A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers has revealed that genes offering protection against excessive drinking are not only linked to alcohol-related health issues but also to other conditions such as heart disease and mental health problems. The researchers analyzed over 3.2 million DNA records, focusing on specific genetic variations known as
Health
The recent study conducted by researchers from the US and Japan has shed light on an interesting finding – patients treated by female physicians are less likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital compared to those treated by male physicians. This disparity is especially pronounced in female patients, particularly those who are severely
Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) is a very rare metabolic condition that causes the body to produce alcohol. In a recent case in Belgium, a 40-year-old man had a drink-driving charge against him dismissed after proving that he suffers from ABS. This condition occurs when the carbohydrates in the stomach are fermented, leading to higher ethanol levels
Time-restricted eating (TRE) has been hailed as a potential weight loss strategy, but a recent study suggests that it may not be the timing of eating that is the key factor in shedding pounds. Instead, the reduction in overall caloric intake seems to be the primary driver of weight loss. The study compared TRE with
The recent study analyzing the relationship between sleep duration and type 2 diabetes risk sheds light on the complexities of this issue. The study, conducted using data from the UK Biobank, followed 247,867 adults for more than a decade to understand how sleep patterns and diet influenced the development of type 2 diabetes. Participants were
The menstrual cycle is a natural phenomenon that affects women’s bodies every month. However, recent research has shown that the influence of hormonal fluctuations during menstruation goes beyond reproductive anatomy. Neuroscientists from the University of California Santa Barbara conducted a study that tracked 30 menstruating women to observe the structural changes in the brain as
Psychosis, characterized by disconnections from reality such as hallucinations and delusions, has been linked to dysfunctions in two specific brain systems. These systems play a crucial role in filtering attention to important internal and external information, as well as predicting or anticipating rewards. Researchers from Stanford University have conducted a study to shed light on
The recent discovery of ‘bacterial vampirism’ by researchers from Washington State University and the University of Oregon has shed new light on how certain bacteria are drawn to human blood, leading to potentially fatal infections. These deadly bacteria are specifically attracted to the serum, the liquid part of our blood, due to the nutrients and
The spinal cord, often seen as a simple highway for nervous signals, is actually a complex organ with genetically diverse populations of neurons. These neurons have the ability to adapt and mold to individual needs in locomotion or withdrawal from pain as an individual develops. Scientists have long been intrigued by the role of the
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
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.