When we think about our health, we often believe that we have full control over our well-being. We exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and take precautions like washing our hands and getting vaccinated. However, the reality is far from what we imagine. There are factors beyond our control that can significantly impact our health, and
Health
New research suggests that keeping CO2 levels low can help reduce infectious airborne viral loads. This study focused on the pathogen behind COVID-19, but the implications extend to reducing the risk of transmitting viruses in poorly ventilated spaces. According to University of Bristol chemist Allen Haddrell, opening a window to let in fresh air may
Many of us have a basic understanding of what is good for our health – standing is better than sitting, exercising regularly is beneficial, and getting enough sleep is crucial. But what happens when we start to question how to best balance these aspects in our daily routine? Research has shown that the optimal amount
As the world’s aging population continues to grow, the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis is reaching epidemic levels. Many individuals, regardless of age, are interested in living healthier lives, not just longer ones. Recent research has highlighted the importance of physical activity in midlife for women in their 40s
The battle against glioblastoma, the most aggressive and fatal type of brain cancer, has seen a ray of hope with the introduction of a personalized vaccine. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, this innovative medicine has not only extended the survival of patients but has also shown remarkable effectiveness in activating the immune system against the
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent research conducted at the University of Washington has shed light on the role of microglia in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Microglia are immune cells that play a crucial role in maintaining brain health by clearing waste and preserving normal brain
Research on the development of Parkinson’s disease has pointed towards a significant role of environmental factors in triggering the condition. Scientists have explored the possibility that the loss of neurons associated with Parkinson’s may be initiated by damage to either the olfactory nerves in the brain or nerves in the gut. A new model suggests
Recent TikToks have been claiming that freezing bread can actually make it healthier. The science behind this claim is actually sound, albeit a little confusing. When bread is cooked, the starch in the flour expands and gelatinizes in the oven, making it easier to digest. However, when bread is cooled after being baked, the expanded
Depression has a long history, with its core experiences of changes in energy, activity, thinking, and mood being described for thousands of years. Despite this long history, experts still do not agree on a universal definition or cause of depression. It is seen as a large family of illnesses with different causes and mechanisms, making
ADHD, which affects around one in 20 people, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily impacts children but often continues into adulthood. The first clinical description of children with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity dates back to 1902 when British paediatrician Professor George Still presented his observations of 43 defiant and emotional children. This
Addictive drugs like cocaine and morphine have been known to override our natural desire for life-sustaining needs such as food and water. Scientists from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have conducted a study using mouse models to delve into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. The research team utilized a
It has been almost six years since a day spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was shut down due to the unregulated practice of ‘vampire facials’. Recently, a report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed five suspected cases of HIV linked to unsanitary procedures carried out at the spa by an
A man from Florida, aged 52, sought medical attention due to worsening migraines that had been plaguing him for the past four months. Upon further examination through a CT scan, doctors made a startling discovery – multiple cysts scattered throughout his brain. These cysts turned out to be larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, Taenia
A recent medical case report has raised alarming concerns about the possibility of a deadly prion disease, known as chronic wasting disease, being transmitted from deer to humans. This disease, often referred to as “zombie deer” disease due to its similarities to mad cow disease, has resulted in the death of two hunters who consumed
In a recent report by infectious disease specialists at the Amsterdam University Medical Center, the longest-known case of COVID-19 infection was described. The case involved a 72-year-old immunocompromised man who battled the virus for an astonishing 613 days. Despite receiving multiple COVID-19 vaccinations, the man’s immune system was unable to mount a sufficient defense against