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Rachel Jones Rachel Jones reports on education, social policy, and welfare reform issues at NPR. She has also covered children’s health and development, as well as well as racial disparities in health care.
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Rachel Jones

Monday

Science

New Birth Control Pill Raises Ethical Concerns

Earlier this month, the FDA approved Seasonale, a new oral contraceptive that allows women to reduce their monthly cycles to just four times a year. Some say Seasonale is merely another option for preventing pregnancy. But others warn about the ethical implications and potential risks of suppressing menstruation. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

New Birth Control Pill Raises Ethical Concerns

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Tuesday

All Things Considered

Study: Childhood Cancer Leaves Mark on Adult Survivors

Adults who have survived a childhood cancer treatment may face a greater risk of physical and emotional complications, according to research in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association. Though survivors often report long-term emotional and physical after-effects of treatment, the researchers also found great resiliency among many of the childhood cancer patients. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

Study: Childhood Cancer Leaves Mark on Adult Survivors

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Tuesday

Science

Studies Question Herbal Supplement Safety

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests the popular herbal supplement St. John's Wort may do some harm because it interferes with prescription medications. A second study finds that most Web sites selling herbal supplements make unsupported health claims about their products. Hear NPR's Rachel Jones.

Studies Question Herbal Supplement Safety

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Wednesday

Science

Study: Moderate Exercise as Effective as Intense Workout

Moderate physical activity is about as effective as higher-intensity workouts when it comes to losing weight, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds. The report says diet and duration of exercise, rather than intensity, are the keys to shedding pounds. Hear NPR's Rachel Jones.

Study: Moderate Exercise as Effective as Intense Workout

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Tuesday

Science

Study Questions Cost of Children's Vaccines

A new study says a vaccine that protects children from diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis is so expensive, many children aren't getting the shots. The four-shot Prevnar vaccine costs about $200 to $300, and some private insurance plans won't cover the cost, research in the journal Pediatrics shows. Hear NPR's Rachel Jones.

Study Questions Cost of Children's Vaccines

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Friday

Science

Study Links Health to Neighborhood Design

A new report finds that people who live in sprawling suburbs walk less for exercise and, as a result, weigh more and have higher blood pressure than those in more densely populated areas. The findings suggest community planning could become a new front in America's war on obesity. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

Study Links Health to Neighborhood Design

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Wednesday

Morning Edition

Daycare Study Revisited

Two years ago, a large, government-funded study of daycare garnered extensive attention and triggered worry among parents. The study's preliminary results suggested that children cared for outside of the home are more likely to exhibit aggressive and defiant behaviors. That study's results are now being published for the first time, prompting other researchers to weigh in on the question: Is day care inherently bad for children? NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

Daycare Study Revisited

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Monday

Science

Study: Absent Dads Impact Daughters' Sexual Behavior

A new study reinforces the notion that a father's absence during his daughter's childhood can have a negative impact on the girl's sexual behavior. But the research challenges previous studies suggesting poverty is the main reason such girls are at a higher risk for early sexual activity and pregnancy. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

Study: Absent Dads Impact Daughters' Sexual Behavior

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Friday

Science

A New Slant on Child Backpack Injuries

Media reports have highlighted a potential danger for children who carry overstuffed backpacks around, citing a rash of back injuries. One study shows a greater danger from tripping over the cumbersome carry-alls. But there's more to the story. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

A New Slant on Child Backpack Injuries

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Tuesday

Science

Survey Notes Link Between Holidays, Teen Depression

A New York University survey says some teenagers may be more susceptible to depression during the holidays. Mental health researchers estimate that nine million children experience significant depression sometime during their teens. The good news is that "talk therapy" can help. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.

Survey Notes Link Between Holidays, Teen Depression

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Sunday