Month: November 2022

Elizabeth Holmes, former CEO of the failed blood-testing startup Theranos, on Friday was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for defrauding investors. 

The sentence ends a years-long saga that raised questions about Silicon Valley’s “move fast and break things” culture, particularly as it relates to healthcare. 

Holmes, 38, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud investors and three counts of wire fraud in January. She faced up to 20 years in prison, and her defense team argued she should be given a maximum sentence of 18 months. Prosecutors aimed to sentence her to 15 years in prison.

Federal Judge Edward Davila said he will also determine how much money Holmes has to pay to investors, if any. 

Holmes gave birth to her first child in 2021, and she’s currently pregnant with her second. 

Theranos was launched in 2003 by a then 19-year-old Holmes, who dropped out of Stanford University.

AI-backed genomic and clinical data company Sema4 announced this week it would exit the reproductive health testing business, shut down its lab in Stamford, Connecticut, and lay off about 500 employees.

The company said it would complete its departure from the segment in the first quarter next year. It will now employ about 1,100 workers. According to a WARN Act Notice filed in Connecticut, the cuts affect 206 employees who report to its headquarters in Stamford, 227 who work in the Stamford lab and 15 from its Branford lab. 

The latest layoffs come months after Sema4 cut around 250 staffers, then around 13% of its workforce, as part of another restructuring. Combined with layoffs from earlier this year, Sema4 said in August it had cut about 30% of its jobs from its legacy business.

By eliminating the reproductive health segment, the company will double down on its GeneDx exome and

When your thoughts feel like a tornado, it’s hard to do stuff like plan healthy meals, or schedule gym time.

Never mind falling asleep at a decent hour the night before so you have the energy to actually DO these things.

Seems like an unlikely hero—but your phone might help.

Specifically, via stress management apps.

Stress management apps promise to help you manage your thoughts, regulate your emotions, and ease tension and restlessness from your body.

And in turn, better recovery from stress “fills up your tank,” making it easier for you to eat mindfully, find time to exercise, and feel like you have the capacity to take on new challenges.

In the following article, we’ll discuss how apps for stress management and anxiety might help you do that. You’ll discover:

• What stress apps are, and how they work
• Who’s most likely to benefit from these apps
• Which stress management

Reviewed by Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD, CISSN, CHC

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“I can’t go out tonight, I’m… busy.”

If you struggle with gut health problems, you know this line is often code for one—or all—of the following:

“I have to stay close to the bathroom.”

“I can’t wear real pants right now.”

“My farts might kill you.”

Digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, and toilet troubles are common—and can be extremely disruptive (and not just to your social life).

But if you’re frequently plagued by these issues, all you really want to know is:

What will actually help my belly feel better??!

A lot, actually.

In the following story, you’ll discover:

• How stress, exercise, and many other factors affect your gut health and microbiome
• How to restore gut health after taking antibiotics
• Whether you’re the kind of person who could benefit from extra fiber
• If fermented foods live up to their hype
• Which

“I wish I was the kind of person that loves to exercise… I’m just not that guy.”

My friend Dave takes a sip from his perfectly poured pint, while explaining his reluctance to exercise.

“I’m the guy who’s really into beer,” he adds. “I have no interest in exercise. Beer is my thing. That’s who I am.”

Dave, like lots of people, knows exercise is something he “should” do. But it holds no appeal.

Going for a run—and actually enjoying it? Unfathomable to him. The gym? Forget it.

Coaches, doctors, and fitness enthusiasts love to espouse the benefits of physical activity: It makes you feel good! It’s rewarding! It’s necessary! 

Yet, like a triple hopped IPA, exercise can be an acquired taste. Some people love it at first sip, some learn to love it, and others just plain don’t like it.

And that’s okay.

Disliking exercise isn’t some kind of