Throughout history, various cultures have drawn parallels between the human menstrual cycle and the phases of the Moon. The average length of the menstrual cycle – approximately 29.3 days – is strikingly close to the 29.5-day cycle of the Moon’s phases. However, the scientific community has long debated whether this association is merely a coincidence
Health
The interest in psychedelics is growing rapidly, both within scientific circles and among the general public. These substances have the capability to alter one’s perception, mood, and various mental processes. Additionally, they are showing great promise in the realm of treating mental health disorders. However, in order for their use to be safe and effective,
In the realm of healthcare, it has long been believed that infections acquired in hospitals are the result of exposure to superbugs within medical facilities. However, recent genetic data analysis has shed light on a different narrative. Contrary to popular belief, most health care-associated infections stem from bacteria that patients already harbor on their bodies
The eyes can serve as a window into the health of our brain, offering insight into potential cognitive decline. A recent study conducted in Norfolk, England, followed 8,623 healthy individuals over several years, with 537 participants developing dementia by the end of the study. The researchers found that a loss of visual sensitivity, as assessed
When it comes to eye infections, the common perception may involve puffy, swollen eyelids or gritty sensations in the eyes. While these infections may seem like minor issues, they can actually be quite serious. For instance, the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Burkholderia cepacia in 2023-24 serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden have unveiled a novel class of antibiotics that could revolutionize the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. Unlike traditional antibiotics, this new medicine targets the double membrane surrounding gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are notorious for causing a variety of infections.
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition with multiple risk factors, including gut bacteria composition and dietary habits. A recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis, sheds light on the potential benefits of ketogenic diets in delaying the early stages of Alzheimer’s-related memory loss in mice. One of the key findings of the
The practice of explosive weapons training in the military has recently been scrutinized for its potential to cause brain injuries, even when individuals are positioned at a ‘safe’ distance from the blast itself. A groundbreaking study has revealed that exposure to repetitive, low-level blasts, such as those generated by hand grenades, can lead to a
Recent global research efforts have revealed a significant relationship between metabolism problems in the brain and a wide range of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. These conditions, including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, and bipolar disorder, often exhibit cognitive impairment and share genetic or metabolic features that suggest a common biological basis. The
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have been hailed as the solution to the obesity epidemic, promising to reduce appetite and waistlines on a global scale. However, the reality behind these claims is far from what is being portrayed. The focus on weight as the ultimate measure of health perpetuates the toxic culture of thinness, neglecting other
Could a transfer of healthy bacteria from one person to another through a ‘fecal transplant’ potentially improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? A recent clinical trial conducted by a research team from Belgium suggests that fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) from healthy donors into early stage Parkinson’s patients led to significant improvement in motoric symptoms such
Researchers in China have recently conducted a study involving obese individuals to investigate the effects of intermittent energy restriction (IER) on weight loss, brain activity, and gut microbiome composition. The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into combating the global obesity epidemic. During the 62-day study period, participants in the IER program experienced
Recent studies have shed light on the complex interactions between hormones, gut microbiome, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research conducted at the University of Chicago has shown a significant link between the female hormone estrogen and the build-up of amyloid beta protein clumps in the brain, a key characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Female mice bred to develop
The accidental discovery of a six-legged embryonic mammal by researchers at Portugal’s Gulbenkian Science Institute has led to a new avenue of study in spinal cord research for developmental biologists Anastasiia Lozovska and Moisés Mallo. The team embarked on a project comparing mouse embryos with and without functioning versions of the gene Tgfbr1, which is
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on a potential treatment for the progression of motor issues associated with Parkinson’s disease. This devastating neurodegenerative disorder affects millions of individuals worldwide and currently has no known cure. The study focused on the use of a drug called lixisenatide, a