Kathleen Lees

Kathleen Lees

Live Science Contributor

Kathleen is a freelance writer and an English as a second language teacher. She holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a graduate degree in journalism from Syracuse University. She’s written for numerous publications, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Columbia Missourian, and St. Louis Public Radio. She also loves writing and editing technical copy, and some of her work has been featured in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Columbia University Medical Center Newsroom.

Articles by: Kathleen Lees

pregnant, pregnant belly, pregnant woman

Benefits of Eating Fish During Pregnancy May Outweigh Mercury Risk

By Kathleen Lees published

Eating fish during pregnancy may be good for a baby's brain, a new study finds.

A black-and-white photo of a woman sitting in a office looking stressed and sad.

All US Adults Should Be Screened for Depression, Panel Recommends

By Kathleen Lees published

Should you be screened for depression? Here's new advice.

A heavy woman stands back-to-back with a thin woman.

Can Your BMI Predict How Long You'll Live?

By Kathleen Lees published

Many people would face the lowest risk of dying if their BMI was 26 -- which is considered overweight, new research suggests.

A pregnant woman talks with her doctor.

Progesterone May Not Lower Risk of Repeated Miscarriage

By Kathleen Lees published

Progesterone supplements do not lower the risk of miscarriage in women who have suffered from repeated miscarriages in the past, a new study finds.

Walnuts, with their shells cracked open

Daily Dose of Walnuts Linked to Health Improvements

By Kathleen Lees published

Eating walnuts might improve your metabolic health, a new study suggests.

Bottles of soda and juice, in a slew of colors

The Science of Sugar: Is Corn Syrup the Same?

By Kathleen Lees published

Do high-fructose corn syrup and sugar have the same effects on human health? A lawsuit is now considering the question. Here's what the science says.

An artist's image shows a person manipulating a strand of DNA.

Baby's New Leukemia Treatment Could Help Others with Cancer

By Kathleen Lees published

A new technology that edits the genes within a cell was used recently to treat a baby with leukemia. The treatment may one day be used to treat other types of cancers, experts say.

A woman tastes food at a restaurant and finds it gross.

Rare Multistate Outbreaks Cause the Most Foodborne Illness Deaths, CDC Says

By Kathleen Lees published

Only a few outbreaks of illness related to food yearly spread beyond a single state. But the outbreaks that affect people in multiple states account for a higher number of deaths, a new report finds.

weight-loss-100907-02

Low-Fat Diets Are Not Better for Weight Loss

By Kathleen Lees published

If you want to lose weight, a low-fat diet is no better than a higher-fat diets with the same amount of calories, a new study finds.

A doctor examines a mole on a woman's shoulder.

11 Moles on Your Arm May Signal Higher Melanoma Risk

By Kathleen Lees published

People who have 11 or more moles on one of their arms could have a higher risk of the deadly skin cancer melanoma, according to a new study.

This Ebola virus, as seen through a transmission electron microscope.

Ebola May Stay in Survivors' Semen for Many Months

By Kathleen Lees published

It's possible that people could spread Ebola many months after they have recovered from the deadly viral disease, a new study suggests.

A little girl looks anxious

Anxiety In Children May Be Prevented With Family Therapy

By Kathleen Lees published

Anxiety tends to run in families. Now, researchers say they may have found a way to help these families.

A woman talks with her doctor.

Breast Cancer Risk Linked to Virus Found in Cattle

By Kathleen Lees published

Women's risk of breast cancer may be linked a virus called bovine leukemia virus, a new study finds.