Erin Blakemore
Erin Blakemore is a science and health reporter at The Washington Post, where she covers topics ranging from primate communication to mental health challenges among teens. Her work often highlights the latest research and scientific discoveries while also exploring the human impact of these findings. Blakemore has a background in journalism and has previously worked for various news outlets, including The Associated Press and The Boston Globe. She is known for her ability to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible stories that resonate with readers.
86%
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
88%
Examples:
- The author occasionally includes personal opinions or interpretations in the reporting.
Conflicts of Interest
88%
Examples:
- There are instances where the author could have disclosed potential conflicts of interest more clearly.
Contradictions
92%
Examples:
- Contradictory information is presented in some articles without clear resolution.
- Some contradictions are repeated across multiple articles.
Deceptions
81%
Examples:
- The author occasionally presents information in a misleading or deceptive manner.
Recent Articles
New Study Reveals Chimpanzees Follow Human-Like Communication Patterns with Rapid Turn-Taking
Broke On: Thursday, 25 July 2024A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, communicate through turn-taking gestures and sounds similar to human conversations. Researchers found that 14% of chimp interactions involve a two-part exchange with an average response time of 120 milliseconds. This rapid communication pattern sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms driving social interactions between humans and primates. 
New Discoveries in Jupiter's Upper Atmosphere: Gravity Waves and Complex Structures
Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024New insights from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal Jupiter's upper atmosphere hosts intricate structures and vibrant lights above the Great Red Spot, challenging our understanding of this gas giant. Possible explanations include gravity waves and historical records suggest it may have formed from unstable winds. 
New Study Finds Anxiety May Double the Risk of Developing Parkinson's Disease in People Over 50
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024New research indicates that individuals over 50 with anxiety have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice. The findings suggest that those with anxiety are twice as likely to develop the neurodegenerative disorder, even after accounting for age and other factors. Further investigation is required to understand how anxiety relates to early symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease. 
New Research Sheds Light on the Role of Body Lice in the Transmission of the Bubonic Plague
Broke On: Thursday, 30 May 2024New research challenges the common belief that rat fleas were the sole transmitters of the bubonic plague, as body lice may have also played a significant role. Up to 60% of infected body lice remain infectious for a week and can transmit the disease within 24 hours of feeding on plague-infected blood. The Pawlowsky glands in their heads enable them to transmit plague bacilli, making body lice potentially more efficient vectors than previously thought. 
New First-Trimester Blood Test Offers Promise in Early Detection of Preeclampsia
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024A new first-trimester blood test, with up to 90% sensitivity and specificity, identifies the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. This life-threatening condition, which can lead to complications like high blood pressure and preterm birth, usually develops after 20 weeks. The test allows for earlier intervention between weeks 11 and 14 for high-risk populations, including older women, first-time mothers, those with obesity or a family history of preeclampsia. Regular prenatal care remains essential for a healthy pregnancy. 
Preschoolers Consume One-Fifth of Daily Added Sugars in Hour After Day Care: Study
Broke On: Thursday, 02 May 2024A recent study reveals that children aged 3-5 consume around 20% of their daily calorie intake and added sugars within an hour after leaving day care, equating to over one-fifth of their daily added sugars and around one-third of their sweet and salty snacks. This critical hour presents an opportunity to replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives for better overall health. 
New Drug Approved to Treat Severe Frostbite in Adults, but Experts Question Its Effectiveness and Need for It
Broke On: Sunday, 25 February 2024Frostbite is a serious condition that occurs when skin and underlying tissue are exposed to freezing temperatures, causing blood vessels to narrow and limiting blood flow. Iloprost, recently approved by the FDA for severe frostbite treatment in adults, works by opening blood vessels to improve circulation and limit inflammation. However, experts question the need for this drug as there is limited data on how many people suffer from severe enough frostbite to require it. The most severe cases of frostbite may still require amputations. 
Teens Turn to Drugs and Alcohol for Stress Relief, Study Finds
Broke On: Saturday, 17 February 2024Teenagers are increasingly using drugs and alcohol to cope with stress, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that 73% of teens who use drugs do so in an attempt to feel calm or relaxed. Additionally, half of respondents reported using substances alone, increasing the likelihood of overdose deaths while using alone. Mental health challenges among teenagers are a driver of drug misuse and given the proliferation of counterfeit pills that resemble prescription drugs and significant risk in taking them alone it is important to be cautious when consuming any substance.