Ken Alltucker
Ken Alltucker is a journalist who covers health news for USA Today. He has reported on a variety of topics including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer prevention, and new treatments for various illnesses. Alltucker has a background in investigative journalism and is known for his ability to uncover important information while maintaining high-quality writing. His work often includes interviews with experts in the field and a thorough analysis of data related to the subject matter.
64%
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
10%
Examples:
- In the provided articles, the author does not present any personal opinions or beliefs that could influence their reporting.
Conflicts of Interest
100%
Examples:
- In an article about Moderna's combination vaccine against flu and COVID-19, the author states 'The company’s investigational vaccine, mRNA-1083, combines a vaccine candidate for seasonal influenza and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Both vaccines have been independently tested and yielded positive results in late-stage clinical trials, according to Moderna,' without disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
Contradictions
86%
Examples:
- In an article about Alzheimer's blood testing, it is stated that 'The Precivity AD2 blood test has accurately detected 90% of AlzheimerҰs cases in two large groups of patients.' However, it is also mentioned that 'Doctors then may refer patients to specialty clinics to undergo PET scans or spinal taps to detect whether the person has a telltale buildup of amyloid-beta protein', which contradicts the idea that blood tests can completely replace PET scans and spinal taps.
Deceptions
70%
Examples:
- In an article about Ozempic and Wegovy being linked to rare condition that can cause blindness, the author states 'Of the 710 people with diabetes who took semaglutide, 17 had NAION compared to six in the control group.' This statement could be seen as deceptive because it makes it seem like there is a significant difference between the two groups when in reality, the difference is not that large (17 vs. 6).
Recent Articles
New Blood Test Accurately Identifies 90% of Alzheimer's Cases, Revolutionizing Diagnosis and Treatment
Broke On: Sunday, 28 July 2024A groundbreaking blood test can accurately identify 90% of Alzheimer's cases, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment. This new tool measures specific proteins and could lead to earlier diagnoses, reducing wait times for patients seeking new treatments. The FDA has yet to approve the Precivity AD2 blood test from C2N Diagnostics, but its potential benefits include more effective treatments, preventative measures, and identifying individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease earlier in life. 
New Study: 40% of Adult Cancer Cases and Half of Deaths Could Be Prevented Through Lifestyle Changes
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024New Study: 40% of Adult US Cancer Cases, Deaths Linked to Modifiable Risk Factors. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and adopting a balanced diet can prevent over 40% of adult cancer cases and deaths in the US. 
New Study Links Semaglutide Use to Increased Risk of Optic Neuropathy: 17 Diabetes and 20 Obesity Patients Developed NAION While Taking the Drug
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 July 2024Semaglutide use linked to increased risk of vision loss, study finds, prompting caution for Ozempic and Wegovy patients. 
Moderna's Promising Combination Vaccine for Covid-19 and Flu: Higher Immune Responses and Convenient Protection
Broke On: Monday, 10 June 2024Moderna's combination vaccine for Covid-19 and flu demonstrates higher immune responses than licensed comparator vaccines in adults aged 50 and older during phase-three trials. The vaccine targets H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria strains. CEO Stéphane Bancel believes that combination vaccines can reduce the burden on health systems and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses. 
Lifestyle Changes: A Promising Alternative to Pharmaceutical Interventions for Alzheimer's Disease
Broke On: Friday, 07 June 2024Recent studies suggest intensive lifestyle changes, including a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and good sleep hygiene, can lead to significant improvements in cognition and function for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. These interventions may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's and potentially reduce the risk of developing it. Adopting these habits could be an effective alternative or complementary approach to pharmaceutical interventions. Biden Administration Announces Minimum Staffing Rules for Nursing Homes: A Step Towards Quality Care
Broke On: Monday, 22 April 2024Vice President Kamala Harris announces new minimum staffing rules for nursing homes, mandating at least 3.48 hours of daily care per resident, including 2.45 hours of nurse aide time and 0.55 hours of registered nurse assistance, with an RN on site around the clock to prevent neglect and delays in care.