes highlights the potential benefits of new medical treatments or screening methods without providing enough context about their limitations or drawbacks. This could lead readers to believe that these treatments are more effective or widely available than they actually are.
- Kolata generally presents accurate and reliable information in her reporting. However, there are some instances where she may use misleading language or present information in a way that could be seen as deceptive.
- She also occasionally uses language that implies certain viewpoints or perspectives, which may not be fully supported by the evidence presented in her articles.
Recent Articles
FDA Approves First Blood Test, Shield, as Primary Screening Option for Colon and Rectal Cancers: A New Convenient Tool to Detect CRC Early
Broke On: Monday, 29 July 2024The FDA approves Guardant Health's Shield blood test as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer in adults over 45, marking the first approval of its kind. With an 83% sensitivity rate and potential accessibility advantages over colonoscopies, the Shield test could encourage more people to get screened for this second deadliest cancer in the US. 
Two New FDA-Approved Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer: Shield by Guardant Health and Exact Sciences' FIT Test - Comparison, Effectiveness, and Implications
Broke On: Monday, 29 July 2024Two new blood tests, Shield from Guardant Health and Exact Sciences' FIT test, have been approved by the FDA for colorectal cancer screening. Shield detected 83% of colorectal cancers but is less effective in identifying precancerous polyps. The FIT test has a higher sensitivity rate of 92.3%, making it more effective at detecting cancers, but may require additional testing for confirmation. These tests offer alternatives to colonoscopies, which are invasive and require bowel preparation. 
New Study Challenges Common Belief: Diseases May Not Have Spread Easily from European Ships to New World Populations
Broke On: Saturday, 27 July 2024Two UCLA scientists used mathematical modeling to calculate the probability of diseases spreading from European explorers to new lands during ocean voyages. They found that smallpox had a lower chance of transmission than measles or influenza on Columbus' Santa Maria in 1492, but factors like voyage length and ship size could increase the odds. The introduction of steam ships significantly raised the risk of carrying diseases to distant destinations. 
GLP-1 Drug Shortage: Diabetics Struggle to Obtain Necessary Dosages for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Broke On: Friday, 19 July 2024A critical shortage of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, including Trulicity, leaves diabetics like Bob Dohman unable to obtain necessary dosages. The scarcity affects healthcare providers as they scramble for alternatives and secure limited supplies. Experts debate prioritizing patients for coverage and discuss strategies to address this pressing issue. Meanwhile, the choice between weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic should not be based on a single study. 
Mounjaro Outperforms Ozempic in Weight Loss: Study Finds 7% Greater Average Loss After One Year
Broke On: Tuesday, 09 July 2024In a JAMA Internal Medicine study, researchers compared outcomes of over 18,000 US patients on Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (semaglutide), finding that Mounjaro led to greater weight loss with 81.8% vs. 66.5% achieving five percent or more weight loss, and an average seven percent greater weight loss at twelve months. 
GLP-1: A Game Changer in Obesity Therapy and Beyond
Broke On: Saturday, 15 June 2024GLP-1, a satiety hormone discovered in groundbreaking research, shows promise for obesity therapy and type 2 diabetes remission. GLP-1 drugs have led to weight loss and improved cardiovascular health, despite some side effects. Ongoing research aims to enhance their efficacy and expand their applications beyond obesity. 
Lixisenatide Promising in Slowing Parkinson's Disease Progression, Study Finds
Broke On: Friday, 05 April 2024A diabetes drug has shown promise in slowing the progression of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, according to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Lixisenatide, which is similar to drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed the progression of motor disability in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease after 12 months. 
The Dangers of Weight Loss Drugs: Ozempic and Mounjaro Lawsuits Highlight Side Effects Risk
Broke On: Sunday, 31 March 2024Weight loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro have been linked to harsh side effects, including intestinal blockage, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The FDA has placed a warning on their labels about these risks. However, these medications don't address the root causes of weight gain. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or diet plan. 
Colorectal Cancer: A Growing Threat Among Young People and Why You Should Get Screened Early
Broke On: Saturday, 16 March 2024Colorectal cancer, affecting the colon and rectum, is a common type of cancer among men under 50. It has been increasing in frequency among young people. The American Cancer Society recommends screening starting at age 45 or sooner without family history or symptoms. Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A Promising New Screening Tool?
Broke On: Wednesday, 13 March 2024A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a blood test for colorectal cancer was 83% accurate for detecting malignancies. This is similar to at-home stool tests, but the blood test has several advantages over other methods: it's less invasive and more acceptable to patients than colonoscopy and stool tests. The study used circulating tumor DNA from blood samples to develop the test.