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1,804 Health — General Information Entries

Health — General Information — December 25th, 2024

Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health
It's never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we're on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we won't check emails during our break. But we do.
December 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 20th, 2024

Commercial tea bags release millions of microplastics, entering human intestinal cells
UAB research has characterized in detail how polymer-based commercial tea bags release millions of nanoplastics and microplastics when infused. The study shows for the first time the capacity of these particles to be absorbed by human intestinal cells, and are thus able to reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
December 20th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 16th, 2024

Brain inflammation may be the reason behind muscle fatigue after infection and injury
Infectious or chronic diseases such as long COVID, Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury can cause inflammation in the brain, or neuroinflammation, that weakens muscles. While scientists are aware of this link between inflammation and muscle weakness, the molecules and processes involved have been unclear.
December 16th, 2024Source

C. elegans study reveals hidden mechanism of swallowing
A research team led by Professor Kim Kyuhyung at the Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, has discovered a new principle that regulates how food moves through the digestive tract and is swallowed. They found that the Piezo channel proteins sense the pressure generated when food accumulates at the front of the digestive tract, triggering swallowing behavior.
December 16th, 2024Source

'Dancing the blues away' seen in brain imaging in people with Parkinson's disease
Dancing lowers the depression associated with Parkinson's disease, and the benefits can be seen in multiple ways, according to a study involving York University researchers published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
December 16th, 2024Source

Lab-grown neuronal networks better represent plasticity of the brain
The phrase "neurons that fire together, wire together" describes the neural plasticity seen in human brains, but neurons grown in a dish don't seem to follow these rules. Neurons that are cultured in-vitro form random and meaningless networks that all fire together. They don't accurately represent how a real brain would learn, so we can only draw limited conclusions from studying them.
December 16th, 2024Source

New method detects Parkinson's disease through emotional brain responses
A joint research team from the University of Canberra and Kuwait College of Science and Technology has achieved groundbreaking detection of Parkinson's disease with near-perfect accuracy, simply by analyzing brain responses to emotional situations like watching video clips or images. The findings offer an objective way to diagnose the debilitating movement disorder, instead of relying on clinical expertise and patient self-assessments, potentially enhancing treatment options and overall well-being for those affected by Parkinson's disease.
December 16th, 2024Source

NYU Langone IBD Center celebrates two years of transforming lives
A complex, chronic, and debilitating condition, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects roughly 3 million Americans, including those with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Experts at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success are celebrating two years of providing compassionate, patient-centered care to thousands of individuals living with IBD. In addition to standard medical and surgical care, the center also provides an innovative, one-stop approach to offer patients a better quality of life, including nutritional and psychological support.
December 16th, 2024Source

Holidays help us rest and recover—but Greeks and Romans weren't always convinced
The Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea (1st–2nd century AD) observed that our lives are divided between relaxation and exertion.
December 16th, 2024Source

Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid overdose: Why you might need some at home or in your bag
Opioids are some of the most widely used and misused drugs in the world.
December 16th, 2024Source

Researchers reveal signaling mechanism for proper guidance of developing axons
An international team of scientists led by Université de Montréal medical professor Frédéric Charron, director of the molecular biology of neuronal development research unit of the UdeM-affiliated Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), has discovered an important interaction between the WAVE complex and the Boc receptor, essential for axon guidance.
December 16th, 2024Source

Schizophrenia: Researchers observe disease processes in nerve cells
Up to now, schizophrenia has mainly been treated symptomatically, as little is known about the exact underlying processes. Researchers at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen have succeeded in gaining a better understanding of the driving mechanisms of the disease. This offers opportunities for the development of new drugs.
December 16th, 2024Source

Supporting a grieving loved one on holidays and special occasions: Practical tips from a clinical psychologist
The holiday season, often considered a time of joy and togetherness, can also be one of the most challenging periods for those who are grieving a loss.
December 16th, 2024Source

St John's wort: Six drug interactions you should know about
St John's wort is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to boost mood. Even today, many people use it as a natural treatment for mild to moderate depression. St John's wort contains several active compounds, such as hypericin and hyperforin, which are believed to influence mood.
December 16th, 2024Source

Psychologists identify a new kind of human memory process
Richard Addante, who has spent more than a decade researching episodic memory—the cognitive process that involves processing and retrieving long-term memory—has identified a new kind of human memory process.
December 16th, 2024Source

Yeast cell wall proteins offer possible alternative to emulsifiers derived from milk
Mention emulsifiers and many people might be unaware of what they are used for, but they are present in many daily products, from food to cosmetics. They keep substances that don't usually mix, like water and oil, from separating and are either synthetically made or derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, which are known as major food allergens.
December 16th, 2024Source

Yeast proteins show promise as natural emulsifiers in daily products
Mention emulsifiers and many people might be unaware what they are used for, but they are present in many daily products, from food to cosmetics. They keep substances that don't usually mix, like water and oil, from separating and are either synthetically made or derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, which are known as major food allergens. Thus, Osaka Metropolitan University researchers are looking at yeast proteins as emulsifiers.
December 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 13th, 2024

Americans spend more years being unhealthy than people in any other country
The gap between US lifespan and healthspan was 12.4 years, the world's largest.
December 13th, 2024Source

Japanese researchers test pioneering drug to regrow teeth
People with missing teeth may be able to grow new ones, say Japanese dentists testing a pioneering drug they hope will offer an alternative to dentures and implants.
December 13th, 2024Source

Removing a Splinter? Treating a Wart? If a Doctor Does It, It Can Be Billed as Surgery
When George Lai of Portland, Oregon, took his toddler son to a pediatrician last summer for a checkup, the doctor noticed a little splinter in the child's palm. "He must have gotten it between the front door and the car," Lai later recalled, and the child wasn't complaining. The doctor grabbed a pair of forceps — aka tweezers — and pulled out the splinter in "a second," Lai said. That brief tug was transformed into a surgical billing code: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 10120, "incision and removal of a foreign body, subcutaneous" — at a cost of $414.
December 13th, 2024Source

Unpacking the link between social media and loneliness
Passive consumption of social media seems to reinforce feelings of disconnection, according to a JRC policy brief which examines the relationship between social media use and loneliness.
December 13th, 2024Source

You can't remember what you can't hear: The hearing loss, brain-health link
Humans by nature are social. People enjoy being with others, sharing stories, laughing at a joke, dancing to a favorite song, greeting a neighbor, discussing concerns or offering consolation. These connections, whether close or casual, are essential to emotional well-being and brain health.
December 13th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 10th, 2024

Alcohol and substance use contribute to rising e-scooter and e-bike injuries
The numbers of e-scooter and e-bike injuries have tripled in the US since 2019, fuelled by alcohol and substance use, finds a nationwide analysis of emergency department visits, published online in the journal Injury Prevention.
December 10th, 2024Source

Brain mechanisms underpinning loss of consciousness identified
The shift from an awake state to unconsciousness is a phenomenon that has long captured the interest of scientists and philosophers alike, but how it happens has remained a mystery—until now. Through studies on rats, a team of researchers at Penn State has pinpointed the exact moment of loss of consciousness due to anesthesia, mapping what happens in different brain regions during that moment.
December 10th, 2024Source

Brain scans show vulnerability to gaming addiction in teens
Playing video games is a rite of passage for many adolescents, but for some, it could also be the first step to a gaming addiction.
December 10th, 2024Source

E-scooter injuries in US triple since 2019, study finds
The numbers of e-scooter and e-bike injuries have tripled in the US since 2019, fueled by alcohol and substance use, finds a nationwide analysis of emergency department visits, published online in the journal Injury Prevention.
December 10th, 2024Source

Early life exposure to toxic chemicals may cause behavioral, psychological problems
Early life exposure to a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may lead to behavioral problems in rats, according to a new animal study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
December 10th, 2024Source

Financial hardship linked to asthma medication non-adherence, study shows
Despite a fall in the number of people with asthma over the past decade who say that cost has stopped them taking their meds as prescribed, financial hardship still remains a deterrent for one in six with the condition, suggests research published online in the journal Thorax.
December 10th, 2024Source

Holiday fun, a trigger for anxiety? Psychologists share ways to mitigate
Oh, the holidays! They are traditionally a time to gather with family and friends, hold lavish dinners, fun parties, exchange gifts, take trips, and decorate the house to bring in the spirit of the special days.
December 10th, 2024Source

Hypnosis is not just a parlor trick or TV act: Science shows it helps with anxiety, depression, pain
We've all seen it, typically on television or on stage: A hypnotist selects a few members from the audience, and with what seems to be little more than a steely stare or a few choice words, they're suddenly "under the spell." Depending on what the hypnotist suggests, the participants laugh, dance and perform without inhibition.
December 10th, 2024Source

Melatonin Leaving You Foggy? Swap to These 7 All-Natural Sleep Aids Instead
Dump your melatonin. Check out our top choices for all-natural sleep aids.
December 10th, 2024Source

Our Wellness Editors’ Favorite Sleep Products to Help You Get a Better Night’s Rest
If you're struggling to get a good night's rest, our wellness and sleep experts can help with their favorite sleep products.
December 10th, 2024Source

People with a positive attitude are built differently, suggests study
A positive attitude, what researchers call a "growth mindset" or belief in growth, is associated with both higher willpower and passion, according to a new large study.
December 10th, 2024Source

Wearables and machine learning predict five-year fall risk in Parkinson’s patients
Sensor data from wearable devices analyzed over five years reveals walking and posture differences that predict fall risk in Parkinson’s patients.
December 10th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 6th, 2024

Astrocytes found to help regulate stress response in brain
Researchers have discovered that astrocytes play an important role in regulating stress responses in the lateral septum in the brain. It is expected to provide new clues for mental health treatments.
December 6th, 2024Source

Antidepressant use linked to persistent genital sensitivity loss
The use of antidepressants is associated with sexual side effects including reduced genital sensitivity that persists after stopping the medication, a new Simon Fraser University study finds.
December 6th, 2024Source

Can this strategic plan promote better well-being for people who suffer from psychosis?
Psychosis is a little understood mental health condition whose sufferers often face stigmatization and marginalization.
December 6th, 2024Source

Chronic kidney disease: Challenges in medication safety
One in ten adults suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition characterized by progressive loss of kidney function. Altered kidney function can impact the risk/benefit of many medications. People with advanced chronic kidney disease have to be careful about the medications they take because their kidneys don't work as well as they should. Some medications are not safe at all, while others require dose adjustments or strict monitoring for safety.
December 6th, 2024Source

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy risk in ice hockey increases with each year played
Study of 77 male hockey players finds 96.4% of professionals had CTE, with risk and severity increasing with each year played
December 6th, 2024Source

Endoscopic full-thickness plication efficacious for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Endoscopic full-thickness plication (EFTP), which improves the valvular mechanism of the gastroesophageal junction, is efficacious for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, according to research published in the November issue of JGH Open.
December 6th, 2024Source

Every year, predictive AI saves 50 lives in two ERs at UC San Diego Health
And that's just one of the many artificial intelligence use cases Chief Health AI Officer Karandeep Singh is focused on with his team. He offers a closer look at some of the health system's other AI priorities.
December 6th, 2024Source

In vivo electrochemistry could provide early detection of high-altitude hypoxic brain injury
People who climb too fast or too high risk acute altitude sickness, which can lead to life-threatening hypoxic brain injury. By using in vivo electrochemistry, researchers have demonstrated that characteristic changes occur in the oxygen content of various brain regions before injury.
December 6th, 2024Source

Insurance Companies Are Hiding Names of Executives Following Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Multiple companies have removed mentions of leadership members from their websites.
December 6th, 2024Source

Machine learning enhances brain-machine interface performance
Brain--machine interfaces (BMIs) have enabled a handful of test participants who are unable to move or speak to communicate simply by thinking. An implanted device picks up the neural signals associated with a particular thought and converts them into control signals that are fed into a computer or a robotic limb. For example, a quadriplegic person is asked to think about moving a cursor on a computer screen.
December 6th, 2024Source

Researchers discover new pathway to forming long-term memories in the brain
Researchers from Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have discovered a new pathway to forming long-term memories in the brain. Their work suggests that long-term memory can form independently of short-term memory, a finding that opens exciting possibilities for understanding memory-related conditions.
December 6th, 2024Source

Researchers map neural pathways involved in response inhibition
In the split second that is needed to view a stop sign and react to it, our brain navigates a complex process that transitions seamlessly from perception to action control. This ability to halt or inhibit actions, known as response inhibition, is fundamental to human cognition. It plays a key role in decision-making and self-control, enabling us to suppress impulsive or inappropriate behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this process is essential for grasping how we manage our thoughts and actions and for treating impulse control disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction in the future.
December 6th, 2024Source

Socioeconomic factors may not predict rheumatoid arthritis disease activity
The impact of socioeconomic factors on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies by academic or safety net hospital setting, according to a study published online Oct. 18 in ACR Open Rheumatology.
December 6th, 2024Source

Study: Brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
December 6th, 2024Source

Suicide rate is low during the holidays, but the holiday-suicide myth persists
As in most years that we've followed news reporting about the myth that suicides peak during the end-of-year holidays, an analysis of the past year showed again that more newspaper accounts supported the false idea that the suicide rate increases during the holiday season than debunked it.
December 6th, 2024Source

Team builds Raspberry Pi smart cane to help the visually impaired
A Pi project to make a difference.
December 6th, 2024Source

The best sleep trackers you can buy: Expert tested
We tested the top sleep trackers that collect data throughout the night to help you further understand your sleep.
December 6th, 2024Source

Top 6 Vitamins and Supplements to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Keep eye or vision problems at bay by eating right to protect them. Here's what you should take into account.
December 6th, 2024Source

Try These 7 New Year's Wellness Resolutions You'll Actually Stick To
Sticking to New Year's resolutions can be challenging but some small and actionable goals can help you make changes for the better.
December 6th, 2024Source

What is seasonal depression and how could it impact your mental health?
As the leaves change color and the days grow shorter, some individuals grapple with more than just the seasonal shift and struggle with seasonal depression, a subtype of general depression.
December 6th, 2024Source

What social rejection teaches your brain
Though painful, social rejection can be a powerful learning tool, new USC research suggests. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uncovers the neurological mechanisms that influence how we form social connections.
December 6th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 2nd, 2024

Alcohol consumption raises pain threshold and aggressive behavior
Alcohol's ability to increase people's pain threshold is one reason that drinking also leads to more aggressive behavior, a new study suggests.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Alcohol use disorder, alcohol-associated liver disease up in older U.S. adults
The prevalence of and mortality from alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) increased among older U.S. adults, according to a study presented at The Liver Meeting, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, held from Nov. 15 to 19 in San Diego.
December 2nd, 2024Source

ARMC5 regulates saturated and unsaturated fatty acid levels in fat cells
Researchers at Osaka University identified a degradation factor for SREBP1 as essential for maintaining the balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue. This discovery may lead to the development of novel drugs targeting the gene ARMC5 to regulate the levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the body.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Art and culture linked to improved health and well-being
Postdoctoral researcher Taru-Anneli Koivisto and visiting researcher Taru Tähti from the University of the Arts Helsinki explored the potential of art and cultural activities to enhance the health and well-being of various age and population groups.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Beta-blocker drugs may slow Huntington's disease progression
A common heart drug may slow the progression of Huntington's disease (HD), according to a new study by University of Iowa Health Care researchers.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Clinical trial demonstrates efficacy and tolerability of new drug for hemophilia patients
For people with the bleeding disorder hemophilia, life can seem like one continuous state of alertness. If they accidentally cut their finger while chopping vegetables, they have to immediately administer the clotting factor protein that their body either lacks or does not produce enough of. A normal visit to the dentist, which may well be accompanied by a small amount of bleeding, can be highly risky for a hemophiliac.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Common heart drug may slow progression of Huntington's disease
A common heart drug may slow the progression of Huntington's disease (HD), according to a new study by University of Iowa Health Care researchers.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Detailed images shed light on the mechanisms of protein complex Microprocessor
It's a big year for microRNAs. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, who discovered the first microRNA in 1993. Today, we know that humans make more than 1,000 different microRNAS. These molecules are critical for building and maintaining healthy bodies, so it's crucial that they're made the right way. Errors in microRNA manufacture can put us at risk for developmental disorders, cancer, or neurodegenerative disease.
December 2nd, 2024Source or Watch Video

Endocannabinoids could reduce risk of opioid addiction while alleviating pain
Increasing the levels of chemicals naturally produced in the body called endocannabinoids may thwart the highly addictive nature of opioids such as morphine and oxycodone while maintaining the drugs' ability to relieve pain, according to Weill Cornell Medicine investigators working with researchers from The Center for Youth Mental Health at New York–Presbyterian.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Engineered stone countertop workers at risk for silicosis
Durable and attractive, engineered stone countertops are a popular feature in modern American kitchens, but the workers who build them are risking their health. A growing number of these countertop workers are developing silicosis, a serious and long-term lung disease, according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
December 2nd, 2024Source

Engineers develop filter-free microbubble air purification system inspired by human respiratory tract
A research team has developed an eco-friendly air purification system using microbubble filters instead of conventional solid filters.
December 2nd, 2024Source

How big tobacco firms are using e-cigarettes to try to improve their image
The global tobacco industry is still big business, worth around £730 billion a year. This may seem strange for a product known to have caused more than 200 million deaths in the last 30 years. But people continue to smoke. And newer products like e-cigarettes have allowed the industry to diversify its range—and expand its appeal.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Jet lag: Your metabolism recovers quicker than your brain—new study
The body has a network of daily (circadian) clocks that influences most areas of our health, including sleep and metabolism. A central clock in the brain is closely tied to daily sleep rhythms. But there are also clocks in other tissues—such as liver, muscle and fat—and they play an important role in metabolism.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Learning holistically toward well-being
In 2021, a project at Singapore Management University (SMU) led by Jochen Reb, a Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resources was awarded funding to create a 12-week undergraduate elective module—Mindfulness-Based Holistic Education (MBHE)—targeting final-year students at SMU, and to assess its effectiveness.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Mouse brain study may reverse century-old understanding of axon shape
Biology textbooks may need a revision, say Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists, who present new evidence that an armlike structure of mammalian brain cells may be a different shape than scientists have assumed for more than a century.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Music can change how you feel about the past
Have you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it's the tune that was playing during your first dance, or the anthem of a memorable road trip.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Scientists develop self-sustained protein transport and tissue assembly in artificial cells
In a new Nature Communications study, scientists have developed a novel method for artificial cells to interact with their external environment without the need for complex modification processes.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Seeing is believing: Leveraging defining morphological features for accurate selection of brain organoids
By combining morphological and single-cell level gene expression analyses, a team of researchers led by Professor Jun Takahashi in the Department of Clinical Application at Kyoto University has established a new non-destructive system to select high-quality brain organoids as a potential tissue source for cell replacement therapy to treat patients after stroke or traumatic brain injuries.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Study challenges long-standing understanding of axon structure
Biology textbooks may need a revision, say Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists, who present new evidence that an armlike structure of mammalian brain cells may be a different shape than scientists have assumed for more than a century.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Surface protein study highlights a potential link between dental caries and renal lesions
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune response disease affecting the filtering units of the kidneys. It is an intractable disease with a complex physiological process. Streptococcus mutans, a dental caries-causing bacterial pathogen, has been linked to IgAN disease progression. Now, researchers from the Okayama University, Japan, have uncovered a virulent role of Cnm—a surface collagen-binding protein expressed on S. mutans in IgAN development—highlighting a potential link between dental caries and renal lesions.
December 2nd, 2024Source

The anatomy of a hot flush. Can it really make your head steam?
A hot flush is a phenomenon as disruptive as it is commonplace. One moment, life proceeds as usual. The next, a wave of heat rises, spreading from the chest to the face—leaving behind flushed skin and beads of sweat.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Tips for coping with an anxiety disorder
Having occasional feelings of anxiety is a normal part of life, but people with anxiety disorders experience frequent and excessive anxiety, fear, terror and panic in everyday situations. These feelings are unhealthy if they affect your quality of life and prevent you from functioning normally.
December 2nd, 2024Source

What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans. In fact, there are more than 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
December 2nd, 2024Source or Watch Video

What is the '20-5-3′ rule and how can it boost your well-being?
You don't need extreme diets or grueling workout routines to boost your well-being. Enter the "20-5-3 rule"—a research-backed formula to improve mental and physical health through time spent outdoors. Developed by neuroscientist Rachel Hopman of Northeastern University, this method emphasizes small, manageable steps that can lead to big rewards.
December 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — December 1st, 2024

WeightWatchers combined with weight loss medications may alter alcohol consumption, study finds
Researchers at Henry Ford Health, collaborating with WeightWatchers International, report that more than 40% of individuals using popular weight loss medications while participating in a WeightWatchers clinic decreased their alcohol use.
December 1st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 30th, 2024

Flexibility demands influence motor cortex's involvement in execution of motor sequences, rat study finds
The motor cortex is a part of the mammalian brain and is known to support the planning and control of voluntary body movements. Some past neuroscience studies, however, found that the motor cortex may not be necessary for executing some learned skills and motor sequences, raising the question of when and how it is recruited.
November 30th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 29th, 2024

3D printing for tiny blood vessels could help bring an end to animal drug testing
A study that harnesses a pioneering 3D printing technique to create tiny human blood vessel structures could eventually help end the use of animals to test new drugs.
November 29th, 2024Source

Assessing synchronized activity in the human brain through frequency-dependent covariance analysis
This year is the centennial anniversary of German psychiatrist Hans Berger's invention of electroencephalography (EEG), a way to record electrical activity in the brain, now called brainwaves or neural oscillations. Amazingly, Berger was motivated after an incident in his military years when he believed he had spontaneously transmitted something from his brain to his sister during a sudden moment when he was nearly killed in an accident, and his sister several kilometers away insisted their father get in touch with him.
November 29th, 2024Source

Drug in clinical trial shows promise for epileptic seizures
More than 100 locations nationwide are participating in new clinical trials for a drug that shows promise for treating epileptic seizures among patients for whom other medications do not work.
November 29th, 2024Source

Medicated nasal spray will slash opioid-related hospital admissions
The Federal Government is funding a national Take Home Naloxone (THN) program that makes the life-saving medication available for free and without prescription in pharmacies across Australia.
November 29th, 2024Source

Scientists identify key cells that could be targeted to prevent arthritis flare-ups
New research has pinpointed key cells that could be targeted to prevent painful rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, offering potential new hope to millions of people with the condition world-wide.
November 29th, 2024Source

Study demonstrates how autonomic neurons control digestive functions
The autonomic nervous system orchestrates the functions of internal organs such as the heart and gut, serving as a connection between the brain and the rest of the body. It is classified in two divisions—the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, often described as the body's accelerator and brake, respectively. For example, the sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight-or-flight" response in reaction to danger, concentrating energy on immediate survival and halting less urgent functions such as digestion.
November 29th, 2024Source

Study: Moderate alcohol, oily fish, cereal lower arthritis risk; tea, coffee may raise it
Moderate alcohol intake and eating more fruit, oily fish and cereals are linked to lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis, while tea and coffee may be linked to increased risk, new research shows.
November 29th, 2024Source

Survey of 12 European countries reveals the best and worst for smoke-free homes
Seven out of 10 homes in Europe are smoke-free, according to a major survey published in ERJ Open Research. However, some countries have come further than others in protecting children and adults from second-hand tobacco smoke in the home.
November 29th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 27th, 2024

Aggression in chronic traumatic encephalopathy linked to family history of mental illness
People who have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) who have a family history of mental illness may have a higher risk of aggression in middle age, according to a study published in the November 27, 2024, online issue of Neurology.
November 27th, 2024Source

Autism and neural dynamic range: Insights into slower, more detailed processing
A study appearing in Nature Neuroscience has linked distinct neural and behavioral characteristics in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to a simple computational principle.
November 27th, 2024Source

Battery-free dental brace reveals crucial health data via smartphone
The human mouth holds a wealth of information about overall health. From body temperature to head and jaw movements during sleep, this data can be essential for understanding health conditions and dental issues. However, collecting such data is often cumbersome and uncomfortable.
November 27th, 2024Source

Brain stimulation effectiveness tied to learning ability, not age
As we age, our cognitive and motor functions deteriorate, which in turn affects our independence and overall quality of life. Research efforts to ameliorate or even completely abolish this have given rise to technologies that show a lot of promise.
November 27th, 2024Source

Droplet-based microfluidics with mass spectrometry offers new toolboxes for microproteomics
Understanding cellular heterogeneity is essential for deciphering the complexities of cellular subpopulations, differentiation processes, and microenvironmental influences. Single-cell proteomics plays a crucial role in explaining this complexity, but traditional techniques face significant challenges, particularly regarding sample loss and the sensitivity of analyzing small cell populations.
November 27th, 2024Source

In a first-of-its-kind meeting, doctors discuss how to treat addicts' tranq wounds
Patients addicted to opioids are arriving at ERs with deep wounds that expose their bones. Some have lost multiple limbs. And many ultimately are leaving hospitals against medical advice, with severe, untreated skin lesions, insisting they can't bear the withdrawal from tranq—the drug that caused their wounds in the first place.
November 27th, 2024Source

Individuals with less efficient learning mechanisms benefit more from brain stimulation
As we age, our cognitive and motor functions deteriorate, which in turn affects our independence and overall quality of life. Research efforts to ameliorate or even completely abolish this have given rise to technologies that show a lot of promise.
November 27th, 2024Source

Integrative cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief beats present-centered therapy
For patients with prolonged grief disorder (PGD), integrative cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief (PG-CBT) is superior to present-centered therapy (PCT) after treatment, according to a study published online Nov. 13 in JAMA Psychiatry to coincide with the European Grief Conference, held from Nov. 11 to 13 in Dublin.
November 27th, 2024Source

Greater patient education needed around antidepressants that may reduce genital sensitivity, study finds
The use of antidepressants is associated with sexual side effects including reduced genital sensitivity that persists after stopping the medication, a new Simon Fraser University study finds.
November 27th, 2024Source

Lipid lifelines: The metabolic shifts behind regeneration
Regenerating tissues following injury is a demanding task most multicellular organisms master to different levels. In order to better understand the mechanisms common to many species behind tissue regeneration, researchers from the Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden and the BIOTEC (TU Dresden), decided to examine changes in systemic metabolism during regeneration.
November 27th, 2024Source

Passport control for glycan maturation: Discovery of a molecular tag that enhances biopharmaceutical quality
A collaborative research group, including researchers from Nagoya City University, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and RIKEN has uncovered a molecular tool, the "passport sequence," that significantly improves the production efficiency and quality of glycoproteins, such as blood coagulation factor VIII and erythropoietin (EPO).
November 27th, 2024Source

Research challenges old ideas on the evolution of brain size
Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found.
November 27th, 2024Source

Smoking cessation in severe tobacco dependence: Benefit proven for two of four drugs
By law, smokers with severe tobacco dependence are entitled to receive one-off drug therapy for smoking cessation as part of evidence-based programs reimbursed by the German statutory health insurance (SHI). Before deciding which drugs would be eligible, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) commissioned the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) to assess the benefit of the four currently approved drugs for the treatment of severe tobacco dependence.
November 27th, 2024Source

Soccer heading may cause long-term brain damage
Soccer heading may cause more damage to the brain than previously thought, according to a study being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
November 27th, 2024Source or Source

The sound of traffic increases stress and anxiety, research shows
Manmade sounds such as vehicle traffic can mask the positive impact of nature soundscapes on people's stress and anxiety, according to a study published November 27, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Paul Lintott of the University of the West of England, U.K., and Lia Gilmour of the Bat Conservation Trust, U.K.
November 27th, 2024Source

Understanding the brain's resilience: Two distinct mechanisms shed light on neuronal degeneration
Researchers from the NeuroEngineering Laboratory at the University of Liège have revealed a fascinating brain mechanism: The ability of neurons to maintain reliable functions despite significant variability in their physiological components.
November 27th, 2024Source

What a gut fungus reveals about symbiosis and allergy
A fungus discovered in the mouse stomach may hold a key to fungal evolution within the gastrointestinal tract, according to new research. The finding suggests that preclinical studies until now have overlooked a major influencer of mouse physiology.
November 27th, 2024Source or Source

Health — General Information — November 25th, 2024

A new clock to structure sleep: Study shows brain stem region involved in organization of sleep
Researchers at the University of Lausanne have identified a novel role for the brain's "locus coeruleus" in sleep and its disruptions. This brain region facilitates the transition between NREM and REM sleep states while maintaining an unconscious vigilance toward the external world. Stress disrupts its functions and negatively impacts on sleep quality.
November 25th, 2024Source

Enterprise Therapeutics publishes on medicinal chemistry of ETD001, a novel inhaled ENaC blocker for treatment of cystic fibrosis
Enterprise Therapeutics Ltd (Enterprise), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies to improve the lives of people with respiratory diseases, today announced the publication of a peer reviewed study in The European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. The paper describes the medicinal chemistry optimization of a new series of ENaC blockers, resulting in the invention of ETD001, Enterprise's lead asset, a potential new inhaled treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF).
November 25th, 2024Source

Evidence that emotion regulation is not always the most effective strategy to mitigate suicidal ideation
Depressed individuals who reflexively attempt to dampen their initial emotional responses to reminders of their negative memories have a low tolerance for distressing emotional stimuli in general and may respond to stress in their daily lives with greater upticks in suicidal thoughts.
November 25th, 2024Source

Is 'bypassing' a better way to battle misinformation? Researchers say new approach has advantages over the standard
Misinformation can lead to socially detrimental behavior, which makes finding ways to combat its effects a matter of crucial public concern. A new paper by researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General explores an innovative approach to countering the impact of factually incorrect information called "bypassing," and finds that it may have advantages over the standard approach of correcting inaccurate statements.
November 25th, 2024Source

New research explores the psychological effects of living near family
Many of us will soak in the merriment and drama that family gatherings bring during Thanksgiving. But beyond the Thanksgiving dinner table, new research suggests that living and being around family more often affects our psychology in some surprising ways.
November 25th, 2024Source

Opioid use treatment at intervention clinics continues to rise for third year
Opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment continued to increase in intervention clinics in the third year of implementation of the Massachusetts office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) model of nurse care management for OUD, according to a study published online Nov. 22 in JAMA Network Open.
November 25th, 2024Source

Reaching age at which a parent died by suicide raises risk in adult child, warn experts
Reporting in the journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behaviors, the researchers looked at data on more than 470,000 Danes whose parents died between 1980 and 2016. Of those, 17,806 individuals had parents who died by suicide.
November 25th, 2024Source

Research highlights role of collaborative networks in solving complex health issues like suicide
As public health challenges like suicide and rising chronic illness rates continue to strain health care systems, new research from Indiana University suggests that the solution might lie in a more connected understanding of human health.
November 25th, 2024Source

Researcher offers advice for those with trouble sleeping
Sleep problems have become a widespread issue. In a new popular science book and in an interview with ETH News, ETH sleep researcher Caroline Lustenberger describes the do's (and don'ts) for when you can't get to sleep.
November 25th, 2024Source

Researchers use fitness tracker data and machine learning to detect bipolar disorder mood swings
Study indicates that a fitness tracker can detect mood episodes in bipolar disorder to help drive treatment
November 25th, 2024Source

Study finds vaping causes immediate effects on vascular function
Researchers have identified acute effects of cigarette and e-cigarette smoking on vascular function, even without nicotine. The results of the ongoing research are being presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
November 25th, 2024Source

Study identifies gaps and opportunities in Philadelphia's opioid use disorder treatment system
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers highlights critical health care gaps that hinder long-term recovery for people living with opioid use disorders (OUD) in Philadelphia. The findings are published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.
November 25th, 2024Source

The silent struggles of men's mental health and suicide prevention
Globally, the month of November is associated with campaigns to raise awareness and encourage conversation around men's health, particularly on topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
November 25th, 2024Source

Why the early hours of the day can be especially dangerous to our health
Why do asthma, heart attacks and many other health conditions tend to strike in the early hours of the morning? One possible explanation for this mysterious phenomenon has been discovered by researchers from Prof. Gad Asher's laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science's Biomolecular Sciences Department.
November 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 21st, 2024

7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Sweating is our body's way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.
November 21st, 2024Source

Alcohol-induced liver disease hospitalizations, transplants on the rise
From 2005 to 2021, alcohol-induced liver disease (AILD)-related hospitalizations and liver transplants (LTs) increased among women and men and in younger and older adults, according to a research letter published online Nov. 14 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
November 21st, 2024Source

AI could detect Parkinson's disease by analyzing subtle changes in voice
Algorithms that can detect subtle changes in a person's voice are emerging as a potential new diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease, according to researchers from Iraq and Australia.
November 21st, 2024Source

AI tool can engineer 'better, faster, stronger' proteins
Nature is adept at designing proteins. Scientists are even better. But artificial intelligence holds the promise of improving proteins many times over. Medical applications for such "designer proteins" range from creating more precise antibodies for treating autoimmune conditions or cancers to more effective vaccines against viruses. Applications may extend beyond medicine to—for example—growing better crops that could be more nutritious or absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
November 21st, 2024Source

Algorithm can identify subtle changes in a person's voice for early Parkinson's detection
Algorithms that can detect subtle changes in a person's voice are emerging as a potential new diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease, according to researchers from Iraq and Australia.
November 21st, 2024Source

Data mining reveals patterns in brain's reactions to good and bad smells
Seeking to shed light on inconsistent brain activation patterns observed in previous studies of smell, a team of researchers in Lyon, France, used data mining techniques to analyze the pleasant or unpleasant odor sensations and corresponding brain scans of a group of 42 participants. They found characteristic patterns in the piriform cortex and amygdala.
November 21st, 2024Source

Females sleep less, awaken more frequently than males
A new study in mice shows that males and females have profoundly different sleep patterns
November 21st, 2024Source

Horrifying medical device malfunction: Abdominal implant erupts from leg
Suspicious deaths, perforated sheep veins went unreported before device hit market.
November 21st, 2024Source

How nerve stimulation could ease inflammatory bowel disease
Lab studies at Duke School of Medicine finds vagus nerve stimulation reduces gut inflammation by modulating immune response
November 21st, 2024Source

Is thunderstorm asthma becoming more common?
When spring arrives, so do warnings about thunderstorm asthma. But a decade ago, most of us hadn't heard of it.
November 21st, 2024Source

New method for designing artificial proteins
Protein design aims to create customized antibodies for therapies, biosensors for diagnostics, or enzymes for chemical reactions. An international research team has now developed a method for designing large new proteins better than before and producing them with the desired properties in the laboratory. Their approach involves a new way of using the capabilities of the AI-based software Alphafold2, for which the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded in 2024.
November 21st, 2024Source

Parkinson's drug changes the gut microbiome for the worse due to iron deficiency, study reveals
A new study has revealed that the widely prescribed Parkinson's disease drug entacapone significantly disrupts the human gut microbiome by inducing iron deficiency.
November 21st, 2024Source

Pathway behind stress-triggered migraines discovered
Migraines are more than just bad headaches; they stem from a genetic neurological disease that causes suffering for one in seven people. Those who experience migraines can have a myriad of debilitating symptoms, including pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and visual disturbances that prevent them from participating in work and family life. Pain is one way our body warns us something is wrong, but what do we do when this alarm system prevents us from living life fully?
November 21st, 2024Source

Physician offers tips for living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. More than 12.5 million people in the U.S. have a diagnosis of COPD, but millions more may have the disease without knowing it.
November 21st, 2024Source

Regulator recommends two devices to reduce the severity of tics in people with Tourette syndrome
Two technologies that are based on research by University of Nottingham experts to reduce the severity of tics in people with Tourette syndrome (TS) are closer to patient use after being recommended in draft guidance by NICE.
November 21st, 2024Source

Scientists uncover cross-species neural mechanism for early detection of life motion in visual processing
Visual systems of both humans and animals can detect life motion from the environment at the earliest stage of visual processing, research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) uncovered.
November 21st, 2024Source

Short-term menopausal hormone therapy found to have no long-term cognitive impact
Short-term menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) did not have long-term cognitive effects when given to women in early postmenopause, according to a study published November 21 in the journal PLOS Medicine by Carey Gleason from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and colleagues.
November 21st, 2024Source

Study finds 2 million ex-smokers currently vape in England
About one in five people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, equivalent to 2.2 million people, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.
November 21st, 2024Source

Study finds health disparities in PFAS levels linked to drinking water, food access and industrial pollution
Evidence is mounting on the health problems linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manufactured chemicals used in consumer products that accumulate in the body and take a very long time to break down. These substances increase risk for a number of medical concerns, including cancer, liver damage and fertility issues.
November 21st, 2024Source

Study in mice links immune system to ADHD, neurobehavioral conditions
Building on research that has linked immune responses with certain neurobehavioral conditions, researchers at Duke Health have identified how a key infection-fighting function is involved in triggering hyperactive behaviors in mice.
November 21st, 2024Source

Study reveals how glioblastoma evades treatment; identifies potential new treatment strategy
A new study from scientists at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center helps explain why glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, becomes resistant to treatment, and introduces a new approach that paves the way for more personalized treatment strategies for patients with this deadly brain tumor.
November 21st, 2024Source

Study reveals people with migraine at high risk of depression during pandemic
A longitudinal study from the University of Toronto reveals the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults living with migraine. The findings are published in the Journal of Pain Research.
November 21st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 18th, 2024

Blood pressure variability linked to accelerated vision loss in glaucoma
University of California, San Diego-led research suggests that long-term variability in blood pressure is associated with accelerated worsening of peripheral vision due to the progression of glaucoma.
November 18th, 2024Source

How optogenetics can put the brakes on epilepsy seizures
Researchers at UCSF, UCSC and Berkeley combine gene therapy with optogenetics to curb abnormal neural activity.
November 18th, 2024Source

Knee problems tend to flare up as you age—an orthopedic specialist explains available treatment options
Knee injuries are common in athletes, accounting for 41% of all athletic injuries. But knee injuries aren't limited to competitive athletes. In our everyday lives, an accident or a quick movement in the wrong direction can injure the knee and require medical treatment.
November 18th, 2024Source

Multiple sclerosis drug may help with poor working memory
Fampridine is currently used to improve walking ability in multiple sclerosis. A new study shows that it could also help individuals with reduced working memory, as seen in mental health conditions like schizophrenia or depression.
November 18th, 2024Source

New insights reveal how house dust mites trigger allergic asthma by activating immune system
New research from the University of Pittsburgh uncovers how inhaled house dust mites, a common trigger of allergic asthma, activate the immune system and drive this disease in mice.
November 18th, 2024Source

New MELD model improves liver transplant access for women
Since the adoption of a new model for assessing the severity of liver disease, women are more likely to be added to the waitlist for a liver transplant, more likely to receive a transplant, and less likely to drop off the waitlist -; closing the gap between men and women candidates, according to a study scheduled for presentation today at The Liver Meeting held by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
November 18th, 2024Source

New 'spray on, wash off' bandages could revolutionize treatment for Epidermolysis Bullosa
Research into new bandaging aims to ease the agony experienced by those living with genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), commonly referred to as 'butterfly skin'.
November 18th, 2024Source

Our minds may process language like chatbots, study reveals
A recent study has found fascinating similarities in how the human brain and artificial intelligence models process language. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the brain, like AI systems such as GPT-2, may use a continuous, context-sensitive embedding space to derive meaning from language, a breakthrough that could reshape our understanding of neural language processing.
November 18th, 2024Source

Parkinson's paradox: When more dopamine means more tremor
Researchers from the Champalimaud Foundation have shed light on the puzzling relationship between dopamine and rest tremor in Parkinson's disease, finding that preserved dopamine in certain brain regions may actually contribute to tremor symptoms, challenging common beliefs.
November 18th, 2024Source

Pharmacies are yanking cold medicines from shelves: So what are the options now?
Feeling stuffy and ready to reach for NyQuil, Benadryl, or Sudafed PE?
November 18th, 2024Source

Prioritizing pain: Five ways to move beyond managing chronic pain
Chances are, you or someone you care about is living with persistent or chronic pain, often defined as pain that lasts for three months or more. Persistent pain is described in many ways, including continuous, consistent or recurrent (or flares).
November 18th, 2024Source

Podcasts can help listeners create healthier habits
Whether it's ABC Listen's "Health Report" or Mamamia's "But Are You Happy," podcasts have fast become a part of our everyday media consumption. In fact, the average person spends more than five hours a week listening to them. But could listening to podcasts lead to healthier habits?
November 18th, 2024Source

Researchers define new subtypes of common brain disorder
Roughly 4% of the population is affected by a congenital brain malformation that has eluded researchers' efforts to find causes and treatments. For the condition, Chiari type-1 malformation, the diagnosis is straightforward: The lower part of the brain, known as the cerebellum, protrudes at least five millimeters through the gap in the skull that connects to the spinal cord.
November 18th, 2024Source

Roughly 4% of the population is affected by a congenital brain malformation that has eluded researchers' efforts to find causes and treatments. For the condition, Chiari type-1 malformation, the diagnosis is straightforward: The lower part of the brain, known as the cerebellum, protrudes at least five millimeters through the gap in the skull that connects to the spinal cord.
#2693
November 18th, 2024Source

Study identifies data accessibility problems in clinical trials for new medicines
While substantial progress has been made in sharing data from clinical trials, many top-selling medicines still fall short when it comes to making data publicly accessible, according to new Flinders University research.
November 18th, 2024Source

The best sleep gadgets to help you catch those Zzzs
Sleep tech is more than tracking. Here are the best gadgets I’ve tested that help you fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up earlier.
November 18th, 2024Source

Waiting for exam results can be awful. Our research shows how best to manage the stress
It's that time of year when students are waiting for school and university results that could change the course of their lives.
November 18th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 16th, 2024

Anal pain
Anal pain is pain in and around the anus or rectum, also called the perianal region. Anal pain is a common complaint. Although most causes of anal pain aren't serious, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the perianal region.
November 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 15th, 2024

3D virtual skulls study maps missing piece of brain evolution
The temporal lobe—a key area of our brain responsible for our memory and communication—could also reveal hidden clues about how human brains have evolved over time, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU).
November 15th, 2024Source

Are professional footballers overworked? Their performance and well-being are definitely at risk, say researchers
For some professional footballers, the ultimate sporting honor is to play—and hopefully win—for their country. A place in the international squad is highly prized and hard fought for.
November 15th, 2024Source

Despite federal warnings, kratom still readily available across US
Nearly three-fourths of tobacco and vape stores in the United States sell an addictive, dangerous substance with connections to liver toxicity, seizures and death, according to a new study from the University of Mississippi.
November 15th, 2024Source

Drowning risk in Australia: Three in five Japanese students have no understanding of safety flags
Tragically, overseas visitors drowning at Australian beaches has been a regular occurrence in recent years, and as the weather warms up, the risk of more drownings increases. The recently published Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2024 shows a 22% increase in coastal drowning deaths in the summer of 2023/24 compared to the previous year—the most coastal drowning deaths recorded since July 2004.
November 15th, 2024Source

How next-day responsibilities influence cannabis use
Study finds cannabis-users would reduce use the most for job interviews, caring for children
November 15th, 2024Source

Is it OK to use the term 'neurospicy' when talking about autism and other neurodivergences?
Language trends change quickly at the hands of social media users. They explode into our screens, rather than slowly evolve. This can change the ways we talk about diagnoses such as autism and concepts like neurodiversity.
November 15th, 2024Source

Largest ALS patient-based iPSC repository opens new frontiers in research
In a landmark continuing collaboration, Answer ALS and Cedars-Sinai have announced the completed availability of the largest amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient-based induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and bio data repository. The repository encompasses biological and clinical data from nearly 1,000 ALS patients, offering an unprecedented resource for global researchers studying ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
November 15th, 2024Source

Microbial density in our gut shapes how diseases are linked to gut health
Using machine learning, researchers have developed a way to predict the total number of microbes in our gut from sequencing data, revealing that microbial density, influenced by factors like age and diet, is a major contributor to gut microbiome variation and could reshape how we study disease connections.
November 15th, 2024Source

New imaging technique reveals detailed map of brain's blood flow in 3D
A newly developed technique uses a Bessel beam to extend the focus of optical coherence microscopy, allowing for a detailed imaging of large sections of the brain. Unlike traditional methods that either look at tiny volumes or lose detail over larger areas, this approach provides a comprehensive view of the vascular network.
November 15th, 2024Source

New route to 'quantum spin liquid' materials discovered
Scientists have produced a new route to materials with complex 'disordered' magnetic properties at the quantum level. The material, based on a framework of ruthenium, fulfils the requirements of the 'Kitaev quantum spin liquid state' -- an elusive phenomenon that scientists have been trying to understand for decades.
November 15th, 2024Source

Oakland clinic gets medical device maker to disclose risk of false blood-oxygen reading
The pulse oximeter, a device that measures the degree to which red blood cells are saturated with oxygen, is one of health care's most fundamental tools.
November 15th, 2024Source

Study shows potential of optogenetics in treating epilepsy
In what could one day become a new treatment for epilepsy, researchers at UC San Francisco, UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley have used pulses of light to prevent seizure-like activity in neurons.The study appears Nov. 15 in Nature Neuroscience.
November 15th, 2024Source

The new ecolinguistics: A vision for the future of language learning
An article published in Frontiers of Digital Education advocates for a transformative approach to language learning by introducing a new ecolinguistics framework that emphasizes the dynamic interplay between language, technology, and embodied engagement. The work is titled "The New Ecolinguistics: Learning as Languaging with Digital Technologies."
November 15th, 2024Source

Yoga, meditation, and mental-health businesses see more demand post-election
At 7:15 a.m. Nov. 6, just hours after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election, the mood in a Washington Square West yoga studio felt heavy.
November 15th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 24th, 2024

An Off-Label Hair Loss Pill Is Going Mainstream, But Questions Remain
An international group of experts has agreed that low dose oral minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, can be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, but doubts persist.
November 24th, 2024Source

New combo treatment cuts subdural hematoma recurrence
A novel combination of surgery and embolization used to treat subdural hematomas, bleeding between the brain and its protective membrane due to trauma, reduces the risk of follow-up surgeries, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and University at Buffalo. Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks specific blood vessels to stop abnormal bleeding.
November 24th, 2024Source

What delusions can tell us about the cognitive nature of belief
Delusions can sometimes turn into strongly held beliefs.
November 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 23rd, 2024

Overthinking what you said? It's your 'lizard brain' talking to newer, advanced parts of your brain
We've all been there. Moments after leaving a party, your brain is suddenly filled with intrusive thoughts about what others were thinking. "Did they think I talked too much?" "Did my joke offend them?" "Were they having a good time?"
November 23rd, 2024Source

People on breathing machines struggle without power after weather disasters
Kimberly Rubit had one priority in mind as Hurricane Beryl ripped through Houston this summer: her severely disabled daughter.
November 23rd, 2024Source

Tweaking non-neural brain cells can cause memories to fade
Neurons and a second cell type called an astrocyte collaborate to hold memories.
November 23rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 12th, 2024

Anticipation in sports: Why do some athletes seem to be one step ahead of their opponents?
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the Australia-Belgium women's basketball bronze medal game at the Paris Olympics, Belgium was trailing by three points and on the attack, advancing the ball to a player for what seemed an uncontested three-point shot to tie the game.
November 12th, 2024Source

Biomarker discovery offers a novel therapeutic approach for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis, characterized by synovitis and progressive destruction of bone and cartilage in the affected joints. Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) are typically prescribed immediately after an RA diagnosis to minimize joint damage. However, some patients' poor response to standard treatments highlights the urgent need for new therapies.
November 12th, 2024Source

Smart sleep is worth the cost
On The Vergecast: Sleep gadgets, Spotify DJs, and Samsung TVs.
November 12th, 2024Source

Canadian guideline expands treatment options for opioid use disorder
An updated evidence-based guideline aimed at helping clinicians and other health care providers manage patients with opioid use disorder recommends buprenorphine and methadone as first-line treatments. The guideline is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
November 12th, 2024Source

Finland introduces a new care pathway for epilepsy
The Finnish epilepsy care pathway has been published in Epilepsia Open. This Finnish model for epilepsy care provides a streamlined, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, and combines modern digital tools, data sharing and peer support. The Finnish epilepsy care pathway can serve to model how integrated health care systems can effectively manage complex conditions.
November 12th, 2024Source

Haptic hardware offers waterfall of immersive experience, could someday aid blind users
Increasingly sophisticated computer graphics and spatial 3D sound are combining to make the virtual world of games bigger, badder and more beautiful than ever. And beyond sight and sound, haptic technology can create a sense of touch—including vibrations in your gaming chair from an explosion, or difficulty turning the wheel as you steer your F1 racecar through a turn because of g-forces.
November 12th, 2024Source

Human vision restored by stem cell replacement in regenerative medicine breakthrough
Researchers led by Osaka University in Japan have conducted the first human trial using induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived corneal epithelium to treat limbal stem cell deficiency, offering a potential new avenue for restoring vision.
November 12th, 2024Source

Imbalances in NET homeostasis linked to portal vein thrombosis in CHB-related decompensated cirrhosis
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a challenging complication in liver cirrhosis, with no currently available sensitive diagnostic markers. This study aimed to investigate the potential of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) as diagnostic indicators for PVT in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related decompensated cirrhosis.
November 12th, 2024Source

Mouth-taping to treat sleep apnea: Here are the risks
An unhealthy diet and an indolent life are well known causes of heart disease and stroke. But sleep apnea—where people temporarily stop breathing while asleep because their airway collapses—is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
November 12th, 2024Source

Neuroscientists look for clues to stop seizures
Using deep brain stimulation techniques, neuroscientists at Mayo Clinic are looking for early signals in the brain to help stop seizures. In their biomarker discovery initiative, a team of researchers is assessing how different stimulation patterns affect different parts of the brain.
November 12th, 2024Source

Opioid use disorder: Updated clinical practice guideline
An updated evidence-based guideline aimed at helping clinicians and other health care providers manage patients with opioid use disorder recommends buprenorphine and methadone as first-line treatments. The guideline is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
November 12th, 2024Source

Research shows non-hallucinogenic marijuana constituent increases sleep in rats
Research by scientists at the University of Sydney has identified a constituent in the cannabis plant that improves sleep. Their report is the first to use objective measures to show the component, known as cannabinol (CBN), increases sleep in rats.
November 12th, 2024Source

Researchers develop nanofiber patch for treatment of psoriasis
Researchers have developed a patch for easier and more effective treatment of psoriasis. The method may also be used in treatment of other inflammatory skin diseases.
November 12th, 2024Source

Researchers identify a potential biomarker of Parkinson's disease progression
A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) has identified a potential biomarker of Parkinson's disease progression. According to the study, published in npj Parkinson's Disease, patients with a slow progression of the pathology may have a significant increase in the levels of a molecule called ecto-GPR37 in the cerebrospinal fluid.
November 12th, 2024Source

Study finds peer support boosts well-being for women veterans
Women who serve in the armed forces have a unique life journey. They are a minority during service and a rarity in the civilian population. Their contributions to military service are often unknown, unrecognized, or worse, disregarded. Prior studies show these women may step back further and further from their military identity, which may put them at greater risk for long-term, negative mental health and well-being.
November 12th, 2024Source

Switching from smoking to vaping improves respiratory health
A new paper in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, published by Oxford University Press, finds that people who switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping see improved respiratory health, but people who begin consuming electronic cigarettes while continuing to smoke regular cigarettes do not report improved respiratory symptoms.
November 12th, 2024Source or Source

These once-ignored brain cells may impact mental disorders
It's only during the last few decades that neuroglia, a diverse group of cells found in the brain that perform a variety of functions to support neurons, have been the subject of research. Prior to that, brain research focused heavily on the role of neurons.
November 12th, 2024Source

What would happen if fluoride were removed from the water supply?
Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that if President-elect Donald Trump appointed him to a health leadership position, the first thing he would work on would be removing fluoride from water.
November 12th, 2024Source

When muscles work out, they help neurons grow: Biochemical and physical effects of exercise could help heal nerves
There's no doubt that exercise does a body good. Regular activity not only strengthens muscles but can bolster our bones, blood vessels, and immune system.
November 12th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 10th, 2024

Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2024
These are the best drops for every type of eye problem.
November 10th, 2024Source

Did Your Sleep Take a Hit With the Time Change? Here Are Our Favorite Sleep Products to Combat the End of Daylight Saving
If you're still struggling to adjust to the time change, then our wellness and sleep experts can help with their favorite sleep products.
November 10th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 9th, 2024

Heat, air pollution, disease: How climate change affects health
Record-breaking heat, extreme weather events, air pollution and the spread of infectious disease: climate change poses an already vast yet rising threat to the health of humans around the world, experts warn.
November 9th, 2024Source

White tongue
White tongue is due to the tiny hairlike bumps, called papillae, on the surface of your tongue when they grow too much or swell. Debris, bacteria and dead cells can get stuck between the enlarged and sometimes swollen papillae. This makes the tongue look like it has a white coating.
November 9th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 8th, 2024

Analysis reveals disparities in individual well-being as measured by lifespan, education and income
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has published a study in The Lancet that finds significant disparities in well-being among racial and ethnic groups, and across sex and age groups. In the first analysis of its kind, the Human Development Index (HDI) was adapted to examine trends and inequities at the individual rather than the group level from 2008 to 2021.
November 8th, 2024Source

Does vitamin C help us when we're sick? A physician explains
Vitamin C supports our immune systems, helps our bodies heal wounds, protects our joints and contributes to collagen formation, the main protein in the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against what are called free radicals, which are produced when your body is exposed to potentially cancerous things like cigarette smoke and the sun's rays.
November 8th, 2024Source

Gut bacteria changes may foreshadow rheumatoid arthritis
Changes in the gut microbiome before rheumatoid arthritis is developed could provide a window of opportunity for preventative treatments, new research suggests.
November 8th, 2024Source

Key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS identified
Approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) each year. On average, they survive for only two to five years after being diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
November 8th, 2024Source

Research suggests school suspensions and expulsions can lead to a lifetime of depression
Each year, nearly 5 million children in the U.S. are suspended or expelled from school. New research from the University of Arkansas found this type of school discipline can lead to higher rates of depression through adolescence and into early adulthood.
November 8th, 2024Source

Spatial transcriptomics uncovers tissue niches in multiple sclerosis
Breakthrough research details how distinct tissue niches and cell communication contribute to chronic active lesions in MS.
November 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 7th, 2024

Amnesia-causing diatoms found in Luzon shellfish farms
The densely-populated island of Luzon is home to over half of the Philippines' population, many of whom consume shellfish on a regular basis. An international team of scientists has just confirmed the presence there of two species of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms capable of producing a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe sickness and memory loss.
November 7th, 2024Source

At this Hollywood clubhouse, people with mental illness find purpose and belonging
When Georgette Darby has one of her bad days, she knows what will rouse her from her Hollywood apartment.
November 7th, 2024Source

Ballot measures to legalize recreational use of cannabis fail in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota
Nov. 5, 2024, was a tough day for cannabis legalization supporters.
November 7th, 2024Source

Berry-flavored vapes impair lung immune response
Exposure alters immune cell movement and reduces pathogen clearance, increasing the risk of severe lung infections.
November 7th, 2024Source

'Brain rot' and digital overload: More myth than menace
In a world where our growing dependence on digital devices and social media is increasingly under fire, the term "brain rot"—the idea that endless scrolling of low-value content negatively impacts our mental agility and health—is confirmation for many that digital excess is bad for us all.
November 7th, 2024Source

Eye-tracking study discovers the retinal mechanisms behind visual stability
The visual perception of optical stimuli demands high performance from the brain. Every second, the eyes absorb more than 10 million pieces of information and transmit them to the brain via thousands of nerve fibers. This leads us to perceive the world as stable, even though we are constantly moving our eyes.
November 7th, 2024Source

Menthol filters and rolling papers likely undermining UK ban on menthol cigarettes
The availability of menthol-flavored accessories used by smokers rolling their own tobacco may be undermining the UK's ban on menthol cigarettes, suggests a new study by UCL researchers.
November 7th, 2024Source

People with schizophrenia show distinct brain activity when faced with conflicting information, research finds
Scientists have known for decades that the classic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as jumping to conclusions or difficulty adjusting to new information, can be attributed to poor communication between the cerebral cortex and the thalamus, known as the brain's central switchboard.
November 7th, 2024Source

Rates of anxiety, depression rising among Americans, especially the young
Rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults, especially younger folks, continues to rise, the latest federal data shows.
November 7th, 2024Source

Researchers are one step closer to developing cell-based therapy for hypothyroidism
Researchers from the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) and the Department of Medicine at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Boston University (BU) have made a breakthrough that holds promise for developing new therapies to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The research team, led by Darrell Kotton, MD, and Anthony Hollenberg, MD, has developed a successful protocol for producing mature thyroid follicular epithelial cells (TFCs), which are responsible for making thyroid hormones.
November 7th, 2024Source

Scientists reveal strigolactone perception mechanism and role in tillering responses to nitrogen
"How is plant growth controlled?" and "What is the basis of variation in stress tolerance in plants?" were among the 125 most challenging scientific questions, according to the journal Science in 2016.
November 7th, 2024Source

Your 'skin barrier' protects your skin and keeps it hydrated. Here's how to look after it
Skincare is a hot topic on social media. There's a seemingly endless number of posts and videos talking about which skincare products consumers should use (or avoid) if they want good looking, youthful and healthy skin.
November 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 5th, 2024

Anxiety/depression linked to health-related quality-of-life losses in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with moderate and extreme anxiety/depression have mean health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) losses, regardless of pain and discomfort, according to a study published online Oct. 30 in Clinical Rheumatology.
November 5th, 2024Source

Cells have more mini 'organs' than once thought—these rogue organelles challenge biology's fundamentals
Think back to that basic biology class you took in high school. You probably learned about organelles, those little "organs" inside cells that form compartments with individual functions. For example, mitochondria produce energy, lysosomes recycle waste and the nucleus stores DNA.
November 5th, 2024Source

Characterizing vitamin D deficiency effects on bone density in a rare metabolic disorder where patients must avoid sun
Erasmus University Medical Center researchers in Rotterdam have tracked vitamin D supplementation improvements in bone mineral density among patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
November 5th, 2024Source

Global warming nears 1.5°C threshold, escalating health risks worldwide
With 2023 temperatures hitting record highs, climate-driven health crises are rising, endangering lives and putting immense pressure on global health systems
November 5th, 2024Source

New active substance shows promise in treating acute sudden hearing loss
A research team led by MedUni Vienna has investigated AC102, a new active substance that offers hope of an effective treatment for acute sudden hearing loss. The latest results have been published in the scientific journal "Cell Death & Disease". Initial findings from preclinical trials could represent a significant advancement in the treatment of acute hearing disorders.
November 5th, 2024Source or Source

New technology for visualizing AMPA receptors offers insights into psychiatric disorders
Even though psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are quite common, their diagnosis and treatment are challenging. While doctors today have a good idea of the clinical symptoms caused by these disorders, our overall understanding of their biological characteristics and underlying physiological causes remain obscure.
November 5th, 2024Source

Researchers reveal the long, silent history of sports concussion
University of Queensland researchers have uncovered the hidden history of concussion in sport, finding the brain-trauma crisis has a long and complex past.
November 5th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 2nd, 2024

7 Of The Best Sleep Tracking Gadgets In 2024, Ranked
One in three adults do not get enough sleep. Whether you're a light sleeper, can't get comfortable, or have a baby keeping you up at night, when you don't get enough sleep, your body feels it all over. A lack of sleep can lead to chronic issues like heart disease, obesity, or kidney disease.
November 2nd, 2024Source

Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. Wheezing may occur while breathing out, also known as expiration, or while breathing in, also known as inspiration. It may or may not occur while having a hard time breathing.
November 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — November 1st, 2024

1990 to 2021 saw global rise in chronic kidney disease cases, deaths in women
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases and deaths in women surged worldwide between 1990 and 2021, according to a study presented at Kidney Week, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, held from Oct. 23 to 27 in San Diego.
November 1st, 2024Source

A new dental scam is to pull healthy teeth to sell you expensive fake ones
It turns out you may not have needed those implants after all.
November 1st, 2024Source

Can olfactory loss predict disease? Study ties loss of smell to 139 health conditions
Preventing memory loss with smell training? Olfactory enrichment found effective in new study.
November 1st, 2024Source

Daylight saving time ends this weekend. This is how to prepare for the potential health effects
The good news: You will get a glorious extra hour of sleep. The bad: It'll be dark as a pocket by late afternoon for the next few months in the U.S.
November 1st, 2024Source

Precision diagnostics close in on Parkinson's disease proteins in extracellular vesicles
Brain disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) start to develop in patients much earlier than when their first clinical symptoms appear. Treating patients at these early stages could slow or even stop their disease, but there is currently no way to diagnose brain disorders at those pre-symptomatic stages.
November 1st, 2024Source

Research uncovers potential role of polyphosphate in neurodegenerative diseases
Research led by the University of Michigan has provided compelling evidence that could solve a fundamental mystery in the makeup of fibrils that play a role in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
November 1st, 2024Source

Researchers aim to transform treatment for sleep disorders in military personnel
Traditional solutions for sleep disorders, including medications and cognitive behavioral therapies, often provide insufficient relief for military personnel, a problem researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson will be hoping to solve with a $3 million grant from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.
November 1st, 2024Source

Trial finds acupuncture could offer significant relief from IBS symptoms
A randomized controlled trial has shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and often resists conventional treatment.
November 1st, 2024Source or Source

Two topical treatments show similar benefits for photoaging of the hands
Topically applied products containing human platelet extract or vitamin C provide similar improvements in age spots (photoaging) of the hands, as reported in a clinical trial within the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
November 1st, 2024Source

Women, girls at lower risk of acute kidney injury: Study
Boys and men carry a greater risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) than women and girls across all age groups, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
November 1st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 30th, 2024

Constraining the body of a hydra can cause it to grow two heads
Hydra are small, invertebrate, predatory animals that live in water. They're tubular, radially symmetric and up to 10 mm long, with a head (mostly a mouth), a single, adhesive foot, and tentacles.
October 30th, 2024Source

Reprogramming brain cells into neurons: New findings on astroglia has implications for regenerative medicine
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how astroglia—cells that support the functioning of the brain—can be reprogrammed into cells resembling interneurons.
October 30th, 2024Source

Solar-powered animal cells: Combining chloroplasts from algae with hamster cells
Energy-making chloroplasts from algae have been inserted into hamster cells, enabling the cells to photosynthesize light, according to new research in Japan. It was previously thought that combining chloroplasts (chlorophyll containing structures in the cells of plants and algae) with animal cells was not possible, and that the chloroplasts would not survive or function.
October 30th, 2024Source

Study describes socioeconomic challenges in culturally distinct neighborhoods for fastest-growing ethnic group
Residents of U.S. neighborhoods with high concentrations of Latino residents often face significant socioeconomic challenges, including less access to health care, a study led by a UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher shows.
October 30th, 2024Source

Team publishes study on violent political rhetoric and suicide rates
Dr. Bill Nugent, professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Social Work, and former BSSW, now MSSW student Jaydah Lee have published an article titled "The Relationship Between Violent Political Rhetoric and Suicide Rates" in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment.
October 30th, 2024Source

Twin study illuminates how turncoat T cells launch nervous system assaults in multiple sclerosis
Few autoimmune disorders are more challenging for patients than multiple sclerosis, a progressive condition that can affect vision, impair the ability to walk, cause extreme bouts of neuropathic pain, and tends to strike women at three times the rate of men.
October 30th, 2024Source

Winter depression is real and there are many ways to fight back
As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains
October 30th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 28th, 2024

Understanding house dust mites and allergy symptoms

People often believe they are allergic to house dust. But of the 20% of Australians suffering with allergies, a number are actually allergic to microscopic house dust mites.
October 28th, 2024Source

Yes, Melatonin Can Make You Feel Hungover. Try These 3 Sleep Supplements Instead

If melatonin makes you groggy or gives you a headache in the morning, you're not alone. Here are three alternative expert-approved sleep aids.
October 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 25th, 2024

5 Best GABA Supplements for Sound Sleep

GABA supplements can help you calm your brain, achieve better sleep and cut down on anxiety.
October 25th, 2024Source

6 Expert-Recommended Vitamins and Minerals That Unlock Healthy Aging

If you're focused on healthy aging, these are the top vitamins and minerals you should consider trying.
October 25th, 2024Source

Are back problems influenced by your gut?

Researchers found that patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis had up to three times higher levels of certain gut bacteria compared to those without the condition.
October 25th, 2024Source

Climate change impacts pollen patterns and allergy sensitization in Chicago

People have heard for years that climate change is having a significant impact on plant vegetation patterns and influencing how pollen and mold produce. A new study being presented at this year's American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston showed that, in Chicago, there has been a significant increase in sensitization to pollens and molds in patients with nasal allergies.
October 25th, 2024Source

Daylight saving time clock changes have substantial, but short-lived effect on how much sleep we get

With the clocks going back this weekend in the U.K., a new study has found that moving the clocks one hour forward in Spring and one hour back in Autumn has a substantial, but short-lived effect on sleep duration.
October 25th, 2024Source

Dysfunction of neurons in the amygdala may be behind negative perceptions of the environment

One of the characteristics of depression is a tendency to perceive sensory stimuli and everyday situations in an excessively negative way. But the mechanisms underpinning this "negativity bias," which can fuel the development of depressive symptoms, had previously remained largely unknown.
October 25th, 2024Source

Experts urge U.K. to end daylight saving time, citing negative impacts on sleep and circadian health

Sleep specialists highlight how twice-yearly clock changes disrupt circadian rhythms, recommending year-round standard time for better health and well-being.
October 25th, 2024Source

Innovative techniques shed light on hamstring injury in athletes

Hamstring injuries affect athletes across the globe, accounting for 10% of all injuries in field-based sports. Despite their frequency, the mechanisms behind these injuries and effective prevention strategies remain unclear. Findings from two recent studies offer new insights on hamstring injury prevention.
October 25th, 2024Source

Mutation mapping shows errors in protein location are a common cause of disease

An international team led by researchers at the University of Toronto and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has assembled the first large-scale, publicly available map to show the impact of mutations on where proteins end up in the cell.
October 25th, 2024Source

Next-generation regenerative treatment may help prevent tendon re-tears

The human body, filled with muscles and moving parts, is far from indestructible. Injuries are common, especially where tendons and bones connect. In Japan, rotator cuff tears affect approximately one in four people over age 50, and reports state that even after surgery, about 20% of cases result in re-tears. To combat this, new healing methods to bolster current clinical practices are needed.
October 25th, 2024Source

Professional ice hockey: Depressive symptoms and burnout linked to more concussions

Elite ice hockey players with a history of concussion report heightened mental health symptoms, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden. In addition, 1 in 5 female hockey players suffered symptoms of burnout, and both sexes reported alcohol consumption at a risk-level.
October 25th, 2024Source

Researchers unlock potential of light-controlled cellular activities

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have succeeded in elucidating the structure of specific photoreceptors. With their help, it may be possible to switch cellular activities on and off using light. This capability could become an important tool in biological research and medical applications.
October 25th, 2024Source

Study confirms cognitive deficits in people with the rare disease MOGAD

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. According to estimates, 1 to 3 in 100,000 people are affected. They may suffer from visual disturbances, paralysis, incontinence and pain. But do they also have cognitive impairments?
October 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 22nd, 2024

5 accessories that can alleviate back pain from office work

Desk work is back-breaking work. That's why these accessories are so important to me.
October 23rd, 2024Source

AI models match ophthalmologists in diagnosing infectious keratitis
Eye care specialists could see artificial intelligence help in diagnosing infectious keratitis (IK), a leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide, as a new study finds that deep learning models showed similar levels of accuracy in identifying infection.
October 23rd, 2024Source or Source

Beyond gut health—prebiotics promise mental wellness

New collaborative research shows a prebiotic supplement can reduce inflammation. This could help with symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in people with metabolic syndrome—a combination of several health concerns including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Brain-stimulation therapy at home reduces major depression symptoms

tDCS treatment significantly improves depressive symptoms and boosts clinical response and remission rates, with no serious device-related adverse events reported.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Cataract surgery could save your eyesight and maybe your life, study suggests

Cataract surgery could restore good vision to older people and by doing so cut their odds for potentially life-threatening falls, a new study finds.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Receives Highly Commended Status at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards

Bedfont® receives recognition for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace and commitment to mental wellbeing.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Data show overdose deaths are down nationally, but up in many Western states

Despite an encouraging national dip in the past year, overdose deaths are still on the rise in many Western states as the epicenter of the nation's continuing crisis shifts toward the Pacific Coast, where deadly fentanyl and also methamphetamine are finding more victims.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Combining large datasets to improve mental health research

More than half of the risk for mental disorders can be attributed to environmental factors such as socioeconomic status, urbanicity, pollution, and climate. Scientists are trying to characterize the impact of these factors on mental health and develop new ways to reduce the burden. This requires collecting and combining large datasets of different types.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Optibrium demonstrates superior molecular docking method for small molecules and macrocycles

Optibrium, a leading developer of software and AI solutions for molecular design today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design, 'Structure-Based Pose Prediction: Non-cognate Docking Extended to Macrocylic Ligands'. The paper demonstrates that Surflex-Dock can accurately predict the binding conformation and orientation (pose) of unknown (non-cognate) ligands, including macrocycles.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Ellorarxine heads towards human trials as study suggests improvements for motor neuron disease sufferers

A pioneering study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by researchers at Durham University has revealed promising results for a new treatment targeting motor neuron disease (MND).
October 23rd, 2024Source

Existential uncertainty: How it affects your mind—and what you can do about it

With near-constant headlines discussing the devastating crises humanity is currently facing —from climate change to political polarization and war—many of us are experiencing feelings of existential uncertainty.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Experimental study in rats and humans show cognitive effort whets the appetite for reward

Mental fatigue may make rewards more desirable, according to a study in rats and humans. Exerting cognitive effort has been linked with making unhealthy choices. In the past, the link has been explained via a weakening of inhibitory control or will power.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Increased head injuries in professional footballers could lead to more cases of neurodegenerative diseases

The Lancet Neurology has published a research article assessing the number and frequency of blows to the head during four World Cups through a detailed analysis of 120 videos of matches over the last 50 years: the 1974 World Cup in Germany, the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the 2006 World Cup in Germany and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
October 23rd, 2024Source

INTEGRA Biosciences' pipettes help progress small molecule inhibitors from discovery to clinical trials

RAPT Therapeutics in San Francisco, USA, relies on INTEGRA Biosciences' pipettes to seamlessly accelerate the development of its candidate small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers. These liquid handling solutions help the company's R&D team to efficiently analyze its lead drug candidates at every stage of the process -- from discovery to clinical trials -- driving its innovative therapies towards commercialization.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Most ADHD daters feel misunderstood, Hinge says

Hinge surveyed over 9,000 users with ADHD. Here's what they said about using dating apps.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Neck pain

Neck pain is a common problem, affecting many adults at some time in their lives. Neck pain can involve just the neck and shoulders, or it might radiate down an arm. The pain can be dull or feel like an electric shock into the arm. Some symptoms, such as numbness or muscle weakness in an arm, can help pinpoint the cause of neck pain.
October 23rd, 2024Source

New study reveals loneliness as a major concern in sport

Researchers from the University of Lincoln have published a first of its kind study into loneliness in sport.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Psychopaths could be suffering from alexithymia or emotional blindness, study finds

Psychopathic people have great difficulty or are even unable to show empathy and regulate their emotions. According to a new study by Matthias Burghart, a Max Planck researcher in Freiburg, this could be because these people suffer from alexithymia, also known as emotional blindness.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Research highlights crucial role of cerebellum in social and cognitive functioning

In a recent publication in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Professor Frank Van Overwalle, from the Brain, Body and Cognition research group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), sheds light on the often-overlooked role of the cerebellum in both motor and social-cognitive processes. His research contributes to a growing shift in the field of neuroscience, which has traditionally focused on the cerebrum.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Robot-assisted laser procedure aims to minimize surgical risks

In aging societies, back problems have become a widespread debilitating condition. In many cases, the underlying cause is spinal canal stenosis. Bony constrictions form in the spinal canal, which press on the spinal cord. Chronic pain and signs of paralysis are the result.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Ten-question screening tool can predict mental health risk after emergency hospitalizations

An injury or sudden illness serious enough to require hospitalization is a high-stress experience for anyone. For most people, that stress is temporary. For others, however, the episode can lead to lasting mental health distress.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Users Must Fulfill 3 Conditions For Hearing Aid Feature on AirPods; 3rd Is Almost Impossible for Many

The first two conditions for using AirPods hearing aid functionality are fairly easy; these are:
October 23rd, 2024Source

'Visual clutter' alters information flow in the brain, study shows

Whether we're staring at our phones, the page of a book, or the person across the table, the objects of our focus never stand in isolation; there are always other objects or people in our field of vision. How that visual "clutter" affects visual processing in the brain, however, is not well understood.
October 23rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 20th, 2024

Adult ADHD Is Common. Treating It May Require New Ways of Thinking
A report from the CDC calls attention to telehealth's role in treatment and how ADHD has shifted from a childhood-only problem.
October 20th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 18th, 2024

Black adults disproportionately affected as glaucoma reaches 4.22 million in the US
A University of Michigan led study finds regional and demographic disparities in glaucoma burden. Results find that 4.22 million U.S. adults had glaucoma in 2022, with 1.49 million living with vision impairment.
October 18th, 2024Source

Cheap grog, new drunkenness offense, mandatory rehab: Experts think new NT alcohol reforms would be a disaster
The new Northern Territory government is planning a swathe of changes to alcohol policy.
October 18th, 2024Source

Innovative mental health training could transform workplaces in Uganda
Recent research focuses on adapting an acceptance-based mental health intervention called Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT-W), which was developed by Dr. Paul Flaxman and Ross McIntosh at City St George's, to fit Uganda's unique socio-cultural and economic environment.
October 18th, 2024Source

Learning without feedback: Neuroscientist helps uncover the influence of unsupervised learning on humans and machines
Imagine a child visiting a farm and seeing sheep and goats for the first time. Their parent points out which is what, helping the child learn to distinguish between the two. But what happens when the child does not have that guidance on a return visit? Will they still be able to tell them apart?
October 18th, 2024Source

Sleep experts advocate for permanent standard time ahead of fall time change
As the country prepares to "fall back" to standard time on Sunday, Nov. 3, the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time is advocating for the abolition of daylight saving time in favor of permanent, year-round standard time, which would improve public health, safety, and overall well-being.
October 18th, 2024Source

The role of financial incentives in promoting healthy lifestyles
Move more, quit smoking, lose weight: great resolutions, hard to keep. But does it get easier if there is a financial incentive in return? According to research by Radboud University and others, it can be an effective tool, although there are still some obstacles. They presented their findings this week in Economisch Statistische Berichten (ESB).
October 18th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 16th, 2024

Clean air and climate policies provide health benefits in New York City
A new study analyzes the links between the enactment of major air pollution and climate policies in New York City and significant improvement in air quality during the period 1998--2021. It finds a cumulative beneficial effect of these policies both city-wide and among residents residing in communities that have been disproportionately affected by air pollution.
October 16th, 2024Source

For people with Parkinson's, moving is a mental challenge as well as a physical one
It's well known that Parkinson's disease can impair a person's ability to perform movements like grabbing a coffee cup, with one side of the body often more affected. But a recent Sourcestudy published in Brain and Cognition by University of Alberta researchers shows that the disease also affects how people perform movements mentally, something called motor imagery.
October 16th, 2024Source

Infant and toddler health
New parents and those who've had children for a while often have questions about infant and toddler health. Which vaccines do children need? What's the best way to take a child's temperature? What happens at well-child exams? What's the latest in infant and toddler health?
October 16th, 2024Source

Men and women use different biological systems to process pain, study discovers
In a new study evaluating meditation for chronic lower back pain, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that men and women utilize different biological systems to relieve pain. While men relieve pain by releasing endogenous opioids, the body's natural painkillers, women rely instead on other, non-opioid based pathways.
October 16th, 2024Source

People with aphantasia also have reduced brain activity in response to sounds, finds study
People with aphantasia—individuals who report experiencing no visual imagery at all—also showed reduced activation of the brain's visual cortex in response to sounds, according to a new study.
October 16th, 2024Source

Researchers study function of astrocytes with goal of treating mental illness
What actually happens in the brain in cases of depression? Relatively unknown brain cells—"astrocytes"—are believed to play an important role. At the Uppsala Biomedical Center, lab researchers are attempting to learn more about their function in order to help create an understanding of how to cure mental illnesses.
October 16th, 2024Source

Severe bleeding: First aid
For severe bleeding, take these first-aid steps.
October 16th, 2024Source

Spatial proteomics approach leads to life-saving treatment for deadly skin reaction
A global team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry has made a discovery that has helped save the lives of patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis. This rare but often fatal reaction to common medications causes widespread detachment of the skin.
October 16th, 2024Source

Understanding how men and women process pain differently
In a new study evaluating meditation for chronic lower back pain, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that men and women utilize different biological systems to relieve pain. While men relieve pain by releasing endogenous opioids, the body's natural painkillers, women rely instead on other, non-opioid based pathways.
October 16th, 2024Source

Unique immune response in lupus paves the way for new treatments
Immune cells called monocytes produce a key inflammatory protein called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1&beta) through an unconventional pathway in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as lupus, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
October 16th, 2024Source

Video series aims at improving indoor air quality
Improving indoor air quality is the goal of a new video series developed by experts at the University of California, Davis in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health. Aimed at building and facility managers, the videos distill the science of air quality into steps building and facility managers can take to remove pollutants, including viruses, from the place we spend most of our time—indoors.
October 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 12th, 2024

Shiftall Announces Yet Another MeganeX Headset After Not Shipping The First Two
Shiftall opened preorders for a new MeganeX PC VR headset, after failing to ship the previous two MeganeX PC VR headsets it announced.
October 12th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 11th, 2024

1999 to 2018 saw decrease in intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron in women
From 1999 to 2018, there was a decrease in vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron intake among pregnant and nonpregnant women, according to a study published online Oct. 10 in JAMA Network Open.
October 11th, 2024Source

Brain cell connectivity research provides a potential target for anxiety disorders
Scientists at Universite de Montreal and its affiliated Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) have uncovered unique roles for a protein complex in the structural organization and function of brain cell connectivity, as well as in specific cognitive behaviors.
October 11th, 2024Source

Deep Breathing for Sleep Is Easy With This Funky Little Gadget
Moonbird is a handy device for managing anxiety and boosting sleep quality. Here's what I thought while using it.
October 11th, 2024Source

Inflammatory bowel diseases may be detectable at birth
Across the Western world, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, which have no cure, is rising. In Denmark alone, 50,000 people suffer from either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which represents a doubling in cases over the past 20 years. While many people are diagnosed in early adulthood, a smaller group is identified during childhood, particularly if they experience symptoms like weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding.
October 11th, 2024Source

New study identifies genetic changes in brain development that may contribute to schizophrenia
A collaborative study between researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard Medical School has identified genetic mutations that occur during brain development and may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
October 11th, 2024Source

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis frequently have persisting pain, study finds
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing standard-of-care treatment frequently have persisting pain, according to a study published online Sept. 30 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
October 11th, 2024Source

Potential risk factors for suicide identified in the professional athlete population
A career in an elite or professional sport is not in itself a risk factor for suicide, according to a review published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice. But physicians, coaches, and family members should be alert to supporting elite and professional athletes as they approach retirement, a potential athlete-specific risk factor for suicide.
October 11th, 2024Source

Protein blocking bone development could hold clues for future osteoporosis treatment
Scientists have identified a protein that blocks the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) by stopping them from maturing during the journey to sites of bone formation.
October 11th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 10th, 2024

Age-related macular degeneration tied to heightened risk for rheumatoid arthritis
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online Sept. 9 in Scientific Reports.
October 10th, 2024Source

Bilingualism may make the brain more efficient, especially when learned at a young age
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to build connections within itself, adapting to the surrounding environment. The brain is most plastic in childhood, forming new pathways in reaction to stimuli such as language.
October 10th, 2024Source

Biomolecular condensates can split membranes without the aid of proteins, study finds
Researchers have found that cellular droplets function in more diverse ways than previously known. The ability to fission membranes in cells was previously attributed solely to certain proteins. In a new publication in Nature, an international research team now shows that small cellular droplets, so-called biomolecular condensates, can also split membranes without the help of proteins.
October 10th, 2024Source

Hospitalizations involving alcohol withdrawal syndrome common
In U.S. adults, hospitalizations involving alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) are common, according to a study published online Oct. 8 in JAMA Network Open.
October 10th, 2024Source

Last week's workout or restless night could impact your brain well into next week
Researchers monitored one individual's brain and behavioral activity over five months using brain scans, wearable devices, and smartphone data.
October 10th, 2024Source

New computer simulation offers insights into brain function
A new computer simulation of how our brains develop and grow neurons has been built by scientists from the University of Surrey. Along with improving our understanding of how the brain works, researchers hope that the models will contribute to neurodegenerative disease research and, someday, stem cell research that helps regenerate brain tissue.
October 10th, 2024Source

New techniques shed light on how the brain's landscapers prune unnecessary synapses
Imagine yourself sometime in the far future aboard a routine rocket to Mars. Someone just spilled their drink. Without gravity, it collects in floating blobs that ripple right before your eyes. Now freeze.
October 10th, 2024Source

Researchers decode how the brain identifies and responds to odors
Neurons unlocked: Study reveals how the brain decodes and reacts to smells, linking odors to emotion and memory.
October 10th, 2024Source

Seasonal change can affect people's moods—and their moral values
Moral values are the principles that guide a person's perceptions of good and bad, and right and wrong. They shape our prejudices, political ideologies and many other consequential attitudes and actions.
October 10th, 2024Source

Study finds 41% of people have 'creaky knees'
La Trobe researchers have discovered that almost half the population has "creaky knees" in a study investigating how common the problem is and what it means for the health of our knees.
October 10th, 2024Source

Study finds nonalcoholic drinks reduce alcohol consumption in mild cases
The provision of nonalcoholic beverages is an effective method for reducing alcohol consumption. In a study published in BMC Medicine, researchers at University of Tsukuba have investigated differences in the effectiveness of alcohol reduction depending on the level of problem drinking as assessed by the alcohol use disorders identification test.
October 10th, 2024Source

Understanding how smiling influences relationship building during real-life conversations
Smiling during conversations creates warmth, making people feel more comfortable and connected. For example, a friendly smile when meeting someone new can ease nervousness. A smile can soften tension in a debate, showing respect among the participants despite disagreement.
October 10th, 2024Source

Understanding the mysterious cells in the brain's visual cortex
Imagine yourself sometime in the far future aboard a routine rocket to Mars. Someone just spilled their drink. Without gravity, it collects in floating blobs that ripple right before your eyes. Now freeze.
October 10th, 2024Source

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio indicates risk in rheumatoid arthritis
For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is an independent risk factor indicating prognosis, according to a study published online Sept. 18 in Frontiers in Immunology.
October 10th, 2024Source

What a tiny, 3D gut can tell us about gastrointestinal disorders
The relationship between our nervous and digestive systems is a relatively new area of scientific study. But what Northeastern University researcher Abigail Koppes calls the "brain gut" connection has vast implications for our overall health that we're just beginning to understand.
October 10th, 2024Source

What happens to your body when you have obstructive sleep apnea?
Dr. Virend Somers, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist with a focus on sleep apnea, says it's a serious medical condition that can cause heart problems and other health issues. Dr. Somers co-authored a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on cardiovascular disease.
October 10th, 2024Source

General — Business — October 10th, 2024

Advania UK gobbles up IT services rival CCS Media
Acquisition signals consolidation in the market
October 10th, 2024Source

BaCta is using engineered bacteria to grow natural rubber and slash CO2 emissions
The synthetic biology and precision fermentation space is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity these days. But it’s not every day you come across a startup that’s using genetic engineering to produce natural rubber — a substance that’s challenging to reproduce in a lab because of how long its polymer is.
October 10th, 2024Source

How stuck is the startup exit market? Pretty stuck, says PitchBook
Deal analysis outfit PitchBook today released a new report that underscores how fewer exits are impacting the startup investing ecosystem.
October 10th, 2024Source

How to Build a High-Profit Low-Cost Business with AI Agents
What if you could increase your business’s productivity while reducing costs at the same time? Sounds too good to be true, right? With the rise of AI agents, this is now a reality for many businesses. By automating entire roles, AI agents can transform how you operate, allowing you to scale efficiently and stay ahead of the competition. By using the capabilities of AI agents, businesses can transform their operations, gain a significant competitive advantage, and position themselves for long-term growth and success.
October 10th, 2024Source

Male CEOs viewed positively for assertive activism stances, study reveals
Investors view CEOs more favorably when they respond to shareholder activism in ways that conform to gender stereotypes, according to new Cornell research.
October 10th, 2024Source

Marriott reaches $52 million settlement over years of data breaches
The FTC is also requiring a security overhaul.
October 10th, 2024Source

More pay for in-office work? Salary report reveals new reality for hiring managers
Going back to the office could have a meaningful perk — more pay.
October 10th, 2024Source

Numeric grabs $28M Series A to automate accounting using AI
Accountants typically dread month-end and quarter-end closings. That’s because finalizing financial records for a specific period is generally a manual, error-prone, and time-consuming endeavor.
October 10th, 2024Source

Pinterest inks lease for new engineering office in Seattle
Pinterest is moving into a new, permanent office space in Seattle after working out of a WeWork location for the past eight years, GeekWire has learned.
October 10th, 2024Source

Samsung Electronics Ranked as a Top 5 Global Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year with $100.8 Billion in Brand Value
Samsung was recognized for its AI leadership and enhanced connected experiences
October 10th, 2024Source

Samsung Reportedly Slashing Executive Jobs In Its Various Semiconductor Divisions To Better Compete With Rivals And Return To Posting Healthier Financials
An apology was previously issued by Samsung as the company’s earnings guidance for Q3 2024 was below market expectations. Despite being forecast to pocket around $6.77 billion for this quarter, making it a 274.5 percent increase compared to Q3 2023, the Korean giant reportedly wants to be in a better position when competing with rivals, especially during the AI boom.
October 10th, 2024Source

SpaceX alums are working to raise a hefty $550M first deep tech fund
Interlagos, the venture capital firm started by former senior SpaceX leaders, is looking to raise $550 million for its first venture fund, according to regulatory filings and a confidential deck sent to prospective LPs and viewed by TechCrunch.
October 10th, 2024Source

The FBI secretly created a coin to investigate crypto pump-and-dump schemes
NexFundAI, the FBI’s Ethereum-based token, was used to investigate price manipulation in crypto markets.
October 10th, 2024Source

Uniswap Price Jumps 10% Amid New Ethereum L2 Reveal
Uniswap (UNI) is gearing up for the launch of Unichain, which will reduce transaction fees by up to 20x compared to Ethereum (ETH).
October 10th, 2024Source

Venmo adds scheduled payments and requests
This can be done as a one-time thing or in regular intervals.
October 10th, 2024Source

Venture studio Diagram expands into climate tech with oversubscribed fund
Eight-year-old Diagram is expanding its startup incubator model into climate.
October 10th, 2024Source

Why Are Memecoins So Popular? It’s The Frission of Danger
If there’s one key takeaway from 2024 within the cryptocurrency industry, it is this: memecoins are not just surviving — but thriving.
October 10th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 8th, 2024

1 million adult vapers in England have never regularly smoked
This rapid increase between 2021 and 2024 was particularly among younger age groups.
October 8th, 2024Source

An unbroken night's sleep is a myth. Here's what good sleep looks like
What do you imagine a good night's sleep to be? Often when people come into our sleep clinic seeking treatment, they share ideas about healthy sleep.
October 8th, 2024Source

Echoes in the brain: Why today's workout could fuel next week's bright idea
In a pioneering longitudinal study, researchers found that the everyday effects of sleep, exercise, heart rate and mood -- both good and bad -- could linger in our brains for over two weeks.
October 8th, 2024Source or

Enabling a Better Understanding of the Mind-Body Connection Through Advanced Health Research
Mental health impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives — from physical health to relationships with friends, family and communities, as well as productivity at work and beyond. Despite the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being, the majority of available technologies are centered around physical health.
October 8th, 2024Source

EPA finalizes rule to require removal of lead pipes in US water system
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized a rule that will require the removal of all lead pipes from the country's water systems.
October 8th, 2024Source

Extra virgin olive oil may delay cognitive decline in Down syndrome
Researchers working with the Alzheimer's Center at Temple (ACT) recently investigated the effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on brain health and memory to determine if consumption of extra virgin olive oil, the main component of the Mediterranean diet, can delay cognitive decline in people with Down syndrome (DS).
October 8th, 2024Source

Findings suggest that fungal mycelia can 'recognize' shapes
Can organisms without a brain still show signs of intelligence? Researchers at Tohoku University and Nagaoka College had this question in mind when conducting a study to measure the decision-making processes in fungi. While it may sound like science fiction, this level of basal cognition is possible even in fungi.
October 8th, 2024Source

Key molecule in wound healing identified
A new study has identified an RNA molecule that is important for skin wound healing. The research may have implications for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds.
October 8th, 2024Source or Source

Mental health app could help prevent depression in young people at high risk
A cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app has been found to significantly prevent increases in depression in young people who are at high risk -- and could be implemented as a cost effective public mental health measure.
October 8th, 2024Source or Source

Monmouth Scientific to showcase Sustainable Clean Air Solutions at Lab Innovations.
A UK leader in clean air solutions, Monmouth Scientific, will exhibit at this year’s Lab Innovations, sharing insights into the innovative technologies driving sustainability in laboratory environments.
October 8th, 2024Source

New apps aid blind people in navigating indoor spaces
Two new apps are set to assist blind individuals in navigating indoor spaces by providing spoken directions through a smartphone. This offers a safe solution for wayfinding in areas where GPS is ineffective.
October 8th, 2024Source

People believe lab animals have less mental capacity than other animals, research shows
Many of us care for animals and feel empathy when they suffer. At the same time, many of us also accept their suffering and death when it happens in the name of science.
October 8th, 2024Source

People with hip osteoarthritis are unable to activate their muscles as efficiently, irrespective of strength
Muscle activation in people suffering from hip osteoarthritis might be a case of "mind over matter," new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown.
October 8th, 2024Source

Psilocybin may lead to increased optimism, rat study suggests
Monash University researchers have made a breakthrough in the study of psychedelics to treat disorders including major depression, demonstrating that rats given psilocybin exhibit increased optimism over time.
October 8th, 2024Source

Study explores stress, social support and mental health for men and women farmers
Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers struggle with anxiety and depression at higher levels than the general population. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines differences in mental health challenges for men and women farmers, focusing on the role of social support in mitigating stress.
October 8th, 2024Source

The secret strength of our cell guards
A team has demonstrated how Hsp70 chaperone proteins help proteins move within cells
October 8th, 2024Source

Tool listens in on early osteoarthritis biochemical communication in joints
A fluorescent dye could help scientists listen in on biochemical conversations between cartilage and bone during the earliest stages of osteoarthritis (OA)—even before the disease causes pain. The unexpected finding could someday lead to novel treatments for patients, according to research conducted on mice that was published Oct. 7 in FASEB BioAdvances.
October 8th, 2024Source

Using Swedish nature to market nicotine pouches to young women and non-smokers in the UK
White nicotine pouches that taste like strawberries, are good for your health and evoke a sense of freedom—are as free as only Swedes can be.
October 8th, 2024Source

Yeast study shows ribosomes hibernate on mitochondria during cellular stress
What can stressed yeast teach us about fundamental processes in the cell? A lot, according to EMBL Heidelberg's Mattei Team. The team studies, among other topics, how cells adapt to stress—such as nutrient deprivation.
October 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 7th, 2024

Bright light therapy found to be effective for nonseasonal depressive disorders
Bright light therapy (BLT) is an effective adjunctive treatment for nonseasonal depressive disorder, according to a review published online Oct. 2 in JAMA Psychiatry.
October 7th, 2024Source

Comprehensive review highlights impact of tobacco control measures
Tobacco use remains a significant global health challenge, despite extensive control measures at both national and international levels. Smoking continues to be a leading cause of premature death, with exposure to tobacco-;whether through active smoking or secondhand smoke-;significantly increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes. These NCDs account for nearly 75% of annual global deaths.
October 7th, 2024Source

Gut hormones could hold the key to fighting fatty liver disease
Promising therapeutic advancement, a new study reveals the crucial role of intestinal absorption in preventing dietary-induced fatty liver disease
October 7th, 2024Source

How cells maintain their central processing unit for cell division
A centromere is a specialized location in the DNA that functions as the control center of cell division and is maintained, unchanged, across generations of cells. It is characterized by a special protein, called centromeric protein A (CENP-A), which marks the centromere and mobilizes other players necessary for cell division.
October 7th, 2024Source

Research unpacks impact of cannabis legalization on medical sales
With Oct. 17 marking the sixth anniversary of Canada's legalization of recreational cannabis, a Brock researcher says it's time to examine how the process has impacted the medical cannabis market.
October 7th, 2024Source

Researchers discover new ways to 'turn off' receptor involved in inflammatory diseases
In 2019, Steven Mansoor, M.D., Ph.D., a physician–scientist at Oregon Health & Science University, and his research team made a groundbreaking discovery: They determined the first complete structure of a protein linked to various health issues ranging from cancer to nerve pain to brain disorders.
October 7th, 2024Source

Scurvy is not just an 18th-century seafarers' disease, study shows
Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is not just an 18th-century seafarers' disease, as a case study of a 65-year-old woman with mobility issues and social isolation shows. In an article published in SourceCMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), clinicians describe how scurvy should be considered in patients with abnormal bleeding and nonspecific symptoms.
October 7th, 2024Source

Study finds gender influences fairness attitudes in children
Three psychologists from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), Tilburg University in the Netherlands and the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, show in the journal Communications Psychology that stereotypical gender differences do exist, but that the story is in fact more complicated than that.
October 7th, 2024Source

Wearable sensors moving into critical care roles
Wearable technology is well known to anyone with a fitness tracker but it is also moving into critical care medicine. Research in the International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications has looked at how wearables might change the management of patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
October 7th, 2024Source

What's driving the rise in ADHD diagnoses among children and adults?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children, and the numbers are only expected to rise. The CDC reported that in 2022, more than 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with ADHD, an increase of 1 million compared to 2016. The elevated numbers aren't limited to children.
October 7th, 2024Source

Wondering if You Have ADHD? 8 Common Symptoms and How to Manage
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 5% to 9% of people. For National Mental Illness Awareness Week, here are the common symptoms to know about.
October 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — October 5th, 2024

A recurrent neural network-based framework to non-linearly model behaviorally relevant neural dynamics
A key objective of several neuroscience studies is to understand and model how the dynamics of distinct populations of neurons give rise to specific human and animal behaviors. Many existing methods for exploring the link between neural activity and behavior rely on the analysis of static images and brain scans, as opposed to the dynamic evolution of neuronal activity over time.
October 5th, 2024Source

Long-term efficacy for lebrikizumab seen in moderate, severe eczema
For patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), lebrikizumab has long-term efficacy, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, held from Sept. 25 to 28 in Amsterdam.
October 5th, 2024Source

Neural signatures commonly observed when humans make choices can also reflect choice-independent processes
Past neuroscience research has identified patterns in neural activity typically observed when humans are engaged in value-based decision-making. This is the process through which humans choose between options that could be linked to different costs and rewards, weighing their options carefully based on their own preferences, goals and expectations.
October 5th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 28th, 2024

Breathing may introduce microplastics to the brain—new study
Small plastic particles are everywhere: in the soil where our food is grown, in the water we drink and in the air we breathe. They got there from the plastic we throw away, which ends up in landfill sites, rivers and seas. There the plastic waste slowly breaks down, releasing tiny particles called microplastics and even tinier nanoplastics into the environment.
September 28th, 2024Source

New drug for people with schizophrenia has experts excited
Experts expressed enthusiasm Friday after US health regulators approved the first new form of treatment for schizophrenia in decades.
September 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 25th, 2024

14 percent of U.S. adults meet criteria for absolute iron deficiency
A considerable proportion of U.S. adults has absolute and functional iron deficiency, according to a study published online Sept. 24 in JAMA Network Open.
September 25th, 2024Source or Source

30 years later, a family's loss gives life to others
For the Green family, the memory of Oct. 1, 1994, is many things at once: the date of their greatest pain and their finest hour; a day of unspeakable loss and life-giving gifts.
September 25th, 2024Source

988 mental health crisis calls now link to caller location, not area code
In a move that could mean more Americans in crisis get help and get it quickly, federal officials announced Tuesday that major cellphone carriers now have the technology to direct 988 callers to local mental health services based on their location instead of their area code.
September 25th, 2024Source

Are gender and sexual identity linked to brain health?
LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have negative brain health outcomes, including a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression, than people who are cisgender and straight, according to a study published in the September 25, 2024, online issue of Neurology.
September 25th, 2024Source

Art therapy for a creative way to manage stress, depression and more
Since ancient Greece, healers have prescribed art to aid those facing mental challenges. Today, the practice is a precisely honed craft used by credentialed professionals to help people suffering from PTSD, stress, depression and more.
September 25th, 2024Source

Dizziness
People use the term dizziness to describe many sensations. You might feel faint, unsteady, or as if your body or surroundings are spinning. Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear conditions, motion sickness and medicine side effects.
September 25th, 2024Source

Encoding human experience: Study reveals how brain cells compute the flow of time
A study led by UCLA Health has begun to unravel one of the fundamental mysteries in neuroscience—how the human brain encodes and makes sense of the flow of time and experiences.
September 25th, 2024Source

Guidelines provided for diagnosis of pediatric, late-onset multiple sclerosis
In a clinical review conducted by an international committee of multiple sclerosis (MS) experts in pediatric and adult MS and published online Sept. 16 in JAMA Neurology, consensus guidance is provided for diagnosing pediatric and late-onset MS.
September 25th, 2024Source

Managing stress could be the key to helping highly impulsive people act rashly when bored
Research at the University of Portsmouth has explored the relationship between high impulsivity and boredom, in an effort to find out what drives rash and sometimes unhealthy decisions.
September 25th, 2024Source

Night-time aircraft noise linked to sleep disturbance
Noise from aircraft at night is linked with disturbed sleep quality and sleep-wake cycle, a new study using movement trackers has shown.
September 25th, 2024Source

Researchers create mouse model to mimic Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine recently made an important advance in neurodegenerative disease research and modeling. They created a mouse model that recapitulates the early non-motor symptoms as well as the motor difficulties in Parkinson's disease in a manner that directly mimics the condition in many patients.
September 25th, 2024Source

Self-esteem can boost sexual well-being—and vice versa
A long-term study by the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht has confirmed a dynamic correlation between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. The results provide valuable insights about longstanding questions about whether better sex makes you feel better, feeling better makes you have better sex, or both.
September 25th, 2024Source

Study finds certain multiple sclerosis therapies may not slow disability progression
In people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study has found no difference in the amount of time before disability worsened between people taking certain medications and those not receiving treatment.
September 25th, 2024Source

Study finds severity of road accidents and injuries sustained vary according to sex of driver and passengers
The severity of traffic accidents and of the injuries sustained in them is influenced by whether the individuals involved are male or female. This issue has been studied previously by other researchers, but the results are not consistent across studies.
September 25th, 2024Source

The untold story of Henrietta Villaescusa: A Hispanic nurse trailblazer advancing health equity
Henrietta Villaescusa, RN, FAAN, a pioneering Hispanic nurse, dedicated her career to advancing health equity for Latino communities. Through her tireless efforts in government, health care, and community activism, Villaescusa left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire nurses and policymakers today.
September 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 23rd, 2024

Certain antidepressants may improve brain function, study finds
Researchers have found that SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants have the potential to improve certain cognitive functions, such as verbal memory. They measured brain function in patients before and after taking the SSRI, escitalopram, and correlated this to a drop in the level of one of the serotonin receptors in the brain and to cognitive improvements during treatment.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Expert discusses low libido
It may feel uncomfortable to talk about low libido with your partner and your health care team. Unfortunately, it's a common problem that affects adults everywhere, yet many people have never been asked about their sexual health by their health care teams.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Fibrosis lacks treatments and methods of reversal: Study pinpoints a promising target for drug therapy
Medical science has long been on the hunt for a deeper understanding of the devastating scarring of the body's organs known as fibrosis, which leads to irrevocable loss of function.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Mental health issues are a common phenomenon in elite sports, Dutch study finds
Nearly three-quarters of Dutch elite athletes and 40% of their coaches report sport-related distress. This is one of the findings from a study conducted by Amsterdam UMC together with NOC*NSF, the organization which represents the Dutch Olympic Committee and the Dutch Sport Federation, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
September 23rd, 2024Source

New study reveals how the brain integrates pain prediction and stimuli
A study has uncovered new insights into how the brain processes and integrates pain information. The research goes beyond identifying brain areas that respond to pain, revealing the mechanisms behind the brain's integration of pain-related information. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), they formalized how the brain combines pain expectations with the actual intensity of painful stimuli.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Social media posts may provide early warning of PTSD problems
Scientists have analyzed millions of tweets to identify COVID-19 survivors living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—demonstrating the effectiveness of using social media data as a tool for early screening and intervention.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Study of former NFL players finds 1 in 3 believe they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy
A new study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players shows that about one-third believe they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neuropathological condition linked to repeated head trauma that can only be diagnosed through a post-mortem exam of the brain.
September 23rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 22nd, 2024

More than half of people who use party drugs take ADHD medicines without a prescription, new research shows
Each year, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center at UNSW Sydney surveys hundreds of people who regularly use drugs in Australia to understand trends in substance use around the country.
September 22nd, 2024Source

Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notice
It's been 20 years since a paper in the journal Science showed the environmental accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibers. It named the particles "microplastics."
September 22nd, 2024Source

The 4 Unique Sleep Cycles You Have Never Heard Of
Sleeping seven hours at a stretch isn't the only way to catch some Zzz's. Here are four alternatives -- and they are pretty obscure.
September 22nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 21st, 2024

New method developed to relocate misplaced proteins in cells
Cells are highly controlled spaces that rely on every protein being in the right place. Many diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders, are associated with misplaced proteins.
September 21st, 2024Source

New migraine drugs no better than cheap painkillers: big study
New, more expensive migraine drugs are no more effective against the throbbing headaches than traditional painkillers, and even performed worse than an older range of treatments called triptans, said a massive global analysis Thursday.
September 21st, 2024Source

Why is pain so exhausting?
One of the most common feelings associated with persisting pain is fatigue and this fatigue can become overwhelming. People with chronic pain can report being drained of energy and motivation to engage with others or the world around them.
September 21st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 19th, 2024

A self-help guide for chronic orofacial pain including temporomandibular disorder
Patients suffering from chronic pain in the face, mouth or jaw can now download a self-help guide proven to benefit them in managing their condition.
September 19th, 2024Source

Adhesive cortical device enables artifact-free neuromodulation for closed-loop epilepsy treatment
A team of researchers has developed a soft cortical device that could revolutionize the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
September 19th, 2024Source

Aversion to inequality drives support for redistribution policies, study finds
As income inequality widens, debates around redistribution policies are heating up. New research from the Universities of Zurich, Lille and Copenhagen reveals that support for these policies stems not only from individuals' financial situations but also from an inherent aversion to inequality.
September 19th, 2024Source

Brain region that controls eye movements found to also play important role in higher cognitive functions
The superior colliculus is a midbrain region that is traditionally thought to help animals orient themselves toward important locations in space, like directing their eyes and head toward a bright flash of light. New research from the University of Chicago shows that this part of the brain also plays a role in complex cognitive tasks like visual categorization and decision making.
September 19th, 2024Source

Decades of national suicide prevention policies haven't slowed the deaths, data show
During the past two decades, federal officials have launched three national suicide prevention strategies, including one announced in April.
September 19th, 2024Source

Gaining insights into the chemical basis of aversive learning
One of the things that makes brains so incredibly difficult to understand is their ability to adjust and adapt. Our learning experiences can set off complex signaling cascades that reshape neurons—and their synaptic connections—at the cellular level.
September 19th, 2024Source

New ventilator-on-a-chip model enables real-time detection of lung injury at cellular level
For the first time, scientists are able to directly compare the different kinds of injury that mechanical ventilation causes to cells in the lungs.
September 19th, 2024Source

People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder face heightened risk of homelessness, researchers say
Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis. A systematic failure to provide decent and affordable housing means far too many people are ending up homeless. Rigid and unresponsive policies perpetuate adversity and fuel stigma that places blame on the individual. And for already vulnerable and marginalized people, finding a suitable place to live can be all the more challenging.
September 19th, 2024Source

Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of the stomach area and pelvis. It can refer to symptoms that come from the:
September 19th, 2024Source

Researchers show how breathing and heartbeat influence perception
A new study from the University of Fribourg highlights previously unknown links between the body and the brain. The findings of this research show how our bodily rhythms affect our visual perception.
September 19th, 2024Source

Researchers uncover why cells struggle to fully change identity in reprogramming efforts
A new study has shed light on the challenges of converting one type of specialized cell into another, a process critical for advances in regenerative medicine. Despite recent progress in the field, a key obstacle in maintaining the new identity of reprogrammed cells lies in their original DNA methylation patterns—crucial markers that define cell identity.
September 19th, 2024Source

Scientists mimic cat eyes to create artificial eye that sees better in the dark, detects camouflaged objects
A team of engineers from the Center for Nanoparticle Research, Seoul National University, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, all in Korea, has developed a new type of artificial eye based on natural cat eyes.
September 19th, 2024Source

Study reveals links between bodily rhythms and visual perception
A study funded by the SNSF highlights previously unknown links between the body and the brain. The findings of this research carried out at the University of Fribourg show how our bodily rhythms affect our visual perception.
September 19th, 2024Source

Study links hot flashes to brown adipose tissue activity, childhood exposure to cold
New research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals links between menopausal hot flashes, cold experienced during childhood, and increased activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is a specialized fat that regulates body temperature by generating heat and activates before the body begins to shiver.
September 19th, 2024Source

Study suggests political ideology is associated with differences in brain structure, but less so than previously thought
Conservative voters have slightly larger amygdalas than progressive voters—by about the size of a sesame seed. In a replication study published September 19 in the journal iScience, researchers revisited the idea that progressive and conservative voters have identifiable differences in brain morphology, but with a 10x larger and more diverse sample size than the original study.
September 19th, 2024Source

The mystery of human wrinkles: What do the cells say?
A research team consisting of Professor Dong Sung Kim, Professor Anna Lee, and Dr. Jaeseung Youn from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH has successfully recreated the structure of wrinkles in biological tissue in vitro, uncovering the mechanisms behind their formation. Their findings were published on August 19 in the journal Nature Communications.
September 19th, 2024Source

Yes, you do need to clean your tongue. Here's how and why
Has your doctor asked you to stick out your tongue and say "aaah"? While the GP assesses your throat, they're also checking out your tongue, which can reveal a lot about your health.
September 19th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 16th, 2024

Autistic adults describe their emotions and perceptions with complexity
What does giddiness or joy or anger feel like? To a group of autistic adults participating in a Rutgers study, giddiness manifests like "bees"; small moments of joy are like "a nice coffee in the morning" that yields "a sense of elevation"; anger starts with a "body-tensing" boil, then headaches.
September 16th, 2024Source

Decades of National Suicide Prevention Policies Haven't Slowed the Deaths
When Pooja Mehta's younger brother, Raj, died by suicide at 19 in March 2020, she felt "blindsided."
September 16th, 2024Source

Innovative technology may enable early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
Researchers at Tel Aviv University cooperated with three major Israeli medical centers to develop a new method for detecting protein aggregation in cells—a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The technology can enable diagnosis up to 20 years before the first motor symptoms appear, facilitating treatment or even prevention of the severe disease which is currently incurable.
September 16th, 2024Source

Laughter is as good as eye drops in soothing dry eyes, study finds
Laughter as medicine? New trial finds laughter exercise as effective as artificial tears in relieving dry eye symptoms, offering a fun alternative for patients.
September 16th, 2024Source

Scientists mix sky's splendid hues to reset circadian clocks
Those mesmerizing blue and orange hues in the sky at the start and end of a sunny day might have an essential role in setting humans' internal clocks.
September 16th, 2024Source

Study reveals competition-integration mechanism of space-time encoding in hippocampal neurons
Recently, a research team reported a competition-integration mechanism of space-time encoding in individual hippocampal neurons. This discovery provides an essential neural basis for understanding episodic memory representation within spatiotemporal contexts.
September 16th, 2024Source

Study reveals harrowing experiences of misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder in autistic adults
Conducted through interpretive phenomenological analysis, a study published in the journal Autism involved one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. Each participant recounted unnoticed autistic traits from childhood and described the pervasive impact of a BPD misdiagnosis.
September 16th, 2024Source

The brain's state of attention is shaped by a handful of neurons, study shows
What enables the brain to go from intense concentration to a heightened state of alertness? A study carried out by neuroscientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in collaboration with ETH Zurich, shows that a brain region called locus coeruleus (LC) and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline act as conductors, reorganizing brain functions according to the mental demands of the moment.
September 16th, 2024Source

Vaping is harming college students' brains, study shows
Vaping may look cool when you're young, but it appears to be dulling the brains of college students, a new study warns.
September 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 15th, 2024

Apple AirPods Can Help Bring Hearing Aid Cost Down from $6K
Apple’s new functionality in the AirPods Pro 2 could change the hearing aid market, as it can be a more affordable alternative to traditional devices that cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair.
September 15th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 13th, 2024

Ingredient in hair dye led to woman's vision loss
An ingredient in the hair dye a French woman used caused her to develop a vision-robbing retinopathy, researchers report.
September 13th, 2024Source

Neoself-antigens found to induce autoimmune response in lupus
Autoimmune diseases are widespread and notoriously difficult to treat. In part, this is because why the immune system attacks its own tissues in patients with these conditions remains poorly understood.
September 13th, 2024Source

Swallowing triggers a release of serotonin, research reveals
Researchers at the University of Bonn and the University of Cambridge have identified an important control circuit involved in the eating process. The study has revealed that fly larvae have special sensors, or receptors, in their esophagus that are triggered as soon as the animal swallows something.
September 13th, 2024Source

The Cognitive Shuffle Method: A New Sleep Hack to Conquer Late Night Anxiety
The latest viral TikTok sleep trend is the cognitive shuffle method. Here's what it is, how to do it and what others have to say about it.
September 13th, 2024Source

Using AI, researchers find e-cigarette brands are skirting the rules about health warning labels on Instagram
Island breeze, blue lagoon, dew drop—these aren't the names of scented candles on display at your local home goods store. They're flavors of synthetic nicotine used in e-cigarettes, often advertised with neon-electric colors and bright lettering to make them look like boxes of candy or fruit juice.
September 13th, 2024Source

'What Happens Three Months From Now?' Mental Health After Georgia High School Shooting
About an hour after gunfire erupted at Apalachee High School, ambulances started arriving at nearby Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow with two students and two adults suffering from panic attacks and extreme anxiety, not bullet wounds.
September 13th, 2024Source or Source

Health — General Information — September 10th, 2024

Intimate partner violence shown to take toll on women's cognitive performance
As we age, it is likely harder to repeat a phone number we just heard. Memory impairment is considered a normal part of aging. However, due to various risk factors, some people experience greater decline. A new study suggests that physical intimate partner violence may accelerate working memory performance decline.
September 10th, 2024Source

Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases
A scientific team supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has created a preclinical blood test to identify adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
September 10th, 2024Source

Researchers uncover clues to the mechanism behind vitiligo
Skin pigmentation disorders affect people across the world. One of them, vitiligo, is said to have a worldwide incidence of 1-2%. What causes the loss of pigmentation in vitiligo has long been unclear, but an Osaka Metropolitan University-led team has uncovered clues to the mechanism behind the disorder.
September 10th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 7th, 2024

Focus on Your Eye Health With These Best Vitamins and Supplements
Supporting your eye health can be as easy as adding the right vitamins and supplements to your diet. These are the top ones you should consider.
September 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 6th, 2024

Altered blood markers detected in individuals with periodontitis
Individuals with periodontitis have altered concentrations of various proteins in their blood, according to a new study from Umeå University, Sweden. These findings pave the way for research into biomarkers for periodontitis and the underlying causes of the disease.
September 6th, 2024Source

Blood tests of sick festival goers show concerning results
Ahead of pill testing being introduced in Victoria in time for the music festival season over the summer, the first study examining patients presenting to medical services at Victoria's music festivals has been published—revealing that a large proportion of people reporting using drugs and feeling unwell, when tested, have been impacted by drugs they were unaware of taking.
September 6th, 2024Source

Disparity in access to medications for opioid use disorder persist in criminal legal settings: Study
Individuals involved in the criminal legal system have a high rate of opioid use disorder (OUD) and a high risk of overdose death compared to the general population, yet the most effective treatments—medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)—are underutilized in criminal legal settings where treatment is mandated as part of a person's probation or parole.
September 6th, 2024Source

Depression has a consistent mark in the brain even when symptoms are absent
Persistent salience network growth linked to depression, regardless of emotional state
September 6th, 2024Source

Experts explain the dangers of wildfire smoke and how to stay safe
Wildfire season in California is getting longer, more intense and more destructive. That means millions more Californians breathe polluted air more often as smoke drifts into skies across the state.
September 6th, 2024Source

Health Services Laboratories unlocks faster turnaround times for NHS pathology services by collaborating with Automata
As of summer 2023, Health Services Laboratories, an innovation-led provider of pathology and diagnostic services, and Automata Technologies, a life-sciences automation company, have partnered to speed up turnaround times for pathology and diagnostic services.
September 6th, 2024Source

Hijacking the command center of the cell: Nuclear parasites in deep-sea mussels
Most animals live in intimate relationships with bacteria. Some of these bacteria live inside the cells of their hosts, but only very few are able to live inside cell organelles (structures inside the cell, like organs in the body). One group of bacteria have figured out how to colonize the nuclei of their hosts, a remarkable feat given that the nucleus is the control center of the cell.
September 6th, 2024Source

Radiology test can be used to diagnose immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a class of immunotherapy that have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, they can cause a wide variety of autoimmune toxicities, including immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury (ICI-AKI).
September 6th, 2024Source

Research reveals cyberbullying is pushing teenage girls towards cosmetic procedures
Adolescent females subjected to appearance-related cyberbullying are more likely to feel ashamed of their bodies, a desire to change their appearance and suffer eating disorder symptoms, according to UniSC research published in the Journal of Eating Disorders.
September 6th, 2024Source

Scientists uncover mechanism preserving centromere during cell division
Scientists have solved a decade-long question about the mechanism that preserves the centromere, the hub that ensures DNA divides correctly during cell division.
September 6th, 2024Source

Study reveals how sex hormones regulate immune system functions
Immune responses in trans men during gender-affirming hormone therapy become more like those of cisgender men
September 6th, 2024Source

Ulcers, damage to upper gastrointestinal tract linked to increased risk of Parkinson's disease
A study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) found the risk of developing Parkinson's disease was 76% higher among those with a history of damage to the lining of their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract than among those without.
September 6th, 2024Source

Unlock your cognitive potential: How fun puzzles enhance memory and attention
While many brain-training games are available, A Clockwork Brain stands out from the competition by combining entertaining gameplay with instructive information, providing a novel approach to mental exercises. This includes a variety of puzzles designed to test your brain's ability without feeling like a job and to help you with logic, memory, and focus.
September 6th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 3rd, 2024

After being wowed by Olympic athletes in Paris, it's time to take notice of exceptional Paralympic exploits
The Paris Olympics have been and gone but memories of the athletes' achievements will live on, from Mondo Duplantis breaking his own ole vault world record for the ninth time, to Sifan Hassan winning gold in women's marathon after winning bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000m on the track earlier in the games.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Disability rights activist pushes government to let him participate in society
Garret Frey refuses to be sidelined. Frey has been paralyzed from the neck down for more than 37 of his 42 years. He has spent decades rejecting the government's excuses when he and others with disabilities are denied the support they need to live in their own homes and to participate in society.
September 3rd, 2024Source

How to reduce the prohibitive cost of sports wheelchairs to make sports more inclusive
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has a record number of broadcasters in more than 160 countries and territories. Viewing figures are expected to top the Tokyo 2020 Games, which was shown in 154 countries and attracted 4.1 billion viewers—half the global population.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Hydrogel developed for use in slowing or stopping early stages of osteoarthritis
A team of material engineers and orthopedic specialists affiliated with several institutions in China has developed a hydrogel for slowing or stopping the progression of osteoarthritis. Their research is published in the journal Advanced Materials.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Injectable Hydrogel Shows Promise as an Early-Stage Arthritis Treatment
Researchers claim the hydrogel both cushions joints and delivers antibodies that slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Long-term air pollution exposure and poor lifestyle choices increase risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Unhealthy lifestyles account for over 37% of NAFLD cases, with air pollution further amplifying risk, study finds
September 3rd, 2024Source

New protocol explores the combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation for MS patients
Researchers at Kessler Foundation have published a new clinical protocol examining the combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation to improve learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have mobility disability.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Review finds minimal ADHD risk from prenatal cannabis use
A recent study sheds light on the potential long-term neuropsychiatric risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure
September 3rd, 2024Source

Study reveals slight increase in ADHD risk from prenatal cannabis exposure
A new study reveals nuanced findings on the neuropsychiatric risks of prenatal cannabis exposure. The research found a slight increase in the risk of ADHD and a heightened vulnerability to cannabis use in offspring. These results highlight the need for continued caution and further investigation into the long-term effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.
September 3rd, 2024Source

The right to be wrong: How context or human rationality may influence our decisions
Conventionally, decision-making is portrayed as a rational process: individuals calculate potential risks and aim to maximize benefits. Yet, our brains do not always endorse rational action, particularly when an immediate response is required. Sometimes, individuals mistakenly choose objectively worse options because of how these options are perceived in a given context.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Unveiling the molecular mechanisms linking aging with neurodegenerative diseases
Aging is the prime cause of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. But what exactly increases the prevalence of these brain disorders as one grows older? The molecular forces linking aging, cellular senescence, and the onset of these neurodegenerative conditions are not well understood.
September 3rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — September 2nd, 2024

Chemists find new pharmaceutically active substances from billions of newly combined molecules
Nowadays, there's lots of buzz about spectacular new medical treatments, such as personalized cancer therapy with modified immune cells or antibodies.
September 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 31st, 2024

Mitochondria keep your brain cells alive: Helping them run smoothly may protect against Parkinson's disease
In 1817, a British physician named James Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, describing for the first time cases of a neurodegenerative disorder now known as Parkinson's disease. Today, Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S. It affects about 1 million Americans and more than 10 million people worldwide.
August 31st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 27th, 2024

‘Low-intensity’ blood stem cell transplants for sickle cell appear safe for lung health
NIH study finds lung function remained stable or improved in adults after transplant.
August 27th, 2024Source

Neuroscientists discover small group of dopamine neurons play critical role in controlling range of behaviors
A finding by a McGill-led team of neuroscientists could open doors to new treatments for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders attributed to dysfunctions in specific dopamine pathways.
August 27th, 2024Source

New center established to take the lead in enhancing living environments for all ages
The College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has established the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well (ENgAGE) to take the lead in enhancing living environments that foster the physical, psychological and social well-being of individuals across all age groups, particularly in response to the challenges brought about by demographic shifts and climate change.
August 27th, 2024Source

Studies provide key insights into chloroplast protein import system
Two studies published in the journal Cell shed light on the assembly, function and evolutionary diversity of the chloroplast protein import system.
August 27th, 2024Source

Study shows reduced inflammation in residents after adding trees to their neighborhoods
The University of Louisville's Green Heart Louisville Project has found that people living in neighborhoods where the number of trees and shrubs was more than doubled showed lower levels of a blood marker of inflammation than those living outside the planted areas.
August 27th, 2024Source

The challenges Paralympic athletes face compared to their Olympic peers
Over the past few weeks, billions of eyes have been glued to the Paris Olympic Games.
August 27th, 2024Source

Tuning into transitions: How our brains cross musical boundaries
Tuning into transitions: How our brains cross musical boundaries
August 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 26th, 2024

Brain shows changes in regions associated with anxiety after quitting alcohol, finds study
Certain regions of the brain show changes during the early stages after quitting drinking that may contribute to increased anxiety and relapse rates in people attempting recovery from alcohol use disorder, according to a study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.
August 26th, 2024Source

Comprehensive review identifies three key concepts for recovery from substance use disorders
Certain concepts have a demonstrated basis for aiding recovery from dangerous alcohol or substance use, according to an analysis of scientific literature since 1990. Self-efficacy (a belief in one's ability to achieve a goal), social support, and managing cravings are among the treatment elements best supported by evidence.
August 26th, 2024Source

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain
We use the word "love" in a bewildering range of contexts—from sexual adoration to parental love or the love of nature. Now, more comprehensive imaging of the brain may shed light on why we use the same word for such a diverse collection of human experiences.
August 26th, 2024Source

Frequent cannabis users miss more workdays, research shows
A new analysis of 46,499 employed adults in the United States, completed with data from the 2021–2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), found that recent and frequent cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) were associated with greater workplace absenteeism.
August 26th, 2024Source

Human stem cell models point to glia as key players in multiple sclerosis
A team of scientists from The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University has created the largest reported collection of stem cell models from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and used them to identify unique ways in which glia—integral support cells in the brain—contribute to the disease.
August 26th, 2024Source

Knowing you have a brain aneurysm may raise risk of anxiety, other mental health conditions
Among people who had aneurysms (weakened areas in brain blood vessels), the risk of developing a mental health condition was higher than among peers without an aneurysm. The highest risk was seen in patients younger than age 40, according to research published in Stroke.
August 26th, 2024Source

New insight into the protein mutations that cause Rett syndrome
One particular protein lies at the heart of brain development. A master regulator of gene expression, it's abundantly present in neurons, and its dysfunction underlies Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that could lead to severe cognitive, motor, and communication impairments in young girls.
August 26th, 2024Source

Piecing the puzzle together: How different brain regions contribute to visual object memory
Visual object memory refers to our brain's ability to store, recognize, and recall visual information about objects we perceive. This capability is essential for interacting with the world, influencing learning, problem-solving, navigation, and social interactions. Without effective visual object memory, these activities would be nearly impossible.
August 26th, 2024Source

Scientists find neurons that process language on different timescales
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neuroscientists have identified several regions of the brain that are responsible for processing language.
August 26th, 2024Source

Waking up to the hidden struggles of inflammatory bowel diseases
Helping people with inflammatory bowel diseases to get a better night's sleep could help keep the condition at bay and improve their quality of life, say Flinders University and Flinders Medical Center researchers, as they work to untangle the threads of the disease.
August 26th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 24th, 2024

Foreign object in the eye: First aid
A foreign object in the eye can include a speck of dust or a thin fiber to bigger objects, such as a piece of glass, a metal shaving or a wood splinter.
August 24th, 2024Source

From thoughts to words: How AI deciphers neural signals to help a man with ALS speak
Brain-computer interfaces are a groundbreaking technology that can help paralyzed people regain functions they've lost, like moving a hand. These devices record signals from the brain and decipher the user's intended action, bypassing damaged or degraded nerves that would normally transmit those brain signals to control muscles.
August 24th, 2024Source

Google Fit versus Samsung Health
In the world of health and fitness tracking, two apps stand out: Google Fit and Samsung Health. Both offer a wide range of features designed to help you monitor and improve your overall well-being.
August 24th, 2024Source or Watch Video

Health — General Information — August 22nd, 2024

Coccidioidomycosis seasonal dynamics and their climate determinants in California
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health describes coccidioidomycosis seasonality in endemic regions of California and characterizes important drivers of disease transmission.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Creative arts and crafts boost wellbeing in UK adults
A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health highlights the positive impact of creative arts and crafting on various aspects of wellbeing and loneliness.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Legal challenges in human brain organoid research and its applications
A study appearing in Journal of Bioethical Inquiry explored the legal and ethical challenges expected to arise in human brain organoid research.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Macaque study investigates role of interhemispheric pathways in spinal cord injury recovery
Stroke and spinal cord injuries can severely impair motor functions, and understanding how to promote recovery is a critical challenge. While damaged neurons in the brain and spinal cord have limited ability to regenerate, the brain can form or strengthen alternative neural pathways involving uninjured parts of the brain, enabling functional recovery.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Smartphone eye-tracking could expand autism research reach
One of the most effective means of investigating and understanding autism is eye tracking. Participants are shown photos or videos, and computer software records where their gaze rests. Autistic individuals are more likely to focus on nonsocial aspects of an image, such as objects or background patterns, while neurotypical subjects have an increased propensity to focus on people's faces.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Playing video games for a couple of hours a day can improve mental health
In a recent study published in Nature Human Behavior, researchers investigate the impact of video gaming on psychological health in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Thyroid hormone fuels the drive to explore by rewiring brain circuits, new study suggests
Thyroid hormone plays a key role in regulating a range of physiologic functions, including metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and growth. It accomplishes this impressive array of activities by interacting with almost every organ system in the body. Yet despite a long history of research on how thyroid hormone influences different organs, its effects on arguably the most crucial organ—the brain—have remained shrouded in mystery.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Two proteins identified as potential targets to improve ALS symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that is incurable. The disease is characterized by the selective degeneration of upper motor neurons in the motor cortex as well as the lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Unveiling the secret of blood regeneration: New insights into stress responses in hematopoietic stem cells
Kumamoto University researchers have made a discovery that sheds light on how the HMGA2 gene—an essential transcriptional activator involved in chromatin modification—regulates stress responses in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), thereby enhancing blood cell production recovery.
August 22nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 21st, 2024

I've recovered from a cold but I still have a hoarse voice. What should I do?
Cold, flu, COVID and RSV have been circulating across Australia this winter. Many of us have caught and recovered from one of these common upper respiratory tract infections.
August 21st, 2024Source

Occupational exposure to particles may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease
Exposure to dust and particles at work may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, a University of Gothenburg study shows. Among Swedish construction workers, followed since the 1970s, the risk was 15% higher among exposed.
August 21st, 2024Source

Somatic therapies may build awareness of the mind--body connection to treat trauma. Could they could help you?
As you read this, draw your attention to your jaw. Are you aware of any sensations? Are there areas of tension? Does your jaw feel tight or relaxed?
August 21st, 2024Source

Surprising mechanism for removing dead cells identified
Billions of our cells die every day to make way for the growth of new ones. Most of these goners are cleaned up by phagocytes—mobile immune cells that migrate where needed to engulf problematic substances.
August 21st, 2024Source

Therapeutic app might ease anxiety in young adults
It's not a replacement for actual psychotherapy, but a newly designed app could help young adults with mental health issues lower their anxiety, researchers report.
August 21st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 16th, 2024

A visionary approach: How a team developed accessible maps for colorblind scientists
Imagine having to do your job, but not being able to visually process the data right in front of you. Nearly 8% of genetic males and 0.5% of genetic females have some form of Color Vision Deficiency (CVD), or the decreased ability to discern between particular colors. CVD is commonly referred to as color blindness.
August 16th, 2024Source

Exploring liquid-liquid phase separation in diseases
A recent study, led by Professor Wu (Wenzhou Institute University, Wenzhou Medical University) and Professor Huang (Northeastern University), explores liquid--liquid phase separation (LLPS), a phenomenon closely associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
August 16th, 2024Source

How untreated hearing loss can result in a negative health spiral
Hearing loss is often thought of as a normal part of aging, but recent studies have shown untreated hearing loss can significantly affect overall health. Dr. Nicholas Deep, a Mayo Clinic otolaryngologist, explains how untreated hearing loss can affect cognitive, social and physical health.
August 16th, 2024Source

Lip reading activates brain regions similar to real speech, researchers show
Lip-read words can be decoded from the brain's auditory regions similarly to heard speech, according to a new University of Michigan report that looked at how vision supports verbal perception.
August 16th, 2024Source

New approach enables a closer look at microglial organelles
Microglia are the immune system's front-line enforcers in the brain. They are cells that patrol the brain and destroy anything harmful that they encounter, from invading bacteria to cellular debris. They also remove plaques and prune dysfunctional synapses between neurons.
August 16th, 2024Source

Researchers study gambling-harm-minimization tools and their impact on gambling behavior
Researchers study gambling-harm-minimization tools and their impact on gambling behavior
August 16th, 2024Source

Safety guidance validated: Inexperienced swimmers can 'float to live' in open water conditions
New research offers hope in reducing the number of drowning incidents worldwide, after putting the latest safety guidance to the test.
August 16th, 2024Source

Study finds vaping is linked to smoking cigarettes, using marijuana and other drugs over time
U.S. teens and young adults who vape are much more likely to start smoking cigarettes or to begin using cannabis or other drugs, a University of Michigan study, appearing in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found.
August 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 14th, 2024

An implantable sensor could reverse opioid overdoses
In 2023, more than 100,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. The most effective way to save someone who has overdosed is to administer a drug called naloxone, but a first responder or bystander can't always reach the person who has overdosed in time.
August 14th, 2024Source

Gastroesophageal reflux disease tied to increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online Aug. 1 in Scientific Reports.
August 14th, 2024Source

New findings reveal how serotonin shapes behavior in negative situations
In a recent study in Nature Communications, researchers increased synaptic serotonin through a selective serotonin-releasing agent (SSRA), fenfluramine, to investigate its impact on human behavior.
August 14th, 2024Source

New research identifies early sensorimotor markers for autism spectrum disorder
A study published in the journal iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
August 14th, 2024Source

Patterns of intelligence
The coordinated activity of brain cells, like birds flying in formation, helps us behave intelligently in new situations, according to a new study. The work is the first to illuminate the neurological processes known as abstraction and inference in the human brain.
August 14th, 2024Source

People with ADHD are turning to AI apps to help with tasks. Experts say try it cautiously
Becky Litvintchouk didn't think she'd be able to manage the mountain of tasks needed to become an entrepreneur. Every other part of her life has been overwhelming because of ADHD, which can impact her ability to concentrate.
August 14th, 2024Source

Policing may play a role in youth mental health crises
New York City neighborhoods subject to higher rates of policing during the Stop and Frisk years also experienced higher burdens of psychiatric hospitalization among their adolescent and young adult residents -- independent of underlying neighborhood socio-economic characteristics.
August 14th, 2024Source or Source

Revolutionising organoid manufacturing: Monmouth Scientific Class 2 Biological Safety Cabinets enhance sterility and efficiency at Molecular Devices' new Life Science facility.

August 14th, 2024Source

Sapio Sciences and CREO Announce Strategic Partnership
Sapio Sciences and CREO to streamline laboratory management and digitally transform life science research.
August 14th, 2024Source

Scientists capture glimpse of how brain cells embody thought
The coordinated activity of brain cells, like birds flying in formation, helps us behave intelligently in new situations, according to a study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators. The work, published in Nature, is the first to illuminate the neurological processes known as abstraction and inference in the human brain.
August 14th, 2024Source

Study links life purpose to sustained functioning in U.S. veterans
U.S. military veterans face unique stressors, such as combat, and experience various health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that can negatively affect multiple aspects of functioning.
August 14th, 2024Source

Tesserent Offers Mental Health Tips for Australian CISOs
Cybersecurity professionals are experiencing high levels of stress, which can have both business and personal implications. Here's how they can improve their mental health.
August 14th, 2024Source

UV rays may boost health in low-sunlight countries, study finds
The health benefits of spending time in the sun could outweigh the risks for those living in areas with limited sunshine, a study suggests.
August 14th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 8th, 2024

Alcohol use in older adults doubles risk of brain bleeds from falls
Nationally, falls remain the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults and are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. In 2021, falls led to the deaths of 36,500 older adults in the United States and 3,805 older Floridians.
August 8th, 2024Source

How the health of your lungs is linked to the bacteria in your gut
The trillions of bacteria living in our gut have an extraordinary effect on our health. They're in charge of digestion, breaking down the foods we eat and extracting their vitamins and minerals.
August 8th, 2024Source

Mental health of lower-income adolescents better than that of wealthier teens during COVID-19 lockdown
Adolescence is a crucial developmental period in which the risk of mental health problems can first emerge. But for millions of youths, that sensitive time period coincided with the social isolation of COVID-19 and remote schooling.
August 8th, 2024Source

Mental disorder symptoms present in predictable ways, according to study
Mental disorders like depression and anxiety are characterized by a variety of different symptoms, and individuals receiving the same diagnosis may experience different combinations of those symptoms. This way of defining mental disorders has been a subject of contentious debate, with some in the field concerned the symptom definitions are too broad.
August 8th, 2024Source

Misinformation gets more engagement in TikTok videos about urogynecologic conditions
Physicians may still be the most trusted source for health information, but more and more people scroll through social media before scheduling with a doctor's office.
August 8th, 2024Source

Most high-income countries ban direct advertising of prescription drugs—why does NZ still allow it?
New Zealand and the United States are the only high-income countries to allow unrestricted direct-to-consumer advertising of branded medicines, including the name of the drug and the condition for which it is prescribed.
August 8th, 2024Source

Native American public health officials say they are stuck in data blind spot
It's not easy to make public health decisions without access to good data. And epidemiologists and public health workers for Native American communities say they're often in the dark because state and federal agencies restrict their access to the latest numbers.
August 8th, 2024Source

New research finds outsourcing care homes in England disproportionately disadvantages poorer areas
Outsourcing care homes has compromised the accessibility and quality of care for the most vulnerable, particularly in areas of greatest deprivation, according to new research led by the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at Oxford University. The results, published in BMJ Public Health, raise questions about the role of the private for-profit sector in exacerbating the care sector's ongoing crisis.
August 8th, 2024Source

Novel AI model may enhance health data interoperability
An AI model developed by Northwestern Medicine investigators improved the transformation of EHR data into standardized health resources more efficiently than current methods, according to a recent study published in the journal NEJM AI.
August 8th, 2024Source

Pro-anorexia content on TikTok may harm women's body image and mental health
Women who spend a lot of time on TikTok -; especially those seeing a lot of pro-anorexia content -; feel worse about their appearance, a new study shows. The results suggest that high TikTok exposure could harm mental health, reducing body image satisfaction and increasing the risk for disordered eating behavior.
August 8th, 2024Source

Reducing diversity gaps in clinical trials is a societal imperative, according to report
From costing society an estimated $11 trillion to hindering new discoveries in medicine and preventing access to effective interventions, underrepresentation of women, older adults and minorities in clinical research has several significant consequences, according to recent analyses commissioned by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
August 8th, 2024Source

Review reveals high rates of opioid dependence among chronic pain patients
A new scientific review of 148 studies enrolling over 4.3 million adult chronic pain patients treated with prescription opioid painkillers has found that nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or opioid use disorder and nearly one in three shows symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder.
August 8th, 2024Source

Small cash incentives boost participation in Medicaid home visiting program
Offering small cash incentives can significantly increase participation in a Medicaid home visiting program for pregnant people, infants and their families, according to a study by the Youth Policy Lab at the University of Michigan published in the American Journal of Health Economics.
August 8th, 2024Source

Snakebites: First aid
Most snakes aren't dangerous to people. Only about 15% of snakes worldwide and 20% in the United States can inject poison when they bite. These snakes are called venomous. In North America, these include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin, also called cottonmouth, and copperhead. Their bites can cause serious injuries and sometimes death.
August 8th, 2024Source

The twisties, the yips and target panic—why sportspeople sometimes suddenly lose the ability to perform
In elite gymnastics, few names shine as brightly as Simone Biles, known for her high-difficult routines and seemingly unshakable confidence. Biles stunned the world during the Tokyo Olympics when she experienced a bout of what she called "the twisties."
August 8th, 2024Source

Uptick in psychiatric emergency visits seen with school reopening following COVID-19 lockdowns
School reopening following COVID-19 disruptions was associated with an increase in acute psychiatric emergencies, according to a study published online Aug. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
August 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 6th, 2024

Bioelectronic suture monitors wound healing in real-time
The complex process of wound healing has long challenged medical professionals seeking to monitor recovery accurately and non-invasively. Traditional methods of assessing wound status often rely on visual inspection or periodic sampling, providing only intermittent glimpses into the healing process.
August 6th, 2024Source

Exploring the health impacts of climate change on the endocrine system
In a new study, endocrinologists and researchers from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health (NDWRH) at the University of Oxford, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) at Queen Mary University of London and the National University of Singapore have emphasized the critical need for further research into the effects of heat exposure on the endocrine system.
August 6th, 2024Source

'My phone sometimes makes me anxious': Study investigates associations between problematic smartphone usage and anxiety, sleep, and depression
In a recent study published in BMJ Mental Health, researchers determined the relationships between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and anxiety, depression, and insomnia among United Kingdom (UK) adolescents.
August 6th, 2024Source

MS changes the microbiome subtly but similarly, whether in US or Asia
Many studies have shown multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with changes to the bacteria in a person's gut—but the changes reported were all over the map. Now, UConn researchers have analyzed the results of seven studies across the U.S. and Asia and found a subtle but consistent signal.
August 6th, 2024Source

Olympians say conversations on sports, mental health are changingCompeting on the world stage, Olympic athletes face immense pressure to perform their best and represent their country. Mental health dominated Olympic conversations in 2021 after U.S. gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics, citing a disconnect between her brain and body and writing that she felt "the weight of the world on [her] shoulders."

August 6th, 2024Source

Physician warns of health concerns with wildfire smoke
Canadian and California wildfires are generating a lot of smoke, which is causing air quality issues in some places.
August 6th, 2024Source

Q&A: Olympic vision: Strabismus, coloboma and eyeglasses on the world stage
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, affectionately dubbed "pommel horse guy" by the internet, is capturing hearts not just for his bronze-winning talent, but also for his eyeglasses.
August 6th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 3rd, 2024

Fecal microbiota transplant no aid for Parkinson's disease
Filip Scheperjans, M.D., Ph.D., from Helsinki University Hospital, and colleagues randomly assigned (2:1) 47 patients with PD (aged 35 to 75 years) in Hoehn & Yahr stage 1 to 3 and dysbiosis of fecal microbiota to receive FMT or placebo via colonoscopy.
August 3rd, 2024Source

Subjective visual vertical test has low sensitivity for identifying Meniere disease
The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test has relatively low sensitivity for diagnosing Meniere disease, according to a study published in the July and August issue of the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology.
August 3rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — August 2nd, 2024

An artificial hepatocyte growth factor mimetic ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mouse model
A research group led by Associate Professor Katsuya Sakai, Researcher Nichole Marcela Rojas-Chaverra, and Professor Kunio Matsumoto of the Cancer Research Institute and Nano-Life Science (WPI-NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University has developed a long-acting, subcutaneously injectable artificial hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic molecule using a fusion technology of cyclic peptides and protein engineering.
August 2nd, 2024Source

Brain activity associated with specific words is mirrored between speaker and listener during a conversation, data show
When two people interact, their brain activity becomes synchronized, but it was unclear until now to what extent this "brain-to-brain coupling" is due to linguistic information or other factors, such as body language or tone of voice.
August 2nd, 2024Source or Source

Olympic athletes overcome health challenges to reach the pinnacle of their sport
The athletes have done the training and achieved their dreams, a trip to the Paris Olympics set to begin Friday, July 26th. Over the next two weeks, athletes from around the world will go for gold pushing their bodies as far as they can on the track, the pitch, the court, the pool, or the gymnastics mat.
August 2nd, 2024Source

PTSD of mass shootings can haunt community members for years, research reveals
Mass shootings and other traumatic events hit community members hard, with those closest to the incident often experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even years later, new research shows.
August 2nd, 2024Source

Storing memories without destroying previous ones
The brain is constantly storing new experiences that it has to integrate into the jumble of existing memories. Surprisingly, it does not overwrite previous memory traces in the process.
August 2nd, 2024Source

Study identifies a new disease-inducing mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory protein that crucially controls intestinal immunity. Children with genetic defects in IL-10, or its receptors, suffer from a severe form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that typically presents within the first few months of life. Symptoms are acute and include bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain.
August 2nd, 2024Source

Researchers highlight the genetic complexity of schizophrenia
Patrick Sullivan, MD, FRANZCP, the Yeargan Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine, and researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, have developed a comprehensive outline of the genetics of schizophrenia.
August 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 31st, 2024

ATMs and other digital self-serve devices fail to meet accessibility needs
Most self-service interactive devices—kiosks, ATMs and other digital interfaces—don't measure up to the accessibility needs of Canadians who report to have a disability, a new study has found.
July 31st, 2024Source

Deep diving with elephant seals offers unique insights into human health
Elite free divers can hold their breath for 10 minutes after years of rigorous, sometimes dangerous training. Northern elephant seals practically live underwater, taking up to 90 minutes between breaths.
July 31st, 2024Source

Humans employ forward and backward prediction strategies adaptively in different situations, research suggests
Humans often predict the outcomes of their decisions and actions, as this helps them to make sense of the world around them and navigate their present circumstances. Many previous psychology studies suggest that humans primarily make forward predictions, which entail forecasting what future events will follow a present event.
July 31st, 2024Source

Impact of neighborhood resources on resilience after trauma: Q&A
McLean researchers sought to examine whether neighborhood and individual resources prospectively predicted PTSD trajectories following a recent trauma.
July 31st, 2024Source

Keeping skin healthy: New study provides molecular portrait of sebum production
In a collaborative project between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics (IZBI) at Leipzig University, changes in gene expression in sebaceous glands have been spatially mapped for the first time.
July 31st, 2024Source

Nearly 1 in 3 US adolescents are getting mental health treatment
In findings that suggest more young Americans struggling with mental health issues are getting the help they need, a new poll shows that nearly a third of American adolescents and teens received some sort of mental health treatment in 2023.
July 31st, 2024Source

Research provides insights into the pathology of keloid disease
A study in PNAS Nexus explores the microbiome of keloids, which are treatment-resistant raised scars.
July 31st, 2024Source

Researchers discover how the NMDAR protein performs a 'Twist'-like dance move
Proteins are constantly performing a kind of dance. They move and contort their bodies to fulfill specific functions inside our bodies. The NMDAR protein executes an especially hard dance routine in our brains.
July 31st, 2024Source

Study finds that despite wanting to quit, only 8.8 percent quit smoking in 2022
Although about two-thirds of U.S. adults who smoked wanted to quit, only 8.8 percent of smokers quit in 2022, according to research published in the July 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
July 31st, 2024Source

Study uncovers unique brain plasticity in people born blind
A study led by Georgetown University neuroscientists reveals that the part of the brain that receives and processes visual information in sighted people develops a unique connectivity pattern in people born blind. They say this pattern in the primary visual cortex is unique to each person—akin to a fingerprint.
July 31st, 2024Source

The psychology of Olympians and how they master their minds to perform
Participating in the Olympic Games is a rare achievement and the pressures and stressors that come with it are unique. Whether an athlete is battling to win the breaststroke or powering their way to gold in the modern pentathlon, psychology will play a vital role in their success or failure in Paris this summer.
July 31st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 29th, 2024

Advanced 'Parkinson's in a dish' model accelerates brain disease research
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham health care system, have developed a model that rapidly converts stem cells to brain cells with protein structures characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD), enabling the study of the condition's unique and highly variable disease pathology in a petri dish.
July 29th, 2024Source

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, how will persistent smoke exposure affect long-term health?
Wildfire smoke has become a common feature of Canadian summers, fueled by bigger, more intense and more frequent wildfires. In 2023, Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record, with many communities contending with weeks of hazy, orange skies and frequent air quality alerts.
July 29th, 2024Source

Brain cell grafts in monkeys jump-start human trial for new Parkinson's treatment
People with Parkinson's disease are receiving a new treatment in a clinical trial started after University of Wisconsin--Madison scientists demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the therapeutic delivery method in a study of non-human primates.
July 29th, 2024Source

Fatty acids in umbilical cord blood might cause autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning capability and social behavior of people. Over the past few decades, awareness regarding ASD has increased, especially regarding its prevalence and effect on the lives of people diagnosed with ASD. However, several aspects related to ASD are not well understood, leaving much to be explored.
July 29th, 2024Source

First-ever effective therapy for rare, devastating neurodegenerative mitochondrial diseases
A new treatment could improve the lives of patients with mitochondrial diseases called POLG-related disorders, according to a unique clinical trial led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC). Patients affected by these disorders experience progressive neurological decline and have a median survival of five months after onset of symptoms.
July 29th, 2024Source

Midwest sees surge in calls to poison control centers amid bumper crop of wild mushrooms
The warm, soggy summer across much of the Midwest has produced a bumper crop of wild mushrooms—and a surge in calls to poison control centers.
July 29th, 2024Source

Physician offers advice for preventing traveler's diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is a common and uncomfortable digestive tract disorder that can affect people when they travel to new environments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 70% of travelers experience episodes. It's typically caused by eating contaminated food or water.
July 29th, 2024Source

Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis tied to higher risk of polyneuropathy
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may be associated with an increased risk of polyneuropathy, according to a study published online June 28 in Muscle & Nerve.
July 29th, 2024Source

PUFA metabolites in umbilical cord blood may predict autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning capability and social behavior of people. Over the past few decades, awareness regarding ASD has increased, especially regarding its prevalence and effect on the lives of people diagnosed with ASD. However, several aspects related to ASD are not well understood, leaving much to be explored.
July 29th, 2024Source

September is peak asthma month, allergist warns
"September is known as Asthma Peak Month because kids have returned to school, and viruses are being passed around," said allergist Dr. Gailen Marshall, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
July 29th, 2024Source

Study finds larger warning labels with pictures linked to lower desire to consume alcohol products
Young adult men who viewed alcohol warning labels experienced a lower activation of the reward circuits in their brains when the warnings were larger and involved pictures, compared to more familiar small-text warnings.
July 29th, 2024Source

Study unveils dual roles of TNF-α receptors in tissue regeneration and cell death
A study published in The EMBO Journal opens new perspectives to better understand how the molecular mechanisms involved in regenerative medicine work.
July 29th, 2024Source

Summer's heat can damage your medicines: Keep them safe, says physician
As scorching temperatures continue to plague the United States this summer, millions of Americans are at risk for dehydration and heat-linked illness.
July 29th, 2024Source

Your medications may increase your risk of heat-related illnesses
And a few things that should go in it.
July 29th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 28th, 2024

Allen Institute's OpenScope team stirs up a brainstorm to study the mind's mysteries
The Allen Institute's OpenScope program lets scientists study the weird workings of the brain — for instance, how magic mushrooms work their psychedelic magic on individual neurons, how memories of the past influence perceptions of the present, and how the brain's visual system interprets motion and texture.
July 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 27th, 2024

Q&A: Nail salon air is filled with fragrance chemicals—could they harm workers' health?
You know that nail salon smell? That sharp hit of chemicals, the strangely sweet scent of polish, the faint tingle in your nose? That's air pollution, and it's been linked to a variety of health effects experienced by the workers who breathe it. Nail salon workers commonly experience irritated skin and eyes, headaches, loss of smell and respiratory problems.
July 27th, 2024Source

Women need more sleep than men do, studies say
It turns out there might be a scientific reason behind women needing extra "beauty sleep." Studies show, on average, women require about 11 minutes more sleep per night than men do. Although this difference might seem small, it can have significant implications for overall health and well-being.
July 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 26th, 2024

A new therapeutic target offers a promising pathway for multiple sclerosis treatment
Researchers from Kyushu University have identified a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling condition associated with the central nervous system.
July 26th, 2024Source

Does organizing your page help organize your mind?
If you have ever wondered how you manage to keep track of the immense amount of information coming to you each day, you might want to thank the positional tagging system in your mind.
July 26th, 2024Source

Folded peptides are more electrically conductive than unfolded peptides, study reveals
What puts the electronic pep in peptides? A folded structure, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
July 26th, 2024Source

How autistic and non-autistic people can understand each other better
Autistic people often experience difficulties with social communication. It's so common, in fact, that it's one of the central criteria for an autism diagnosis.
July 26th, 2024Source

NIH researchers discover potential therapeutic target for degenerative eye disease
Study reveals cellular pathology of "dry" AMD.
July 26th, 2024Source

Report suggests fake oxycontin pills widespread and potentially deadly
The rate at which young Americans are ending up in hospital ICUs after using fake Oxycontin pills spiked with fentanyl is soaring, especially in the U.S. West, a new report warns.
July 26th, 2024Source

What happens in the brain during a migraine? And what medications can be used to treat it?
Migraine is many things, but one thing it's not is "just a headache."
July 26th, 2024Source

Why so many people drown at the water's edge
Just being near blue spaces (the sea, rivers and lakes) can make us feel more relaxed because water triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, helping our body rest and digest. This calming effect, which slows our heart rate and lowers blood pressure, explains why so many people find joy and solace in water-related activities.
July 26th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 24th, 2024

Botox could make walking easier in children with cerebral palsy
A randomized clinical trial published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology has assessed whether injections of botulinumtoxin-A in calf muscles benefit children with cerebral palsy.
July 24th, 2024Source

Debunking five myths about antidepressants
During my work as a clinical psychologist and neurobiologist, I have spoken with many individuals who are considering taking antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many ask me for my thoughts on whether they need medication, whether the talk therapy will be enough or whether they are "strong enough" to get over it without medications.
July 24th, 2024Source

Research finds no difference in chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence caused by COVID-19, other illnesses
A new study led by UCLA finds that rates of subsequent myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following an acute illness were roughly the same between people whose acute illness was due to COVID-19 and those who did not have COVID-19.
July 24th, 2024Source

Scientists discover how yeast cells sense physical stresses on the membranes that protect them
Cell membranes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of cells. However, the mechanisms by which they perform these roles are not yet fully understood. Scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in collaboration with the Institut de biologie structurale de Grenoble (IBS) and the University of Fribourg (UNIFR), have used cryo-electron microscopy to observe how lipids and proteins at the plasma membrane interact and react to mechanical stress.
July 24th, 2024Source

Social vulnerability linked with mental health and substance use disorders
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry uncovers significant associations between social vulnerability—a measurement that aggregates social determinants of health like socioeconomic status, housing type, education and insurance coverage—and the prevalence and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in the United States.
July 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 22nd, 2024

Breakthrough graphene brain implant preps for first human test, could treat Parkinson's disease
They offer major advantages over current metal implanets
July 22nd, 2024Source

Bringing forests to the city: 10 ways planting trees improves health in urban centers
Keeping people in cities healthy, especially in poorer neighborhoods, is challenging. One simple, effective and scientifically proven prescription for better health is planting more trees.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Combination therapy incorporating three existing drugs shows potential for treating retinal degenerations
Drug repurposing shows promise in the treatment of retinal degenerations, according to a new study by an international team of researchers, published in Nature Communications. A combination treatment incorporating three existing drugs - tamsulosin, metoprolol and bromocriptine - slowed disease progression in pre-clinical retinopathy models.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Enhancing a strategy to reduce opioid overdose deaths
In a study published in Harm Reduction Journal, a team led by CUNY SPH researchers examined why Connecticut's good Samaritan laws aren't working as intended to reduce opioid deaths.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Improving health care for veterans with deployment-related lung diseases
Although research studies have demonstrated an association between military deployment in southwest Asia and lung diseases in veterans—such as asthma, bronchiolitis, or other small airways disease—there are still research gaps and challenges that veterans can face in getting a diagnosis.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Money worries keep depressed Americans from mental health care, study shows
Medical debt is significantly more common among people with a mood disorder, and these money woes can keep them from getting the help they need, a new study says.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Sexual and gender minorities are twice as likely to report active epilepsy
NIH-funded study highlights importance of health disparities research.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Why being bilingual could help keep your mind sharp as you age
People who know more than one language may have a better chance of maintaining their cognitive ability late into life or after neurodegenerative conditions, says an expert at the University of Alberta.
July 22nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 20th, 2024

Dental veneers: Everything you need to know
Many people with chipped, worn or indelibly stained teeth may ponder the possibility of veneers. They're wholly cosmetic, typically aren't covered by dental insurance and can cost thousands of dollars, so it's best to understand veneers well before you embark on getting them.
July 20th, 2024Source

How opioid use disorder occurs
Opioid use — even short term — can lead to addiction and, too often, overdose. Find out how short-term pain relief leads to life-threatening problems.
July 20th, 2024Source

One or two bowel movements a day keeps the doc away: Study
Everybody poops sometimes, but does it really matter how often?
July 20th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 19th, 2024

Detection of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis based on the Stroop-CN model
A paper published in MedComm presented a Chinese EncephalApp diagnosis model (Stroop-CN) based on healthy controls distributed throughout the country and covering different demographic information.
July 19th, 2024Source

FDA allows marketing of Vuse tobacco-flavored vapes
On July 18 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the sale of the country's best-selling e-cigarette.
July 19th, 2024Source

In the fentanyl crisis, infants and toddlers become unsuspecting victims
As the fentanyl crisis ravages communities across the country, toddlers and infants increasingly are becoming unsuspecting victims of an opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Adults make up the vast number of fentanyl-related deaths, but public health experts say they are alarmed that more children below the age of 5 are dying or arriving in emergency rooms testing positive for the drug.
July 19th, 2024Source

Researcher: Meditation can be harmful—and can even make mental health problems worse
Since mindfulness is something you can practice at home for free, it often sounds like the perfect tonic for stress and mental health issues. Mindfulness is a type of Buddhist-based meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you're sensing, thinking and feeling in the present moment.
July 19th, 2024Source

Study finds people who lost sight early in life are less accurate at estimating auditory distances
New research has found that people who experience partial vision loss in early childhood find it more difficult to accurately judge the location of a sound than those who lose sight later in life.
July 19th, 2024Source

Study suggests prenatal diet may play a role in autism
A small team of public health specialists from the University of Glasgow and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports a possible link between some cases of autism and prenatal diet.
July 19th, 2024Source

Symptoms, cognitive abilities, demographics tied to age of ADHD diagnosis
IQ, sex, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and sociodemographic factors all affect the age of diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to a study published online June 23 in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology.
July 19th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 18th, 2024

Are running shoes getting too good? Why 'technological doping' is a growing concern for professional sports
Every four years, the best athletes from around the globe converge to battle it out for top honors at the Olympic Games. Athletes go through the rigors of qualification, competing through injury and travel fatigue, with a wide variety of weather conditions, in order to secure their spot on the team.
July 18th, 2024Source

Breakthrough gene therapy offers hope for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
A new gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy shows promise of not only arresting the decline of the muscles of those affected by this inherited genetic disease, but perhaps, in the future, repairing those muscles.
July 18th, 2024Source

Common blood thinner can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom
Scientists at the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have made a remarkable discovery: a commonly used blood thinner, heparin, can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom.
July 18th, 2024Source

Discovery of over 1,000 undetected proteins in metabolite samples
Van Andel Institute scientists have identified more than 1,000 previously undetected proteins in common metabolite samples, which persist despite extraction methods designed to weed them out.
July 18th, 2024Source

How different areas of the prefrontal cortex influence time variability in individual monkeys

July 18th, 2024Source

Nearly half of adults and 18% of adolescents engage in gambling, study finds
In a recent study published in the Lancet Public Health, a group of researchers estimated the prevalence of any gambling activity, specific gambling activities, risk gambling, and problematic gambling among adults and adolescents globally.
July 18th, 2024Source

Porcine study reveals meurotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of microplastics on enteric nervous system
A recent Nutrients study investigates the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on the neuronal population in the porcine jejunum.
July 18th, 2024Source

Visual cortex's impact on motor skill acquisition
You join a swing dance class, and at first you're all left feet. But -- slowly, eyes glued to the teacher -- you pick up a step or two and start to feel the rhythm of the big band beat. A good start.
July 18th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 9th, 2024

5G doesn't affect your health—here are five points to put your mind at ease
Right now, you are reading these lines on the screen of a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. For decades now, our access to huge amounts of information and instant communication has depended on antennas and transmitters that bathe our surroundings in radiation—specifically, in non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
July 9th, 2024Source

A possible treatment for sickle cell disease
A large team of medical researchers at Novartis Biomedical Research has developed a possible treatment for people with sickle cell disease. In their project, published in the journal Science, they conducted an exhaustive study to find a degrader of the WIZ transcription factor for fetal hemoglobin induction and tested it in animal models.
July 9th, 2024Source

AI technology advances early detection of severe eye inflammation, new research shows
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., affecting 11 million people, particularly older adults. The more severe form, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.
July 9th, 2024Source

Autism spectrum disorder associated with altered gut microbiome in children
Specific bacterial and non-bacterial components of the gut microbiome and their functions could contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in male and female children, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The research suggests that a specific subset of these components could inform future diagnostic and mechanistic studies.
July 9th, 2024Source

Brain neurotransmitter receptor antagonist found to prevent opioid addiction in mice
New research led by UCLA Health has found a drug that treats insomnia works to prevent the addictive effects of the morphine opioids in mice while still providing effective pain relief.
July 9th, 2024Source

'Extremely dangerous': Health experts slam doping-friendly Enhanced Games
Athletes at the Paris Olympics later this month will be tested for performance-enhancing drugs, but at a competition plotting to rival the Games, doping will be the point.
July 9th, 2024Source

Paul McCartney says eye yoga stops him needing glasses—here's the reality about ocular exercises
Paul McCartney recently told The Times that he does eye yoga to avoid needing glasses. In the interview, he revealed that he was introduced to the eye exercises in India some years ago and has practiced them ever since.
July 9th, 2024Source

Run screaming or slow retreat? New study sheds light on brain responses to emotionally-charged scenes
The ability to recognize and respond to emotionally-charged situations is essential to a species' evolutionary success. A new study published in Nature Communications advances our understanding of how the brain responds to emotionally charged objects and scenes.
July 9th, 2024Source

Study shows mobile app therapy leads to significant improvement in fibromyalgia management
New research led by the University of Cincinnati and Swing Therapeutics found that a self-guided smartphone-based behavioral therapy led to significant improvements for patients with fibromyalgia.
July 9th, 2024Source

This Secret iOS 17 Feature Could Help Your Eye Health
If your eyes hurt after looking at your iPhone for long periods of time, give this feature a try.
July 9th, 2024Source

'Whatchamacallit', 'gizmo' and 'thingamajig': What we say when we can't find the right word—and why
More than 50,000 years ago, humans started speaking and we've not shut up since. Sometimes, though, we struggle to remember the name of an object, a place, or a person we want to talk about. The technical term for this phenomenon is "lethologica."
July 9th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 5th, 2024

A bench and a grandmother's ear: Zimbabwe's novel mental health therapy spreads overseas
After her son, the family's shining light and only breadwinner, was arrested last year, Tambudzai Tembo went into meltdown. In Zimbabwe, where clinical mental health services are scarce, her chances of getting professional help were next to zero. She contemplated suicide.
July 5th, 2024Source

How sedentary behavior impacts well-being and quality of life
Sedentary behavior (SB) can be further classified as leisure-time, transport-related, or occupational SB. A recent BMC Public Health study explores the impact of different domains of SB on an individual's quality of life and well-being.
July 5th, 2024Source

Nanoscopic motor proteins in the brain build the physical structures of memory, study finds
The puzzle of memory has intrigued philosophers and intellects for a very long time. Plato and Aristotle believed that memory was found only in the realm of the soul and the mind, but there was nothing corporeal or physical about it.
July 5th, 2024Source

Researchers find biological clues to mental health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure
Scientists are trying to understand how cannabis may affect long-term neurodevelopment when babies are exposed to it in the womb.
July 5th, 2024Source

Sunscreen has a shelf life and other facts to know
Did you know sunscreen has a shelf life and can expire? Or that too much heat or cold can ruin a new bottle?
July 5th, 2024Source or Source

Urban configuration impacts health and sustainability in Europe
With the rapid pace of urbanization, it's crucial to investigate its impact on human and environmental health. The existing literature offers mixed results, providing little clarity.
July 5th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — July 2nd, 2024

Asthma medications: Know your options
Confused about your asthma medications? Here's what you need to know to sort out the main classes and numerous subtypes of asthma drugs.
July 2nd, 2024Source

Brain study reveals cause of apathy in schizophrenia

July 2nd, 2024Source

Fruit flavored vapes and a nighttime dry cough - what's the connection?
In a recent study published in PLoS ONE, a group of researchers examined the longitudinal association between exposure to electronic cigarette (ECIG) flavors and nocturnal dry cough among ECIG users.
July 2nd, 2024Source

Green stool
Green stool — when your feces look green — is usually the result of something you ate, such as spinach or dyes in some foods. Certain medicines or iron supplements also can cause green stool.
July 2nd, 2024Source

How your brain works
The brain contains billions of nerve cells arranged in patterns that coordinate thought, emotion, behavior, movement and sensation.
July 2nd, 2024Source

NIH researchers discover a new face-detecting brain circuit
The findings in non-human primates could shed light on how our brains develop facial recognition skills.
July 2nd, 2024Source or Source

Research team identifies target protein regulating autoimmune disease lupus
A research team including Professor Yoontae Lee and Jiho Park, a Ph.D. candidate, from the Department of Life Sciences at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has discovered that a particular protein promotes the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
July 2nd, 2024Source

Wide-ranging study identifies suicide risk factors to improve prevention
In the largest study of its kind, scientists at the University of Warwick have investigated a range of contributing risk factors for suicide—helping to identify individuals who might benefit from interventions.
July 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 29th, 2024

Ketamine pill treats depression without psychedelic effects: study
A new pill that slowly releases ketamine could treat people with severe depression without giving them the psychedelic side effects of the often-misused drug, early trial results suggested on Monday.
June 29th, 2024Source

Legal weed limps into next phase in Germany
So-called cannabis clubs will be allowed to sell the drug legally in Germany starting Monday, but in practice it will be some time before the associations get up and running.
June 29th, 2024Source

Not quite medicine, not quite food: How a product like mushroom gummies can fall through the regulatory cracks
Several people across the country have recently been hospitalized after consuming mushroom gummies distributed by Australian brand Uncle Frog and made in the United States. Their reported symptoms included (PDF) elevated heart rate, nausea, anxiety and hallucinations.
June 29th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 28th, 2024

AI models may be using "demographic shortcuts" when making medical diagnostic evaluations
Artificial intelligence models often play a role in medical diagnoses, especially when it comes to analyzing images such as X-rays. However, studies have found that these models don't always perform well across all demographic groups, usually faring worse on women and people of color.
June 28th, 2024Source

As restrictions on cannabis and psychedelics ease, Americans dabble with 'microdosing'
Loosening local, state and federal regulations on cannabis and psychedelics has increased Americans' interest in microdosing, according to a study from researchers at the University of California San Diego.
June 28th, 2024Source

Crohn's discovery could lead to better treatments for devastating condition
Remarkable new research by a University of Virginia undergraduate may help explain recurrent Crohn's disease in children and open the door to new ways to treat or even cure the devastating condition.The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
June 28th, 2024Source

Combination of varenicline and nicotine lozenges found to increase smoking abstinence
Smokers seeking to conquer their addiction may have a new treatment option following the results from a clinical trial led by Monash University, which found a combination of varenicline and nicotine lozenges significantly improved smoking abstinence when compared with varenicline alone.
June 28th, 2024Source

Creating supranormal hearing in mice
A study from Michigan Medicine's Kresge Hearing Research Institute was able to produce supranormal hearing in mice, while also supporting a hypothesis on the cause of hidden hearing loss in humans.
June 28th, 2024Source or Source

Ever feel exhausted by swiping through dating apps? You might be experiencing burnout
While plenty of happy couples can trace their meet-cute moment to an online dating app, many others find the never-ending process of likes, swipes, taps and awkward DMs that go nowhere to be exhausting—leading to a phenomenon known as "dating app burnout."
June 28th, 2024Source

Extreme psychological distress is normal response to extreme events—why it's unhelpful to medicalize distress
My early TV viewing preferences were perhaps a clue that I'd make a career researching psychological trauma. I spent my youth watching the American war comedy drama M*A*S*H*, which followed a team of doctors and support staff stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea, during the Korean war. In my 20s, I became a fan of the Chicago-based emergency room drama ER.
June 28th, 2024Source

Feeling hot triggers impulsive behavior and irritability
Heat blanketed Chicago during the summer of 2022, with hot, sticky days followed by sweltering nights.
June 28th, 2024Source

Man suffers rare bee sting directly to the eyeball—it didn't go well
He did recover. No disturbing images in the article, but a link for those who dare.
June 28th, 2024Source

Meaningful social interactions have net positive outcomes for affective well-being, stress, and loneliness
Engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being, new research finds. Researchers followed three cohorts of university students over three years, collecting data on their social interactions and momentary well-being.
June 28th, 2024Source

New device inspired by python teeth may reduce the risk of rotator cuff re-tearing
Most people, when they think about pythons, visualize the huge snake constricting and swallowing victims whole. But did you know that pythons initially hold onto their prey with their sharp, backward-curving teeth?
June 28th, 2024Source

New research advances understanding of negative social contact
New research, by the Department of Psychology at Durham University, has found that negative social contact among people of differing societal or cultural groups can have a disproportionate negative effect on broad social cohesion within communities.
June 28th, 2024Source

New study links psoriasis severity to skin microbiome dysbiosis
A recent study published in eBioMedicine performed a multi-omics analysis of host-microbe interactions in psoriasis.
June 28th, 2024Source

New study proposes multi-dimensional disease mapping for enhanced drug development
Tampere University researchers developed a method to map mechanistic connections between diseases, revealing deeper associations beyond traditional classifications based on affected organs and symptoms. This multi-dimensional approach presents a paradigm shift in disease classification and drug discovery, potentially leading to more personalized and effective medical treatments.
June 28th, 2024Source

Novel mechanism for targeting bone marrow adipocytes to prevent bone loss
Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) are situated within the bone microenvironment, in close proximity to bone cells, vascular structures, and hematopoietic tissues. The shift of bone marrow stromal/stem cells (BMSCs) lineage towards committed adipogenic progenitors at the expense of osteoprogenitors is driven by abnormal signaling within the bone microenvironment due to pathophysiological conditions.
June 28th, 2024Source

People are commonly given misleading information about depression, study shows
A recent Finnish study shows that people are commonly given misleading information about depression. According to the researchers, the inaccurate information makes it harder for people to understand the causes of their distress.
June 28th, 2024Source

Pilot study shows promise for remote cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis patients
A pilot study shows promise for a new treatment option for individuals with memory impairments caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). The article, "Exploring the efficacy of a remote strategy-based intervention for people with multiple sclerosis with everyday memory impairments: A pilot study," was published online on May 27, 2024, in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
June 28th, 2024Source

Remote strategy-based intervention shows promise for individuals with memory impairments caused by MS
A pilot study shows promise for a new treatment option for individuals with memory impairments caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). The article, "Exploring the efficacy of a remote strategy-based intervention for people with multiple sclerosis with everyday memory impairments: A pilot study," (doi: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050468) was published online on May 27, 2024, in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
June 28th, 2024Source

Researchers find brains can tune their navigation system without landmarks
Johns Hopkins research sheds new light on how mammals track their position and orientation while moving, revealing that visual motion cues alone allow the brain to adjust and recalibrate its internal map even in the absence of stable visual landmarks.
June 28th, 2024Source

Rheumatoid arthritis patients with mono-, oligo-arthritis, high PGA remain most fatigued
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with mono- or oligo-arthritis and high Patient Global Assessment (PGA) at diagnosis remain the most fatigued, according to a study published in the June issue of Rheumatology.
June 28th, 2024Source

Study finds motivation to compete is stronger with in-group members than with outsiders
Humans not only cooperate, but also compete more with in-group members than with out-group members and strangers, a new cross-country social-psychological study shows. This 'nasty neighbor effect' came as a complete surprise to the researchers, until they started delving into animal studies.
June 28th, 2024Source

Study reveals most Americans are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe addiction treatment
Results from a national survey, appearing in JAMA Network Open, indicate that many Americans, 61%, are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, and 13% incorrectly believed that they could not.
June 28th, 2024Source

Study shows prognostic value of tissue bridges in cervical spinal cord injury
The prognosis for recovery from a spinal cord injury (SCI) is of great importance for those directly affected and those around them. So far, however, it has remained imprecise. Researchers from three international rehabilitation centers in Zurich, Murnau and Denver have now succeeded in demonstrating the value of neuroimaging measurements for predicting sensory and motor recovery in people with quadriplegia.
June 28th, 2024Source

Study suggests depictions of depression are often misleading
A Finnish study, appearing in the journal Psychopathology, shows that people are commonly given misleading information about depression. According to the researchers, inaccurate information makes it harder for people to understand the causes of their distress.
June 28th, 2024Source

Targeting RIP3 inhibits osteoarthritis development by restoring anabolic-catabolic balance in the bone-cartilage unit
Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the most prevalent form of chronic degenerative joint disease worldwide. The dynamic interplay between cartilage and subchondral bone is essential for preserving joint structural and functional integrity. In addition to cartilage degeneration, pathological alterations within the subchondral bone significantly contribute to OA progression.
June 28th, 2024Source

Tissue bridges as predictors of recovery from cervical spine injuries
Results of the longitudinal study, "Prognostic value of tissue bridges in cervical spinal cord injury," have the potential to change clinical practice. They have been published in The Lancet Neurology.
June 28th, 2024Source

Visualizing core pathologies of Parkinson's disease and related disorders in live patients
In countries with an aging population, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are becoming more prevalent. These conditions, for which no definitive cure currently exists, are extremely difficult to diagnose accurately while the affected person is still alive.
June 28th, 2024Source

Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.
June 28th, 2024Source

Work-related nerve injuries are common with repetitive motions
Although you may not always realize it, many of the jobs you do can put strain on, and even cause damage to, your nerves.
June 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 26th, 2024

3D thymic-like hydrogels for T-cell differentiation
A study published in GEN Biotechnology describes the establishment of the first hydrogel-based platform for producing T-cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Researchers engineered biomaterials integrated with key thymic components to direct T-cell development, producing functional T-cells with the capability for cytokine production.
June 26th, 2024Source

A new way to monitor eye microcirculation
For the eyes to function properly, they must be adequately supplied with blood, and abnormalities in the microcirculation may indicate dysfunctions in other arteries, which are difficult to examine. For the first time, scientists from the International Centre from Translational Eye Research (ICTER), operating within the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, used multiwavelength laser Doppler holography to assess blood flow in various layers of the human retina in vivo, which may impact the diagnosis of circulatory disorders.
June 26th, 2024Source

Balancing act: Novel wearable sensors and AI transform balance assessment
Balance can be impacted by various factors, including diseases such as Parkinson's disease, acute and chronic injuries to the nervous system, and the natural aging process. Accurately assessing balance in patients is important to identify and manage conditions that affect coordination and stability. Balance assessments also play a key role in preventing falls, understanding movement disorders, and designing appropriate therapeutic interventions across age groups and medical conditions.
June 26th, 2024Source

Electroconvulsive therapy or ketamine? Clinical factors affect outcomes
Patients with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression (TRD) might have better symptom relief from ketamine infusions than from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but those with severe TRD could benefit more from ECT early in treatment, an analysis led by a UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher shows.
June 26th, 2024Source

From tiny flies, researchers have found new clues to how the brain sets up its circuitry
In her time at Duke, Khanh Vien figures she's dissected close to 10,000 fly brains. For her Ph.D. she spent up to eight hours each day peering at baby flies under the microscope, teasing out tiny brains a fraction the size of a poppy seed.
June 26th, 2024Source

Hope for men affected by 'overlooked' sexual issue
It is hoped new research will assist clinicians in helping millions of men who suffer from an overlooked sexual complaint, despite no medications approved by regulators in the UK currently being available.
June 26th, 2024Source

International trial introduces another curative option for sickle cell disease
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) researchers are touting data from a multicenter, international Phase II clinical trial showing a new, curative treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD).
June 26th, 2024Source

Neurologist advocates for AI, ultrasound to help prevent blindness from giant cell arteritis
An article recently published in The Journal of Rheumatology by UK Health care's Jagannadha (Jay) Avasarala, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, outlines the promise of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in the diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).
June 26th, 2024Source

New epidemiological tool provides warnings of heat and cold related mortality by sex and age in Europe
Ambient temperatures are associated with over 5 million premature deaths worldwide every year, more than 300,000 of which in Western Europe alone. In a context of rapidly warming temperatures that successively broke previous records during the last two decades, it is essential to use epidemiological models to develop novel, impact-based early warning systems predicting the health effects of forecast temperatures.
June 26th, 2024Source

Researchers reveal neurons that regulate sensitivity to threat in mice
Neuroscientists have discovered how the brain bidirectionally controls sensitivity to threats to initiate and complete escape behavior in mice. These findings could help unlock new directions for discovering therapies for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
June 26th, 2024Source

Study shows half of long-term antidepressant users can taper off drugs with simple support
Nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can quit the drugs with GP support and access to internet or telephone helplines alone, a study involving the University of Liverpool has revealed.
June 26th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 24th, 2024

Certain early drinking experiences in teens and young adults may predict more rapid development of alcohol use disorder
Teens and young adults who experience social problems related to alcohol may be at risk of relatively rapid development of alcohol use disorder (AUD), a new study suggests. Other behaviors that meet certain diagnostic criteria may also warn of the potential for an accelerated transition from a first drink to the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), a clinical guide to psychiatric disorders, outlines 11 criteria for AUD. Anyone meeting two or more of the criteria qualifies for an AUD diagnosis.
June 24th, 2024Source

Electrophysiological markers for personalizing transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression
Not all patients with depression respond to medication. Two recently published studies provide additional information on how an alternative treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), could be further enhanced. TMS differs from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is also used to treat depression.
June 24th, 2024Source

Exploitation of supply chain monitoring loopholes fueled US opioid epidemic, study finds
New research from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business explains how pharmaceutical companies were able to saturate the country with massive quantities of opioids, despite efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration to regulate their supply.
June 24th, 2024Source

New language guidelines for anatomy aim to improve clarity, but they could reduce understanding instead
Some of us are all too aware that muscle disappears over time, but the removal of the word "muscle" from anatomical names feels like language imitating life.
June 24th, 2024Source

New model shows more realistic picture of intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence is notoriously underreported and correctly diagnosed at hospitals only around a quarter of the time, but a new method provides a more realistic picture of which groups of women are most affected, even when their cases go unrecorded.
June 24th, 2024Source

Personalized magnetic stimulation may help in treating depression
Not all patients with depression respond to medication. Two recently published studies provide additional information on how an alternative treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), could be further enhanced. TMS differs from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is also used to treat depression.
June 24th, 2024Source

PFAS exposure in early life: Health risks and maternal-fetal transport mechanisms
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals extensively used in consumer goods production due to their hydrophobic and oleophobic properties and stability. However, their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms have sparked concerns about potential health effects. Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to various adverse outcomes, including developmental issues in children.
June 24th, 2024Source

Practicing mindfulness and managing emotions lead to better sleep, says study
Mindfulness—focusing on the present moment—can improve sleep, reduce stress and improve overall health. A new University of South Florida-led study helps explain why.
June 24th, 2024Source

Recognizing heat-related illness signs and symptoms
While heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, many of these deaths are preventable, says an emergency medicine doctor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
June 24th, 2024Source

Q&A: Researcher discusses a prescription for quitting nicotine
Researcher Tanja Tomson and her colleagues have developed a support tool for health care professionals whose patients want to quit nicotine. Tomson is an associate professor of Public Health who conducts research on tobacco cessation at the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME) at Karolinska Institutet. In this interview, she answers questions about kicking the tobacco habit.
June 24th, 2024Source

Scientists show how the hippocampus is activated to prioritize our activities
How does our brain distinguish between urgent and less urgent goals? Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Icahn School of Medicine in New York have explored how our brain remembers and adjusts the goals we set for ourselves on a daily basis.
June 24th, 2024Source

Study examines acceptability of teleneurology across neurological conditions
One of the first studies to examine patient acceptability of teleneurology and determine factors influencing acceptability across neurological conditions, has found teleneurology was highly acceptable across the full range of patients with different neurological diagnoses, including headache, movement disorders and other neurological symptoms and diagnoses.
June 24th, 2024Source

Study shows stricter alcohol policies are associated with reduction in homicides
Alcohol consumption is involved in a large proportion of homicides and suicides each year in the United States, but there has been limited evidence on how policies targeting alcohol use influence violence. A statistical analysis in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicates that more restrictive alcohol policy environments are associated with a reduction in specific states' homicide rates.
June 24th, 2024Source

The dangers of sneezing—from ejected bowels to torn windpipes
If you were to envision the kind of accident that would cause a person's bowels to explode out of their body, you might imagine some sort of gruesome stabbing or grisly car accident. You'd probably never imagine that something as commonplace and harmless as a sneeze would cause this kind of ghastly injury—but that's exactly what happened to a Florida man earlier this month.
June 24th, 2024Source

Young adults' reasons not to drink point to potential for more effective prevention, treatment interventions
Young adults (aged 18--25) who use alcohol have varying personal reasons for not drinking on some days—reasons that could be harnessed to improve the effectiveness of programs preventing and treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), a new study suggests.
June 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 22nd, 2024

Progress in biomarkers related to biliary atresia
Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe neonatal liver disease characterized by inflammatory and fibrotic obliteration of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. This condition often leads to neonatal jaundice, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension, making it the leading cause of pediatric liver transplants.
June 22nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 21st, 2024

Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits
Drinking alcohol is a health risk regardless of the amount.
June 21st, 2024Source

Discovery holds promise to restore function in people with paralysis and neurological diseases
In a new study, neuroscience researchers at The Ohio State University have discovered a special type of human white blood cell that has the potential to regrow nerve fibers.
June 21st, 2024Source

Innovative system enhances biological-artificial interactions in neurological research
Conducting biohybrid experiments between living and artificial cells is necessary to develop the next generation of neuromorphic-based neuroprostheses. Toward this goal, teams from France, Japan, and Italy have developed a new tool to study closed-loop interactions in neuroscience.
June 21st, 2024Source

Lab-grown muscles reveal mysteries of rare muscle diseases
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique to better understand and test treatments for a group of extremely rare muscle disorders called dysferlinopathy or limb girdle muscular dystrophies 2B (LGMD2B). The approach grows complex, functional 3D muscle tissue from stem cells in the laboratory, creating a platform that replicates patient symptoms and treatment responses.
June 21st, 2024Source

Making art is a uniquely human act, and one that provides a wellspring of health benefits
When you think about the word "art," what comes to mind? A child's artwork pinned to the fridge? A favorite artist whose work always inspires? Abstract art that is hard to understand?
June 21st, 2024Source

Most recent updates on cluster headaches compiled in a review article
Nine researchers from around the world have published a summary of the most recent progress in diagnosing and treating cluster headaches, as well as understanding the development of the disease.
June 21st, 2024Source

New biomarker research thaws understanding of cold-induced pediatric asthma
Many parents have long known the link between lower air temperatures and asthma flare-ups in children who suffer from the disorder. But a lack of clear science behind the link has kept many feeling left out in the cold.
June 21st, 2024Source

New cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 reflect the clinical diversity of the disease
Cellular models used to search for new therapies for myotonic dystrophy type 1 do not usually take into account the diversity of subtypes presented by patients. A study led by researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) has taken a step forward by developing three new models that represent this heterogeneity.
June 21st, 2024Source

Newly discovered subtypes and sex differences give insight into molecular mechanisms of ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS for short, is a mysterious neurodegenerative disease that is almost always fatal. A consortium of researchers led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has systematically investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of ALS.
June 21st, 2024Source

Tiny plastic particles may increase risk from major diseases
People may be at increased risk from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease—as rising global levels of micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs) are absorbed into the human body, a new study reveals.
June 21st, 2024Source

Research finds stem-like T cells are associated with pathogenesis in ulcerative colitis
In a recent study published in Nature Immunology, researchers investigated whether stem-like T lymphocytes are involved in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis.
June 21st, 2024Source

Study links gut health and brain function in resilient individuals
A new UCLA Health study has found that resilient people exhibit neural activity in the brain regions associated with improved cognition and regulating of emotions, and were more mindful and better at describing their feelings. The same group also exhibited gut microbiome activity linked to a healthy gut, with reduced inflammation and gut barrier.
June 21st, 2024Source

Study links lifetime cannabis use with substance use, mood disorders, celiac, and infectious diseases
In a recent study posted to the medRxiv preprint server, researchers identified genetic loci associated with the lifetime and frequency of cannabis use and explored their heritability, genetic correlations, and clinical implications.
June 21st, 2024Source

SuperAnimal: A deep learning model for automated animal behavior analysis
Behavioral analysis can provide a lot of information about the health status or motivations of a living being. A new technology developed at EPFL makes it possible for a single deep learning model to detect animal motion across many species and environments. This "foundational model", called SuperAnimal, can be used for animal conservation, biomedicine, and neuroscience research.
June 21st, 2024Source

Upset Stomach? These 6 Natural Remedies May Help
It's possible to soothe your stomach at home with these products you may already have.
June 21st, 2024Source

US gun injury rates in 2023 top pre-pandemic levels
For the fourth year in a row, rates of gun injuries stayed above levels seen before the pandemic, a new government report shows.
June 21st, 2024Source

Using deep learning to design synthetic soluble versions of cell membrane proteins
Many drug and antibody discovery pathways focus on intricately folded cell membrane proteins: when molecules of a drug candidate bind to these proteins, like a key going into a lock, they trigger chemical cascades that alter cellular behavior. But because these proteins are embedded in the lipid-containing outer layer of cells, they are tricky to access and insoluble in water-based solutions (hydrophobic), making them difficult to study.
June 21st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 20th, 2024

Do you have a mental illness? Why some people answer 'yes', even if they haven't been diagnosed
Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders have become more prevalent, especially among young people. Demand for treatment is surging and prescriptions of some psychiatric medications have climbed.
June 20th, 2024Source

Soccer study provides insights into the psychology of crises
UEFA EURO 2024 is about to start, with all its hopes of victory and fears of defeat. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) investigated how failure affects players' psyches and how the dreaded downward spiral of failure can be counteracted.
June 20th, 2024Source

Study finds sharp rise in vapers using high-strength nicotine in England
The proportion of vapers using high-strength nicotine has increased sharply in England since 2021, when disposable e-cigarettes first became popular, according to a new study by UCL researchers.
June 20th, 2024Source

Study identifies five sleep types whose changing patterns yield insights into chronic and acute conditions
Your sleep tracker might give you information about more than just your sleep--specifically, it might give you information about chronic conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and illnesses such as COVID-19.
June 20th, 2024Source

Treatment model in France shows better access to methadone in US could save lives
In France, the majority of people with an opioid use disorder—87%—receive access to medication designed to treat it. In the United States, where more than 100,000 people are dying annually from drug overdoses, less than 20% of people with opioid use disorder receive methadone or buprenorphine.
June 20th, 2024Source

Young adults with periodontitis at higher risk for cryptogenic ischemic stroke
Periodontitis, a common condition, has been linked to a specific type of ischemic stroke in a recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research.
June 20th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 17th, 2024

Brain injury after overdose is a hidden epidemic: Recognizing and treating the survivors of the toxic drug crisis
The toxic drug crisis is Canada's longest-standing public health emergency, but many are unaware of the brain injury epidemic that underlies it. June is brain injury awareness month, and as researchers investigating the intersections between brain injury, mental health and substance use, we want to shed light on one of the more under-recognized consequences of drug toxicity in Canada.
June 17th, 2024Source

Colorado youth mental health found to have improved in first post-pandemic survey
Colorado high school students seem to be feeling better mentally, with the number reporting signs of poor mental health not only falling from its pandemic high, but in some cases hitting the lowest level since the state started surveying youth in 2013, though it also found youth don't always feel safe in school, and problems with body image are widespread.
June 17th, 2024Source

Empowering lives: Navigating Parkinson's disease with hope
Parkinson's disease touches every aspect of a person's life, from the physical to the emotional, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
June 17th, 2024Source

Enterprise Therapeutics appoints Dr Renu Gupta as Chief Medical Officer and Dr Janet Hammond as Non-Executive Director
Enterprise Therapeutics Ltd (Enterprise), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies to improve the lives of patients suffering from respiratory disease, today announced the appointment of Dr Renu Gupta as CMO (Chief Medical Officer) and Dr Janet Hammond as a Non-Executive Director.
June 17th, 2024Source

HEALing Communities Study: Data-driven intervention did not reduce opioid-related overdose death rates
A data-driven intervention that engaged communities to rapidly deploy evidence-based practices to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths -- such as increasing naloxone distribution and enhancing access to medication for opioid use disorder -- did not result in a statistically significant reduction in opioid-related overdose death rates during the evaluation period, according to results from the National Institutes of Health's HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Communities Study.
June 17th, 2024Source

Identifying connections between adverse childhood events and substance use disorders
Physical and sexual abuse, having parents who misuse substances, and witnessing violent crime are tragic events that don't remain locked in a single point in time. Rather, they are termed adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and 64% of American adults who participated in a recent survey reported experiencing at least one ACE prior to turning 18 years old.
June 17th, 2024Source

New study reveals urgent need for region-specific models to improve brain health in diverse settings
A pioneering study published in the journal Nature Aging has unveiled significant heterogeneity in the risk factors affecting healthy aging in Latin America and emphasized the limitations of current models of brain health, which are primarily based on data from high-income countries.
June 17th, 2024Source

Protect your eyes from summer's dangers
Summertime is primetime for the great outdoors, but that can mean new hazards for your eyes, one expert warned.
June 17th, 2024Source

Stanford study identifies six depression biotypes for personalized treatment
In the not-too-distant future, a screening assessment for depression could include a quick brain scan to identify the best treatment.
June 17th, 2024Source

Voyages into the small intestine shed new light on ways to improve gut health
Microbiome research to date has been much like the parable of the blind men and the elephant. How much can be said about an elephant by examining just its tail? Researchers have studied what is most readily available—stool rescued from a flush down the toilet—but have been missing the microbial masterminds upstream in the small intestine, until recently.
June 17th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 16th, 2024

Body organs aren't always where they are supposed to be
Organs in the body tend to be in a set order and position. This is useful when it comes to diagnosing certain conditions. Anyone with appendicitis or gallstones, for example, will tell you exactly where the agonizing pain is. Sometimes, though, organs end up in the "wrong" place.
June 16th, 2024Source

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Health — General Information — June 12th, 2024

A novel liver patch could help treat and prevent liver disease
As described in research published in the Biotechnology Journal, investigators have developed a novel patch that can help liver tissue regenerate.
June 12th, 2024Source

About 1 in 6 U.S. adults practice yoga, data show
Nearly 1 in every 6 U.S. adults have engaged in the ancient practice of yoga over the past year, new government data shows.
June 12th, 2024Source

From urine tasting to self-infecting with stomach bugs—a brief guide to the most daring medical self-experiments
Science presenter and journalist Dr. Michael Mosley was well known not only for his expertise, energy and passion as a broadcaster but also for trialing experiments on himself. From swallowing tapeworm eggs to having areas of his brain switched off, Mosley joined other medical pioneers who weren't afraid to make use of their own bodies in the quest to learn more about them.
June 12th, 2024Source

Neuroscientists find that just thinking about a location activates mental maps in the brain
As you travel your usual route to work or the grocery store, your brain engages cognitive maps stored in your hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. These maps store information about paths you have taken and locations you have been to before, so you can navigate whenever you go there.
June 12th, 2024Source

Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise.
June 12th, 2024Source

Psychiatric conditions may increase risk of early death in individuals with anorexia nervosa
A new study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders has found that mortality rates are high in patients with anorexia nervosa and nearly double in the presence of psychiatric conditions.
June 12th, 2024Source

Why we're so bad at spotting lies—most of us only perform slightly better than chance
You don't have to be in the middle of an election campaign to be concerned about your ability to spot a lie. Psychology research suggests people lie at least once a day.
June 12th, 2024Source

p class="alpha">Health — General Information — June 8th, 2024

Doxycycline shows promise in reducing deaths and seizures from nodding syndrome
A new study suggests that a course of the drug doxycycline can decrease acute seizure-related hospitalization and deaths related to nodding syndrome.
June 8th, 2024Source

Here's how you can improve your health by stopping negativity and embracing optimism
Prince Bhojwani never thought of himself as a negative person, until three trips to the hospital in one month forced him to reconsider.
June 8th, 2024Source

Isotretinoin effective for acne in those receiving gender-affirming therapy, study shows
Isotretinoin is well tolerated and effective for individuals receiving masculinizing gender-affirming hormonal therapy who have acne, according to a study published online May 29 in JAMA Dermatology.
June 8th, 2024Source

Microneedle patch holds promise for promoting hair regrowth caused by alopecia areata
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss, which occurs when T cells of the immune system mistakenly attack hair follicles. To restore control over hyperactive immune cells, investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, and MIT developed a cutting-edge approach to deliver T cell regulators directly to sites of hair loss and halt autoimmune activity.
June 8th, 2024Source

New algorithm enhances deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's by targeting specific symptoms
Researchers from Mass General Brigham identified therapeutic targets that may optimize symptom-specific treatment for Parkinson's disease.
June 8th, 2024Source

Only 1.6% of US doctors were Black in 1906—the legacy of inequality in medical education has not yet been erased
Fueled by the Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling that bans affirmative action in higher education, conservative lawmakers across the country have advanced their own state bans on diversity initiatives, especially those that might make students feel shame or guilt for past harms against people of color.
June 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 7th, 2024

Baby baboon brain anatomy predicts which hand they will use to communicate
By studying the brain anatomy of newborn baby baboons, a research group including several CNRS scientists was able to predict what hand they would use to communicate after they had been weaned.
June 7th, 2024Source

Bionic eye trial reveals substantial vision improvements over 2.5 years
Results of the first clinical trial of Australia's second-generation bionic eye have demonstrated 'substantial improvement' in four participants' functional vision, daily activities and quality of life over a period of more than two and a half years.
June 7th, 2024Source

EULAR develops new classification criteria for hand osteoarthritis
At present, classifying hand osteoarthritis (OA) is based on clinical findings, and available tools are not able to distinguish between certain phenotypes. With new disease-modifying treatments in development, trials will require reliable classification criteria to ensure accurate comparisons between groups. To support this, EULAR -- The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology -- has developed new classification criteria for hand OA.
June 7th, 2024Source

Mechanisms of aversive learning: How negative experiences shape neural circuits
'I'm not gonna do this again', we often say when faced with negative feedback, adverse effects, or disappointing outcomes. Thus, we attempt to learn from such negative experiences. This principle is also a cornerstone of our education system: failing an exam ought to encourage students to do better next time.
June 7th, 2024Source

New Danish report claims improvements in counseling for young people may dispel myth that opioids are harmless
A wide range of measures, including anonymous and targeted counseling, are needed to reduce the use of illegal opioids and benzodiazepines among young people. This is the conclusion of the Criminological Observatory at the University of Copenhagen in a new report (PDF) with seven specific recommendations.
June 7th, 2024Source

Reviewing systemic problems for autistic adults in STEMM: Q&A
AJ Hinton, assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, Amber Crabtree, graduate student in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and colleagues have collaborated on a commentary about the challenges facing autistic adults in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine.
June 7th, 2024Source

Study finds Hong Kong acquired hemophilia A patients are double that of Caucasian populations
A research team led by Dr. Albert Sin Chun-fung from the Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has achieved a significant breakthrough in characterizing territory-wide cohorts of acquired hemophilia A (AHA) patients in Hong Kong and identifying their prognostic factors.
June 7th, 2024Source

Study finds primary cilia restrict autoinflammation by mediating PD-L1 expression
Ciliopathies are multisystem disorders characterized by the dysfunction of motile and/or non-motile cilia, which show common clinical manifestations of ciliopathies include retinal degeneration, mental retardation, renal abnormality, obesity, and skeletal dysplasia. Fibrosis of vital organs, characterized by the extensive deposition of extracellular matrix components, represents another complication frequently observed in patients and animal models of ciliopathies.
June 7th, 2024Source

Study finds service dogs reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression in veterans
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers evaluated the associations between psychiatric service dog partnership and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans.
June 7th, 2024Source

Study finds social interactions and olfactory cues prompt contagious itch in mice
Humans and other mammals can sometimes experience itch, an uncomfortable sensation that prompts them to scratch specific parts of their bodies. Past studies on humans and other primates have found that itch can sometimes be contagious.
June 7th, 2024Source

Testing gait to help in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease
How does your gait—or how you walk—relate to your brain health? Considerably, says Dr. Farwa Ali, a Mayo Clinic neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. Assessing a person's gait can offer insight into various brain health conditions. The hope is that early diagnosis of gait and balance problems will lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients with degenerative brain disorders. Dr. Ali explains how testing gait works and what it can tell clinicians.
June 7th, 2024Source

UQ researchers seek to improve the pathway for people returning to work after dust lung disease diagnosis
University of Queensland research is at the forefront of finding ways to improve the return to work for people diagnosed with dust lung disease.
June 7th, 2024Source

Veneers, implants and agonizing pain: the risks of cosmetic dentistry are nothing to smile about
How much would you be willing to pay for a perfect movie star smile? For some, trying to achieve dazzlingly white, uniformly straight teeth without a Hollywood budget comes at a cost to their health as well as their wallet.
June 7th, 2024Source

Will AirPods Beat Out OTC Hearing Aids as Devices More People Will Use?
Rumors swirling ahead of WWDC aside, Apple's AirPod Pros have been packed with hearing enhancers all along.
June 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — June 6th, 2024

5 Natural Sleep Aids That Can Help You Beat Your Sleep Troubles
You can use natural sleep aids to get your sleep habits back on track. These are the top options to try.
June 6th, 2024Source

Digital games may be an overlooked ally in mental health
Playing Wordle or Sudoku each morning over a cup of coffee probably won't boost your brain powers, but the mood and confidence lift these games provide is reason enough to keep playing, new University of Oregon research shows.
June 6th, 2024Source

Drug used to treat eczema may provide relief for patients with intensely itchy skin diseases
A drug approved to treat eczema provided significant improvement in the symptoms of patients with severe itching diseases that currently have no targeted treatments, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology.
June 6th, 2024Source

Hidden challenges of tooth loss and dentures revealed in new study
The hidden challenges faced by people with tooth loss and dentures have been identified by new research from the University of Sheffield.
June 6th, 2024Source or Source

Higher amounts of sugar alcohol xylitol associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events
Cleveland Clinic researchers found higher amounts of the sugar alcohol xylitol are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
June 6th, 2024Source

Hong Kong announces blanket ban of e-cigarettes
Hong Kong announced plans on Thursday for a blanket ban on e-cigarettes, citing a "consensus" on the need for action and their impact on the health of young people.
June 6th, 2024Source

Macrophages behave like mural cells to promote healing of ischemic muscle injury, study shows
Innate immune cells, including macrophages and neutrophils, have unique properties that allow them to quickly accumulate in large numbers at the site of infection or injury. A study from researchers at Uppsala University establishes that macrophage in the adult ischemic muscle induce a phenotype switch into mural cells to support restoration of functional blood flow and thereby promote healing.
June 6th, 2024Source

Multiple randomized trials prove more stroke patients can benefit from thrombectomy
Access to thrombectomy should be expanded to include patients who experience basilar artery occlusion (BAO), a deadly type of emergent large vessel occlusion stroke, urges the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS).
June 6th, 2024Source

Music therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost speech by singing
Ray Hart's vocabulary consisted of just one word after his August 2022 stroke.
June 6th, 2024Source

New study challenges 'pop psychology' myths about habits
By ditching "pop psychology" myths about habits, we can better understand our habits and take more effective action, according to researchers at the University of Surrey.
June 6th, 2024Source

White House Enlists Doctors and Hospitals To Combat Gun Violence
The White House is calling on hospital executives, doctors, and other health care leaders to take bolder steps to prevent gun violence by gathering more data about gunshot injuries and routinely counseling patients about safe use of firearms.
June 6th, 2024Source or Source

Health — General Information — May 31st, 2024

Amsterdam's 'psychiatric ambulance' could be advance for those in mental health crisis
Ambulances meant for people having a mental health crisis could help folks get the care they need with less confrontation and friction, a new study says.
May 31st, 2024Source

Enjoying the sights and smells of a virtual garden
As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of the seemingly ordinary things around us. But imagine the profound impact of the absence of the sound of birds, the scent of flowers, or the sight of trees swaying in the gentle breeze.
May 31st, 2024Source

How early-life exposure to air and noise pollution impacts youth mental health: Insights from a 25-year study
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers examined the impact of prenatal and early life exposure to noise and air pollution on mental health outcomes, specifically depression, anxiety, and psychotic experiences, in individuals aged 13 to 24.
May 31st, 2024Source

Migraine surgery reduces headache days, finds study
For patients with chronic migraine, nerve decompression surgery effectively reduces the number of headache days—the outcome measure preferred by neurologists—along with other measures including the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, reports a study in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The paper is titled "Comparing Migraine Headache Index versus Monthly Migraine Days Following Nerve Deactivation for Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis."
May 31st, 2024Source

Mobile app effective in smoking cessation, triples chance of success
A new mobile application, developed under the leadership of researchers from the University of Oulu, has proven to be an effective aid for long-term smokers attempting to quit. A study conducted at Oulu University Hospital found that using the application tripled the success rate of smoking cessation compared to using written materials.
May 31st, 2024Source

Toxicologist explains chemicals used in personal care, cleaning, cooking and gardening products
More than half of all adults in America experience rashes and other skin irritations after exposure to common cosmetics and personal care items, as well to cleaning, cooking and gardening products.
May 31st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 30th, 2024

Eye exercises to improve sight—is there any science behind them? An ophthalmologist is skeptical
You may have seen advertisements claiming to eliminate the need for eyeglasses through vision therapy or vision training—basically, eye exercises.
May 30th, 2024Source

hnRNPM's protective role in protein synthesis precision uncovered
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have discovered that a protein called hnRNPM helps protect the integrity of the process cells use to make proteins. hnRNPM works by preventing the cell from making mistakes while it is putting together the different components leading to newly produced proteins.
May 30th, 2024Source

New study uncovers astaxanthin's anti-inflammatory potential against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation
Recently, a research team led by Prof. Huang Qing at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of Chinese Academy of Sciences found a new mechanism by which astaxanthin (AST) can target IL-6 and thus reduce LPS-induced adverse inflammatory response in macrophages.
May 30th, 2024Source

RCSI and Head Diagnostics collaborate to revolutionize multiple sclerosis assessment NewsGuard 100/100 Score
RCSI has partnered with Head Diagnostics (Dublin, Ireland) on a clinical study to enhance the assessment and monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through innovative technology. The study, launched to coincide with World MS Day, will explore the use of novel digital biomarkers to monitor disease, with the aim of providing greater objectivity in assessing the condition.
May 30th, 2024Source

Smoking in Africa: Study of 16 countries shows higher taxes would help young smokers quit or cut down
World No Tobacco Day serves to increase awareness about the preventable death and illness associated with tobacco use. It also puts a spotlight on policies that governments can use to reduce consumption of tobacco products.
May 30th, 2024Source

Scientists discover a novel modulator of human regulatory T cells
The research group of Professor Riitta Lahesmaa have discovered a novel modulator for human regulatory T cells. This novel regulator can strengthen or dampen immune response and provides a new basis for therapeutic approaches for immune mediated diseases.
May 30th, 2024Source

Study suggests astrocytes induce sex-specific effects on memory
Weill Cornell Medicine scientists have uncovered the first evidence that astrocyte receptors can trigger opposite effects on cognitive function in male and female preclinical models. The findings point to astrocytes, brain cells that support and regulate neurons, as key contributors to sex-specific brain mechanisms.
May 30th, 2024Source

What are nootropics and do they really boost your brain?
Humans have long been searching for a "magic elixir" to make us smarter, and improve our focus and memory. This includes traditional Chinese medicine used thousands of years ago to improve cognitive function.
May 30th, 2024Source

What's the difference between shyness and social anxiety?
The terms "shyness" and "social anxiety" are often used interchangeably because they both involve feeling uncomfortable in social situations.
May 30th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 29th, 2024

Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?
Asthma inhalers are hand-held, portable devices that deliver medicine to your lungs. A variety of asthma inhalers are available to help control asthma symptoms. Finding the right one and using it correctly can help you get the medicine you need to prevent or treat asthma attacks.
May 29th, 2024Source

Blood flow makes waves across the surface of the mouse brain
NIH-funded study challenges conventional wisdom about brain blood flow.
May 29th, 2024Source

Study offers insight into early developmental risk factors for ADHD
Several early developmental factors are associated with an increased risk of ADHD during childhood and adolescence. Maternal stress during pregnancy and unwanted pregnancy may increase the incidence of ADHD symptoms in children, according to research. The duration of breastfeeding was also found to have an impact on the risk and onset of ADHD symptoms.
May 29th, 2024Source

Study reveals brain mechanisms behind speech impairment in Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease is most well-known and well-studied for its motor impairments—tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement. But less visible symptoms such as trouble with memory, attention and language, which can also profoundly impact a person's quality of life, are less understood.
May 29th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 28th, 2024

Engineered CAR T cells repress signs and symptoms of allergic asthma in mice for a year
A team of molecular oncologists at Tsinghua University's State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, in China, has found that engineered, long-lived and multifunctional T cells repress signs and symptoms of allergic asthma in mice for up to a year.
May 28th, 2024Source

Researchers reformulate antipsychotic drugs with coating that mitigates weight gain, boosts serotonin
Thousands of Australians struggle with serious mental health conditions. But when the recommended treatment involves antipsychotic medications, the side effects are excess kilos, which only adds weight to an already complex diagnosis.
May 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 27th, 2024

Antihypertensives linked to eczematous dermatitis in seniors, study finds
Antihypertensive drugs are associated with an increased risk for eczematous dermatitis in older adults, and the effect sizes are largest for diuretics and calcium channel blockers, according to a study published May 22 in JAMA Dermatology.
May 27th, 2024Source

Gardeners, landscapers: Watch out for these high heat danger signs
Climate change is pushing daytime summer temperatures higher for longer periods of time, and that can spell real danger for folks who work outside, like gardeners and landscapers.
May 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 25th, 2024

The Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids to Try in 2024
You don't have to live with hearing loss anymore. We tested the best over-the-counter hearing aids worth your money.
May 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 24th, 2024

Carbon dioxide, the main culprit of global warming, reborn as an antioxidant substance
A research team led by Dr. Lee Soo Youn at the Gwangju Clean Energy Research Center of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully converted carbon dioxide, the main culprit of global warming, into carotenoids, which possess antioxidant and anticancer effects.
May 24th, 2024Source

How neurons build a 3D vascular structure to keep the retina healthy
Scientists have known for years that a lattice of blood vessels nourishes cells in the retina that allow us to see—but it's been a mystery how the intricate structure is created.
May 24th, 2024Source

Soft X-ray microscope captures living mammalian cells
Researchers have developed a new technique to view living mammalian cells. The team used a powerful laser, called a soft X-ray free electron laser, to emit ultrafast pulses of illumination at the speed of femtoseconds, or quadrillionths of a second. With this they could capture images of carbon-based structures in living cells for the first time, before the soft X-ray radiation damaged them.
May 24th, 2024Source

Unveiling a novel AAK1 inhibitor: How chemical proteomics unlock therapeutic potential
Enhancing drug development for life-threatening diseases like cancer hinges on a deep understanding of protein kinases, making it a focal point for researchers. These enzymes, encoded by more than 500 human genes, serve as critical players in cellular signaling pathways.
May 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 17th, 2024

Autistic people's feelings mostly misread—empathy works both ways, research reveals
The idea that autistic people lack empathy is simply short-sighted and non-autistic people may find it just as hard to put themselves in someone else's shoes, a study suggests.
May 17th, 2024Source

Can oxytocin help against loneliness? Findings from a randomized controlled trial
Loneliness is not a disease. And yet it is a significant health problem. Depression, heart disease or dementia—people who are permanently lonely have a higher risk of becoming ill.
May 17th, 2024Source

Chemists develop new method for making gamma chiral centers on simple carboxylic acids
Scripps Research chemists have accomplished a long-elusive feat in synthetic chemistry: the invention of a broadly useful method for constructing "gamma chiral centers" on simple starting compounds called carboxylic acids. The method significantly extends the ability of chemists to build and modify complex pharmaceutical molecules and other valuable chemical products.
May 17th, 2024Source

Link between e-cigarette use and early age of asthma onset in US adults discovered
A significant link between the use of electronic cigarettes and earlier age of asthma onset in U.S. adults was reported by UTHealth Houston researchers May 17, 2024 in JAMA Network Open.
May 17th, 2024Source

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signs bill requiring mental health training for public high school, college coaches
It's a right of passage into Mike Locksley's Maryland football program to participate in the '3 H's' meeting. Newcomers stand before teammates, coaches and staff to share about their hero, a highlight of their life and a hardship. It's one of a few crucial Terps mental health touchpoints.
May 17th, 2024Source

Q&A: When depression meds don't work, this may help you turn the corner
Some 30 to 40% of patients do not respond to medications for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but half of them could be helped by a noninvasive in-office procedure.
May 17th, 2024Source

The neural signature of subjective disgust could apply to both sensory and socio-moral experiences
Disgust is one of the six basic human emotions, along with happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and surprise. Disgust typically arises when a person perceives a sensory stimulus or situation as revolting, off-putting, or unpleasant in other ways.
May 17th, 2024Source

Wastewater reveals socioeconomic link to alcohol consumption
People from a higher socioeconomic status drink more alcohol on average than those of lower socioeconomic background, according to new research from The University of Queensland.
May 17th, 2024Source

Web-based self-help intervention found to be beneficial for binge eating disorder
For patients with binge eating disorder (BED), a web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention leads to significant reductions in binge eating episodes and improvements in mental health outcomes, according to a study published online May 16 in JAMA Network Open.
May 17th, 2024Source

Health — Health Field — May 13th, 2024

ArgusEye closes €2.8 million funding to accelerate bioprocessing
ArgusEye, a provider of innovative sensor solutions for real-time monitoring of biological systems, today announced the close of its funding, raising €2.8 million EUR (~£2.4 million GBP) bringing the total raised by the Company to €3.45 million EUR (~£3 million GPB).
May 13th, 2024Source

Breakthrough therapies are saving lives, but can we afford them?
Harnessing the body's own cells to fight disease, long a medical dream, is finally a reality.
May 13th, 2024Source

Can virtual reality be the future of brain health? New research suggests VR exercise enhances working memory
In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers investigated the impact of virtual reality (VR) exercise on brain functioning, particularly its effect on working memory, a critical executive function.
May 13th, 2024Source

FDA Said It Never Inspected Dental Lab That Made Controversial AGGA Device
The FDA never inspected Johns Dental Laboratories during more than a decade in which it made the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance, or "AGGA," a dental device that has allegedly harmed patients and is now the subject of a criminal investigation.
May 13th, 2024Source

Findings support a more cautious approach to early decision-making for brain injury patients receiving life support
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of hospitalizations and deaths around the world, affecting more than five million people each year. Predicting outcomes following a brain injury can be challenging, yet families are asked to make decisions about continuing or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment within days of injury.
May 13th, 2024Source

First responders, veterans hail benefits of psychedelic drugs as California debates legalization
Wade Trammell recalls the time he and his fellow firefighters responded to a highway crash in which a beer truck rammed into a pole, propelling the truck's engine through the cab and into the driver's abdomen.
May 13th, 2024Source

How science cleared the air over inhaled health risks
For a quick summary of the fight for clean air over the past century, look out of any office window.
May 13th, 2024Source

Report finds private health plans paid hospitals 254% of what Medicare would pay during 2022
Prices paid to hospitals during 2022 by employers and private insurers for both inpatient and outpatient services averaged 254% of what Medicare would have paid, with wide variation in prices among states, according to a new RAND report.
May 13th, 2024Source

Research takes electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system
Eye diseases are becoming more prevalent worldwide, partly because of the aging population, but also because of our greatly increased screen time compared to previous generations. Considering the use of displays will most likely keep rising due to technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, diagnostic techniques for the early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases should be improved.
May 13th, 2024Source

San Francisco tries tough love by tying welfare to drug rehab NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Raymond Llano carries a plastic bag with everything he owns in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and the flattened cardboard box he uses as a bed under his arm as he waits in line for lunch at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. At 55, he hasn't had a home for 15 years, since he lost a job at Target.
May 13th, 2024Source

Study shows limited effectiveness of common local anesthetic NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Liposomal bupivacaine was launched on the market twelve years ago to provide long-lasting local control of pain. The medication is used as a local anesthetic, particularly for orthopedic operations. A research study by MedUni Vienna has now shown the limited effectiveness of the substance. The study has just been published in the journal "Anesthesiology", the peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
May 13th, 2024Source

UN nears landmark deal on combating biopiracy
The fight against biopiracy—plundering genetic resources and the traditional knowledge surrounding them—could soon be based on an international treaty which is being finalized at negotiations that began on Monday.
May 13th, 2024Source

What's keeping the US from allowing better sunscreens?
When dermatologist Adewole "Ade" Adamson sees people spritzing sunscreen as if it's cologne at the pool where he lives in Austin, Texas, he wants to intervene. "My wife says I shouldn't," he said, "even though most people rarely use enough sunscreen."
May 13th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 14th, 2024

A minimal cognitive architecture reproduces control of human decision-making processes
Neuroscientists and psychologists have been trying to pinpoint the processes behind human decision-making for decades. While their efforts led to numerous interesting insights, the intricacies of complex decision-making remain poorly understood.
May 14th, 2024Source

Binge drinking is a growing public health crisis—how research on alcohol use disorder has shifted
With the new Amy Winehouse biopic "Back to Black" in U.S. theaters as of May 17, 2024, the late singer's relationship with alcohol and drugs is under scrutiny again. In July 2011, Winehouse was found dead in her flat in north London from "death by misadventure" at the age of 27. That's the official British term used for accidental death caused by a voluntary risk.
May 14th, 2024Source

Bitter substances make the stomach acidic: How bitter food constituents influence gastric acid production
In the stomach, parietal cells are responsible for acid production. They react not only to the body's own messenger molecules, but also to bitter-tasting food constituents such as caffeine.
May 14th, 2024Source

Bruxism is a recurring condition among people with post-traumatic stress disorder, finds study
According to an article published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations, people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often report constant clenching or grinding of the teeth during the day, a condition known as awake (or diurnal) bruxism. Its prevalence in the general population varies from 8% to 30%.
May 14th, 2024Source

Clinical trial in Seattle aims to transform treatment approaches for pediatric IBD
With pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnoses on the rise globally, a clinical trial in Seattle aims to transform treatment approaches through deep molecular profiling.
May 14th, 2024Source

Coexistence of psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis may offer treatment insights
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) can coexist, and the presence of both conditions may mean special attention should be given to selecting optimal treatment, according to a study published online April 17 in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.
May 14th, 2024Source

Concussion experts warn term used to describe head impacts—'subconcussion'—is misleading and dangerous
An editorial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine by experts from Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston University, Mayo Clinic, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation, argues that the term "subconcussion" is a dangerous misnomer that should be retired. The authors are appealing to the medical community and media to substitute the term with more specific terms so the public can better understand the risks of brain injuries and advance effective efforts to prevent chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
May 14th, 2024Source

Could being online actually be good for you? New study reveals a surprising finding
Spending time online may boost your well-being, the results of a large international study have revealed.
May 14th, 2024Source

Dreaming is linked to improved memory consolidation and emotion regulation
A night spent dreaming can help you forget the mundane and better process the extreme, according to a new University of California, Irvine study. Novel work by researchers in the UC Irvine Sleep and Cognition Lab examined how dream recall and mood affected next-day memory consolidation and emotion regulation.
May 14th, 2024Source

Giving lessons to your teenage self could boost your well-being, say researchers
Asking young adults to advise their younger selves could have a positive impact on their self-esteem, resilience and mental health, according to a new study from the University of Surrey published in Cogent Psychology.
May 14th, 2024Source

New research challenges widespread beliefs about why we're attracted to certain voices
New insights into how people perceive the human voice are challenging beliefs about which voices we find attractive.
May 14th, 2024Source

New study sheds light on interferon combinations' role in lupus variability
In a new study, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have uncovered insights as to why lupus symptoms and severity present differently in individuals with the autoimmune condition, which affects up to 1.5 million Americans. The team says this is a crucial step forward in understanding biological mechanisms behind lupus, and may also lead to shifts in how clinicians treat patients with the condition.
May 14th, 2024Source

New transit station in Japan significantly reduces cumulative health expenditures
The declining population in Osaka is related to an aging society that is driving up health expenditures. Dr. Haruka Kato, a junior associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, teamed up with the Future Co-creation Laboratory at Japan System Techniques Co., Ltd. to conduct natural experiments on how a new train station might impact health care expenditures.
May 14th, 2024Source

People without an inner voice have poorer verbal memory, finds study
The vast majority of people have an ongoing conversation with themselves, an inner voice, that plays an important role in their daily lives. But between 5% and 10% of the population do not have the same experience of an inner voice, and they find it more difficult to perform certain verbal memory tasks, new research shows.
May 14th, 2024Source

Researchers investigate if pharmacological treatment of ADHD reduces criminality
A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reduced violence- and public-order related crimes. However, it did not reduce other types of crimes, among patients with ADHD in early to late adolescence considered to be in the gray zone (or on the margin) for such treatment.
May 14th, 2024Source

Social online training can help against loneliness and depression
Mental health problems, loneliness among young people, and polarization are rapidly increasing, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. A new large-scale research study, the CovSocial project, led by Tania Singer from the Max Planck Society, is helping people to reconnect with themselves, others and society at large.
May 14th, 2024Source

Scientists discover surprising details about xylazine in combination with fentanyl
Unregulated use of fentanyl and overdose deaths have increased dramatically in recent years, and this trend was made more alarming when authorities found fentanyl laced with the animal tranquilizer xylazine.
May 14th, 2024Source

Scientists find repeated, small hits to head in football players can damage blood vessels in the brain
Repeated blows to the heads of football players can damage the small blood vessels of the brain, according to research by Dalhousie University scientists from the Brain Repair Center who believe this damage may contribute to brain dysfunction in some athletes years after play has ended.
May 14th, 2024Source

Study identifies factors associated with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
Factors associated with an increased risk for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy have been identified and include female sex, older age, and chronic kidney disease stage 3 or greater, a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2818491" target="new" class="RM1">according to a study published online May 9 in JAMA Network Open.
May 14th, 2024Source

Study identifies genetic link between inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant discovery, identifying genetic connections between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Published in Genome Medicine on May 14, their study highlights the potential for joint therapeutic strategies to target these two challenging disorders.
May 14th, 2024Source

Study shows how excessive drinking affects others
A new study published in Addiction shows that around a fifth of adult Australians, from across regional and metropolitan Australia, reported harm from the excessive drinking of people they know.
May 14th, 2024Source

Study uncovers protein interactions as a potential path for ALS cure
In a Canadian discovery powered by philanthropy, a team of Western University researchers led by Dr. Michael Strong has uncovered a potential path toward a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
May 14th, 2024Source

The language of self-injury: What I've learned from interviewing hundreds of people who harm themselves
On a May evening in 1991, a tense interview between music journalist Steve Lamacq and musician Richey Edwards led to one of the most infamous and challenging images in the history of pop culture. Lamacq had come to see Edwards' band, the Manic Street Preachers, but suggested they were less authentic punk rebels than cynical profiteers.
May 14th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 13th, 2024

Eyes of tomorrow: Smart contact lenses lead the way for human-machine interaction
Scientists from Nanjing, China, have developed eye-tracking smart content lenses based on radio frequency tags that can be used for various applications, including health care and augmented reality (AR). The lenses are biocompatible and imperceptible, requiring no battery or conventional silicon chips.
May 13th, 2024Source

Evidence of a travel direction signal that is independent from head direction in humans
We generally assume that when humans are walking or otherwise moving in space, their head faces towards the direction they are traveling in. Nonetheless, travel direction and head direction are distinct factors associated with the processing of different types of spatial information.
May 13th, 2024Source

Female genital mutilation is on the rise in Africa: Disturbing new trends are driving up the numbers
Thirteen-year-old Salamatu Jalloh had her whole future to look forward to. But in January 2023, her lifeless body was found wrapped in a pink and blue shroud on an earthen floor in a village in north-west Sierra Leone.
May 13th, 2024Source

Groundbreaking Images Reveal the Human Brain at Nanoscale Resolution
For something as instrumental to all human existence and experience as the brain, many aspects of it remain thoroughly mysterious. Thanks to groundbreaking new digital images, models, and 3D maps created by Google Research and scientists at Harvard University, the physical structure of the brain has never been so clear.
May 13th, 2024Source

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body
Most alcohol enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and the intestines. These days, the consequences of this are undisputed: even small amounts of alcohol impair people's ability to concentrate and to react, increasing the risk of accidents.
May 13th, 2024Source

Our brains trick us into thinking consciousness can reside outside the body, research argues
The origins of consciousness have been debated by philosophers for centuries. Each conscious person has a sense of "being me," which invariably gives rise to the question of where that sense originated—from within or outside the body, says Northeastern University psychology professor Iris Berent.
May 13th, 2024Source

Psilocybin may reverse anorexia's cognitive rigidity
Characterized by pathological weight loss driven by restrictive feeding and excessive exercise behaviors, anorexia nervosa (AN) has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disease.
May 13th, 2024Source

Research highlights dramatic increase in fentanyl seized by authorities in last six years
The number of illicit fentanyl seizures by law enforcement in the United States grew by more than 1,700% between 2017 and 2023, according to a new analysis. Further, the share of total fentanyl seizures that involved pills quadrupled over the same period—with the 115.6 million pills seized in 2023 representing 49% of total seizures.
May 13th, 2024Source

Researchers reveal the double-edged-sword effect of overconfidence on gambling
As a popular form of entertainment in modern society, the gambling industry has been hailed as "the heart of the economy in the post-industrial era." However, gambling poses serious risks, not only to the financial and psychological well-being of individuals, but also to social stability. As a result, it has long been a focal point in the field of behavioral decision-making, with scholars striving to understand its causes and influencing factors.
May 13th, 2024Source

Scientists find sleep may not clear brain toxins
The brain's ability to rid itself of toxins may actually be reduced during sleep, contrary to the leading scientific theory.
May 13th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 12th, 2024

First person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies nearly 2 months later
The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure, his family and the hospital that performed the surgery said Saturday.
May 12th, 2024Source

What Is Pink Noise, And Can It Help You Sleep Better?
From using your Apple Watch to track your sleep habits to not using your phone before bed, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep hygiene. As you might already know, noise can also be a solution. While noise is probably one of the last things you want to hear when you're struggling to fall asleep, the right noise just might help.
May 12th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 10th, 2024

AI model identifies over 500 toxic chemicals in e-liquids, revealing vaping's hidden dangers
In a recent review published in the Scientific Reports, a group of authors used a graph-convolutional neural network (NN) to predict and analyze the thermal decomposition products of e-liquid flavors, correlating them with mass spectrometry (MS) data to assess potential health risks.
May 8th, 2024Source

Autism's missing microbes may influence social behavior by protecting the gut
For people with autism, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain often go along with the social struggles and repetitive behaviors that define the condition. This has prompted many to wonder whether gastrointestinal (GI) problems arise due to autism's behavioral or sensory features, or whether they might instead contribute to them
May 8th, 2024Source

Can living in flood-prone areas increase your risk of death?
In a recent study published in BMC Medicine, researchers explored the long-term effects of flooding on mortality.
May 8th, 2024Source

Could better inhalers help patients, and the planet?
Miguel Divo, a lung specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, sits in an exam room across from Joel Rubinstein, who has asthma. Rubinstein, a retired psychiatrist, is about to get a checkup and hear a surprising pitch—for the planet, as well as his health.
May 8th, 2024Source

How incentives could better treat stimulant use disorder
Are gift cards and cash one way to help ease the drug overdose crisis?
May 8th, 2024Source

Metabolism of autism reveals developmental origins
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shed new light on the changes in metabolism that occur between birth and the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood. The researchers discovered that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of these changes, which could help inform new early detection and prevention strategies for autism.
May 8th, 2024Source

Psychological therapy shows promise in improving quality of life for people living with motor neuron disease
The largest-ever trial of a psychological intervention for patients with motor neuron disease (MND), conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and UCL, found that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) improves overall quality of life, when integrated alongside existing care.
May 8th, 2024Source

Sex headaches: A pain in the neck or something more sinister?
The last thing anyone wants is for sex to be a headache. For some people, though, an increase in sexual excitement can be a real pain in the neck.
May 8th, 2024Source

Sleep wrinkles are real: Here's how they leave their mark
You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you're not imagining it. You've developed face wrinkles overnight. They're sleep wrinkles.
May 8th, 2024Source

'What was that?' How brains convert sounds to actions
You hear a phone ring or a dog bark. Is it yours or someone else's? You hear footsteps in the night—is it your child, or an intruder? Friend or foe? The decision you make will determine what action you take next. Researchers at the Champalimaud Foundation have shed light on what might be going on in our brains during moments like these, and take us a step closer to unraveling the mystery of how the brain translates perceptions into actions.
May 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 8th, 2024

Chronic disease increases the odds of hospitalization from heat exposure, study finds
In a recent study published in eBioMedicine, researchers investigated the impact of ambient heat exposure on hospitalizations among individuals with varying numbers and combinations of chronic diseases.
May 8th, 2024Source

Does your ADHD medication increase your risk of glaucoma?
In a recent study published in Eye, researchers assessed the risks of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle closure glaucoma (ACG) among users of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications.
May 8th, 2024Source

Neuron-sized brain implant could help blind people see again
Advances in neurotechnology create new solutions for vision impairment
May 8th, 2024Source

Neuroaffirming care values the strengths and differences of autistic people, those with ADHD or other profiles
We've come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and other profiles were categorized by what they struggled with or couldn't do.
May 8th, 2024Source

Potential link between PTSD and autism found in mice
People on the autism spectrum are predisposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Queensland has shown.
May 8th, 2024Source

Researchers develop first model of the brain's information highways
The brain resembles a road network: Like country roads, small connections link neighboring nerve cells, while, like highways, thick nerve bundles connect different regions of the brain. These thick, heavily used nerve bundles, which for example connect the left and right brain hemispheres or the brain's front and back, have not been experimentally investigated thus far.
May 8th, 2024Source

Sleep problems as a child may be associated with psychosis in young adults
Children who experience chronic lack of sleep from infancy may be at increased risk of developing psychosis in early adulthood, new research shows.
May 8th, 2024Source

Study shows damaging impact of heat waves on vital organs
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have found evidence of the molecular causes of the damaging impact heat stress causes on the gut, liver and brain in the elderly. These findings point to the potential of developing precise prognostic and therapeutic interventions.
May 8th, 2024Source

Trial shows a faster approach for starting extended-release naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder is effective
Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone (XR-naltrexone) within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard treatment method of starting within 10--15 days, but requires closer medical supervision, according to results from a clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open.
May 8th, 2024Source

We know late-night screens are bad for sleep. How do you stop doomscrolling in bed?
Like many of us, Jessica Peoples has heard the warnings about excessive screen time at night. Still, she estimates spending 30 to 60 minutes on her phone before going to sleep, mostly scrolling through social media.
May 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 7th, 2024

Broken String Biosciences and the Francis Crick Institute collaborate to advance ALS research
Broken String Biosciences ("Broken String"), a genomics company driving development of the next generation of more precise, safe, and effective cell and gene therapies, today announced it has entered a research collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute, a world-leading biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health and disease.
May 7th, 2024Source

Medically aided conception versus natural conception: Study explores cancer risk in children
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers compared the risk of cancer in children born by medically assisted reproduction (MAR) to infants conceived naturally.
May 7th, 2024Source

Meth houses: Time for more testing?
A new Flinders University study has found less than 10% of suspected methamphetamine contamination in residences are reported to council environmental health officers (EHOs), raising further concerns more regulations are needed to manage safety and health in the community.
May 7th, 2024Source

Recreational ultraviolet use tied to cases of photokeratitis
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation used for outdoor recreational purposes can be associated with photokeratitis, according to a brief report published online May 2 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
May 7th, 2024Source

Researchers demonstrate a new mechanism of neural plasticity underlying learning and memory processes
Neurons are important, but they are not everything. Indeed, it is "cartilage," in the form of clusters of extracellular matrix molecules called chondroitin sulfates, located in the outside nerve cells, that plays a crucial role in the brain's ability to acquire and store information.
May 7th, 2024Source

Researchers report exceptionally small implant for future vision correction
A group of researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, University of Freiburg and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have created an exceptionally small implant with electrodes the size of a single neuron that can remain intact in the body over time—a unique combination that holds promise for future vision implants for the blind.
May 7th, 2024Source

Three-dimensional retinal electrodes in a convex Braille shape partially restore sight
A research team led by Professor Sohee Kim of the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering in the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology has successfully developed three-dimensional retinal electrodes that resemble convex Braille.
May 7th, 2024Source

Using AI and social media to track depression in communities could offer more reliable assessments than surveys
A study that used artificial intelligence (AI) and social media posts to assess the rates of depression and anxiety in nearly half of American counties found that the AI-generated measurements produced more reliable assessments than population surveys.
May 7th, 2024Source

You're breathing potential carcinogens inside your car, says study
The air inside all personal vehicles is polluted with harmful flame retardants—including those known or suspected to cause cancer—according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. Car manufacturers add these chemicals to seat foam and other materials to meet an outdated federal flammability standard with no proven fire-safety benefit.
May 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 3rd, 2024

Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress
For college students seeking to improve their mental health, a potential answer may be right outside their window: birdwatching.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Largest quantitative synthesis to date reveals what predicts human behavior and how to change it
Pandemics, global warming, and rampant gun violence are all clear lessons in the need to move large groups of people to change their behavior. When a crisis hits, researchers, policymakers, health officials, and community leaders have to know how best to encourage people to change en masse and quickly.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Leprosy drug may be effective in Huntington's disease, study suggests
A preclinical study from Karolinska Institutet offers hope for treating severe neurodegenerative diseases with an existing drug. The study suggests that the leprosy drug clofazimine may be effective in the treatment of Huntington's disease.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Long-term impact of online school-based mental health and substance abuse program: A 72-month study in Australia
In a recent study published in The Lancet Digital Health, a group of researchers assessed the long-term effectiveness of four school-based, online interventions for preventing mental health and substance use disorders in adolescents, measured at a 72-month follow-up.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Mental health first-aid training may enhance mental health support in prison settings
According to Rutgers Health researchers, training correctional officers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for adults, a 7.5-hour national education program from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, may help provide them with the necessary skills to effectively identify signs and symptoms of mental distress and advocate for incarcerated individuals facing mental health crises.
May 3rd, 2024Source

More than half of older adults with intellectual disability take psychotropic medicines, shows study
The Examining Quality, Use and Impact of Psychotropic (Use) in older adults with intellectual disabilities (EQUIP) study, has revealed that more than half of older adults with intellectual disability take psychotropic medicines, including antipsychotics and antidepressants used to treat mental illness.
May 3rd, 2024Source

People with gas and propane stoves breathe more unhealthy nitrogen dioxide, study finds
A study of air pollution in U.S. homes found that households with gas or propane stoves regularly breathe unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Q&A: Pandemic policies linked to overdose spike
Drug overdose rates skyrocketed in the United States during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 92,000 people died due to overdose in 2020. Public health experts worried early in the pandemic that lockdowns and other measures to control the spread of the virus could lead to more overdoses.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Research shows interferon-beta regulates excessive alternative splicing in multiple sclerosis
A new study found extensive alternative splicing of messenger RNA in the blood cells of untreated multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls. The study, which showed that highly dysregulated alternative splicing was largely corrected by interferon-ß (IFN-ß) therapy, is published in the Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Varenicline dosage increase helps persistent smokers quit
For most smokers, quitting on the first attempt is likely to be unsuccessful, but a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found patients were more likely to quit if their cessation regimen was altered and doses were increased. Researchers also found that varenicline, a cessation medication, was more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy (CNRT), such as patches or lozenges.
May 3rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — May 1st, 2024

EPA clamps down on deadly toxin found in paint strippers
A toxin found in paint strippers that's responsible for 85 U.S. deaths over the past five decades will be phased out for many uses, under an Environmental Protection Agency rule finalized Tuesday.
May 1st, 2024Source

First effective treatment found for spitting cobra snakebite
Scientists have discovered a new snakebite treatment to prevent the devastating tissue damage caused by African spitting cobra venom.
May 1st, 2024Source

New survey finds 75% of Americans feel mental health takes back seat to physical health within US health care system
Three-quarters of Americans feel that mental health conditions are identified and treated with much less care than physical health issues within the U.S. health care system, even as more than 80% perceive a dramatic rise in prevalence of mental health issues in the last five years, according to a new survey from West Health and Gallup released at the start of Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month.
May 1st, 2024Source

Reasons to be a living kidney donor
Nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplant, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Finding a donor kidney that is compatible and matches the right blood and tissue types can be the biggest challenge, especially when the donor pool isn't as large as the number of people who need a transplant.
May 1st, 2024Source

Study finds little gender difference in the perception of ambient room temperature
A large team of medical researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, has found very slight gender differences in temperature perception of a room at ambient conditions and very few gender differences in physiological response to a perceived chill.
May 1st, 2024Source

Study links agricultural pesticide exposure to increased genetic variants in Parkinson's disease
In a recent study published in npj Parkinson's Disease, researchers examined genetic characteristics that influence the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) due to pesticide exposure.
May 1st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 30th, 2024

Evidence-based integrated approaches provide new opportunities to improve complex pain management
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and debilitating pain disorder, typically considered lifelong with limited treatment options. Now, new research finds that early detection and effective treatment can lead to significant recovery within 18 months, offering hope to millions of people worldwide.
April 30th, 2024Source

Exploring the origins of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal tuning in the postsubiculum
Brain cells can be broadly divided into two categories: inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Excitatory neurons are cells that support the generation of electrical impulses in postsynaptic neurons, thus prompting the activation of cells in specific brain regions. Inhibitory neurons, on the other hand, contribute to inhibiting these electrical impulses and thus reducing activity in specific brain regions.
April 30th, 2024Source

Lung abnormality progression linked to acute respiratory disease in smokers
Smokers who have small abnormalities on their CT scans that grow over time have a greater likelihood of experiencing acute respiratory disease events, according to a new study published in Radiology.
April 30th, 2024Source

New findings better elucidate TRAF7 syndrome, a neurological and developmental disease
TRAF7 syndrome, or CAFDADD syndrome, is a neurological and developmental disease that causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations, such as cardiac, facial and digital abnormalities and developmental delay.
April 30th, 2024Source

Researchers target neurogenesis in new approach to treat Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson's disease, pointing toward a new approach for a disease with no cure and few effective treatments.
April 30th, 2024Source

Study introduces improved way to grow cells that give rise to kidney's filtration system
In a study published in Cell Stem Cell, USC scientists report significant progress in cultivating nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), the cells destined to form the kidney's filtration system, the nephrons. NPCs hold immense promise for understanding kidney development, modeling diseases, and discovering new treatments.
April 30th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 29th, 2024

AI shows good clinical knowledge, reasoning for eye issues
Large language models (LLMs) are approaching expert-level knowledge and reasoning skills in ophthalmology, according to a study published online April 17 in PLOS Digital Health.
April 29th, 2024Source

XPANCEO takes us inside its lab where it makes smart contact lenses
You know that I'm a big fan of AR contact lenses: while making AR glasses is already incredibly complex, some amazing innovators are betting on the impossible battle to miniaturize all that is needed to do AR into small lenses. And the cool thing is that they are even managing to produce some prototypes.
April 29th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 27th, 2024

Insights on the downsides of late-night screen time and health benefits of digital detox
According to a YouGov study on sleep, 87% of Britons say they look at their phone or tablet within an hour before going to bed, with 25% claiming they look at their phone immediately before going to sleep. On top of this, 74% of people say they keep their phones in the bedroom at night.
April 27th, 2024Source

Parkinson's UK invests £2.1 million in Neumora Therapeutics for preclinical testing of new Parkinson's drug
Parkinson's UK is investing £2.1million to support Neumora Therapeutics to carry out preclinical testing of NMRA-NLRP3, a NLRP3 inhibitor with the potential to reduce inflammation and protect brain cells in Parkinson's. NLRP3 is a protein that plays a role in regulating a number of inflammatory processes that are believed to contribute to the damage to brain cells that underlies Parkinson's.
April 27th, 2024Source

PET brain scans could reveal hidden inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, suggests positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans could reveal hidden inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are being treated with highly-effective treatments.
April 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 26th, 2024

Coordinating blood vessel activity may be associated with better brain performance
Compared with computers, the brain can perform computations with a very low net energy supply. Yet our understanding surrounding how the biological brain manages energy is still incomplete. What is known, however, is that the dilation and constriction cycles of blood vessels, or vasomotion, spontaneously occur in the brain, a process that likely contributes to enhancing the circulation of energetic nutrients and clearing wasteful materials.
April 26th, 2024Source

Illusion demystifies the way vision works: Experiments imply brightness perception occurs deeper in brain than thought
For the first time, research shows that a certain kind of visual illusion, neon color spreading, works on mice. The study is also the first to combine the use of two investigative techniques called electrophysiology and optogenetics to study this illusion.
April 26th, 2024Source

Know the signs of irritable bowel syndrome
April is IBS Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to learn about the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
April 26th, 2024Source

What happens in the brain when we make decisions about money or food
Neuroscience researchers from Bochum confirm different strategies when choosing between primary and secondary rewards. The lever is impulsivity.
April 26th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 24th, 2024

Biomolecular condensates: Study reveals poor predictive power of established liquid-liquid phase separation assays
Cells buzz with millions of different biomolecules that diffuse chaotically through their substructures, yet they manage to ensure exquisite functional and spatial specificity.
April 24th, 2024Source

Majority of parents experience isolation, loneliness and burnout, survey reveals
A new national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds a broad majority of parents experience isolation, loneliness and burnout from the demands of parenthood, with many feeling a lack of support in fulfilling that role.
April 24th, 2024Source

New study reveals key role vision plays in sculpting brain development
Scientists have long known that our brains are organized into specialized areas, each responsible for distinct tasks. The visual cortex processes what we see, for instance, while the motor cortex governs movement. But how these regions form—and how their neural building blocks differ—remain a mystery.
April 24th, 2024Source

Researchers unveil PI3K enzyme's dual accelerator and brake mechanisms
A group of researchers have expanded conventional knowledge on a critical enzyme that controls cell migration. In a publication in the journal Nature Communications, they reported that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) not only acts as an accelerator to prompt cell motility, but it also has a built-in brake mechanism that impedes migration.
April 24th, 2024Source

Single-cell analysis reveals mechanisms of a common complication of Crohn's disease
Mount Sinai researchers have published the first study to use single-cell analysis in identifying several pathophysiological mechanisms of abnormal passageways in the digestive system known as perianal fistulae, a common complication of Crohn's disease.
April 24th, 2024Source

Some cannabis rolling papers may contain unhealthy levels of heavy metals
A team of chemists at Lake Superior State University, working with colleagues from Wayne State University, both in Michigan, and two representatives from JEOL U.S., a lab equipment maker, has found that some cannabis rolling papers contain high levels of heavy metals, which could be hazardous to smokers.
April 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 22nd, 2024

7 Tips for Complying With Healthcare Fraud Regulations
Attorney Rachel Rose on Navigating the Intensifying Scrutiny of Federal Regulators
April 22th, 2024Source or Source or Source

Astrocytes found to play pivotal role in epileptic neuronal hyperactivity
Epilepsy, where patients suffer from unexpected seizures, affects roughly 1% of the population. These seizures often involve repetitive and excessive neuronal firing, with the trigger behind this still poorly understood.
April 22th, 2024Source

Dialectical behavior therapy reduces suicidal behavior in adults with autism
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is safe and shows short-term efficacy in reducing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adults with suicidal behavior and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study published online April 12 in Psychological Medicine.
April 22th, 2024Source

How young adults perceive the risk of a single drink versus risk in binge drinking
When drinking choices are perceived as "just one drink," with each single drink representing relatively slight risk, it may ironically lead to heavier drinking and alcohol-related harms. That's the finding of a novel study exploring the decision-making process around binge drinking.
April 22th, 2024Source

Language matters in preventing suicide
Of all the issues in psychiatry, even in all of medicine, suicide may be the most challenging to discuss responsibly in public.
April 22th, 2024Source

Mechanical engineers develop miniaturized, hydrogel-based electric generators for biomedical devices
Mechanoelectrical energy conversion offers a promising solution for powering miniaturized biomedical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, brain stimulators, wearable drug delivery systems, and more.
April 22th, 2024Source

Mental imagining of self-harm can increase urge, heighten risk of people harming themselves
Vivid mental images of self-harm can put young people at an increased short-term risk of actually harming themselves, according to new research.
April 22th, 2024Source

Mosaics of predisposition found to cause skin disease
Clarifying the cause of a skin disease had led to the discovery of a new disease-causing gene, a new category of diseases, and new perspectives for both counseling and therapy. The discovery is the first time that epigenetic silencing, the "switching off" of an otherwise intact gene, has been recognized as the cause for a skin disease.
April 22th, 2024Source

Ophthalmological method can be used to monitor neurodegeneration in Parkinson's patients
A study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Biobizkaia proposes using an available, simple, non-invasive tool to monitor this neurodegeneration.
April 22th, 2024Source

Prescribing nature for mental, physical health
Eating right and exercising are important ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. And instead of getting off the couch and hopping on a treadmill, you might want to consider going outdoors and reaping the health benefits of being in nature.
April 22th, 2024Source

Researchers unveil vital role of astrocytes in mental health
Astrocytes, as vital cells in the central nervous system, are crucial for brain health and function. Recent research shows that they influence higher cognitive functions and behaviors by regulating local neuronal activity.
April 22th, 2024Source

Rural Jails Turn to Community Health Workers To Help the Newly Released Succeed
Garrett Clark estimates he has spent about six years in the Sanpete County Jail, a plain concrete building perched on a dusty hill just outside this small, rural town where he grew up.
April 22th, 2024Source

Scientists discover the cellular functions of a family of proteins integral to inflammatory diseases
In a scientific breakthrough, Mount Sinai researchers have revealed the biological mechanisms by which a family of proteins known as histone deacetylases (HDACs) activate immune system cells linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory diseases.
April 22th, 2024Source

Study identifies signs of repeated blast-related brain injury in active-duty United States Special Operations Forces
Repeated exposure to explosive blasts has the potential to cause brain injuries, but there is currently no diagnostic test for these injuries. In a study of 30 active-duty United States SOF personnel, researchers found that increased blast exposure was associated with structural, functional, and neuroimmune changes to the brain and a decline in health-related quality of life.
April 22th, 2024Source

The UK plans to phase out smoking. What does this new law mean for tobacco control in Australia?
There are no silver bullets, magic tricks or secret hacks to solving complex public health problems. Taking on the global tobacco industry and reducing the devastating consequences of smoking has taken decades of incremental reforms.
April 22th, 2024Source

Top pharmaceutical company evaluates Optimer for precision liver medicine
Aptamer Group plc, the developer of novel Optimer® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, today announces that its Optimer binder against cells associated with fibrotic liver disease, developed for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads to fibrotic liver disease, has been shipped to a top 15 pharmaceutical company for evaluation in their own therapeutic applications.
April 22th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 19th, 2024

Alcohol-induced blackouts may be linked to how a person drinks, not just how much
Certain drinking behaviors beyond just the quantity of alcohol consumed may predict the likelihood a person will experience an alcohol-induced blackout, a condition where someone is conscious and engaging with their surroundings but will be unable to remember some or any of what occurred. While in this condition, people are at higher risk for a range of consequences, including violence or sexual assault.
April 19th, 2024Source

Analyzing the progression in retinal thickness could predict cognitive progression in Parkinson's patients
Although there are still some aspects pending confirmation for its use in the clinical setting, and its resolution needs to be improved slightly, a study by the UPV/EHU and Biobizkaia has shown that a method routinely used to carry out ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson's patients. In the course of the research, it was found that the neurodegeneration of the retina probably precedes cognitive impairment.
April 19th, 2024Source

Battle against fatal neurodegenerative disease advances on two fronts
European researchers are pioneering a vaccine and treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
April 19th, 2024Source

Early intervention could help keep young women out of jail, shows study
Adolescence is the prime time to help young women who've had repeated run-ins with the U.S. juvenile justice system find a different path, new University of Oregon research finds.
April 19th, 2024Source

How collagen works in medical treatment
Scientists at the NMI have unraveled the mode of action of collagen crosslinking in the treatment of corneal defects and the results open up new opportunities for the use of collagen in medicine.
April 19th, 2024Source

How myeloid cell replacement could help treat autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are disorders of the immune system associated in this case with demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). The term demyelination describes damage to the layer covering nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
April 19th, 2024Source

How to cope with irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can significantly disrupt a person's daily life. Some people suffer in silence because of painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can significantly affect a person's quality of life.
April 19th, 2024Source

Many suicides are related to gambling—how can we tackle this problem?
Whether you're watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, it has become normalized as a part of Australian culture.
April 19th, 2024Source

New compound from blessed thistle may promote functional nerve regeneration
Researchers from the University of Cologne have found a new use for cnicin, a substance produced in blessed thistle. Their article "Cnicin promotes functional nerve regeneration" features clinical studies and is published in Phytomedicine.
April 19th, 2024Source

New stem cell model can help personalize stem cell treatment for immunodeficiency patients
A collaborative research team has pioneered a new stem cell model to help personalize treatment for patients suffering from rare forms of immunodeficiency. The research findings were published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
April 19th, 2024Source

Potential modifier gene identified as cause of ciliary pathology in retinitis pigmentosa patient
Ciliopathies are rare diseases in which the formation or function of cilia, cylindrical-shaped extensions found on the surface of many cells, is altered. There is a high degree of ciliary specialization, ranging from motile cilia of the respiratory epithelium to primary cilia—necessary for neurodevelopment or the formation of many organs—and neurosensory cilia of the ear and the retina.
April 19th, 2024Source

Researchers discover glial hyper-drive for triggering epileptic seizures
Epilepsy, where patients suffer from unexpected seizures, affects roughly 1% of the population. These seizures often involve repetitive and excessive neuronal firing, and the trigger behind this still poorly understood.
April 19th, 2024Source

Researchers say risk prediction model offers accurate predictions for chronic kidney disease
For individuals with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), a model, KDpredict, can accurately predict the risk for kidney failure and death, according to a study published online April 15 in The BMJ.
April 19th, 2024Source

Solving the puzzle: Autism diagnosis often takes longer for girls, whose symptoms can differ from boys'
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder, characterized by difficulty with communication, social interactions and behavior, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
April 19th, 2024Source

Wastewater study shows potential for early warning of infectious disease outbreaks in jails
An innovative partnership between infectious disease researchers and the Fulton County Jail has produced insight that could help detect and track future disease outbreaks.
April 19th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 17th, 2024

AI beats doctors in accurately assessing eye problems
The clinical knowledge and reasoning skills of GPT-4 are approaching the level of specialist eye doctors, a study led by the University of Cambridge has found.
April 17th, 2024Source

AI speeds up drug design for Parkinson's by ten-fold
Researchers have used artificial intelligence techniques to massively accelerate the search for Parkinson's disease treatments.
April 17th, 2024Source or Source

As bans spread, fluoride in drinking water divides communities across the US
Regina Barrett, a 69-year-old retiree who lives in this small North Carolina city southeast of Charlotte, has not been happy with her tap water for a while.
April 17th, 2024Source

Dialogue between brain regions: How memories guide us to rewards
Picture this: You want to take a walk to your favorite ice cream parlor for the first time after winter. You can probably remember how to get there. How does our brain guide us to such rewarding places? In a study recently Source, researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology (LIN) in Magdeburg used state-of-the-art methods to answer this question. They discovered that our brain uses a special code to guide us to places that promise rewards.
April 17th, 2024Source

Families including someone with mental illness can experience deep despair—they need support
In the aftermath of the tragic Bondi knife attack, Joel Cauchi's parents have spoken about their son's long history of mental illness, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 17. They said they were "devastated and horrified" by their son's actions. "To you he's a monster," said his father. "But to me he was a very sick boy."
April 17th, 2024Source

First study of its kind finds voucher scheme helps new moms to stay smoke-free
A high street voucher scheme has been shown to be helpful in supporting new mothers, who stopped smoking during their pregnancy, to maintain abstinence from smoking in their first year postpartum.
April 17th, 2024Source

How data provided by fitness trackers and smartphones can help people with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an insidious disease. Patients suffer because their immune system is attacking their own nerve fibers, which inhibits the transmission of nerve signals. People with MS experience mild to severe impairment of their motor function and sensory perception in a variety of ways. These impairments disrupt their daily activities and reduce their overall quality of life.
April 17th, 2024Source

Investigators identify a group of cells involved in working memory
Cedars-Sinai investigators have discovered how brain cells responsible for working memory—the type required to remember a phone number long enough to dial it—coordinate intentional focus and short-term storage of information.
April 17th, 2024Source

Most homeless Americans are battling mental illness
Two-thirds of homeless people are experiencing some form of mental health disorder, a large, new review of data on the subject.
April 17th, 2024Source

New brain target key to easing tough-to-treat epilepsy
Some people with tough-to-treat epilepsy might benefit if doctors target a brain region newly linked to the disorder, a new study suggests.
April 17th, 2024Source

New study sheds light on the relationship between race and mental health stigma in college students
A new study by a counseling researcher at New York Institute of Technology sheds light on the relationship between race and mental health stigma. The findings could help college counseling and wellness professionals better understand students' cultural experiences and the barriers they may face in seeking mental health treatment.
April 17th, 2024Source

Researchers present new findings on the development of the human forebrain
A group of researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine led an investigation that offers new insight into the development of the human forebrain.
April 17th, 2024Source

Study finds microdosing LSD leads to longer sleep: Insights from a controlled trial
In a recent study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, researchers from New Zealand conducted a phase I trial to assess the effect of micro-dosing of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the sleep and activity patterns of 80 healthy male adults.
April 17th, 2024Source

Study reveals the strong impact of layer 6b neurons on cortical activity
Layer 6b, the deepest layer of the mammalian brain's cortex, has recently been the focus of numerous neuroscience studies. Despite the interesting findings gathered in recent years, the role of this deep cortical layer remains poorly understood.
April 17th, 2024Source

'Tech neck' is a pain in more than just the neck
The typical average adult head weighs approximately 10--12 pounds. But did you know that bending it forward at a 45-degree angle to look at a cellphone or tablet can dramatically increase your chances to have "tech neck?"
April 17th, 2024Source

Understanding the brain mechanisms behind emotion processing bias in treatment-resistant depression
One potential underlying cause of symptoms in individuals with depression is an emotion-processing bias which causes them to have a stronger response to negative information more so than positive. While prior research has sought to further understand and treat the neural mechanisms behind these biases, many questions remain in the fight against treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
April 17th, 2024Source

Why doesn't my digital music feel like 'mine'? Three ways digital possessions reduce our sense of ownership
Our possessions—the things we view as "mine"—play an important role in our lives. Beyond their functionality, they can serve as poignant reminders of cherished memories. They can symbolize not only who we are, but also who we used to be, and who we aspire to become.
April 17th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 15th, 2024

Blinking found to do more than simply wet the eyes—it helps boost visual signal strength
A trio of brain and cognitive scientists at the University of Rochester, in the U.S., has found that eye blinking does more than simply wet the eyes—it also helps to keep vision sharp by maintaining the strength of visual signals.
April 15th, 2024Source

Breakthrough brain stimulator could revolutionize treatment for neurological disorders
Rice University engineers have developed the smallest implantable brain stimulator demonstrated in a human patient. Thanks to pioneering magnetoelectric power transfer technology, the pea-sized device developed in the Rice lab of Jacob Robinson in collaboration with Motif Neurotech and clinicians Dr. Sameer Sheth and Dr. Sunil Sheth can be powered wirelessly via an external transmitter and used to stimulate the brain through the dura ⎯ the protective membrane attached to the bottom of the skull.
April 15th, 2024Source

Expert calls for broader view in determining extreme heat's impact on health
As scientists express concern over the world's hottest March on record—the 10th record-breaking month in a row—a Brock University physiology expert is calling for a more holistic way of determining the health risks posed by extreme heat.
April 15th, 2024Source

Mindfulness and meditation: Inward attention as a tool for mental health
From a young age, people learn the importance of paying attention to the environment around them. Less emphasized is the value of paying attention to their inner environment. Neuroscientists are increasingly studying how looking inward via mindfulness training can affect everything from depression and memory to stress levels and aging.
April 15th, 2024Source

Only 26% of Americans say they get at least eight hours of sleep, new Gallup poll says
If you're feeling—YAWN—sleepy or tired while you read this and wish you could get some more shut-eye, you're not alone. A majority of Americans say they would feel better if they could have more sleep, according to a new poll.
April 15th, 2024Source

Stirring up emotions: Parkinson's disease alters emotion-related bodily sensations, finds study
Researchers at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland have shown that bodily sensations related to emotions are altered by the neurological disorder Parkinson's disease.
April 15th, 2024Source

Sydney attacker had 'mental health issues' but most people with mental illness aren't violent
The man who killed six people and injured countless others at a Bondi shopping center on Saturday, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, reportedly had "mental health issues", police explained soon after the tragic event, while ruling out terrorism.
April 15th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 12th, 2024

A third of women found to experience migraines associated with menstruation, most commonly when premenopausal
A third of the nearly 20 million women who participated in a national health survey report migraines during menstruation, and of them, 11.8 million, or 52.5%, were premenopausal. The analysis was conducted by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center and Pfizer, Inc., which makes a migraine medication.
April 12th, 2024Source

As bans spread, fluoride in drinking water divides communities across the US
Regina Barrett, a 69-year-old retiree who lives in this small North Carolina city southeast of Charlotte, has not been happy with her tap water for a while.
April 12th, 2024Source

California fails to adequately help blind and deaf prisoners, US judge rules NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Thirty years after prisoners with disabilities sued the state of California and 25 years after a federal court first ordered accommodations, a judge found that state prison and parole officials still are not doing enough to help deaf and blind prisoners — in part because they are not using readily available technology such as video recordings and laptop computers.
April 12th, 2024Source

Can media use in adolescents increase the risk of psychotic experiences in early adulthood?
In a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, a team of Canadian scientists investigated the association between media use among adolescents and the occurrence of psychotic experiences at the age of 23, using longitudinal data on media use.
April 12th, 2024Source

Cell's 'garbage disposal' may have another role: Helping neurons near skin sense the environment
The typical job of the proteasome, the garbage disposal of the cell, is to grind down proteins into smaller bits and recycle some of those bits and parts. That's still the case, for the most part, but, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, studying nerve cells grown in the lab and mice, say that the proteasome's role may go well beyond that.
April 12th, 2024Source

Decoding the language of cells: Profiling the proteins behind cellular organelle communication
In cellular biology, unraveling the complexities of cellular function at the molecular level remains a paramount endeavor. Significant scientific focus has been placed on understanding the interactions at organelle contact sites, especially between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These sites are critical hubs for the exchange of essential biomolecules, such as lipids and calcium, which are vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis.
April 12th, 2024Source

Inflammation discovery advances the fight against chronic liver disease
In a world-first, QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation among millions of people with chronic liver disease.
April 12th, 2024Source

New study probes macrophages' role in developing pulmonary fibrosis
Scientists have long known that white blood cells called macrophages accumulate in the lungs of people suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. What role macrophages play in developing the often fatal lung disease is less clear.
April 12th, 2024Source

Pandemic drinking hit middle-aged women hardest, study finds
Middle-aged women experienced increases in alcohol-related health complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research led by a University of Pittsburgh physician-scientist and published today in JAMA Health Forum.
April 12th, 2024Source

Research offers insights into facial development at the cellular level
Mother Nature is an artist, but her craft of creating animal faces requires more than a paintbrush and palette. Such highly complex shapes originate from their respective transient neural crest cells.
April 12th, 2024Source

Researchers shed light on the molecular causes of different functions of opioid receptors
Thousands of people around the world die every day from overdoses involving opioids such as fentanyl. Drugs that target opioid receptors sometimes have severe side effects. An international team of researchers has taken a closer look at the molecular mechanisms of these active substances. The research, carried out by Dr Matthias Elgeti, a biophysicist at Leipzig University, in collaboration with research groups from the US and China, has now been published in the journal Nature.
April 12th, 2024Source

Sleep Divorce: Save Your Sleep and Relationship With One Move
If your partner is the source of your sleep troubles, sleep divorce might be right for you. Here's how to do it.
April 12th, 2024Source

Study finds that dopamine projections to the amygdala contribute to encoding identity-specific reward memories
Over the course of their lives, humans build subjective internal models outlining the associations between specific environmental stimuli and rewards that could be gained from interacting with them. These experience-based models allow them to infer what benefits they could gain from acting in specific ways.
April 12th, 2024Source

Study reveals potential to reverse lung fibrosis using the body's own healing technique
The most common type of lung fibrosis—scarring of the lungs—is idiopathic, meaning of unknown cause. Researchers are urgently trying to find ways to prevent or slow idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and related lung conditions, which can cause worsening shortness of breath, dry cough, and extreme fatigue. Average survival following diagnosis of IPF is just three to five years, and the disease has no cure.
April 12th, 2024Source

Wearable sensors for Parkinson's can improve with machine learning, data from healthy adults
Low-cost, wearable sensors could increase access to care for patients with Parkinson's disease. New machine-learning approaches and a baseline of data from healthy older adults improve the accuracy of the results from such sensors, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers and clinical collaborators found in a new study.
April 12th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 11th, 2024

Eye infections might seem like a minor complaint, but in some cases they can cause blindness and even death
When you think of eye infections, what comes to mind? Puffy, swollen bruised feeling eyelids that get glued together with gunk overnight? That feeling of having grit in your eye that can't be cleaned away? Eye infections may seem like a relatively minor—if unsightly and inconvenient—complaint, but they can also be far more serious.
April 11th, 2024Source

High rate of death soon after release from jail is avoidable: Researchers call for coordinated whole government response
More than 30 million people worldwide pass through prisons every year, including almost 70,000 in Australia.
April 11th, 2024Source

In the drive to deprescribe, heartburn drug study teaches key lessons
Whether it's costs, safety risks, or "pill fatigue" they're trying to reduce, many health systems and clinics have started working on ways to encourage the deprescribing of medications that patients may not need.
April 11th, 2024Source

NZ's mental health care is in crisis, but research shows how to shorten wait times and keep staff
New Zealand's youth mental health care continues to experience a rolling crisis with long waiting times for services. There have been calls to expand the mental health workforce and to diversify the range of available services.
April 11th, 2024Source

People who use willpower alone to achieve goals, resist temptation, deemed more trustworthy
People who use willpower to overcome temptations and achieve their goals are perceived as more trustworthy than those who use strategies that involve external incentives or deterrents—such as swear jars or internet-blocking apps—according to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
April 11th, 2024Source

Q&A: Can weight loss drugs help in addiction treatment?
In recent years, the popularity of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has skyrocketed. While this new class of drugs, called GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, are approved for use in diabetes and for weight loss, researchers have found that they might help with other conditions too, like cardiovascular disease and addiction. They've made such a splash that the journal Science named GLP-1 drugs the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year.
April 11th, 2024Source

Sad music study tests the direct effect hypothesis of 'pleasurable negative emotion'
A new study proposes a novel theory of why listening to sad music can make us feel good.
April 11th, 2024Source

Scientists discover groups of spinal cord neurons that allow for brain-independent motor learning
Aya Takeoka at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan and colleagues have discovered the neural circuitry in the spinal cord that allows brain-independent motor learning. Published in Science, the study found two critical groups of spinal cord neurons, one necessary for new adaptive learning, and another for recalling adaptations once they have been learned.
April 11th, 2024Source

Study finds alcohol emergency department presentations increasing among older New Zealanders
Findings from a new University of Otago, Christchurch, study suggest alcohol harm is becoming more prevalent among older New Zealanders but less so among youth, with alcohol-related presentations placing a significant but preventable burden on the motu's over-stretched hospital emergency departments.
April 11th, 2024Source

Study lays the basis for new perspectives on gastrointestinal diseases
The transition from the esophagus to the stomach is a delicate region from a medical point of view, often associated with pathological disorders leading to cancer. An international research team has now gained new insights into this region that will pave the way for new prevention and treatment options.
April 11th, 2024Source

Successful murine model of dermatomyositis reveals underlying immune system involvement
Some diseases involve autoimmune reactions when the body begins to attack its own cells and proteins. The biological mechanisms underlying these diseases are often unknown, making treatment challenging. Now, a group at TMDU has created a murine model for a disease known as "anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis."
April 11th, 2024Source

Surgery won't fix my chronic back pain, so what will?
This week's ABC Four Corners episode Pain Factory highlighted that our health system is failing Australians with chronic pain. Patients are receiving costly, ineffective and risky care instead of effective, low-risk treatments for chronic pain.
April 11th, 2024Source

Team reports on multifractal detection of the early stages of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease mainly associated with the slowing down of information processing and a lack of motor coordination. It is an incurable disease that leads to degeneration of the central nervous system, manifesting as motor and sensory disturbances.
April 11th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 10th, 2024

Improved support needed for PTSD in Welsh prisons, says study
Prisoners with PTSD and C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) in Wales may be falling through gaps in support because of variations in screening and interventions in Welsh prisons, finds new research.
April 10th, 2024Source

Navigation software supports kidney research
Chronic inflammatory kidney diseases cause serious illnesses, including complete kidney failure, which must be treated with extensive regular blood washing or kidney transplantation. Most of these diseases manifest themselves through protein excretion in the urine. This is because the millions of small filters in the kidneys, known as glomeruli, are damaged and therefore no longer retain protein.
April 10th, 2024Source

Research highlights STON2 variations involved in synaptic dysfunction and schizophrenia-like behaviors
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits, with heritability estimates of approximately 80%. Synaptic dysfunction is a core component of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, the genetic risk factors and molecular mechanisms related to synaptic dysfunction are still not fully understood.
April 10th, 2024Source

Research team discovers new way to generate human cartilage
University of Montana researchers and their partners have found a new method to generate human cartilage of the head and neck. Mark Grimes, a biology professor in UM's Division of Biological Sciences, said they have induced stem cells to become the cell type that normally makes up human craniofacial cartilage. Stem cells can replicate themselves and also develop into different types of cells.
April 10th, 2024Source

Research uncovers differences between the sexes in sleep, circadian rhythms and metabolism
A new review of research evidence has explored the key differences in how women and men sleep, variations in their body clocks, and how this affects their metabolism.
April 10th, 2024Source

Researchers find new origin of deep brain waves
University of California, Irvine biomedical engineering researchers have uncovered a previously unknown source of two key brain waves crucial for deep sleep: slow waves and sleep spindles. Traditionally believed to originate from one brain circuit linking the thalamus and cortex, the team's findings, published in Scientific Reports, suggest that the axons in memory centers of the hippocampus play a role.
April 10th, 2024Source

Researchers show chemical found naturally in cannabis may reduce anxiety-inducing effects of THC
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led research team has added to evidence that a chemical found naturally in cannabis (also known as marijuana) can—in the right amounts—lessen the anxiety-inducing effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive sister chemical found in cannabis. The finding has the potential to advance the medicinal use of THC and reduce the risks of its recreational use in some people.
April 10th, 2024Source

Revascularization enhances quality of life for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia
Over 200 million people around the world experience peripheral artery disease (PAD) -- a condition caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels from the heart to the lower limbs that leads to pain when walking -- and for roughly 1-in-10 this advances to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), an advanced form of PAD.
April 10th, 2024Source

Preventive ablation of ventricular tachycardia avoids shocks and hospitalization, finds clinical trial
The first randomized trial to investigate preventive ablation of a potential arrhythmogenic substrate associated with coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) in patients at high risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) reduces the risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy and unplanned hospitalization in patients with no previously recorded VAs.
April 10th, 2024Source

Study advances understanding of liver immune response in cirrhosis
The Department of Clinical Medicine at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) leads research on the immune system's role in advanced chronic liver disease. Through various experiments on mouse cirrhosis models and human tissues, researchers have examined how the protein LSECtin interacts with the liver's immune response.
April 10th, 2024Source

The Dangerous Dyes and Other Food Additives States Want to Ban
Following California's lead, more states are trying to keep harmful additives out of our food and our schools
April 10th, 2024Source

The surprising ways your siblings and your health may be linked
Anybody who has worn a hand-me-down, shared a bathroom or survived a long car trip with a brother or a sister knows that siblings can affect your life in nearly every way possible.
April 10th, 2024Source

Why some people with rheumatoid arthritis have pain without inflammation
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has come a long way in recent years. In many cases, a battery of medications can now successfully calm the inflammatory cells that cause swelling and pain when they infiltrate tissues around the joints.
April 10th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 6th, 2024

Study: Epilepsy patients benefit from structured 'seizure action plans'
A new 16-week study of 204 adult epilepsy patients found that 98% of participants believe that all patients with epilepsy should have a seizure action plan (SAP), regardless of seizure status.
April 6th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 5th, 2024

Blast exposure linked to intestinal problems
A study by New York and Rocky Mountain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs researchers showed blast exposure can cause intestinal permeability, a condition that can lead to gut bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing problems in other parts of the body. The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, was the first to show a connection between blasts and intestinal permeability in a real-world operational setting.
April 5th, 2024Source

FDA approves first prescription digital therapy for major depression
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the first prescription digital therapeutic authorized for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms.
April 5th, 2024Source

Radiomics nomograms predict cochlear, vestibular endolymphatic hydrops in meniere disease
Novel radiomics nomograms successfully predict cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in patients with Meniere disease, according to a study published online March 8 in European Radiology.
April 5th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 4th, 2024

Chemical regulates light processing differently in the autistic and non-autistic eye, new study finds
King's College London researchers have shown that the brain chemical GABA regulates activity in the retina of the eye in autistic and non-autistic individuals differently. Autistic people have larger responses to single light flashes in the retina of the eye and this new study shows that increasing GABA activity can reduce this response.
April 4th, 2024Source

How the Body Reacts to Grief, and What It Can Mean
Fatigue, headaches, stomach pain and a higher risk of heart disease. Although these things may not make you think of grief at first, many people who experience a significant loss have these and other physical symptoms.
April 4th, 2024Source

Fans are not a magic bullet for beating the heat, modeling study shows
A new study by researchers at the University of Ottawa throws cold water on the idea that fans can effectively cool you down during extremely hot weather events.
April 4th, 2024Source

Frostbite: First aid
Frostbite is when skin and underlying tissues freeze after being exposed to very cold temperatures. It causes a cold feeling followed by numbness. As the frostbite gets worse, the affected skin may change color and become hard or waxy-looking.
April 4th, 2024Source

New book challenges the assumption that youth drinking is in decline globally
The harmful use of alcohol causes an estimated 3 million deaths every year, of which a significant proportion occur in the young. While alcohol consumption among youth appears to be decreasing in North America and Europe, a new book by University College Dublin (UCD)'s Dr. Emeka Dumbili challenges the assumption that youth drinking is "in decline" globally.
April 4th, 2024Source

New research identifies three distinct multiple sclerosis endophenotypes for personalized treatment
In a transformative study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, an international team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in the understanding and potential treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
April 4th, 2024Source

Prairie voles display signs of human-like depression, show promise as animal model
Psychology researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso are making progress towards understanding the biological underpinnings of depression, a leading cause of disability that affects approximately 280 million people around the world.
April 4th, 2024Source

Research explores liberalization of medical marijuana and mental health in the US
The approval of marijuana for medical use has had little effect on the mental health of the general population in the US. But legalization for therapeutic purposes does benefit those for whom it is intended. This is the conclusion of a study by researchers at the University of Basel. The research is published in the journal Health Economics, Policy and Law.
April 4th, 2024Source

Research offers insight into future understanding of MS and its treatments
The test that was developed using an existing diagnostic procedure as its basis and has the potential to be applied in clinical trials that target the Epstein Barr Virus.
April 4th, 2024Source

Scientists discover potential treatment approaches for polycystic kidney disease
Innovative disease modeling and gene editing techniques begin to answer long-standing questions.
April 4th, 2024Source

Study finds link between cortisol and social support in couples
Couples feel more understood and cared for when their partners show positive support skills—and it's evidenced by levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body—according to new research from Binghamton University.
April 4th, 2024Source

Study reveals that the brain's cerebellum can shape cognition
If you reward a monkey with some juice, it will learn which hand to move in response to a specific visual cue—but only if the cerebellum is functioning properly. So say neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Columbia University, who recently published findings in Nature Communications that show the brain region plays a crucial role in reward-based learning.
April 4th, 2024Source

The Horrors of TMJ: Chronic Pain, Metal Jaws, and Futile Treatments
Another woman in California, desperate for relief, used a screwdriver to lengthen her jawbone daily, turning screws that protruded from her neck.
April 4th, 2024Source or Source

Vaping additives harm a vital membrane in the lungs, researchers find
The health risks associated with the consumption of tobacco and cannabis products are well-established by now. Much less understood are the risks associated with vaping, particularly flavored products popular with young adults.
April 4th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — April 2nd, 2024

Early cortical remyelination has a neuroprotective effect in multiple sclerosis, study shows
Multiple sclerosis is a heterogeneous disease whose manifestations vary considerably from patient to patient and whose course appears, on the surface, unpredictable. Hence, it is crucial to identify the factors that drive disability progression.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Exploring the factors that influence people's ability to detect lies online
The internet has given rise to new forms of deceit and misinformation, including phishing attacks, romance scams and fake news. While many psychological studies have investigated the factors that influence people's ability to tell if others are lying in person, lie detection online has seldomly been explored.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Increasing positive affect in adolescence could lead to improved health and well-being in adulthood
Adolescents with high positive affect may have improved physical and mental health as adults, according to a study published April 2nd in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Eric Kim and Renae Wilkinson from Harvard University, US, and colleagues.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Model predicts need for bone marrow sampling in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
A recently developed multivariable model can accurately predict smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or worse in persons with presumed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), according to a study published online April 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
April 2nd, 2024Source

More women are drinking themselves sick: The Biden administration is concerned
When Karla Adkins looked in the rear-view mirror of her car one morning nearly 10 years ago, she noticed the whites of her eyes had turned yellow.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Novel compound AC102 restores hearing in preclinical models of sudden hearing loss
A single application of the novel compound AC102 almost completely restores noise-induced hearing loss in preclinical models. This is the key finding of a recent publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by the Berlin-based start-up AudioCure Pharma.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Q&A: How do you know when you're done with therapy?
Therapy can be a critical tool for taking care of your mental health. Finding the right therapist can take time, but patients can go to therapy for years and still see benefits, which raises the question: When is the right time to stop therapy?
April 2nd, 2024Source

Researchers produce grafts that replicate the human ear
Using state-of-the-art tissue engineering techniques and a 3D printer, researchers have assembled a replica of an adult human ear that looks and feels natural. The study offers the promise of grafts with well-defined anatomy and the correct biomechanical properties for those who are born with a congenital malformation or who lose an ear later in life.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Scientists reveal adipocytes' metabolic role and identify treatment targets
Recent research underscores the critical role of adipocytes in storing fat, vital for organismal survival. Dysfunctional adipocytes can lead to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, highlighting the importance of understanding lipid storage mechanisms.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Wound treatment hydrogel infused with amino acid kills bacteria naturally and promotes cell growth
Hydrogels are popular for use in skin ailments and tissue engineering. These polymer-based biocompatible materials are useful for their abilities to retain water, deliver drugs into wounds, and biodegrade. However, they are complicated to manufacture and not very resilient to external forces like rubbing against clothing, sheets, or wound dressings.
April 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 29th, 2024

An infamous 'inflammasome'—a rogue protein complex—appears to underlie a rare and disabling autoimmune disorder
Autoimmune diseases are among the most puzzling because turncoat constituents of the body wage a constant state of war. Sometimes the underlying cause of an autoimmune condition is so obscure—hidden within chemical miscues of the body—that a long investigatory search must be mounted to sleuth out a cause.
March 29th, 2024Source

Elevated liver enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes often are a sign of inflamed or damaged cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher levels of certain chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals include liver enzymes that may appear higher than usual on blood tests.
March 29th, 2024Source

Having a ruff day? Study says spending time with dogs can help
In a recent study published in PLoS ONE, researchers examined how interacting with dogs affects the emotions and psychophysiology of humans using an electroencephalogram (EEG).
March 29th, 2024Source

How blocking a neural receptor responsible for addiction could reduce alcohol use
Scripps Research scientists have found that LY2444296—a compound that selectively blocks the kappa opioid receptor (KOP)—may reduce drinking in cases of alcohol dependence in animal studies. The findings, which were published in Scientific Reports, could eventually inform new treatment options for people who experience alcohol use disorder (AUD).
March 29th, 2024Source

How music choices can affect productivity
Human brain states are unobserved states that can constantly change due to internal and external factors, including cognitive arousal, a.k.a. intensity of emotion, and cognitive performance states. Maintaining a proper level of cognitive arousal may result in being more productive throughout daily cognitive activities.
March 29th, 2024Source

Modesty and boastfulness: Study shows perception depends on usual performance
When people present themselves as capable or humble, the way this influences other people's evaluations of one's true ability and character depends on one's usual performance. Kobe University and University of Sussex researchers thus add an important factor in our understanding of how the relationship between self-presentation and perception develops with age.
March 29th, 2024Source

Multiple biomaterials for immediate implant placement tissue repair: Current status and future perspectives
A study published in the journal MedComm -- Biomaterials and Applications, led by Dr. Xiaojing Wang from the Department of Oral Implantology at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, focuses on addressing tooth loss, a prevalent dental condition linked to accidents, decay, periodontal disease, and congenital deficiencies.
March 29th, 2024Source

New synapse type discovered through spatial proteomics
Researchers have developed a new super-resolution high-throughput imaging method. Using the new technique, the scientists were able to create a 3D neuronal cell atlas with single-molecule resolution and discovered a previously unknown type of synapse. The results of the study were published in the journal Cell.
March 29th, 2024Source

Prescribing alcohol use disorder medications upon discharge from alcohol-related hospitalizations works
For adults hospitalized for alcohol-related reasons, receiving a prescription for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) medication at the time of discharge may lower their risk of returning to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, including emergency room visits and readmissions.
March 29th, 2024Source

Professor discusses what's new in concussion treatment and management
There have been significant changes in the last few years in how concussions are identified and treated. Steven Broglio, director of the Michigan Concussion Center and professor at the U-M School of Kinesiology, can discuss.
March 29th, 2024Source

Social workers debunk the myths about how they help patients heal
Working side by side with physicians and nurses, social workers are instrumental in supporting patients, families, and communities. Research has found that social workers can help reduce emergency room visits, length of hospital stays, and hospital readmission rates.
March 29th, 2024Source

Student-athletes with self-reported autism more likely to score low on common concussion test
Schools and colleges across the country rely on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) evaluations to assess and manage student-athlete concussions on the sidelines. However, this FDA-cleared tool is not recommended for student-athletes with neurodevelopmental disorders, who often score significantly lower than neurotypical individuals.
March 29th, 2024Source

Study finds increase in suicides among Black and Latino Chicagoans
When Asst. Prof. Janelle Goodwill first arrived in Chicago in 2020, she saw several news stories about gun violence in the city. But she also realized that many researchers had not yet explored a related, concerning trend. Suicides—particularly in Black communities—were increasing.
March 29th, 2024Source

Study reveals strong bidirectional relationship between perinatal depression and premenstrual disorders
Women affected by premenstrual disorders have a higher risk of perinatal depression compared with those who do not, according to research published March 28th in the open access journal PLOS Medicine. The relationship works both ways: those with perinatal depression are also more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
March 29th, 2024Source

Steady rise in US suicides among adolescents, teens
U.S. rates of suicide by all methods rose steadily for adolescents between 1999 and 2020, a new analysis shows.
March 29th, 2024Source

Veterans help provide greater insight into Klinefelter and Jacobs syndromes
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and collaborators across the country have conducted the largest and most diverse study of men with extra X or Y chromosomes in the US using a large dataset of military veterans.
March 29th, 2024Source

Women's skin study shows distinct chemical changes in response to psychological stress
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers investigated the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by the skin in response to psychological stress.
March 29th, 2024Source or Source

Health — General Information — March 28th, 2024

Assistance dogs may detect PTSD flashbacks via breath NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Dogs' sensitive noses can detect the early warning signs of many potentially dangerous medical situations, like an impending seizure or sudden hypoglycemia. Now, scientists have found evidence that assistance dogs might even be able to sniff out an oncoming PTSD flashback, by teaching two dogs to alert to the breath of people who have been reminded of traumas.
March 28th, 2024Source

Attitudes to adulthood are shifting as traditional milestones become out of reach, new study finds
According to the study, people aged 18--30 have the most negative attitudes towards adulthood, which could be due to them spending their early adult years struggling to "get ahead" amid the challenges of a pandemic and cost of living crisis.
March 28th, 2024Source

Insomnia symptoms may predict subsequent drinking in adults
People with symptoms of insomnia may be likely to increase their drinking over time, according to a study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.
March 28th, 2024Source

Is eye movement in autism tied to facial recognition?
Some teenagers with autism use a different set of eye-movement patterns from their non-autistic counterparts while recognizing faces, according to James McPartland, Ph.D., Harris Professor in the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and a director of the Center for Brain and Mind Health at Yale School of Medicine; and Jason Griffin, Ph.D., the Hilibrand Postdoctoral Fellow at YCSC. Eye movements are part of the process of telling people apart and could provide information to clinicians about how people with autism process social information differently from non-autistic persons.
March 28th, 2024Source

For healthy spring cleaning, think NEAT (and dust carefully), says heart specialist
As traditions go, spring cleaning probably doesn't bring the thrills that come from watching a college basketball tournament, taking a break at the beach or spying the first robins outside your window.
March 28th, 2024Source

Japan drugmaker reports two more deaths in supplement scare
A Japanese drugmaker whose dietary supplements are at the center of a growing health scare reported on Thursday two more deaths potentially related to its tablets.
March 28th, 2024Source

More than 70% of B.C. inmates with substance use disorders are reincarcerated, finds study
Former prisoners with substance use and co-occurring disorders are at an alarmingly high risk of reincarceration, according to a new Simon Fraser University-led study.
March 28th, 2024Source

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help reduce risk of autism, ADHD in children, observational study suggests
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be preventable if parents avoid toxic exposures and adopt interventions such as environmental house calls, according to a study, published in Journal of Xenobiotics, led by researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio).
March 28th, 2024Source

Preparing for an allergic reaction
Allergic reactions can range from irritating sneezing fits to life-threatening episodes. An allergy specialist with Baylor College of Medicine gives tips for preparing yourself and loved ones for allergic reactions.
March 28th, 2024Source

Protection racket or fair medical model? Why the AFL's illicit drugs policy is a necessary duty of care
Earlier this week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused the AFL of conducting "off the books" illicit drug testing to identify players using substances of abuse, then inappropriately withdrawing them from matches under false pretenses.
March 28th, 2024Source

Social media use may help to empower plastic surgery patients
For patients considering or undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) procedures, using social media to gather information and answer questions can enhance patient empowerment—potentially leading to increased autonomy and better decision-making, reports a study in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
March 28th, 2024Source

Synaptic protein change during development offers clues on evolution and disease
The first analysis of how synaptic proteins change during early development reveals differences between mice and marmosets, and also what's different in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The Kobe University findings offer first insights into the mechanism behind synaptic development and open up routes for research on possible treatments.
March 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 27th, 2024

A new surgical technique enables smiling in patients with facial paralysis
A new study describes a novel surgical technique used to treat Moebius syndrome, a rare congenital condition leading to the inability to smile, oral incompetence, and a significant impact on social engagement. The study is published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.
March 27th, 2024Source

A promising discovery in a rare neurodegenerative disease
Imagine being middle aged and starting to feel that you are off balance a lot and that you are having a hard time coordinating your movements. Those are among the symptoms of Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, known as SCA6, a rare neurodegenerative disease that typically appears in adulthood and worsens over time.
March 27th, 2024Source

ADHD medication proves most effective in treating symptoms, new study finds
In a recent review article published in Pediatricse, researchers provided a comprehensive overview of treatment options available for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for children and adolescent individuals.
March 27th, 2024Source

ADHD stimulants may increase risk of heart damage in young adults
Young adults who were prescribed stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were significantly more likely to develop cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) compared with those who were not prescribed stimulants, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session.
March 27th, 2024Source

Can aspirin make your breathing worse?
Spring allergies feel bad enough for people with nasal congestion and asthma symptoms. But imagine if aspirin is the culprit that makes everything feel worse and you didn't know it. For some people with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also known as Samter's triad, it can be a challenging and long road to diagnosis.
March 27th, 2024Source or Source

Filters reduce arsenic levels by nearly 50% in Native American study participants with well water
A community-led water-testing project made up of households relying on private well water with high arsenic levels saw on average a 47% drop in participants' urinary arsenic levels after filters were installed and a digital health program was implemented, according to a new study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
March 27th, 2024Source

Fractures (broken bones)
A fracture is a broken bone. It needs medical care. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call 911 or your local emergency number.
March 27th, 2024Source

Investigating the loss of musical ability
Amusia is a severe musical disorder affecting both the perception and production of music. It may be either congenital, hereditary tone deafness, or acquired, that is, a condition caused by brain damage. Although amusia has been known in neurology since the late 19th century, the neural basis and mechanisms of music processing and associated disorders are not yet fully understood.
March 27th, 2024Source

Knees stiff with arthritis? Company studies whether fat injections can improve motion
A Louisville, Colorado, company is studying whether cells taken from patients' fat could reduce knee pain and improve motion in people with arthritis.
March 27th, 2024Source

Liver fibrosis, non-parenchymal cells and the promise of exosome therapy
Liver disease is a major health concern, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year. One serious complication is liver fibrosis, scarring that can lead to liver failure. There is currently no effective treatment, but new research suggests promise for exosomes, tiny sacs released by cells.
March 27th, 2024Source

Measuring emotional 'emptiness' could help manage this potentially life-threatening experience
Imagine a hollowness deep in your chest, a vacant space where feelings should be. Imagine being numb and devoid of all emotion, happy or sad—with any sensations simply passing right through you. You are watching the world go by from behind a screen—so disconnected that you feel a million miles away from people you care about the most.
March 27th, 2024Source

Micro-massaging—'artificial muscles' help fractured leg bones heal better
Orthopedic implants are used to fixate the bone fragments of fractures. Novel smart implants are now being developed that can continuously monitor and actively promote bone healing—by, for example, micro-massaging the fracture site. This innovative medical technology is currently under development at Saarland University by an interdisciplinary team of medical specialists, engineers, and computer scientists.
March 27th, 2024Source

'Noisy' autistic brains seem better at certain tasks. Here's why neuroaffirmative research matters
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference associated with specific experiences and characteristics.
March 27th, 2024Source

New Planned Parenthood leader says real issue is fairness, health equity
Ruth Richardson waited near the Iowa capitol's grand staircase, just outside the limelight. At the podium nearby, abortion-rights supporters railed against the state's conservative swing on abortion following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling Republican bills "nonsense," "pseudoscientific" and "speaking for the extreme." Richardson glanced at her speech and its somewhat different message.
March 27th, 2024Source

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows
A commonly used questionnaire adopted by GPs to monitor the treatment of depression does not provide any immediate benefits to patients, a new study has found.
March 27th, 2024Source

Research uncovers the neural pathways for primate reciprocity, social support, and empathy
Social interaction is key to survival and reproductive success in primates, including humans. Optimizing outcomes from these encounters requires a calculated approach to cooperation and competition—knowing whom to trust, whom to avoid, or whom to confront confers an evolutionary advantage.
March 27th, 2024Source

Sleeping Positions: What They Are and How They Affect Your Health
Learn what type of mattresses and pillows are best for you, whether you're a side, stomach, back or combination sleeper.
March 27th, 2024Source

Spot-on laser treatment for skin blemishes becoming clearer with new index
Many people bothered by skin blemishes might turn to laser treatment. To improve efficacy and reduce complications from such laser treatment, an Osaka Metropolitan University-led research group has developed an index of the threshold energy density, known as fluence, and the dependent wavelength for picosecond lasers. The work was published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
March 27th, 2024Source

Study of different autism types finds shared mechanism that may respond to drugs
An analysis of how brains with different forms of autism develop has revealed common underlying mechanisms that may respond to existing medications.
March 27th, 2024Source

Understanding the psychology of what lies behind irrational opinions
Most people, at one time or another, act foolishly. However, truly ignorant individuals exhibit a lack of introspection and stubbornly cling to their opinions, regardless of how irrational they may be. These people demonstrate unwavering self-assurance and are often oblivious to their own inadequacies. They craft retrospective justifications to validate their beliefs and hold onto them.
March 27th, 2024Source

Want to quit vaping? There's an app for that
More Australians than ever are vaping, according to recently released data.
March 27th, 2024Source

Why some types of music make people want to dance more than others
A trio of neuroscientists at Aix Marseille Universite in France, working with a psychologist colleague from the University of Connecticut in the U.S., has discovered what they believe to be the mechanism in the brain that controls the desire to dance prompted by music. In their study, published in Science Advances, the group conducted three separate types of studies to explore the brain's reaction to music and a subsequent desire to dance.
March 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 25th, 2024

Crackdown on illicit drugs detects rise in 'designer' drug substitutes
As authorities crack down on illicit drugs, University of South Australia experts have issued an alert on the use of the synthetic stimulant pentylone, as new research finds a 75% increase in detections across Australia.
March 25th, 2024Source

Early intervention after the first seizure may prevent long-term epilepsy and associated cognitive deficits
Only a very small percentage of neurons show changes after an epileptic seizure in mice, but these alterations can be permanent and trigger future seizures. An experimental treatment may prevent these long-term changes.
March 25th, 2024Source

Greener streets linked to better sleep
Living on a greener street or having views of blue spaces from your home will help you sleep for longer.
March 25th, 2024Source

High neighborhood eviction rate may harm Black moms' mental health
Living in a neighborhood with high eviction rates over time is associated with higher rates of psychological distress among pregnant Black women compared to those who live in areas with lower eviction rates, a new study has found.
March 25th, 2024Source

Immune responses in mesenteric lymph nodes improve understanding of Crohn's disease NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is sometimes insufficiently controlled by immunosuppressive therapies with a subsequent need for surgical removal of affected bowel segments. By analyzing draining mesenteric lymph nodes of affected small intestinal segments of patients who had required surgery, a research team led by Lukas Unger from MedUni Vienna identified immune responses that improve our understanding of the disease.
March 25th, 2024Source

New compound shows promise as a more effective treatment for schistosomiasis
A newly developed compound is showing promise in animal studies as a more effective treatment for human schistosomiasis, an understudied tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. The spread of schistosomiasis, a disease responsible for nearly 12,000 deaths globally each year, has been documented in 78 nations.
March 25th, 2024Source

New evidence-based guideline for the management of osteoporosis in men
Worldwide, it is estimated that one in five men over the age of 50 years will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime, and the number of hip fractures in men is expected to rise by approximately 310% between 1990 and 2050. Despite its great burden among older men, osteoporosis is still often viewed as a 'woman's' disease, and underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the condition in men are even more prevalent than in women.
March 25th, 2024Source

Prolonged inactivity affects cholesteryl esters differently depending on age
A new study examining cholesteryl esters suggests that periods of prolonged inactivity may affect people differently depending on their age. Cholesteryl esters -; which consist of cholesterol molecules bonded with fatty acids -; store and transport cholesterol throughout the body.
March 25th, 2024Source

Study shows heat mitigation improves worker safety and the bottom line
Climate change is a major factor in laborer safety. A new study from UConn's Korey Stringer Institute shows how heat mitigation can help keep workers safe and productive.
March 25th, 2024Source

Water allergy: A debilitating but thankfully rare condition
In the realm of medical anomalies, few conditions captivate curiosity and concern quite like aquagenic urticaria, commonly known as "water allergy".
March 25th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 22nd, 2024

2008 to 2020 saw increase in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) increased among privately insured people from 2008 to 2020, according to a study published online March 20 in Health Affairs.
March 22nd, 2024Source

ADHD medications linked to reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations
For adolescents and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the use of ADHD medications is associated with fewer psychiatric and nonpsychiatric hospitalizations, according to a study published online March 20 in JAMA Network Open.
March 22nd, 2024Source

AI-based conversational agents show promise in young people's mental health interventions
In a recent review published in npj Digital Medicine, researchers examined the current state of research into fully automated conversational agents (CAs)-mediated interventions for the emotional component of mental health among young individuals.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Allergy season arrived early in US. Here's how to keep pollen from ruining your spring
Allergy season is here—and it's earlier and stronger than expected. More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Body dysmorphia affects many teens, especially girls
Many teens—especially girls—are affected by body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition in which they become obsessed with perceived flaws in their personal appearance, a new study shows.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Intervention after first seizure may prevent long-term epilepsy
Only a very small percentage of neurons show changes after an epileptic seizure in mice, but these alterations can be permanent and trigger future seizures that can affect the whole brain and lead to impaired cognition, like memory and learning, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Multicomponent intervention aids quality of life with overactive bladder
A multicomponent intervention improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for women with moderate-to-severe overactive bladder, according to a study published online March 13 in JAMA Network Open.
March 22nd, 2024Source

New study reveals preventable-suicide risk profiles
Individuals with physical health concerns made up the largest and fastest growing of five subgroups of individuals who died by suicide in the United States over roughly twenty years, according to an analysis led by Weill Cornell Medicine in collaboration with Columbia University, UC Berkeley School of Public Health, the University of Hong Kong and University of Kentucky investigators.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Scientists pinpoint anorexia's neurologic origins
Anorexia nervosa, a mental health disorder in which people dangerously restrict their eating or purge their stomachs soon after a meal, is one of the deadliest psychological diseases.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Scientists provide novel insights into the effects of alternate day fasting on atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the major contributor to cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Diet-induced metabolic abnormalities including obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are considered atherogenic risk factors.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Study shows that US and other countries can do more to improve quality of life for people with Down syndrome
A new study led by investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital assesses for the first time the quality of daily life for people with Down syndrome (DS) in 50 countries around the world.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Study suggests treating anxiety and depression significantly reduces ER visits and rehospitalizations among heart disease patients
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of illness and death in developed countries. While advanced technology has boosted survival and rehabilitation odds, not much is known about the impact of anxiety or depression on the eventual outcomes. The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is predicted to increase by half in 2030. This will mean that eight million adults with HF, with almost $31 billion being required to treat them.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Survey assesses perspectives on patient image use in dermatology
Most patients report an increase in trust in the quality of their medical care if asked for permission to use their images for research or education, according to a research letter published online March 13 in JAMA Dermatology.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Systemic inflammation increases risk for chronic kidney disease
Systemic inflammation is associated with an elevated risk for chronic kidney disease, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Frontiers in Immunology.
March 22nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 20th, 2024

ALG6 acts as a modifier gene in the inherited genetic eye disease retinitis pigmentosa 59
Modifier genes add complexity to precision medicine. A modifier gene is one that has genetic variants such as single nucleotide changes that differ from the most common sequence in the population. These variants do not cause disease by themselves, but can lessen or exacerbate a different genetic disease phenotype by unknown mechanisms.
March 20th, 2024Source

Are you one of the millions about to have cataract surgery? Here's what ophthalmologists say you need to know
Cataract surgery is one of the most popular and commonly performed procedures in the world. The vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes with few complications.
March 20th, 2024Source

Dermatology researchers create new tool to measure hyperpigmentation
There are currently no globally accepted methods for analyzing hyperpigmentation, a condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin on the body. While one popular scale exists, it is specific to facial hyperpigmentation related to acne.
March 20th, 2024Source

Drinking water in US prisons may have dangerously high levels of PFAS
As calls increase for better water quality monitoring and mitigation in rural and economically disadvantaged communities, emerging research adds prisons, jails and detention centers to the areas of concern. A new paper published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that 47% of America's carceral facilities are in a watershed likely contaminated with "forever chemicals" known as PFAS.
March 20th, 2024Source

Exploring the use of body-worn cameras in mental health care settings
Findings from a study led by researchers at the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care have identified four key themes relating to the implementation and ethical use of body-worn cameras in mental health care settings.
March 20th, 2024Source

Fear may lead women and men to make different decisions when choosing short-vs-long-term rewards, finds study
Fear may affect women's decisions in choosing immediate rewards versus larger delayed ones, while men's decisions appear unaffected by emotion, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Eleonora Fiorenzato, Patrizia Bisiacchi, and Giorgia Cona from the University of Padua, Italy.
March 20th, 2024Source

Fiber, genes and the gut microbiome: Study reveals possible triggers for inflammatory bowel disease
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss—these and the other symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be disruptive and debilitating. And while scientists have figured out that IBD has a genetic component, not everyone with a family history develops the disease. To date, the environmental triggers for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known together as IBD, remain largely unknown.
March 20th, 2024Source

FoxO6-mediated ApoC3 upregulation promotes hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in HFD aged rats: Study
A new research paper titled "FoxO6-mediated ApoC3 upregulation promotes hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in aged rats fed a high-fat diet" has been published in Aging.
March 20th, 2024Source

Inflammation-reducing drug shows no benefit for dry age-related macular degeneration in NIH trial
The drug minocycline, an antibiotic that also decreases inflammation, failed to slow vision loss or expansion of geographic atrophy in people with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a phase II clinical study at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
March 20th, 2024Source or Source

More evidence needed to understand consumer behavior around no- and low-alcoholic drinks
There is not yet enough data on consumer behavior around no-and-low-alcoholic (NOLO) drinks to position them as the "healthy" alternative to alcoholic beverages, say researchers.
March 20th, 2024Source

Neurosurgeon explains the difference in brain aneurysms
Each year, nearly half a million people worldwide die from brain aneurysms. In the U.S., an estimated 6.7 million people have an unruptured brain aneurysm, which means about 1 in 50 people might have one.
March 20th, 2024Source

New study reveals how the brain orchestrates motions in partnership with sensory cues from the body
Motor neurons are the cells the brain uses to command muscles to act. Scientists typically thought of them as simple connections, much like the cables that link computers with their accessories. Now, in fly studies, researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have discovered that single motor neurons can each direct an insect's body to move in far more complex ways than previously thought.
March 20th, 2024Source

Study highlights causal associations between gut microbes and hypothyroidism NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers explored the association between the microbial community of the gut and hypothyroidism.
March 20th, 2024Source

Treating anxiety, depression in people with heart disease reduced ER visits, hospitalizations
Treating anxiety and depression reduced emergency room visits and rehospitalizations among people with heart disease, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
March 20th, 2024Source

Reorganization of prefrontal cortex circuitry during adolescence enables cognitive maturation of mice
Neuroscientists have been trying for decades to understand how the brains of humans and other animals develop throughout the lifespan. While their work has gathered much insight into brain maturation and development, many questions remain unanswered.
March 20th, 2024Source

Researchers report on the effectiveness of skin biopsy to detect Parkinson's and related neurodegenerative diseases
In a paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), neurologists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) showed that a simple skin biopsy test detects an abnormal form of alpha-synuclein, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease and the subgroup of neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies, at high positivity rates.
March 20th, 2024Source

Survey finds autism acceptance varies across countries
Societal acceptance of autism varies considerably across different countries, with lowest levels of acceptance found in Japan and Belgium, new research shows.
March 20th, 2024Source

The science of stress transmission
The transmission of physiological states in the collective is a robust phenomenon that can be observed in humans and animals. Stress is a natural response most often caused by a potential threat to one's physical or psychological integrity.
March 20th, 2024Source

To vape or not to vape: When an e-cigarette tax has an impact
E-cigarettes have become a big concern for public health, especially when it comes to young people using these harmful products. The U.S. government has considered a tax on vaping products to discourage people, especially underage users, from vaping. A new study from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business aims to determine how much of an impact a tax might have by analyzing behavior on a social media platform.
March 20th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 18th, 2024

A new approach to treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases that commonly occur in middle-aged people. FTD is second only to Alzheimer's disease in terms of dementia prevalence. Both ALS and FTD arise from neuronal degeneration through mechanisms that remain unclear.
March 18th, 2024Source

Amid Mental Health Staffing Crunch, Medi-Cal Patients Help One Another
Three people gathered in a classroom on a recent rainy afternoon listened intently as Derrick Cordero urged them to turn their negative feelings around.
March 18th, 2024Source

Breathe, don't vent: Turning down the heat is key to managing anger, study suggests
Venting about a source of anger might feel good in the moment, but it's not effective at reducing the rage, new research suggests.
March 18th, 2024Source

Clinical trial shows subcutaneous infusion pump safe, effective for Parkinson's treatment
An international, multisite Phase III trial, co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher, has found that a Parkinson's disease medication delivered through an infusion pump is safe and effective at reducing symptoms for longer periods of time.
March 18th, 2024Source

Do you have an ear for languages? It may be related to how you perceive the rhythms
A test that shows how good or bad we are at perceiving the rhythm of language can predict the ability to acquire language. The test results may also help us understand individual differences in brain biology.
March 18th, 2024Source

Elon Musk's brain implant company offers an intriguing glimpse of an internet connecting human minds
Elon Musk's company called Neuralink, launched in 2016, aims to implant a piece of technology in people's brains that would allow them to control a computer or phone by thought alone. This is otherwise known as a brain-computer interface.
March 18th, 2024Source

Implantable sensor could lead to timelier Crohn's treatment
A team of Northwestern University scientists has developed the first wireless, implantable temperature sensor to detect inflammatory flareups in patients with Crohn's disease. The approach offers long-term, real-time monitoring and could enable clinicians to act earlier to prevent or limit the permanent damage caused by inflammatory episodes.
March 18th, 2024Source or Source

Keeping score: Novel method might help differentiate two serious skin diseases
Your skin becomes red and spots filled with pus appear, so you visit a dermatologist. When these symptoms spread to the skin throughout the body, it is difficult for the physician to distinguish whether it is generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), as both have similar symptoms.
March 18th, 2024Source

Low-level laser therapy offers immediate pain relief for Burning Mouth Syndrome patients
New study suggests that low-level laser therapy (PBM) offers immediate pain relief for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients. Over 10 weeks, 30 participants experienced a significant drop in pain scores after each treatment. While efficacy decreased in the following week, a cumulative effect was observed, especially up to the third treatment. The findings highlight the potential of PBM as a promising treatment for BMS, despite some nuances in its effectiveness.
March 18th, 2024Source

Scientists reveal chemical structural analysis in neural computations that allow us to identify odors
Scents, such as coffee, flowers, or freshly baked pumpkin pie, are created by odor molecules released by various substances and detected by our noses. In essence, we are smelling molecules, the basic unit of a substance that retains its physical and chemical properties.
March 18th, 2024Source

Study finds middle-aged Americans are lonelier than European counterparts
Middle-aged adults in the U.S. tend to report significantly higher levels of loneliness than their European counterparts, possibly due in part to weaker family ties and greater income inequality, according to research published in the journal American Psychologist.
March 18th, 2024Source

Middle-aged adults in the U.S. experience higher levels of loneliness than European counterparts
Middle-aged adults in the U.S. tend to report significantly higher levels of loneliness than their European counterparts, possibly due in part to weaker family ties and greater income inequality, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
March 18th, 2024Source

NIH studies find severe symptoms of "Havana Syndrome," but no evidence of MRI-detectable brain injury or biological abnormalities
Compared to healthy volunteers, affected U.S. government personnel did not exhibit differences that would explain symptoms.
March 18th, 2024Source

New study reveals key differences in Parkinson's disease progression using real-world data NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent study published in npj Parkinson's disease, researchers evaluated the differences in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) between real-world and research populations.
March 18th, 2024Source

One million adults smoke menthol-flavored cigarettes in Britain despite ban: Study
One in seven adults who smoke in Great Britain report using menthol-flavored cigarettes despite UK legislation that aimed to curb their use, according to a new study by UCL (University College London) researchers.
March 18th, 2024Source

Researchers find branched chain amino acid supplementation may aid in concussion recovery
In the first clinical trial of a targeted pharmacologic therapeutic for mild traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients, scientists from the Minds Matter Concussion Frontier Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have found preliminary evidence that adolescents and young adults with concussion who take a specific formulation of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements after injury experience faster symptom reduction and return to physical activity.
March 18th, 2024Source

Single mindfulness and compassion session found to aid mental health
A single-session mindfulness and compassion intervention may lead to meaningful reductions in perceived stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a study published online in PLOS ONE.
March 18th, 2024Source

Spleen stiffness measurement could revolutionize the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Portal hypertension (PHT) is a severe complication of chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis, where increased pressure builds up in the portal vein. This major blood vessel drains blood from the intestines, spleen, and stomach to the liver. This can lead to life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and liver failure.
March 18th, 2024Source

Tapeworm larvae found in man's brain—how did they get there?
We have all found ourselves in a place we would rather not be, a school reunion, the never-ending work meeting or a distant relative's wedding reception. In such situations, it is often a good option to make the best of it. Well, this isn't just the case for people, it is also an occurrence in the world of parasites—those lifeforms that live in and on us. This was the case for Taenia solium, or pig tapeworm which found itself in an unlikely place.
March 18th, 2024Source

Transcriptomic analysis of rat brain response to alternating current electrical stimulation
A new study appearing in MedComm has been led by Dr. Qian Liu and Dr. Yan Wang (Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences). The team presents the initial single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) profiles of rat cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus subjected to intracranial alternating current stimulation (iACS) at 40 Hz.
March 18th, 2024Source

Trials shows bimekizumab response durable at four years for moderate-to-severe psoriasis
Patients with psoriasis treated with bimekizumab rapidly achieve high levels of clinical and health-related quality-of-life responses that are durable at four years, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.
March 18th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 15th, 2024

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch procedure begins with the surgeon removing a large part of the stomach. This is called a sleeve gastrectomy. The valve that releases food into the small intestine is left, along with the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The surgeon then closes off the middle section of the intestine and attaches the last part directly to the duodenum.
March 14th, 2024Source

Brain stimulation shows promise in treating drug addiction
Today, neurostimulation is used to treat a variety of human disorders, including Parkinson's disease, tremor, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome. A Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and his colleagues believe one form of that treatment, called deep brain stimulation (DBS), is poised to solve one of the greatest public health challenges: drug addiction.
March 14th, 2024Source

Could ADHD drugs reduce the risk of early death? Unpacking the findings from a new Swedish study
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have a considerable impact on the day-to-day functioning and overall well-being of people affected. It causes a variety of symptoms including difficulty focusing, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
March 14th, 2024Source

Economic hard times make Swedes cut back on drinking
A slumping economy gave Swedes less to cheer about last year as alcohol consumption fell the most in nearly a decade in the Nordic country, excluding the 2020 pandemic, research showed Friday.
March 14th, 2024Source

Longitudinal gut fungal alterations and potential fungal biomarkers for the progression of primary liver disease
Science China Life Sciences has reported on the research results of Lanjuan Li's team from Zhejiang University. Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed complex changes in gut microecology across various disease states, highlighting their profound impact on disease progression.
March 14th, 2024Source

MRI may predict who'll respond best to schizophrenia treatment
Specialized brain scans may accurately predict whether a psychotic patient will go on to develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia, Dutch researchers report.
March 14th, 2024Source

Newly discovered receptor influences gut development in fruit flies
Adhesion GPCRs are a group of G protein-coupled receptors associated with many bodily functions and diseases in humans. Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered a new receptor—which they have named "mayo"—and found that it influences the development of the small intestine and heart function in fruit flies, and that these phenomena may also be relevant in humans.
March 14th, 2024Source

Rheumatology workforce increased 20 percent from 2009 to 2019
The overall number of clinically active rheumatology providers grew more than 20 percent during the last decade, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
March 14th, 2024Source

Scientists demonstrate how individual differences in 'whole-brain' activity are generated in roundworms
Joint research led by Yu Toyoshima and Yuichi Iino of the University of Tokyo has demonstrated individual differences in, and successfully extracted commonalities from, the whole-brain activity of roundworms. The researchers also found that computer simulations based on the whole-brain activity of roundworms more accurately reflect real-brain activity when they include so-called "noise," or probabilistic elements. The findings were published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.
March 14th, 2024Source

Study of fatal and nonfatal shootings by police reveals racial disparities, dispatch risks
A new study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and Vanderbilt University found that an average of 1,769 people were injured annually in police shootings from 2015 to 2020, 55 percent of them or 979 people, fatally. The study covered a total of 10,308 incidents involving shootings by police.
March 14th, 2024Source

Tick bites: First aid
Most tick bites are painless and cause only minor signs and symptoms, such as a change in skin color, swelling or a sore on the skin.
March 14th, 2024Source

Treatments for rare diseases are needed to beat kidney failure, say researchers
Focusing on rare conditions could significantly reduce the burden of kidney disease on both patients and the NHS, according to a major new study led by UCL and the UK Kidney Association.
March 14th, 2024Source

What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says
Hair loss (also known as alopecia) often affects the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. It's very common and usually nothing to worry about; about half of Australian men show signs of visible baldness at age 50 and over a quarter of Australian women report hair thinning by the same age.
March 14th, 2024Source

Why do I feel lonely when I have friends?
The Google search for this question rose 300 percent in the last year.
March 14th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 14th, 2024

Are you sitting too long in your office job? Study offers some health tips
Sedentary behavior can result in chronic health conditions such as obesity and heart diseases, bad news for the millions of office workers who are forced to sit behind their desks every day.
March 14th, 2024Source

Cool insights: Research explores how brains perceive temperature
Christian Lemon, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, often thinks about temperature sensation and the brain when eating a chilled mint cookie. Now, research from his lab examining oral temperature perception has been published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
March 14th, 2024Source

Engineered MgO nanoparticles: A promising path to synergistic cartilage and bone therapy
In a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and others have unveiled a promising approach for treating osteoarthritis (OA) using engineered magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles.
March 14th, 2024Source

Finland managed to halve its suicide rate—here's how
The end of the 20th century was a particularly grim period for Finland. Suicide rates were among the highest in the world, peaking in 1990 with over 30 deaths per 100,000 citizens, compared with a European average of ten per 100,000.
March 14th, 2024Source

Harnessing Gold Nanoparticles for Biofilm Disruption
If left to their own devices, bacteria on the teeth or injured skin can envelop themselves in a slimy scaffolding, forming what is known as a biofilm. These bacteria cause havoc on tissues and are hard to remove because the slime protects them from antibiotic medication. A fresh approach might provide an easy means of dislodging the grime and eliminating the bacteria.
March 14th, 2024Source

How to stay healthy in changing weather conditions
The weather can be unpredictable, especially in late winter. One day it might be sunny and warm, the next day it might be freezing and snowy. How does this changing weather affect your health and well-being? And what can you do to protect yourself from getting sick?
March 14th, 2024Source

Innovative nanoparticle therapy offers new hope for burn victims
Scientists have developed a new nanoparticle treatment that significantly improves outcomes for severe burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption. The study introduces Luminol-conjugated cyclodextrin (LCD) nanoparticles, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for one of the most critical complications following severe burn injuries.
March 14th, 2024Source

Lived experience perspectives essential to reducing global mental health stigma: Study
Media and anti-stigma activities could help combat mental health stigma and discrimination, but only with lived experience involvement, according to research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London in collaboration with the Global Mental Health Peer Network.
March 14th, 2024Source

Living with IBD: What coping strategies are most effective? NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent review article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, researchers summarized the results of a systematic review that explored the impact of different coping strategies for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
March 14th, 2024Source

New LCD nanoparticle therapy offers hope for burn victims
Severe burns can cause critical issues, including deep tissue damage and an increased risk of fatal conditions such as sepsis and organ failure. A major concern is the disruption of the intestinal barrier, leading to inflammation and systemic health problems. This breakdown allows pathogens to invade, worsening the patient's condition. Given the limitations and side effects of current treatments, there is a pressing need for new, more effective therapies.
March 14th, 2024Source

New method that aims to help people overcome apathy shows promise
Do you sometimes feel like you just can't be bothered? Would you like to have exercised more, learned a new language or taken more education, but you feel that everything is too much effort?
March 14th, 2024Source

Neurobiologists uncover how stress turns into fear in the brain in conditions such as PTSD
Our nervous systems are naturally wired to sense fear. Whether prompted by the eerie noises we hear alone in the dark or the approaching growl of a threatening animal, our fear response is a survival mechanism that tells us to remain alert and avoid dangerous situations.
March 14th, 2024Source

Oral health: A window to your overall health
Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Learn how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.
March 14th, 2024Source

Quality time with dogs increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation
Spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration, according to a study published on March 13, 2024 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Onyoo Yoo from Konkuk University, South Korea, and colleagues.
March 14th, 2024Source

Race, ethnicity plays role in liver transplant survival: Study
Researchers hope findings from a new study of liver transplant patients will lead to improved interventions for those from racial and ethnic minority groups.
March 14th, 2024Source

Scientists develop new multicellular scaffold strategy for treating tendon-bone injuries
According to a study published in Science Advances, a research group led by Prof. Wu Chengtie from the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a multicellular scaffold based on inorganic bioceramics to achieve immunomodulation and integrated regeneration in tendon-to-bone injuries, i.e., injuries occurring at the tendon--bone interface.
March 14th, 2024Source

Scientists use an innovative approach to provide relevant insights into a rare neurologic disorder
Researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center-Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) have discovered new genetic mechanisms related to spinocerebellar ataxia type 37.
March 14th, 2024Source

Shedding new light on brain calcification
Brain calcification can cause movement disorders and cognitive impairment. Researchers at the Arnesen Lab at UiB have now identified a gene that provides new insight into how these calcifications occur.
March 14th, 2024Source

Sleep-wake rhythm: Fish change our understanding of sleep regulation
Contrary to common belief, not all vertebrates regulate their sleep-wake rhythm in the same way. University of Basel researchers have discovered that some fish—unlike humans—do not need orexin to stay awake. This molecule was thought to be necessary for normal wake and sleep rhythms in vertebrates. Humans without orexin suffer from narcolepsy.
March 14th, 2024Source

Using X (formerly Twitter) has a negative impact on well-being, study confirms
Researchers at the University of Toronto have confirmed what many have long suspected: Using X (formerly known as Twitter) takes a toll on our well-being—although the social media platform itself isn't entirely to blame.
March 14th, 2024Source

Why do we usually sleep at night? What happens when we don't sleep? Experts discuss sleep health
Sleep is as essential to our health as food and water. It is important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells communicate with each other. We sleep for a third of our lives and there are many restorative processes going on during sleep that are needed to stay healthy.
March 14th, 2024Source

Young people seeing GPs for mental health problems have low ongoing contact, finds study
Most children and adolescents in England presenting to their GPs with psychiatric symptoms have low or declining rates of ongoing contact, according to a study led by University of Manchester researchers.
March 14th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 11th, 2024

At-Home Medical Tests: Are They Right for You?
At-home medical diagnostic testing has exploded in recent years. NASDAQ reports that the market for at-home testing has reached a staggering $45.6 billion and will continue to grow at a rate of over 10% per year up to 2031.
March 11th, 2024Source

Anxiety drug pregabalin is linked to a rising number of deaths. Here's what you should know
There has been a significant rise in deaths linked to the commonly prescribed anxiety drug, pregabalin. While in 2018 there were 187 deaths linked to pregabalin in England and Wales, this number was more than double in 2022 with 441 deaths linked to the drug.
March 11th, 2024Source

Dangers of smell impairment highlighted in new research
More than a third of people who self-identify as having a smell disorder have had at least one gas safety scare in the last five years, according to new research published in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, titled "Impact of olfactory disorders on personal safety and well" being: a cross "sectional observational study."
March 11th, 2024Source

Growth cone in migrating neurons involved in promoting neuronal migration and regeneration in brain injury, study shows
The structure and functions of the tip of migrating neurons remain elusive. A research group has found that the PTPσ-expressing growth cone senses the extracellular matrix and drives neuronal migration in the injured brain, leading to functional recovery.
March 11th, 2024Source

Poor trial results may prompt maker to pull ALS drug from market
Following disappointing trial results, the maker of a controversial ALS drug may pull the medication off the market.
March 11th, 2024Source

Prosthetic device developed in Brazil improves results of chest malformation repair surgery
In his day-to-day routine at the Heart Institute (INCOR) run by the University of São Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP) in Brazil, thoracic surgeon Miguel Tedde now and again sees patients with a rare disorder called pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest, in which the breastbone and ribs grow inward, creating a depression in the chest wall.
March 11th, 2024Source

Study reveals shared blueprint in brain development across different functional areas
In a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School have investigated brain development to understand how different areas of the brain become specialized in handling information such as vision, sound, touch and planning.
March 11th, 2024Source

Tissue remodeling as a primary mechanism for diverticula formation
Colonic diverticulosis is a prevalent condition among older adults, marked by the presence of thin-walled pockets in the colon wall that can become inflamed and infected; they can then hemorrhage or rupture. A new study, published in the journal Gut now suggests that tissue remodeling is a primary mechanism for diverticula formation.
March 11th, 2024Source

Want to achieve your dreams? Try subdividing your goals
Have a massive, daring goal in mind? Breaking it into smaller steps can help you achieve your dreams.
March 11th, 2024Source

Why is the brain so prone to inflammation?
All living cells teem with ribonucleic acid (RNA), molecules that relay genetic messages to keep cells functioning. But these necessary molecules can also set off cellular alarms. The long twisted-together strands of RNA in viruses, for instance, are a tell-tale sign of an invader and the human immune system triggers inflammation in their presence.
March 11th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 8th, 2024

Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata: What are the 'Z meds' for sleep
Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata: Millions of bleary-eyed Americans turn to this class of so-called "Z-drugs" to get restful sleep.
March 8th, 2024Source

Brain waves found to travel in one direction when memories are made and the opposite when recalled
In the space of just a few seconds, a person walking down a city block might check their phone, yawn, worry about making rent, and adjust their path to avoid a puddle. The smell from a food cart could suddenly conjure a memory from childhood, or they could notice a rat eating a slice of pizza and store the image as a new memory.
March 8th, 2024Source

Dislocation: First aid
A dislocation is an injury that forces the bones in a joint out of position. The cause is usually a fall, a car accident or an injury during contact sports.
March 8th, 2024Source

Impact of onset time, number, type, and sequence of extrahepatic organ failure on prognosis of liver failure
The impact of the characteristics of extrahepatic organ failure (EHOF) including the onset time, number, type, and sequence on the prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the association between the characteristics of EHOF and the prognosis of ACLF patients.
March 8th, 2024Source

Is there a higher risk of depression among specific populations of patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers assessed the risk of depression following the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
March 8th, 2024Source

It's that time again: Tips on adjusting to the start of Daylight Saving Time
When the clocks spring forward or fall back, many folks will find themselves struggling to adjust.
March 8th, 2024Source

Just Breathe: Mindfulness Can Beat Tech Stress at Work
And on and on it goes, until what technology experts and psychologists call the digital dark side of technology — stress, anxiety, a feeling of being overloaded — wipes you out, jeopardizing your mental and physical health.
March 8th, 2024Source

Lack of focus doesn't equal lack of intelligence: It's proof of an intricate brain, say scientists
Imagine a busy restaurant: dishes clattering, music playing, people talking loudly over one another. It's a wonder that anyone in that kind of environment can focus enough to have a conversation. A new study by researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science provides some of the most detailed insights yet into the brain mechanisms that help people pay attention amid such distraction, as well as what's happening when they can't focus.
March 8th, 2024Source

Lead from old paint and pipes is still a harmful and deadly hazard in millions of US homes
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes severe health effects such as neurological damage, organ failure and death.
March 8th, 2024Source

Making early signs of multiple sclerosis 'VISIBL'
Awareness about a disease in at risk-population improve outcomes. That's the simple idea behind a new, bilingual resource for both patients, medical students, and providers to help them overcome cultural barriers and recognize the early and critical symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
March 8th, 2024Source

Morphology of vestibular aqueduct linked to Meniere disease
Morphological characteristics of the vestibular aqueduct (VA) are associated with the occurrence of Meniere disease (MD), according to a study published online Feb. 17 in The Laryngoscope.
March 8th, 2024Source

Q&A: Are nicotine pouches safe?
In an impressive showing of alliteration, Sen. Chuck Schumer recently described the trending nicotine product Zyn as a "pouch packed with problems" while delivering a warning to parents and calling for a federal investigation into the brand's marketing tactics and health effects.
March 8th, 2024Source

Why Black Americans are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a condition where your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluid from your blood. This can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
March 8th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 6th, 2024

AAAAI: Early-life day care attendance may lower risk for asthma, allergies
Jonathan Witonsky, M.D., from the University of California in San Francisco, and colleagues examined the association between early-life day care exposure and allergy sensitization. The analysis included 435 children (born at >36 weeks of gestation) participating in the Puerto Rican Infant Metagenomic and Epidemiologic Study of Respiratory Outcomes (PRIMERO) and followed for two years (96 attending day care).
March 6th, 2024Source

An early start to spring allergies
Though it technically may still be winter, spring allergies in Houston are out in full force. An expert with Baylor College of Medicine gives an upcoming pollen and mold forecast and reviews how to properly use some allergy relief options.
March 6th, 2024Source

Better regulation of private rental properties could reduce deaths, injuries at home, researchers say
New regulations for private rental properties are needed to reduce injuries from slips, trips and falls at home, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, say.
March 6th, 2024Source

Decoding the language of epigenetic modifications
Epigenetic changes play important roles in cancer, metabolic and aging-related diseases, but also during loss of resilience as they cause the genetic material to be incorrectly interpreted in affected cells. A major study by scientists at Helmholtz Munich, now published in Nature, provides important new insights into how complex epigenetic modification signatures regulate the genome.
March 6th, 2024Source

Despite their prevalence, arthritis, neck and back pain receive few research dollars, analysis finds
Musculoskeletal diseases—a diverse category of conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues—affect more than 1 in 3 people in the United States and are a leading driver of health care spending with an estimated cost of more than $380 billion in 2016, putting them ahead of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
March 6th, 2024Source

Factors associated with age-related hearing loss differ between males and females, finds study
Certain factors associated with developing age-related hearing loss differ by sex, including weight, smoking behavior, and hormone exposure, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Dong Woo Nam from Chungbuk National University Hospital, South Korea, and colleagues.
March 6th, 2024Source

Heatstroke: First aid
Heatstroke happens when body temperature rises quickly and a person can't cool down. It can be life-threatening by causing damage to the brain and other vital organs. It may be caused by doing strenuous activity in the heat or by being in a hot place for too long.
March 6th, 2024Source

More than half of American Indian youth may have abnormal or high cholesterol
More than 70% of American Indian young adults aged 20--39 and 50% of American Indian teens have cholesterol levels or elevated fat in the blood that puts them at risk for cardiovascular disease, suggests a new study. In some cases, these levels—specifically high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often thought of as "bad cholesterol"—were linked to plaque buildup and cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
March 6th, 2024Source

New research shows licensed venues clinging to cigarette vending machines
One hundred years after the introduction of cigarette vending machines in Australia, new research shows that businesses have no plans to consign them to history.
March 6th, 2024Source

Pilot study confirms feasibility, acceptability of bowel symptom intervention studies
In a pilot study, a telephone-based dietary intervention designed to improve bowel function was shown to be widely acceptable to participants who had had surgery for rectal cancer. The intervention did not significantly improve overall bowel function in these participants, but it did provide some benefit, and the pilot demonstrated that it is feasible to conduct large studies of such approaches.
March 6th, 2024Source

Rare inflammatory disease responds best to double inhibition, shows study
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and often aggressive syndrome of hyperactive inflammation with up to a 40% mortality rate. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have shown that a drug inhibiting two major inflammatory signaling proteins works better than drugs inhibiting either protein alone in models of HLH. The drug ruxolitinib, which inhibits both inflammation-related signaling proteins Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK2, was superior to other drugs tested, which inhibited only JAK1 or JAK2.
March 6th, 2024Source

Responding to mental health challenges in aftermath of panhandle wildfires
Tiffany Dowell-Lashmet, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, likened the aftermath of areas affected by wildfires to a warzone. Dowell-Lashmet lives in the Texas Panhandle and had to move cattle and prepare to evacuate when the fast-moving flames encroached on her home and ranching operation.
March 6th, 2024Source

Study reveals unexpected literacy in autistic people who cannot speak
About one-third of autistic people are unable to communicate using speech, and most are never provided an effective alternative. However, a new study from scientists at the University of Virginia suggests that many of these individuals are literate, raising the possibility that they could learn to express themselves through writing.
March 6th, 2024Source

Tacrolimus microemulsion has good efficacy, safety for scalp psoriasis
For scalp psoriasis, 0.1 percent tacrolimus microemulsion has good efficacy and safety, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in Dermatology and Therapy.
March 6th, 2024Source

The secret to a healthier lifestyle? Your dog, says recent study
In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers investigated the impact of the human-dog bond on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes in dog owners (DO).
March 6th, 2024Source

Validated COuGH RefleX score can predict likelihood of GERD
The validated Cough, Overweight/Obesity, Globus, Hiatal Hernia, Regurgitation, and Male Sex (COuGH RefluX) score can predict the likelihood of proven gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
March 6th, 2024Source

Virtual reality exposure plus electric brain stimulation offers a promising treatment for PTSD
Combining two treatments could be a promising option for people, especially military veterans, whose lives are negatively affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study shows.
March 6th, 2024Source

What's the difference between kidney cysts and polycystic kidney disease?
March is National Kidney Month, which makes this a good time to learn more about the difference between two kidney disorders—kidney cysts and polycystic kidney disease.
March 6th, 2024Source

Why do I need to get up during the night to urinate? Is this normal?
It can be normal to wake up once or even twice during the night to wee, especially as we get older.
March 6th, 2024Source

Why Even Public Health Experts Have Limited Insight Into Stopping Gun Violence in America
Gun violence has exploded across the U.S. in recent years — from mass shootings at concerts and supermarkets to school fights settled with a bullet after the last bell.
March 6th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 4th, 2024

Being excluded or truant from school leads to mental health problems—and vice versa
In the aftermath of the pandemic there has been a substantial increase in the number of students who are absent from school in the UK, and children are reporting higher levels of mental ill health than ever before.
March 4th, 2024Source

Could the days of 'springing forward' be numbered? A neurologist and sleep expert explains
As people in the U.S. prepare to set their clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024, I find myself bracing for the annual ritual of media stories about the disruptions to daily routines caused by switching from standard time to daylight saving time.
March 4th, 2024Source

Cross-cultural study reveals commonality and variation in mental representations of music
When listening to music, the human brain appears to be biased toward hearing and producing rhythms composed of simple integer ratios -; for example, a series of four beats separated by equal time intervals (forming a 1:1:1 ratio).
March 4th, 2024Source

Customized hearing implants: How synchrotron imaging is changing the game
A Western University team has harnessed the bright light of the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to obtain highly detailed images of the structures in the inner ear responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. With these images, they've helped pioneer customized programming strategies for hearing implants.
March 4th, 2024Source

Disrupting the Flow: Dr. Naseri's Revolutionary Approach to Empowering Women's Health
Welcome to our International Women's Day series, where we shine a spotlight on women who are forging paths and making significant impacts in the field of medicine, particularly in women's health.
March 4th, 2024Source

Dopamine production is not behind vulnerability to cocaine abuse
Why do some people who try drugs struggle with substance abuse while others don't? This question has long puzzled scientists. A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) explored the complex interplay between personality traits and brain chemistry.
March 4th, 2024Source

Exposure to different kinds of music influences how the brain interprets rhythm
When listening to music, the human brain appears to be biased toward hearing and producing rhythms composed of simple integer ratios—for example, a series of four beats separated by equal time intervals (forming a 1:1:1 ratio).
March 4th, 2024Source

Firearm access and gun violence exposure found to be common in Black and native communities
A New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center study is the first to provide nationally representative data on gun use, storage and violence within Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) families.
March 4th, 2024Source

Inexpensive liquid works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay
An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.
March 4th, 2024Source

Mythbusting young Australians' overestimation of vaping among peers
E-cigarette use is seen as widespread, common and normal among young Australians even though hard data indicate that the clear majority of teens have not vaped, a first-of-its-kind study from The Australian National University (ANU) shows.
March 4th, 2024Source

New animal model created to study Parkinson's disease before neurodegeneration appears
The new model, based on the Caenorhabditis elegans worm, emerges as an essential tool in creating future therapies aimed at stopping the characteristic loss of neuronal structure and function seen in the disease.
March 4th, 2024Source

Personal recovery could be key to preventing long term mental illness
Definitions of what recovery means to people at risk of mental illness should extend beyond symptom remission into broader areas of life and well-being.
March 4th, 2024Source

Prevalence of arthritis in US adults 18.9 percent in 2022
The age-adjusted prevalence of adults with arthritis was 18.9 percent in 2022 in the United States, according to a February data brief published by the National Center for Health Statistics.
March 4th, 2024Source

Research uncovers link between negative attitudes and procrastination, task delay
Putting off a burdensome task may seem like a universal trait, but new research suggests that people whose negative attitudes tend to dictate their behavior in a range of situations are more likely to delay tackling the task at hand.
March 4th, 2024Source

Researchers find differences in how people with impulse control disorder process consequences
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle control. One characteristic of the disease is the deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that plays a role in movement and can impact how people think and feel.
March 4th, 2024Source

Silver diamine fluoride prevents cavities and keeps existing ones from worsening in school-based program
An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.
March 4th, 2024Source

Vera Ring wearable health and fitness monitor from $249
Vera is a ring that does more than just sparkle. Picture a sleek, stylish accessory that doubles as a personal health advisor, quietly working around the clock to keep you informed about your body's well-being. This is the Vera Ring, a cutting-edge health monitoring device designed to fit seamlessly into your life, offering valuable insights into your physical condition while maintaining the appearance of a chic piece of jewelry.
March 4th, 2024Source

Want a noninvasive health monitor? Put a ring on it.
University of Waterloo engineers have invented a powerful antenna small enough to fit in a ring and capable of transmitting critical medical data to health care workers and individual patients.
March 4th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 2nd, 2024

Minoritized groups face high anxiety when taking part in research experiments
When participating in research studies, moderately anxious or highly anxious children from minoritized groups are likely to be hypervigilant to threat, further compounding the effects of their general state of anxiety, a research study led by a University of California, Riverside, psychologist reports.
March 2nd, 2024Source

Study unveils the role of a neural substrate in the lateral habenula in value-based decision-making
In their everyday lives, humans often weigh the value of different options and decide how to act based on this mental evaluation. This process, known as value-based decision-making, has been the topic of numerous studies rooted in psychology, neuroscience and economics.
March 2nd, 2024Source

Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions
Tattoos might be more common than ever, but don't take the risks lightly. Learn about tattoo safety and how to promote healthy healing.
March 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — March 1st, 2024

6 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health
Looking to bridge nutritional gaps in your diet? Here are the best vitamins and supplements for your eyes.
March 1st, 2024Source

A mental process that leads to putting off an unpleasant task
Putting off a burdensome task may seem like a universal trait, but new research suggests that people whose negative attitudes tend to dictate their behavior in a range of situations are more likely to delay tackling the task at hand.
March 1st, 2024Source

Acting out dreams can signal a serious disorder
Dreams are excursions of our central nervous system, unfolding when the body is at rest, but our brains are in thrall to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. For people with a rare condition, their whole body acts out the dream, sometimes to the point where they leave their bed or even their room.
March 1st, 2024Source

Association of volatile aromatic compounds in blood with hearing impairment
In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers evaluated the impact of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BEX) exposure on auditory health among United States (US) adults.
March 1st, 2024Source

For those with an alcohol problem, are non-alcoholic beverages a wise choice?
Although Dry January is behind us, the non-alcoholic beverage trend is showing no signs of slowing. Sales of alcohol alternatives are growing 20% every year.
March 1st, 2024Source

Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: Boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues
Early riser or night owl, everyone appreciates a good night's sleep. But despite the best of intentions, quality sleep can elude us, sometimes to the point where it can contribute to serious health issues.
March 1st, 2024Source

How a friend's death turned Colorado teens into anti-overdose activists
Gavinn McKinney loved Nike shoes, fireworks, and sushi. He was studying Potawatomi, one of the languages of his Native American heritage. He loved holding his niece and smelling her baby smell. On his 15th birthday, the Durango, Colorado, teen spent a cold December afternoon chopping wood to help neighbors who couldn't afford to heat their homes.
March 1st, 2024Source

Movement is key to supporting adults with Down syndrome
Over the past few decades, research and greater awareness has helped adults with Down syndrome—and a well-trained support system—to be more physically active in their daily lives.
March 1st, 2024Source

Piercings: How to prevent complications
Piercings might be more common than ever, but don't take piercing lightly. Know the risks and understand safety steps.
March 1st, 2024Source

Rate of antidepressant dispensing to young people rose faster after March 2020, especially among females
Antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults increased sharply after the COVID-19 pandemic began, particularly among females, or according to a new study.
March 1st, 2024Source

Study finds links between chronic opioid use and brain cell, DNA changes
A study led by Ryan W. Logan, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and neurobiology, has found mutations in key brain cells among individuals with chronic opioid use that could shift how we think about treatment strategies for opioid use disorder.
March 1st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 28th, 2024

Calcium crystal deposits linked to worsening knee osteoarthritis, study finds
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 600 million people worldwide and 34 million people in the U.S. There are no treatments available that prevent its progression to date. Recommended pharmacological treatments for symptoms have either small-to moderate effects or short-term effects, often with side effects, and lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and weight loss are under-utilized.
February 28th, 2024Source

Conflicting theories of consciousness may fit together after all
Professor Emeritus Johan Frederik Storm has led research forming the basis of a article that aims to uncover an alternative approach to the understanding of how human consciousness functions. It is currently available on the PsyArXiv preprint server and in prepress in the journal Neuron.
February 28th, 2024Source

Foreign object in the skin: First aid
You can usually safely remove a small foreign object — such as a wood splinter, thorn, fiberglass or glass — that's just under the surface of the skin:
February 28th, 2024Source

Genetic risk tool could aid early diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis patients
Young people could be spared from going blind by a new genetic risk tool that could also help diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) earlier, to start effective treatments.
February 28th, 2024Source

Low-level blasts from heavy weapons can cause traumatic brain injury—the physics of invisible cell death
When the force of a blast shoots a round out of a large-caliber rifle, howitzer or M1 Abrams tank gun, the teams of people operating these weapons are exposed to low-level blasts that can cause traumatic brain injuries.
February 28th, 2024Source

New approach may prevent deadly intestinal disease in preemies
Scientists from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and colleagues found that an investigational protein replacement—recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 and its binding protein-3 (rhIGF-1/BP3)—protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease that often strikes extremely premature infants.
February 28th, 2024Source

Neurologist explains aphasia
Aphasia is a condition that can affect a person's ability to communicate.
February 28th, 2024Source

Poisoning: First aid
Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances — such as drugs and carbon monoxide — are poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. Certain types of cleaners are only harmful if ingested, while others also emit toxic gases/fumes.
February 28th, 2024Source

Poorly controlled asthma linked to excessive greenhouse gas emissions, study finds
Patients whose asthma is poorly controlled have eight times excess greenhouse gas emissions compared with those whose condition is well controlled—equivalent to that produced by 124,000 homes each year in the UK—indicates the first study of its kind, published online in the journal Thorax.
February 28th, 2024Source

Research and customized care make aging with multiple sclerosis better
Physician scientists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine are studying why multiple sclerosis (MS) worsens as patients grow older.
February 28th, 2024Source

Say That Again: Using Hearing Aids Can Be Frustrating for Older Adults, but Necessary
It was an every-other-day routine, full of frustration.
February 28th, 2024Source

Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud
Relieve seasonal allergies with these tried-and-true techniques.
February 28th, 2024Source

Scientists discover neurons help flush waste out of brain during sleep
There lies a paradox in sleep. Its apparent tranquility juxtaposes with the brain's bustling activity. The night is still, but the brain is far from dormant. During sleep, brain cells produce bursts of electrical pulses that cumulate into rhythmic waves—a sign of heightened brain cell function.
February 28th, 2024Source

The emotional aftereffects of trauma on communities
It was shortly before noon on Dec. 6, 2023, and Stephen Benning had just wrapped up a Zoom meeting in his office in the Carol C. Harter Classroom Building Complex when his office and cell phones pinged. It was a university-issued alert that campus police were responding to a report of shots fired.
February 28th, 2024Source

Understanding genetic risk could save sight and predict multiple sclerosis earlier in young people
Young people could be spared from going blind by a new genetic risk tool that could also help diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) earlier, to start effective treatments.
February 28th, 2024Source

Using 3D printing to make artificial eyeballs more quickly and accurately
A team of biomedical and ophthalmological researchers from several institutions in Europe, working with computer graphics specialists, has developed a technique for 3D printing artificial eyeballs that is faster, more accurate and less expensive than conventional techniques.
February 28th, 2024Source

What people told researchers about their experience of grief
Have you ever felt a sudden pang of sadness? A bird seems to stop and look you in the eye. A photo drops out of a messy drawer from long ago, in the mundanity of a weekend spring clean.
February 28th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 27th, 2024

3D printed artificial eyes faster to make and more realistic
A faster and less laborious method for modelling and 3D printing more realistic custom eye prostheses is reported in Nature Communications ("Automatic data-driven design and 3D printing of custom ocular prostheses"). The prostheses produced may have a more natural appearance and a better fit, compared to current methods, the authors suggest.
February 27th, 2024Source

Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to better lung health, particularly in patients with pulmonary fibrosis
Omega-3 fatty acids have garnered significant interest among patients and clinicians for their potential protective health effects, including lung health. In our recently published research, my colleagues and I found that higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to better lung function and longer survival in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic respiratory disease.
February 27th, 2024Source

Visual prosthesis simulator offers a glimpse into the future
In collaboration with their colleagues at the Donders Institute, researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have developed a simulator that enables artificial visual observations for research into visual prostheses. This open-source tool is available to researchers and offers those who are interested an insight into future applications.
February 27th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 26th, 2024

A clearer image of glaucoma: The relationship between unfolding and aggregation for glaucoma-associated myocilin
From Parkinson's and Alzheimer's to cardiac arrhythmia, amyloids are linked to a number of diseases. These aggregates of proteins form in the body when a protein loses its normal structure and misfolds or mutates. And since many of these proteins are large and complicated, just how some of these mutations occur and aggregate remains a mystery—as does the creation of effective treatments.
February 26th, 2024Source

Blindness from some inherited eye diseases may be caused by gut bacteria, news study suggests
Sight loss in certain inherited eye diseases may be caused by gut bacteria, and is potentially treatable by antimicrobials, finds a new study in mice co-led by a UCL and Moorfields researcher.
February 26th, 2024Source

Cannabis use policies are on the rise yet treatment for cannabis use disorder treatment remains low
Specialty treatment for the disorder did not meaningfully change among people with past-year CUD in states with recreational cannabis legislation.
February 26th, 2024Source

Emotionally resonant vibrotactile comfort objects as a calming social anxiety intervention
People who live with social anxiety could be given a helping hand to deal with their stress by the power of good vibrations, new research suggests.
February 26th, 2024Source

Generative modeling framework helps predict relationship between neural readings and patient symptoms
Over the past decade or so, scientists have amassed an impressive arsenal of weapons to address the multifaceted, complex challenge of mental illness, from new genomic analysis tools and high-resolution neuroimaging technologies, to the creation of huge patient data banks and new artificial intelligence models to analyze them.
February 26th, 2024Source

Grief affects the body, not just the mind
Of course grief can ravage your mind, but science shows it can also weaken your body, leaving you open to illness.
February 26th, 2024Source

Guideline details new recommendations for PTSD and acute stress disorder
A synopsis of new clinical guidelines from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense details 34 recommendations for treating posttraumatic stress disorder and co-occurring conditions. The VA/DoD guidelines notably recommend the use of specific manualized psychotherapies over pharmacotherapy and recommend against the use of benzodiazepines, cannabis, or cannabis-derived products.
February 26th, 2024Source

Intervention reduces likelihood of developing postpartum anxiety and depression by more than 70%
NIH-funded study shows prenatal mental health support is effective for women living in low-resource settings.
February 26th, 2024Source or Source

Horse Sedative Use Among Humans Spreads in Deadly Mixture of 'Tranq' and Fentanyl
Andrew McClave Jr. loved to lift weights. The 6-foot-4-inch bartender resembled a bodybuilder and once posed for a photo flexing his muscles with former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan.
February 26th, 2024Source or Source

Live music emotionally moves us more than streamed music, show researchers
How does listening to live music affect the emotional center of our brain? A study carried out at the University of Zurich has found that live performances trigger a stronger emotional response than listening to music from a device. Concerts connect performers with their audience, which may also have to do with evolutionary factors.
February 26th, 2024Source

Marfan syndrome and related disorders: A genetic panel approach
In a recently published study spearheaded by Giovanny Fuentevilla-Álvarez and his team at the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico, researchers have significantly advanced the diagnostic precision for Marfan syndrome (MFS) and a spectrum of connective tissue disorders.
February 26th, 2024Source

New clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for immunotherapy for inhalant allergy
The American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy in Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. This clinical practice guideline identifies quality improvement opportunities and provides clinicians trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations on the management of inhalant allergies with immunotherapy, supporting them to provide enhanced care to patients aged 5 years and older who are experiencing symptoms from inhalant allergies.
February 26th, 2024Source

New discovery could lead to better treatment for severe psoriatic arthritis
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a link between a rare and severe form of psoriatic arthritis and an enzyme that produces oxygen radicals. The study, published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, reveals new ways to slow down or stop the disease progression.
February 26th, 2024Source

Nicotine pouches are being marketed to young people on social media. But are they safe, or even legal?
Flavored nicotine pouches are being promoted to young people on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
February 26th, 2024Source

Why Doesn't CPAP Reduce Heart Disease?
A study of people with obstructive sleep apnea suggests that high CPAP pressures may explain why the machines do not lower a patient's risk of heart disease, which is about two to three times higher than average.
February 26th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 24th, 2024

Electric bike injuries, hospitalizations increased significantly in recent years
The incidence of electric bicycle (e-bicycle)-related injuries, particularly head injuries, has surged in the United States since 2017, according to a research letter published online Feb. 21 in JAMA Surgery.
February 24th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 23rd, 2024

A calming neurotransmitter can also be excitatory, study finds
A neurotransmitter previously thought only to calm neurons may also play a role in waking them up, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Biology, a discovery which challenges the textbook view of how neurons communicate with one another in the brain.
February 23rd, 2024Source

AI system can equal or surpass ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment of glaucoma and retina disorders
A large language model (LLM) artificial intelligence (AI) system can match, or in some cases outperform, human ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with glaucoma and retina disease, according to research from New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE).
February 23rd, 2024Source

Assessing the efficacy and viability of artificial skin in patients with severe burns
UGR scientists have demonstrated the efficacy and viability of the artificial skin UGRSKIN, an advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) they developed in 2012, which has proven to be highly beneficial in the treatment of patients with major burns. Moreover, it does not cause any side effects or significant complications.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Deadly opioid detected in wastewater for the first time
University of Queensland researchers and international collaborators have found a deadly synthetic drug in wastewater in the United States—the first such detection globally.
February 23rd, 2024Source

EU watchdog gives new ALS treatment thumbs up
Europe's medicines watchdog gave the green light Friday to a new treatment for a rare form of the neurodegenerative disease ALS, saying it should reduce the symptoms of the deadly illness.
February 23rd, 2024Source

German parliament votes to legalize recreational cannabis
The German parliament voted Friday to legalize the possession and controlled cultivation of cannabis starting in April, despite fierce objections from the opposition and medical associations.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Is it possible to predict when prejudice will occur?
What if it were possible to use a scientific model to predict hate crimes, protests, or conflict? Researchers at McGill University and University of Toronto have begun the groundwork to develop a formal predictive model of prejudice, similar to meteorological weather predictions.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Marketing experts measure brain waves and skin current to predict emotions
Machines still can't think, but now they can validate your feelings, based on new research from New Jersey Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Jorge Fresneda.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Nearly one-third of adults struggle to meet recommended sleep duration, study reveals
It's official. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night is currently out of reach for almost one-third of the population as Flinders University experts found 31% of adults had average sleep durations outside the recommended range.
February 23rd, 2024Source

New research challenges conventional picture of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease, the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's disease, affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 10 million individuals worldwide. Each year, close to 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in the U.S.
February 23rd, 2024Source

New tool for assessing diarrhea-related dehydration is built for global deployment
For adults and older children, dehydration from diarrhea is a common, pervasive threat: Annually, more than 1 million die from it.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Research finds relaxing words heard during sleep can slow the heart down
Center of Research Cyclotron at the University of Liege reveals that the sleeping body also reacts to the external world during sleep, explaining how some information from the sensory environment can affect sleep quality.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Poll shows strong support among Black voters for menthols ban
Black voters support a ban on menthol cigarettes by a wide margin, refuting claims that such a ban would be strongly opposed by Black Americans, a new survey shows.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Researchers identify protein integral to gut health, may lead to treatments for inflammatory bowel disease
La Trobe University researchers have identified a protein that is integral to gut health, providing an important lead in the search for a treatment for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Research published in Communications Biology shows for the first time that in mice, the removal of the protein BECLIN1 causes a condition with similarities to IBD.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Scientists discover neural pathway that explains the escalation of fear responses
Scientists have discovered a new neural pathway involved in how the brain encodes the transition to high-intensity fear response behaviors that are necessary for survival, according to a recent study published in Nature.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Suicide screening should not be limited to those with psychiatric history, suggests experts
Nearly one in five who attempt suicide do so without meeting criteria for an antecedent psychiatric disorder, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in JAMA Psychiatry.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
It's official. Getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night is currently out of reach for almost one-third of the population as Flinders University experts found 31% of adults had average sleep durations outside the recommended range.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Where neural stem cells feel at home
Researchers have created an artificial cell environment that could promote the regeneration of nerves. Usually, injuries to the brain or spinal cord don't heal easily due to the formation of fluid-filled cavities and scars that prevent tissue regeneration. One starting point for medical research is therefore to fill the cavities with a substance that offers neural stem cells optimal conditions for proliferation and differentiation.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis
University of Queensland researchers have identified an opportunity to reduce infections in people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Professor Matt Sweet, Dr. Kaustav Das Gupta and Dr. James Curson from UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience have discovered a fault in the bacteria-killing function of immune cells in people with CF and a potential way to get around it.
February 23rd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 21st, 2024

A pacemaker for the brain helped a woman with crippling depression. It may soon be available to more
Emily Hollenbeck lived with a deep, recurring depression she likened to a black hole, where gravity felt so strong and her limbs so heavy she could barely move. She knew the illness could kill her. Both of her parents had taken their lives.
February 21st, 2024Source

Activity levels of four genes linked to pediatric appendicitis severity diagnosis
A multi-institutional team of medical researchers has found that measuring the activity of four specific genes in pediatric patients suspected of having appendicitis can predict whether the case is simple or perforated. In their study, reported in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, the group studied gene expression signatures in children diagnosed with appendicitis to learn more about associations between such signatures and severity of the ailment.
February 21st, 2024Source

Adults with ADHD exhibit camouflaging behavior
Noting that camouflaging is thought to be an important reason for late autism diagnoses and mental health difficulties, Wikke J. van der Putten, from the Autism Outpatient Clinic in Amsterdam, and colleagues examined whether adults with ADHD could camouflage.
February 21st, 2024Source

Age, sex, race among top risk factors for revision knee surgery
Patients who are younger than about 40, male, or Black are among those most at risk for revision surgery after having had a total knee replacement, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The study, published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, was the first to explore relationships among risk factors for revision after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
February 21st, 2024Source

Bio-inspired neuroprosthetics: Sending signals the brain can understand
A few years ago, a team of researchers working under Professor Stanisa Raspopovic at the ETH Zurich Neuroengineering Lab gained worldwide attention when they announced that their prosthetic legs had enabled amputees to feel sensations from this artificial body part for the first time.
February 21st, 2024Source

Chronic inflammation and inactivity may affect age-related changes in gene and protein expression in skeletal muscle
New research indicates that some age-related changes in gene and protein expression in the skeletal muscles of older individuals may be affected more by physical inactivity and chronic inflammation than primary aging, or intrinsic maturational processes.
February 21st, 2024Source

Clinical markers improve with IV ertapenem for hidradenitis suppurativa
Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with intravenous ertapenem is associated with improvement in clinical and inflammatory markers, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Dermatology.
February 21st, 2024Source

Compounds in female ginseng could lead to new osteoporosis treatments
With ever-increasing life expectancy comes the challenge of treating age-related disorders such as osteoporosis. Although there are effective drugs for treating this metabolic bone disease, they can be expensive and have side effects, limiting their availability to some people.
February 21st, 2024Source

Female ginseng compound holds promise as osteoporosis treatment
With ever-increasing life expectancy comes the challenge of treating age-related disorders such as osteoporosis. Although there are effective drugs for treating this metabolic bone disease, they can be expensive and have side effects, limiting their availability to some people. In the search for alternative drug candidates, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have discovered and fully replicated a compound from a botanical source, female ginseng, that had potent anti-osteoporotic activity in cellular tests.
February 21st, 2024Source

Food watchdog lodges complaint over Nestle mineral water 'fraud'
Consumer watchdog Foodwatch said it was filing a legal complaint Wednesday against food giant Nestle and another group over them allegedly fraudulently treating water for their top mineral water brands.
February 21st, 2024Source

For Many, Stigma of Hearing Loss Brings Trouble; Here's What May Help
Eyeglasses are ubiquitous. More people wear them than don't, with some 62% of Americans wearing corrective eyewear in any number of shapes and styles. And that doesn't even account for the 45 million of us who wear contact lenses.
February 21st, 2024Source

Japan versus UK: Impact of social camouflage on mental health in autistic adults
As people with autism grow up, they face unique challenges. They find it difficult to deal with mental health issues. There is a big gap in understanding how pretending to fit in (known as social camouflage), cultural beliefs, and mental well-being are connected. This is especially true for non-Western countries like Japan.
February 21st, 2024Source

Maryland lawmakers announce $111 in mental health funding for child-serving organizations
Maryland state lawmakers, on Feb. 20, announced $111 million in grant funding for child-serving organizations across the state to help them bolster their behavioral health service offerings, including counseling, early intervention and parent encouragement programs.
February 21st, 2024Source

Menthol cigarette ban would likely lead to meaningful reduction in smoking rates
A new paper in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, published by Oxford University Press, finds that banning the sale of menthol cigarettes would likely lead to a meaningful reduction in smoking rates.
February 21st, 2024Source

Musk says patient moves cursor with brain implant
Elon Musk says the first human patient with a brain implant from his Neuralink startup is able to move a computer mouse with thought.
February 21st, 2024Source

New study aims to define the progeria phenome
Progeroid disorders are a heterogenous group of rare and complex hereditary syndromes presenting with pleiotropic phenotypes associated with normal aging. Due to the large variation in clinical presentation the diseases pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians which consequently restricts medical research.
February 21st, 2024Source

Parents scrambling after asthma inhaler Flovent removed from market
A popular asthma inhaler was discontinued on Jan. 1, and the business move has left families scrambling to find a replacement for their kids.
February 21st, 2024Source

Prolonged TV and video viewing linked to higher risk of nocturia
The study drew from 2011--2016 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among 13,294 US individuals aged 20 and older, 4,236 (31.86%) reported experiencing nocturia, while 9,058 (68.14%) did not. Participants with 5 or more hours of TV and/or video viewing time per day had a 48% higher risk of experiencing nocturia compared with those with less than 1 hour of daily TV and/or video viewing time.
February 21st, 2024Source or Source

Research suggests yoga benefits individuals with chronic back pain
New research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research suggests that the physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices of yoga may benefit individuals with back pain.
February 21st, 2024Source

Researchers discover how cells modulate macropinocytic activity
Macropinocytosis is one of the major pathways by which cells non-selectively internalize extracellular fluids. The laboratory strain Dictyostelium discoideum serves as a valuable model for studying the regulation of macropinocytosis.
February 21st, 2024Source

Sleep improves ability to recall complex events, shows study
Researchers have known for some time that sleep consolidates our memories of facts and episodic events. However, the research to date has concentrated mainly on simple associations—that is to say, connections between elements, such as we make when learning new vocabulary.
February 21st, 2024Source

Study finds ancestry-driven disparities in pathogenic variation
A lack of diversity in large genomic studies presents a major challenge in understanding how pathogenic variants impact different populations. To address this problem and advance precision medicine for all populations, the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program aims to collect health data, including whole-genome sequences, for at least 1 million volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
February 21st, 2024Source

Study reveals sleep's role in consolidating complex memories
Sleep helps consolidate our memory of complex associations, thus supporting the ability to complete memories of whole events.
February 21st, 2024Source

The continued rise of maternal mortality in Georgia leaves families broken in its wake
Women who die during pregnancy or within a year after giving birth are closely studied by state health officials. Policymakers have worked in earnest for a decade to improve pregnancy outcomes, yet Georgia remains one of the least safe states in the country for women to give birth.
February 21st, 2024Source

The powerful constraints on medical care in Catholic hospitals across America
Nurse midwife Beverly Maldonado recalls a pregnant woman arriving at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Maryland after her water broke. It was weeks before the baby would have any chance of survival, and the patient's wishes were clear, she recalled: "Why am I staying pregnant then? What's the point?" the patient pleaded.
February 21st, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 19th, 2024

Behind the wheel: Navigating driving with epilepsy
Jessica Veach didn't wait long enough at the stop sign.
February 19th, 2024Source

Can grandparental support improve the mental health of single mothers?
In a recent study in Population Studies, researchers explored the role of grandparental support in protecting mothers from depression.
February 19th, 2024Source

Can Ozempic treat depression? Early signs point to yes
Add depression to the growing list of chronic diseases that obesity medicines might alleviate. Signs of improved mental health are showing up in the health records of people who take the broader class of medicines known as GLP-1s, which include Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly & Co.'s Zepbound.
February 19th, 2024Source

E-cigarettes boost tobacco use abstinence with smoking cessation counseling
The addition of electronic cigarettes to standard smoking-cessation counseling results in greater abstinence from tobacco use among smokers than smoking-cessation counseling alone, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
February 19th, 2024Source

Emerging role of lipids in metabolic disorders and lipid alterations in fatty liver disease
The importance of lipids as one of the fundamental biological compounds is well established as they are important signaling molecules and key components of metabolic disorders. The imbalance in lipid homeostasis and the dysregulation of lipid uptake and trafficking contribute to a multitude of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and fatty liver disease and it is crucial to identify new mechanistic insights and the role of genetic variants involved in these disorders.
February 19th, 2024Source

Frozen shoulder research may hold the key to understanding fibrosis resolution
Researchers have identified how cells work to resolve frozen shoulder, opening up potential new targets for treatment and reducing the need for surgery.
February 19th, 2024Source

Key regulator of decision-making pinpointed in brain
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have new insight on what goes on inside people's heads as they make decisions to obtain information about the future.
February 19th, 2024Source

Neural network model identifies distinct brain organization patterns in women and men
A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators unveils a new artificial intelligence model that was more than 90% successful at determining whether scans of brain activity came from a woman or a man.
February 19th, 2024Source

PFAS: Can we adapt to live without?
Over the past two years, 3M sold nearly 25,000 different products that contain PFAS, the "forever chemicals" that will soon be largely illegal in Minnesota.
February 19th, 2024Source

Pickleball-related fractures up significantly in older adults
As pickleball has gained in popularity, associated fractures have skyrocketed 90-fold since 2002, according to a study presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, held from Feb. 12 to 16 in San Francisco.
February 19th, 2024Source

Protein production glitches in Huntington's disease revealed
DNA, often thought of as "the blueprint of life," contains instructions for building proteins that cells need to survive and function properly. But DNA isn't perfect and errors can occur during replication. Sometimes, this can result in snippets of the DNA building blocks called nucleotides—G (guanine), A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine)—getting repeated too many times in a row.
February 19th, 2024Source

Spring allergies have wide-ranging effects, say experts
Spring allergies bring to mind thoughts of stuffy noses and watery eyes. But allergies actually affect many different and interconnected systems within a person's body, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
February 19th, 2024Source

Study reveals five common ways in which the health of homeless pet owners and their companions is improved
A rapid scoping review has been conducted, which reveals five common ways in which the health of homeless pet owners and their companion animals is improved.
February 19th, 2024Source

What is the association between relationship factors, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with mental health?
In a recent study published in PLoS ONE, a group of researchers investigated the impact of marital/relationship perceptions, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors on the mental health of Australian adults, using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey.
February 19th, 2024Source

Xylazine
A medicine used to sedate animals is now being sold illegally as a thrill for humans. The effects can be deadly.
February 19th, 2024Source

Health — Nanotechnology — February 16th, 2024

Engineered living materials achieve reconfigurable growth
Morphogenesis marks one of nature's most astonishing feats. Starting from a single cell, cascading genetic and physical patterns progressively sculpt intricate structures exquisitely tailored for specialized function - spikes for snails, smooth skin for sharks, branched airways in human lungs.
February 16th, 2024Source

First human trial shows graphene can be developed safely
Graphene, a revolutionary nanomaterial with huge potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed further without acute risk to human health, research suggests.
February 16th, 2024Source

Health — Health Field — February 16th, 2024

Faceoff Between Anthem Blue Cross, UC Health Shows Hazards of Industry Consolidation
For weeks, more than half a million Anthem Blue Cross enrollees who receive health care from the University of California were held in suspense. It wasn't clear whether they would have to find new doctors or switch plans as the health system and one of its largest insurance partners struggled to reach agreement on a new contract.
February 16th, 2024Source

HIMSSCast: Maintaining and optimizing EHRs: Long-term strategies
When is it time to optimize an EHR? Where is the best place to start? Who should be involved? Peyman Zand, chief strategy officer at consulting firm CereCore and a former provider CIO, has the answers to these questions and many more.
February 16th, 2024Source

How generative AI can help address the critical nursing shortage
The healthcare workforce should prepare for a "once-in-a-century revolution," a labor law expert says, with artificial intelligence poised to directly impact the way nurses and other healthcare professionals do their jobs.
February 16th, 2024Source

Most vendors now using APIs to expand EHR functionality, says ONC
The agency's national survey of digital health companies shows that 73% use standards-based application programming interfaces when they are integrating with electronic health records, with a majority using the FHIR standard.
February 16th, 2024Source

Neuroscientists discover interactions between brain waves and nerve cells during human memory processes
Spatial navigation and spatial memory play a central role in our lives. Without these abilities, we would hardly be able to find our way around and it would be difficult to remember past events. However, the neuronal basis of spatial memory is far from being fully understood.
February 16th, 2024Source

New FDA-approved drug makes severe food allergies less life-threatening
Injections over several months allowed people to tolerate larger doses of trigger foods.
February 16th, 2024Source

Patients See First Savings From Biden's Drug Price Push, as Pharma Lines Up Its Lawyers
Last year alone, David Mitchell paid $16,525 for 12 little bottles of Pomalyst, one of the pricey medications that treat his multiple myeloma, a blood cancer he was diagnosed with in 2010.
February 16th, 2024Source

Protective mechanism discovered in the formation of fear memories could be starting point for new therapies
Researchers at the Central Institute of Mental Health and Heidelberg University have identified a biological mechanism that regulates the strength of the memory of an aversive event. The results of their study offer new starting points for the development of therapies for psychiatric disorders.
February 16th, 2024Source

Pulmonary expert explains importance of warm air during cold weather
Colder, dry air impacts lung health, with symptoms that range from bothersome to distressing. With cold temperatures forecasted for the Houston area this weekend, a pulmonary expert with Baylor College of Medicine explains the importance of warm air during colder temps and which populations should pay close attention to forecasted temperatures.
February 16th, 2024Source

Southern Lawmakers Rethink Long-Standing Opposition to Medicaid Expansion
Patrick Dunnagan of Raleigh, North Carolina, hasn't been able to work for years because of kidney disease and chronic pain. When North Carolina on Dec. 1 became the 40th state to expand Medicaid, Dunnagan finally qualified for the state-federal health insurance program, which covers people with low incomes. "The financial security is huge," he says
February 16th, 2024Source

Study suggests CT imaging with automated AI system predicts EGFR genotype, identifying mutation status cost-effectively and non-invasively
In a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia, researchers developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive system (AIPS) model for the early detection of lung cancer by combining radiological, clinical, and genetic data.
February 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 16th, 2024

6th CKD Drug Development Summit: Countdown Begins
The 6th CKD Drug Development Summit is just around the corner! This highly anticipated summit is set to bring together KOLs, industry experts, and regulators to concentrate kidney innovation onto the next generation of drug development.
February 16th, 2024Source

Discovery provides new insight into severe liver disease
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a severe and chronic liver disease. It affects men more than women, and most people who are diagnosed with PSC are between 30 and 40 years old.
February 16th, 2024Source

Gender variations in brain aging among Parkinson's Disease patients
In a recent study published in npj Parkinson's Disease, researchers explored how sex influences brain aging in Parkinson's disease (PD) by analyzing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-derived brain age differences and their clinical correlations.
February 16th, 2024Source

How our brains' beta waves predict stuttering
Beta waves are brainwaves associated with thought, actions, and reactions; for example, beta waves affect how you would react to a cyclist speeding toward you as you cross the street. New research finds that they can also predict when a person will stutter.
February 16th, 2024Source

Is it broken? A strain or sprain? How to spot a serious injury now school and sport are back
Kids are back at school, playgrounds, sport and general mucking around. This can lead to two things: happy children and injuries.
February 16th, 2024Source

Jelqing: The latest in a long history of attempts to enlarge the male member
Advice about a penis-enlargement method called jelqing (also "jelquing") is being widely shared online. Posts advise that stretching a semi-erect penis could add up to an inch in length and girth by exploiting the body's repair mechanisms.
February 16th, 2024Source

Mental health needs of young people with language disorder are being neglected, researchers say
There is an urgent need to address inequality in health services, especially mental health provision, for young people with developmental language disorder (DLD), according to a team led by UCL researchers.
February 16th, 2024Source

Nanomaterial with potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed without risk to human health
A revolutionary nanomaterial with huge potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed further without acute risk to human health, research suggests. The study is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
February 16th, 2024Source

Researchers identify genes and cell types that may have causal role in primary open-angle glaucoma formation
Although primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55, there remains no cure for the disease and its biological mechanisms are not well understood. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the disease, but many patients with glaucoma have normal eye pressure and still lose vision.
February 16th, 2024Source

The role of odor and verbal cues in recalling memories
Disruptions in effortful recall could lead to difficulties in autobiographical memory (AM), a condition associated with major depressive disorder (MDD).
February 16th, 2024Source

Wildfires linked to surge in mental health-related emergency department visits, study shows
An Emory University study published Thursday in Nature Mental Health shows wildfires lead to an increase of anxiety-related emergency department visits in the western United States, amplifying the concerning parallel trajectory of two escalating public health crises—mental health and climate change.
February 16th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 14th, 2024

A sense of touch: ASICs are the receptor for a proton synaptic messenger between Merkel cells and an afferent nerve
Transduction is the changing of one form of energy into another, such as a spoken voice changed into radio waves by a cellphone.
February 14th, 2024Source

A patch a day? Why the vitamin skin patches hyped on social media might not be for you
Vitamin patches are trending on social media and advertised in posts and podcasts.
February 14th, 2024Source

Are robots easier to interact with than humans for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
In a recent review published in Behavioral Science, researchers summarized the current evidence regarding whether people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) find it easier to interact with robot partners than human partners.
February 14th, 2024Source

Cities know that the way police respond to mental crisis calls must change. But how?
Philadelphia police officers Kenneth Harper and Jennifer Torres were in their patrol car sitting at a red light when a call came in over the 911 radio dispatch.
February 14th, 2024Source

Female lab mice behave very differently when placed outdoors
A new study has examined social behavior of lab mice in large outdoor enclosures.
February 14th, 2024Source

'Flash and Freeze-fracture' technique allows for neuronal insights into medial habenula
Fear and addiction exert significant influence within society. Managing them is often challenging, as they are driven by intricate neuronal circuits in our brains. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is crucial to intervene when these processes malfunction.
February 14th, 2024Source

New algorithm disentangles intrinsic brain patterns from sensory inputs
Maryam Shanechi and her team have developed a new machine learning method that reveals surprisingly consistent intrinsic brain patterns across different subjects by disentangling these patterns from the effect of visual inputs. The work has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
February 14th, 2024Source

New treatment developed to dramatically slow down the progression of blindness-causing retinal diseases
A research team has successfully incorporated anti-inflammatory drugs into a hydrogel to suppress inflammation in the retina and effectively deliver the drugs to the inflamed area.
February 14th, 2024Source

Study hints at an early shift towards a more positive attitude in middle-aged people
Past psychology studies have found that on average, older adults tend to view the world in a more positive light than younger adults. People in their 30s to 50s, in fact, often display a negativity bias, which essentially means that they are more prone to remember unfavorable and information interpret neutral events in a negative light.
February 14th, 2024Source

Using three AI protein prediction tools, study uncovers new wrinkles in the folding story of 'orphan' proteins
When Profs. Joel Sussman and Israel Silman were asked to mentor Chinese students online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing they expected to come out of the experience was highly innovative research on protein evolution that could change our understanding of the way new proteins come into being.
February 14th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 12th, 2024

A flicker of truth: Piercing the 'continuity illusion'
A study by a team at the Champalimaud Foundation (CF) has cast a new light on the superior colliculus (SC), a deep-seated brain structure often overshadowed by its more prominent cortical neighbor. Their discovery uncovers how the SC may play a pivotal role in how animals see the world in motion, and sheds light on the "continuity illusion," an essential perceptual process integral to many of our daily activities, from driving vehicles to watching movies.
February 12th, 2024Source

Can a $6.4 billion mental health ballot measure solve California homelessness?
For decades, thousands of Californians struggling with mental health and addiction have languished on the street. Now, voters will decide whether a March 5 ballot measure is the solution to get them the care they desperately need.
February 12th, 2024Source

Fitness trackers find new symptom of depression—body temperature
When a group of California researchers started a COVID-19 study in 2020 using fitness tracking rings, they didn't know they would make a leap forward for an entirely different condition.
February 12th, 2024Source

Home lighting tied to activity levels in adults with visual impairment
The home environment, particularly lighting, may influence home activity metrics in older adults with visual impairment, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
February 12th, 2024Source

IU researchers develop a breakthrough new blood test for schizophrenia
A team of researchers led by Indiana University School of Medicine faculty have developed a breakthrough new blood test for schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder that includes hallucinations and delusions.
February 12th, 2024Source

Limiting screen time and returning to school early may speed up recovery after a concussion
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital have found that when it comes to concussion recovery, activity type matters. In a study published today in British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that limiting screen time and returning to school early following a concussion may speed up recovery.
February 12th, 2024Source

Newly discovered brain cells play a key role in right and left turns
Have you ever wondered what happens in the brain when we move to the right or left? Most people don't; they just do it without thinking about it. But this simple movement is actually controlled by a complex process.
February 12th, 2024Source

Rainwater significantly reduces damage from lightning strikes to the head: Study
Research at the Technical University of Ilmenau has shown that rainwater on the scalp can reduce damage caused by direct lightning strikes to the head. When the scalp is wet, fewer impacts are recorded compared to dry scalp, and the wetness also reduces the electrical current to which the brain is exposed.
February 12th, 2024Source

Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise, and find a way to prevent it
Anyone who has ever been to a loud concert knows the feeling of ringing ears. Some people experience temporary or even permanent hearing loss or drastic changes in their perception of sound after the loud noises stop. Thanos Tzounopoulos, Ph.D., director of the Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has focused his scientific career on investigating how hearing works and developing ways to treat tinnitus and hearing loss.
February 12th, 2024Source

'Self-love' might seem selfish. But done right, it's the opposite of narcissism
"To love what you are, the thing that is yourself, is just as if you were embracing a glowing red-hot iron" said psychonalyst Carl Jung.
February 12th, 2024Source

Sleep aid models sleep patterns, plays soothing music at appropriate times
Insomnia is a pervasive sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. It has long been considered a significant health concern characterized by difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep for a sufficiently long period. While almost everyone suffers sleeplessness on occasion, it can often be alleviated by changing one's bedtime routine, avoiding late food and drink, relaxation and breathing exercises, switching off one's gadgets earlier in the evening, reducing stress overall, and with short-term medication.
February 12th, 2024Source

Study reveals microbiome changes linked to autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by decreased social communication and repetitive behaviors, has long intrigued scientists seeking to unravel its underlying mechanisms. Researchers from the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University have now identified a potential link between ASD and the composition of the gut microbiome.
February 12th, 2024Source

This is how tobacco damages our cells
My father smoked a pipe for some time, and I vividly remember that sticky black substance—tar—which stuck to the device's filter. Now imagine this stuff going into your lungs, and coating their walls. The picture is unpleasant, to say the least.
February 12th, 2024Source

What are the best products to prevent, relieve chapped lips?
When the cold temperatures hit your lips and dry them out this winter, you might turn to some sort of lip product for a solution. But with a plethora of options to choose from, which will work best?
February 12th, 2024Source

Why it's a bad idea to mix alcohol with some medications
Anyone who has drunk alcohol will be familiar with how easily it can lower your social inhibitions and let you do things you wouldn't normally do.
February 12th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 9th, 2024

Anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety—emotions that feel bad can be useful
Remember the sadness that came with the last time you failed miserably at something? Or the last time you were so anxious about an upcoming event that you couldn't concentrate for days?
February 9th, 2024Source

As pickleball's popularity surges, injuries are also on the rise
America's fastest-growing sport with the silly name—pickleball—continues to lure new players onto courts in droves. But before hopping into the game, UC San Diego Health physical therapists recommend acing a pickleball pre-game routine to help keep injuries at bay.
February 9th, 2024Source

Do one in six Indians over 59 really have a mild brain disorder, as a new study suggests?
India is often perceived as a country with a young population, while European and North American populations are regarded as aging. Although this is true, the country's demographics are rapidly shifting, according to a UN study. And people aged 60 and over are expected to constitute 20% of the population by 2050.
February 9th, 2024Source

Is marriage a prescription for happiness? A new poll says yes
While marriage can be hard work, a new survey suggests it can also be a powerful elixir for happiness.
February 9th, 2024Source

Ketamine's promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain
Using an old anesthesia drug to pull people out of the depths of severe depression has gone from fringe idea to widespread use in just a few years.
February 9th, 2024Source

Largest ever study of autistic people's research priorities finds need for focus on mental health
The largest ever study of autistic people's priorities has revealed a desire to focus research on mental health, post-diagnosis support and social stigma.
February 9th, 2024Source

Recommendations for imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies
Crystal-induced arthropathies (CiA) are caused by crystal deposits in a person's joints and associated tissues. The most frequent forms of these very common conditions be caused by three different types of crystals: monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), and basic calcium phosphate (BCP).
February 9th, 2024Source

Stapokibart shows promise in reducing nasal congestion in seasonal allergy patients, study finds
In a recent study published in EClinicalMedicine, researchers assessed the efficacy and safety of stapokibart as an add-on therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe uncontrolled seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
February 9th, 2024Source

Study finds that Oura Ring data helps pinpoint depressive states
In 2020, a group of California researchers wanted to see if fitness trackers, such as the Oura Ring, could detect early signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (spoiler: they can). What the study also found, however, was a correlation between the depressive symptoms reported by the study's participants with the body temperature data that Oura provides.
February 9th, 2024Source

Why are so many Australians taking antidepressants?
Around one in seven Australians take antidepressants; more than 3.5 million of us had them dispensed in 2021--22. This is one of the highest antidepressant prescribing rates in the world.
February 9th, 2024Source

Women experience larger increase in antidepressant use after break-up than men, study suggests
While both divorce and remarriage in later life are becoming more frequent, there is inadequate research on their effects on mental health. A new study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health explored patterns of antidepressant use among Finnish adults aged 50--70 years experiencing divorce, separation from cohabitation, or bereavement, alongside usage trends before and after subsequent repartnering.
February 9th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 7th, 2024

Findings shed light on the role of platelets in patients with cirrhosis
Next to other complications, cirrhosis is also linked to abnormalities in hemostasis. However, the role of alterations in platelet function had previously been insufficiently investigated.
February 7th, 2024Source

It's Time to Accept That Sleep Divorce May Be the Best Way to Sleep
Sometimes, your partner is the source of your sleep troubles. Sleep divorce may be what saves your relationship and your health.
February 7th, 2024Source

Livening up your space with plants can boost your mental health
While you may not associate lush greenery with the winter months, incorporating plants into your home can beautify your space and help combat the winter blues. Various indoor plants thrive during the winter months and can provide color in your home during an otherwise dreary time of year.
February 7th, 2024Source

Loneliness declared health emergency in California's San Mateo County
San Mateo County recently became the first county in the country to recognize loneliness as a public health emergency.
February 7th, 2024Source

Male sex, high age, little physical exercise and low level of education are associated with allostatic load
Allostatic load refers to a disorder of the body's stress response, which has been shown to increase the risk of mortality and various health risks, as well as being associated with mental disorders. A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland explored the associations of allostatic load with depressive symptoms, lifestyles, health behaviors, and sociodemographic factors, such as age and level of education.
February 7th, 2024Source

Naturally-occurring material is an effective disinfectant for contact lenses, study suggests
A new study suggests a naturally-occurring material is an effective disinfectant for contact lenses, worn by millions of people worldwide.
February 7th, 2024Source

Neuronal abnormalities in autism-associated canine model carry Shank3 mutations
Researchers led by Prof. Zhang Yongqing from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established for the first time a brain slice electrophysiology system in an autism-associated canine model and revealed neuronal structural and functional abnormalities in Shank3 mutant dogs.
February 7th, 2024Source

New direct links discovered between the brain and its surrounding environment
In a recent study of the brain's waste drainage system, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, collaborating with investigators at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) discovered a direct connection between the brain and its tough protective covering, the dura mater.
February 7th, 2024Source

Novel drug could protect brains from damage after repeat concussions
Repeat concussions, also referred to as repetitive mild traumatic brain injury, can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, some people who experience repetitive mild traumatic brain injury never develop major disease.
February 7th, 2024Source

Organic compound found in trees could prevent contact lens eye infections
A new study suggests a naturally-occurring material is an effective disinfectant for contact lenses, worn by millions of people worldwide.
February 7th, 2024Source

People with lower incomes particularly benefit from nature, suggests study
Data from a representative sample of the Austrian population suggests that the connection between contact with nature and well-being is stronger among people with lower incomes than among people with higher incomes. However, this pattern was only found when people actively sought out nature and not when they simply lived near green spaces.
February 7th, 2024Source

Position of stroke patient's head before surgery may improve neurological function
Positioning patients with large vessel ischemic (clot-caused) stroke with their heads flat (0-degrees) before surgery to remove the blood clot resulted in significant improvements in neurological function, compared to patients whose heads were elevated (at a 30-degree angle), according to preliminary late-breaking science presented today at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024.
February 7th, 2024Source

Progress toward developing blood tests for psychiatric and neurological disorders
Researchers in a Johns Hopkins Children's Center-led study that used genetic material from human blood and lab-grown brain cells say they have made progress in developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain specifically linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric and neurological disorders.
February 7th, 2024Source

Psychedelic experiences linked with improved sexual function
Magic mushrooms, LSD and other psychoactive compounds may help to improve sexual function for months after the psychedelic experience.
February 7th, 2024Source

Research highlights simple things we can do to cope with traumatic loss
A new study finds there are simple activities that can help people improve their mood and emotional well-being on a day-to-day basis after the traumatic loss of a loved one.
February 7th, 2024Source

Researchers find a molecular mechanism related to neuronal death
The human brain is an organ that requires 20% to 25% of the energy the body creates. This high energy demand for neuronal functions depends on the transport and precise distribution of mitochondria—the energy-generating cell organelles—in each neuron.
February 7th, 2024Source

Researchers map mortality due to heat waves
While the most extreme heat waves have the greatest short-term impact on mortality, it is the mildest heat waves that kill most lives over time. This is because mild heat waves are more common. This is according to a new study published in Environment International that has mapped the health risks of heat waves in India.
February 7th, 2024Source

Screen time can seriously harm your eyes: Here's how to avoid it
Every day, more and more patients are seeking medical attention after spending long days in front of computer screens. The most common symptoms include irritated or itchy eyes, and a sensation of dryness or sand on the surface of the eye.
February 7th, 2024Source

Smart earrings can monitor a person's temperature
Smart accessories are increasingly common. Rings and watches track vitals, while Ray-Bans now come with cameras and microphones. Wearable tech has even broached brooches. Yet certain accessories have yet to get the smart touch.
February 7th, 2024Source

Study finds neighborhood socioeconomic status may play an important role in suicides
Attempted suicide is one of the most significant predictors of completed suicide, which is becoming a leading cause of mortality in the U.S., especially among young adults. While prior research has focused mainly on individual-level risk factors for suicide--such as psychiatric diagnoses, impulsiveness, substance use, and previous suicide attempts—there is little information on risk factors at the community level, including the physical and social environment in which people live.
February 7th, 2024Source

Study finds non-white victims of lethal violence and suicide in the US die younger than their white counterparts
In the US, people of color who are killed by violence or die by suicide lose more potential years of life than white victims, according to a new study, which also explored factors that may contribute to these disparities. Gregory Zimmerman of Northeastern University in Boston, US, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
February 7th, 2024Source

Stress found to influence brain and psyche via immune system
Chronic stress has far-reaching consequences for our bodies. For example, many stress-related psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, are associated with changes in the immune system. However, the underlying mechanisms of how these changes affect the brain remain largely unknown.
February 7th, 2024Source

The size of your meniscus matters: Knee pain explained
With all of the fantastic imaging techniques available in health care today, clinicians are capable of diagnosing tissue and joint deformities using non-invasive imaging with remarkable accuracy. However, one vexing question remains: Why are some patients with specific joint deformities symptomatic while others are not?
February 7th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 5th, 2024

Distance education in Sweden during pandemic led to less care for ill mental health: Study
Upper secondary school students were less likely to seek help for ill mental health when they were forced to study at home during the pandemic. A similar decrease was not seen for secondary school students aged 14--16 who remained in school. This has been shown in a new study at Uppsala University, based on data covering all of Sweden's upper secondary school students between 2015--2021.
February 5th, 2024Source

How does car traffic influence airborne fungal diversity?
Microbial particles including fungi, bacteria, allergens, etc., are common natural components of air. In particular, fungi represent a large portion of the airborne microbes since they are among the most abundant, widely dispersed, and pervasive organisms in the world. Spores of different fungal species dispersed in the atmosphere are considered to be related to air pollution, thus affecting human health.
February 5th, 2024Source

Hydrogel with built-in antibiofilm and antioxidative functions promotes faster healing of infected chronic wounds
Diabetic wounds often become chronically infected and are notoriously difficult to treat. Two primary reasons for this include the formation of a bacterial biofilm and high levels of oxidative stress. A novel hydrogel dressing was developed recently to combat both these undesirable characteristics and tested for its effects on diabetic-infected wound healing. The report appeared in Nature Communications.
February 5th, 2024Source

Ketamine therapy for mental health a 'Wild west' for doctors and patients
In late 2022, Sarah Gutilla's treatment-resistant depression had grown so severe, she was actively contemplating suicide. Raised in foster care, the 34-year-old's childhood was marked by physical violence, sexual abuse, and drug use, leaving her with life-threatening mental scars.
February 5th, 2024Source

Study finds new treatment to reverse inflammation and arterial blockages in rheumatoid arthritis
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found that the molecule RvT4 enhances the body's natural defenses against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
February 5th, 2024Source

Unlocking precision medicine for inflammatory bowel disease
The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is rapidly increasing worldwide, affecting an estimated 6.8 million people. This surge brings significant economic burdens, with annual health care costs exceeding $12,000 and $7,000 for CD and UC patients, respectively.
February 5th, 2024Source

Visualizing multiple sclerosis with a new MRI procedure
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that usually leads to permanent disabilities. It affects about 2.9 million people worldwide, and about 15,000 in Switzerland alone. One key feature of the disease is that it causes the patient's own immune system to attack and destroy the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system.
February 5th, 2024Source

Women's blood lipid metabolism found to be better at countering effects of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea, which involves recurring, temporary interruptions of breathing during sleep, can disturb regulation of blood lipid levels, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. A University of Ottawa research team has shown that the impact of sleep apnea on the metabolism of blood lipids differs by sex, with women regulating their blood lipids better than men.
February 5th, 2024Source

Health — General Information — February 2nd, 2024

Ayahuasca-induced personal death subjective experiences: A literature review
Researchers analyzed studies on self-reported experiences related to the sensation of death during ayahuasca ceremonies (ayahuasca-induced personal death—APDs). More than half of the participants report having felt APDs and classify them as strong and transformative experiences, being associated with an increased sense of transcending death, as well as the certainty of the continuation of consciousness after death.
February 2nd, 2024Source

COPD and the effect of low-dose cadmium, a highly toxic metal, on airway epithelial cells
Cigarette smoke exposure is associated with the development and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which is the third leading cause of death worldwide.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Engineered cartilage could turn the tide for patients with osteoarthritis
About 1 in 7 adults live with degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA). In recent years, as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and other joint injuries have become more common among adolescent athletes, a growing number of 20- and 30-somethings have joined the ranks of aging baby boomers living with chronic OA pain.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Dermatologists' group offers latest guidance on acne
It might take a combination of treatments to rein in problem acne in teens and adults, updated guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggest.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Geographic differences in telehealth found among mental health clinics
Telehealth availability for mental health care varies significantly across states—from less than half of treatment facilities contacted in states like Mississippi and South Carolina to every facility contacted in states like Maine and Oregon, according to a new study.
February 2nd, 2024Source

In overactive bladder patients, nocturnal urinary frequency is tied to bruises, fractures from falls
For patients with overactive bladder (OAB), increasing nocturnal urination frequency is a common risk factor for falls with bruises and fractures, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Neurons can feel the pulse in the brain, study shows
As opposed to the sensory perception of the external world, interoception is the sensing of internal body signals, which informs the brain about the state of the body. Rhythmic bodily processes such as breathing, the heartbeat, or the pulsing of the gut may help keep brain activity organized. Indeed, it seems that how we think and see the world is affected by our heartbeat.
February 2nd, 2024Source

New guidelines aim to elevate comprehensive care for people with severe epilepsy
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) has developed updated guidelines that outline the comprehensive services and resources epilepsy centers should provide to improve quality of care for people whose epilepsy is not well-controlled.
February 2nd, 2024Source

New health evidence advocates for clean fuels in African homes and schools
University of Liverpool researchers have conducted the first comprehensive analysis of the substantial health gain that can be realized when switching African homes from polluting fuels to clean fuels such as bottled gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG). Evidence from this global evidence synthesis has crucial energy and health policy implications for the region.
February 2nd, 2024Source

New UK report reveals autism assessment and support crisis
A report published today (Friday 2 February) by the Child of the North initiative—led by the N8 Research Partnership and former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield's new Center for Young Lives think tank, reveals a crisis in children's autism assessment.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Psychological care by phone is an effective way to combat loneliness and depression, according to new study
Depression and loneliness can be prevented using structured, telephone-based psychological care, delivered over eight weeks, according to new research. The study, led by a team based at the University of York and Hull York Medical School and at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, has found levels of depression reduced significantly and the benefits were greater than those seen for antidepressants.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Research into autoimmune liver condition suggests unique cell movements may drive disease
Research suggests that a recent understanding of cell movements may help shed light on the mechanisms driving primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease that attacks the bile ducts of the liver.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Researchers use supercomputer to determine whether 'molecules of life' can be formed naturally in right conditions
Basic biology textbooks will tell you that all life on Earth is built from four types of molecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. And each group is vital for every living organism.
February 2nd, 2024Source

Study reveals turban style and thickness affects head injury risk in Sikh cyclists
A new study from Imperial College London has revealed that the style and thickness of turbans affect the risk of serious head injury in Sikh cyclists
February 2nd, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 31st, 2024

Abnormal proteins found in the spinal fluid of people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia
Proteins could serve as biomarkers that improve diagnosis and guide the development of novel therapies.
January 31, 2024Source

Analysis reveals a significant rise in use of complementary health approaches, especially for pain management
An analysis conducted by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reveals a substantial increase in the overall use of complementary health approaches by American adults from 2002 to 2022.
January 31, 2024Source

Compounded effects of racism on mental distress, alcohol use, firearm purchases among Asian Americans during pandemic
Racism provoked during the COVID-19 pandemic is directly tied to increased firearm purchases among Asian Americans, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
January 31, 2024Source

Eating disorders are among the most lethal mental health conditions. Reconnecting with internal body sensations can help
Did you know that anorexia is the most lethal mental health condition? One person dies from an eating disorder every hour in the U.S. Many of these deaths are not from health consequences related to starvation, but from suicide.
January 31, 2024Source

Efficacy of electronic cigarettes found to be noninferior to varenicline
For smokers who are motivated to quit, the quit rate is noninferior for electronic cigarettes (ECs) versus varenicline and is higher for ECs than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine gum, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
January 31, 2024Source

Firing nerve fibers in the brain are supplied with energy on demand, shows study
Brain function depends on the swift movement of electrical signals along axons, the long extensions of nerve cells that connect billions of brain cells. The nerve fibers are insulated by a fatty layer called myelin, which is produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells wrap around and insulate nerve fibers ensuring the rapid and efficient transmission of signals that are essential for brain function.
January 31, 2024Source

Is hypnotizability related to risk-taking behavior?
In their daily lives, humans can encounter many situations that can put them at a varying degree of risk, or in other words, situations in which their choices can increase or decrease the possibility that an adverse event will occur. In these situations, different people can be more or less prone to engage in risk-taking behavior, such as gambling or investing large sums of money.
January 31, 2024Source

Ketamine therapy for mental health a 'wild West' for doctors and patients
In late 2022, Sarah Gutilla's treatment-resistant depression had grown so severe, she was actively contemplating suicide. Raised in foster care, the 34-year-old's childhood was marked by physical violence, sexual abuse, and drug use, leaving her with life-threatening mental scars.
January 31, 2024Source

Looking for love? Try finding purpose as well
The world of online dating can be overwhelming with the dizzying array of options for attracting a partner but new research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that those looking for love may have more success if they also seek a sense of purpose in life.
January 31, 2024Source

NIH study shows higher mortality rates for patients on respiratory support in rural intermediate care units
Findings highlight the importance of providing ICU-level care to rural patients with respiratory failure
January 31, 2024Source

New research explores the effects of cannabidiol on general health
For 20 years, Laura Stewart, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, at the University of Northern Colorado, has been exploring how exercise improves the immune system. Over the last decade, however, her interests shifted to focus on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and immune function.
January 31, 2024Source

New study recommends 2000 IU daily vitamin D supplementation
In a recent narrative review published in Nutrients, researchers discuss the evidence arguing for the efficiency and safety of 2000 international units, i.e., 50 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D supplementation per day to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency in the general adult population.
January 31, 2024Source

Pedestrian injuries from falls versus motor vehicle collisions: Are we lacking critical policy and interventions?
Using Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data, researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have compared the national burden of pedestrian injuries from motor vehicles to that of pedestrian falls occurring on streets and sidewalks, and found that the probability of a pedestrian suffering a severe injury is higher for motor vehicle collisions as compared to falls.
January 31, 2024Source

Sleep can give athletes an edge over competitors, but few recognize how fundamental sleep is to performance
In the adrenaline-packed world of professional sports, the power of sleep rarely gets adequate attention.
January 31, 2024Source

Study finds recipients of e-cigarette coupons 1.5 times more likely to begin using, less likely to quit
A new study led by a researcher in the Georgia State University School of Public Health finds that people who receive coupons for e-cigarettes are more than 1.5 times more likely to begin using them and less likely to quit.
January 31, 2024Source

Using neuroimaging, researchers confirm cumulative, brain-wide effects of ADHD
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain leveraged a large national dataset and neuroimaging to confirm the brain-wide effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
January 31, 2024Source

Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas, researchers find
New research shows that vape stores are densely located around schools and in disadvantaged areas. Public health experts say the alarming data reinforces the pressing need for the Federal Government's planned further regulation to protect children and vulnerable people.
January 31, 2024Source

What do you know about pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a long, flat gland that lies horizontally behind your stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes for digestion and hormones that regulate the way your body processes sugar.
January 31, 2024Source

What your blood can tell you about your health
Blood tests are commonly used to help not only monitor one's health but also to diagnose conditions. A blood sample can reveal a lot about a person's health.
January 31, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 29th, 2024

Arts, medicine combine to help patients with chronic digestive symptoms
In a study led by a team at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State's Wexner Center for the Arts, patients suffering from digestive symptoms were prescribed participation in an art program designed to help ease stress associated with their chronic illness.
January 29, 2024Source

Certain indoor air pollutants can be absorbed through the skin. What you need to know
Even though most of us will spend a majority of our lives indoors, that doesn't mean we aren't still exposed to air pollution. Indoor air contains a wide array of pollutants including chemicals found in many common household items, building materials and cleaning products.
January 29, 2024Source

Do you need to see a doctor for that rash?
When should you worry about a rash? Rashes may look alike, but while over-the-counter medications can treat some rashes, others can signal a more serious condition, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says.
January 29, 2024Source

Expert advice for women with thinning hair
Thinning hair is common as we age. And while the signs might not be as obvious as in men, about 55% of women experience some hair loss by the time they're 70. Treatments to prevent or stop it can help many women who are losing their hair.
January 29, 2024Source

Is inflammatory bowel disease causing your erectile dysfunction?
A recent Scientific Reports study used Mendelian randomization (MR) trials to explore the causal link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
January 29, 2024Source

Jobs and geography may affect hearing: New study maps hearing loss by state and county across the US
The first study to map the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss in the United States by state and county finds that rates of hearing loss are higher among men, non-Hispanic whites, and residents of rural areas. Bilateral hearing loss is hearing loss in both ears.
January 29, 2024Source

Neglected tropical diseases persist in the world's poorest places: Four reads about hurdles and progress
It's sobering to reflect that "neglected tropical diseases" are referred to as "neglected" because they persist in the poorest, most marginalized communities even after being wiped out in more developed parts of the world.
January 29, 2024Source

New study indicates that many people will conceal their illnesses, putting others at risk
Have you ever hidden the fact that you were sick with a contagious illness from people around you?
January 29, 2024Source

New study on promising stem cell-based therapy for Crohn's disease
The research, published in npj Regenerative Medicine, showed that human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) helped heal the lining of the intestines and prompted a positive immunologic response. These effects were noted early after the administration of the stem cells and were sustained when no live hMSCs were present.
January 29, 2024Source

Study identifies molecule that could improve asthma treatments
Researchers are passionate about their fields of study for a variety of reasons. For Satish Madala, his focus on asthma is deeply personal.
January 29, 2024Source

UK unveils plan to ban disposable e-cigarettes
The UK will introduce legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes in order to tackle a rise in youth vaping, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Monday.
January 29, 2024Source

Updated EULAR recommendations for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 500 million people worldwide. The disease is age-related, and usually starts to affect people in middle age. For elderly people, OA is the most common cause of disability, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and impacts on participation in both social and work contexts.
January 29, 2024Source

UH optometry researcher warns against the use of low-level red light therapy to control myopia
A University of Houston optometry researcher is warning against the use of low-level red light (LLRL) therapy as a method to control myopia, or nearsightedness, especially in children. Over the last few years, LLRL has emerged as a viable myopia treatment after studies reported the treatment as effective and responsible for significant reduction in myopia progression.
January 29, 2024Source

Updated recommendations for management of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis
OA affects over 500 million people worldwide. The disease is age related, and usually starts to affect people in middle age. For elderly people, OA is the most common cause of disability, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and impacts on participation in both social and work contexts.
January 29, 2024Source

Who can give blood and how long does it take? Your questions answered
With the blood supply falling to critically low levels, here are a few answers to common questions about blood donation.
January 29, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 26th, 2024

1 in 20 people has no sense of smell: Here's how they might get it back
During the pandemic, a lost sense of smell was quickly identified as one of the key symptoms of COVID. Nearly four years later, one in five people in the UK is living with a decreased or distorted sense of smell, and one in twenty have anosmia—the total loss of the ability to perceive any odors at all.
January 26, 2024Source

Clues to autism's causes may lie in the gut
Professor Alessio Fasano, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in the US, has several relatives and friends raising children with autism—a neurological disorder characterized by impaired social behavior—so is keenly aware of the challenges faced by families that have children with autism.
January 26, 2024Source

Decoding how the brain manages the appetite for salt and water
Staying hydrated and consuming appropriate amounts of salt is essential for the survival of terrestrial animals, including humans. The human brain has several regions constituting neural circuits that regulate thirst and salt appetite, in intriguing ways.
January 26, 2024Source

Exploring the link between aesthetic judgments and 'screen swiping' hand movements
Humans commonly evaluate the beauty of other humans, as well as objects, places, natural landscapes, and even animals. The innate human tendency to make aesthetic judgments has been the topic of numerous psychological studies, yet its neural and cognitive underpinnings are not yet fully understood.
January 26, 2024Source

Nonprescription laxatives for constipation: Use with caution
Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Overuse of certain laxatives may lead to dependency and decreased bowel function.
January 26, 2024Source

Genomic 'butterfly effect' explains risk for autism spectrum disorder
Researchers in the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) examined the genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by analyzing mutations in the genomes of individuals and their families. They discovered that a special kind of genetic mutation works differently from typical mutations in how it contributes to the condition.
January 26, 2024Source

Passive exposure can speed up learning, new research shows
Learning a new skill takes deliberate practice over time, but passive exposure to the subject matter at hand can help speed up the process, new University of Oregon research in mice suggests.
January 26, 2024Source

Psychologists finds that when listening to music to relieve stress 'genre doesn't matter'
Feeling stressed? "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Nothing Else Matters" or "Baby One More Time" might calm you down again. Psychologist and music scientist Krisna Adiasto discovered that music genre doesn't seem to play a role in the songs we choose to recover from stress, but the songs that work do have shared characteristics.
January 26, 2024Source

Schools are using surveillance tech to catch students vaping, snaring some with harsh punishments
When Aaliyah Iglesias was caught vaping at a Texas high school, she didn't realize how much could be taken from her.
January 26, 2024Source

Study links social media use to increased inflammation over time
A University at Buffalo social scientist has extended a line of research that has already suggested an association between social media use and inflammation with a rigorous new study that showed that same association over time.
January 26, 2024Source

Using fMRI, a new vision study finds promising model for restoring cone function
In the retinas of human eyes, the cones are photoreceptor cells responsible for color vision, daylight vision, and the perception of small details. As vision scientists from the Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Gustavo D. Aguirre and William A. Beltran have been working for decades to identify the basis of inherited retinal diseases.
January 26, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 24th, 2024

Addressing coercion in mental health care
Finding a common goal for action to address coercion in mental health care is the goal of a new Griffith University paper that identifies what the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Psychiatry Association (WPA) agree on.
January 24, 2024Source

Ban on disposable vapes would affect one in seven young adults in Great Britain
A ban on disposable vapes, currently being considered by the U.K. Government, would affect 1 in 7 young adults (aged 18--24) in Great Britain, and 1 in 20 adults overall, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.
January 24, 2024Source

Brain mechanism teaches mice to avoid bullies: Findings may offer insight into human social disorders
Like humans, mice live in complex social groups, fight over territory and mates, and learn when it is safer to avoid certain opponents. After losing even a brief fight, the defeated animals will flee from the mice that hurt them for weeks afterward, a new study shows.
January 24, 2024Source

Climate change emerges as major eczema trigger
In an analysis of all relevant published studies that assessed atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) associated with trends in climate-related hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions, investigators found that impacts include direct effects on eczema, like particulate matter-induced inflammation from wildfires, and indirect effects, such as stress resulting from drought-induced food insecurity.
January 24, 2024Source or Source

European consortium awarded €6.5M to study psychedelic-assisted therapy
A European consortium of 19 partners has been awarded over €6.5M by the European Union to study psilocybin to treat psychological distress in people with progressive incurable illnesses requiring palliative care. This is the first time the EU has funded a multi-site clinical study into psychedelic-assisted therapy.
January 24, 2024Source

Functional seizures have long been misunderstood and may be more serious than previously thought, study suggests
The death rate for patients with functional, non-epileptic seizures is higher than expected, with a rate comparable to epilepsy and severe mental illness, a Michigan Medicine-led study finds.
January 24, 2024Source or Source

Higher prevalence of asthma linked to unhealthy living conditions in Dublin South Inner City community
New research has found that residents of Oliver Bond House flats in Dublin's south inner city are 2.4 times as likely to have asthma in their medical records, compared to other patients attending the same general practice living locally.
January 24, 2024Source

How people with suicidal thoughts can help each other through tough times
Discussing suicidal thoughts is a difficult task, often hindered by the reluctance to burden family or friends with worries. At the same time, people may not always receive the necessary support from existing social and mental health care structures.
January 24, 2024Source

How the brain handles the complexity of chewing
You bite into an apple, you chew, the flavors flood your mouth, you swallow, and then you do it all over again. Eating is so effortless that you can do it while chatting, reading, watching TV, walking, working...
January 24, 2024Source

Lockdown air quality boost in Oxford helped 41% reduction in adult asthma hospital stays
Oxford residents with asthma had fewer hospital stays during 2020 compared to the previous five-year average largely due to reductions in air pollution, new research has found.
January 24, 2024Source

Protein TDP-43 keeps genetic zombies at bay: New insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms
A new Cell Reports paper from Bing Yao's lab in Emory's Department of Human Genetics provides insights into mechanisms underlying several neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and Alzheimer's.
January 24, 2024Source

Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to lower stress
Relaxation techniques can lower stress symptoms and help you enjoy a better quality of life, especially if you have an illness. Explore relaxation techniques you can do by yourself.
January 24, 2024Source

Research shows irregular sleep rhythm challenges the health of middle-aged people
According to recent research, an irregular sleep rhythm is associated with poorer cardiovascular health in middle-aged people. Inconsistent bedtimes appear to particularly increase waist circumference. The results are revealed in a joint study by the University of Oulu and Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Department of Sports, and Exercise Medicine.
January 24, 2024Source

Research suggests chronic pain is different for males and females
A University of Alberta research team has uncovered differences in the way male and female mice develop and resolve chronic pain, pointing to potential pathways for future targeted treatments for humans.
January 24, 2024Source

Rising suicide rate among Hispanics worries community leaders
A group from teens to seniors gathered in an office inside a grocery store, where Spanish-language food signs cater to the large Hispanic population in this northwestern Georgia city dominated by the carpet industry.
January 24, 2024Source

Risk of death during heat waves in Brazil linked to socioeconomic factors
A new study suggests that heat waves are exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities in Brazil, with people who are female, elderly, Black, Brown, or who have lower educational levels potentially facing greater risk of death during heat waves. Djacinto Monteiro dos Santos of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and colleagues present these findings in PLOS ONE.
January 24, 2024Source

Simple steps can cut snakebite deaths
Scientists have called for simple, effective steps to cut the number of people bitten by venomous snakes.
January 24, 2024Source

Stop Using the Medicine Cabinet. Oh, and Now Clean It Out
If old bottles of prescription medicines and over-the-counter pain relievers are gathering dust behind your bathroom mirror, you're not alone. But it's important to take stock of what medications you have, what you can get rid of, and figure out how to store and discard your pills with care.
January 24, 2024Source

Why attention spans seem to be shrinking and what we can do about it
No, the average human attention span is not shorter than a goldfish's.
January 24, 2024Source

Why you should feed both a cold and a fever
Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus (the cause of the common cold), flu and SARS-CoV-2 make the rounds during the winter season, and many people claim to have a remedy to help illness pass quicker. But how much merit do these cures have? An expert with Baylor College of Medicine explains why the coldest time of the year brings sickness and how to prevent and power through some seasonal illnesses.
January 24, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 22nd, 2024

A new drug candidate can shrink kidney cysts
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common form of polycystic kidney disease, can lead to kidney enlargement and eventual loss of function. The disease affects more than 12 million people worldwide, and many patients end up needing dialysis or a kidney transplant by the time they reach their 60s.
January 22, 2024Source

Advancing noninvasive diagnosis of NASH: Potential of sequential ultrasound molecular imaging in NAFLD/MAFLD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is spectrum of diseases that ranges from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
January 22, 2024Source

Endosomal stress, a newly defined organelle stress, induces inflammation via ubiquitin signaling
The endosome is an essential organelle located at the center of membrane traffic and mainly sorts plasma membrane proteins internalized by endocytosis in cooperation with ubiquitination, especially lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains (K63 ubiquitin chains).
January 22, 2024Source

Evaluating the effectiveness of locally led digital public health campaigns
Kingston University academics and staff from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames' Department of Health Behaviors and Public Health Services have published an evaluation of the effectiveness of a series of locally led digital public health campaigns.
January 22, 2024Source

Extra vigilance at beaches needed as school holidays raise coastal drowning risk, shows study
A study has found that adults, and not just children, are at increased risk of drowning at the beach during school holidays.
January 22, 2024Source

Financial stress linked to worse biological health, finds study
People who experience stressful life events or circumstances are more likely to have worse biological health, as indicated by biomarkers involved in the interaction between our immune, nervous and endocrine systems, according to a new study by UCL researchers.
January 22, 2024Source

Good and bad news for people with low back pain
Low back pain is a major cause of disability around the globe, with more than 570 million people affected. In the United States alone, health care spending on low back pain was $134.5 billion between 1996 and 2016, and costs are increasing.
January 22, 2024Source

How the brain responds to reward is linked to socioeconomic background
MIT neuroscientists have found that the brain's sensitivity to rewarding experiences—a critical factor in motivation and attention—can be shaped by socioeconomic conditions.
January 22, 2024Source

Immune cells drive sex reversal in zebrafish, a discovery that could improve treatments for female infertility
Mutations that disrupt development of germ cells cause infertility or birth defects. Mutations that cause female infertility in humans, such as mutations in the gene BMP15, also cause infertility in zebrafish. However, female zebrafish can undergo a complete reversal of sex traits.
January 22, 2024Source

Lack of fluoridated water affects oral health of Queenslanders from lower socio-economic areas
University of Queensland biostatistician Christopher Sexton led a team that investigated the link between geographical areas' socio-economic status and access to fluoridated water across the state.
January 22, 2024Source

New biomarkers for active lupus nephritis discovered
New biomarkers with improved diagnostic performance for early detection of lupus nephritis have been discovered in the University of Houston lab of Chandra Mohan, a pioneer in lupus research. Early identification of renal involvement in lupus and prompt treatment are essential in reducing the pain, suffering and eventual mortality it causes.
January 22, 2024Source

Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from bushfire smoke, research shows
Air conditioning in our workplaces doesn't just cool the air—it can also help trap particles from bushfire smoke and reduce our exposure to potentially harmful elements like soluble mercury, sulfate and nitrate, new research shows.
January 22, 2024Source

Q&A: Expert discusses new report on how access to transportation affects public health
In a country of suburban sprawl and endless highways, most Americans need a car in order to complete such basic tasks as going to work, getting groceries, and seeing the doctor. Those without cars are at the mercy of uneven sidewalks and unpredictable transit systems, meaning they don't often get where they need to go, says Megan Latshaw, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
January 22, 2024Source

Quality of life outcomes stable with neurostimulation in Parkinson disease: Study
For patients with Parkinson disease (PD), differences in quality of life (QOL) outcomes are seen with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), according to a study published online Jan. 18 in JAMA Network Open.
January 22, 2024Source

Research overturns previous findings on potential Parkinson's disease target
A new study has found a molecule hailed as a potential drug candidate for Parkinson's disease is no longer an effective therapeutic option. The WEHI-led research has debunked over 10 years of research that suggested a specific 'activator molecule' could be used to enhance the activity of a protein linked to early-onset Parkinson's disease, PINK1.
January 22, 2024Source

Six surprising things about placebos everyone should know
Placebos have been studied more than any treatment in the history of medicine, yet they remain mysterious.
January 22, 2024Source

Sleep disorders found to differ for autism, ADHD versus typical development
For most types of sleep disorders, there are significant differences for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with typically developing (TD) children, according to a study published online Dec. 29 in Autism Research.
January 22, 2024Source

Study finds low-frequency ultrasound can improve oxygen saturation in blood
Research conducted by a team of scientists from Kaunas universities, Lithuania, revealed that low-frequency ultrasound influences blood parameters. The findings suggest that ultrasound's effect on hemoglobin can improve oxygen's transfer from the lungs to bodily tissues.
January 22, 2024Source

The vaping warning labels paradox: Encouraging adults, dissuading kids
Getting tobacco vaping warning labels right for both adults and teens has proven complex, as regulators confront two public health challenges: How to promote e-cigarette use as an alternative for adults who smoke cigarettes, while warning teens who use e-cigarettes of the potential long-term consequences, which include nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals.
January 22, 2024Source

Tips to help your skin thrive this winter
Winter isn't kind to your skin. Dry, cold weather causes dryness, and you might even develop "winter rash"—dry, irritated skin that's red, bumpy, flaky and burns. That's why it's prime time to step up your skincare routine.
January 22, 2024Source

Unnecessary cataract surgery? Some do it to improve their eyesight, but it's not without risk
Judy is an accomplished consultant who regularly travels for business meetings. She came to see me because she was finding her contact lenses uncomfortable and wanted to explore other options—notably surgical alternatives.
January 22, 2024Source

Why the UK's 20-meter number plate eyesight test isn't fair
Less than half of UK motorists surveyed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) know they must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away in order to drive safely.
January 22, 2024Source

Zebrafish's eye muscles give hope for people with muscular dystrophy diseases
Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases in which proteins in the muscles do not function properly, either through inherited or spontaneous mutations. This, in turn, leads to muscle tissue breaking down over time and patients eventually become wheelchair-bound and often die prematurely due to the muscles that help with breathing or the heart stop working.
January 22, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 19th, 2024

AI model unveils how memories blend reality and imagination
Recent advances in generative AI help to explain how memories enable us to learn about the world, re-live old experiences and construct totally new experiences for imagination and planning, according to a new study by UCL researchers.
January 19, 2024Source

Alcohol intervention for college drinkers leads to safer drinking behaviors among their close social network
Following a brief intervention delivered to certain heavy drinkers, alcohol use and risky social ties decreased among those students' close social connections who were also heavy drinkers, according to a novel study of first-year college students' alcohol consumption and social networks.
January 19, 2024Source

Body image issues are rising in men: Research suggests techniques to improve it
Body image issues are sometimes thought to mainly affect women. But some surveys estimate around 28% of men aged 18 and over regularly struggle with their body image.
January 19, 2024Source

Clarifying the cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) face a rare and heterogeneous disorder of the peripheral nervous system that is often triggered by preceding infections and causes severe muscle weakness. In Europe and the U.S., around one to two cases per 100,000 people occur every year.
January 19, 2024Source

Climate Change Raises Pressure on Biden To Keep Workers Cooler
With climate change posing rising threats to human health, the Biden administration is drafting federal rules to protect construction crews, warehouse workers, delivery drivers and the rest of America's workforce from extreme heat. The regulatory effort has been years in the making, and its fate is far from certain.
January 19, 2024Source

Energy supply in human cells is subject to quality control, researchers discover
Researchers at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) have discovered a new quality control mechanism that regulates energy production in human cells. This process takes place in mitochondria, the power plants of the cell.
January 19, 2024Source

Graves' disease: When the thyroid is overactive
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that triggers the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones than the body needs. It's the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
January 19, 2024Source

Higher use of any prescription medications seen years before IBD diagnosis
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) universally show increased prescription medication use years before diagnosis, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
January 19, 2024Source

How to tell if a loved one is abusing opioids
Signs of opioid abuse may be hard to see clearly, especially in someone you love.
January 19, 2024Source

Insect bites and stings: First aid
Most insect bites and stings are mild and can be treated at home. They might cause itching, swelling and stinging that go away in a day or two. Some bites or stings can transmit disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites. Stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants might cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
January 19, 2024Source

Insurance doesn't always cover hearing aids for kids
Joyce Shen was devastated when doctors said her firstborn, Emory, hadn't passed her newborn hearing screening. Emory was diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears as an infant, meaning sounds are extremely muffled.
January 19, 2024Source

New Jersey bill would legalize 'magic mushrooms' for medical, recreational use
New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it the third state to legalize "magic mushrooms."
January 19, 2024Source

New study reports first known use of positron emission particle tracking in a living animal subject
Researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences have published a new study exploring the use of positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) in a living subject for the first time.
January 19, 2024Source

Research into the nature of memory reveals how cells that store information are stabilized over time
Think of a time when you had two different but similar experiences in a short period. Maybe you attended two holiday parties in the same week or gave two presentations at work. Shortly afterward, you may find yourself confusing the two, but as time goes on that confusion recedes and you are better able to differentiate between these different experiences.
January 19, 2024Source

Rising Suicide Rate Among Hispanics Worries Community Leaders
A group from teens to seniors gathered in an office inside a grocery store, where Spanish-language food signs cater to the large Hispanic population in this northwestern Georgia city dominated by the carpet industry.
January 19, 2024Source

Sleeping positions that reduce back pain
A good night's sleep is important for physical and mental health. Back pain can make sleeping a challenge. By making simple changes in your sleeping position, you can take strain off your back.
January 19, 2024Source

Stress management
Get comfortable in your chair. Loosen any tight, uncomfortable clothing. Let your arms rest loosely at your side. Allow yourself a few moments to relax.
January 19, 2024Source

Tardive dyskinesia impact scale captures relevant info about condition
The Tardive Dyskinesia Impact Scale (TDIS) patient-reported outcome measure captures information about the impact of TD, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes.
January 19, 2024Source

Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age
Considering testosterone therapy to help you feel younger and more vigorous as you age? Know the risks before you decide.
January 19, 2024Source

Unveiling the cellular mechanisms of engram consolidation and memory refinement
Think of a time when you had two different but similar experiences in a short period. Maybe you attended two holiday parties in the same week or gave two presentations at work. Shortly afterward, you may find yourself confusing the two, but as time goes on that confusion recedes and you are better able to differentiate between these different experiences.
January 19, 2024Source

Walk like a penguin: Tips on keeping your balance in winter
When winter storms hit, good balance can prevent falls and injuries—ranging from broken arms, legs or hips to back injuries and concussions.
January 19, 2024Source

What does it mean to have an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition often associated with the natural aging process in men. Dr. Scott Cheney, a Mayo Clinic urologist, says it's a condition where the prostate enlarges over time and restricts the flow of urine.
January 19, 2024Source

What is the association between prenatal opioid exposure and risk of immune-related conditions?
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, a group of researchers compared the risk of hospitalization and emergency department presentation for immune-related conditions in children with and without prenatal opioid exposure (POE).
January 19, 2024Source

Women's sexual health: Talking about your sexual needs
Talking about your sexual needs can help bring you and your partner closer together and promote sexual fulfillment. Try these tips for talking to your partner.
January 19, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 16th, 2024

A newly discovered receptor appears to protect against Parkinson's disease—but only in females
More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The reason why is still followed by a big question mark, but the sex difference is nonetheless a growing area of interest for researchers.
January 16, 2024Source

Amnesia caused by head injury reversed in early mouse study
A mouse study designed to shed light on memory loss in people who experience repeated head impacts, such as athletes, suggests the condition could potentially be reversed. The research in mice finds that amnesia and poor memory following head injury is due to inadequate reactivation of neurons involved in forming memories.
January 16, 2024Source

Bioengineered approach shows promise in ulcerative colitis
By taking advantage of mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade immune attack, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have developed a new strategy in animal models that has potential for treating ulcerative colitis.
January 16, 2024Source

Contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma
Glaucoma effects around 70 million people worldwide and can cause irreversible loss of vision if not treated -- but around half of those living with the condition are not aware of it.
January 16, 2024Source

Discovery unravels the mystery of a rare bone disease
The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that a defect in a specific gene (heterozygous variants in the matrix Gla protein, or MGP) may cause a disorder that affects the structure of connective tissues that supports the body.
January 16, 2024Source

Eight Examples of Why Tik Tok Is Not Great for Health Tips
There is no shortage of reasons why getting health and lifeadvice from TikTok is a bad idea.
January 16, 2024Source

Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common than thought, only a few seek treatment
A new study from the University of Oulu, Finland, published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica, provides new insights into a skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
January 16, 2024Source

Hoping to clear the air in casinos, workers seek to ban tobacco smoke
Some casinos continue to allow indoor smoking even as the share of Americans who smoke fell from about 21% in 2005 to 12% in 2021 and smoking is banned in at least some public spaces in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Still, 13 of the 22 states and territories that allow casino gambling permit smoking in at least part of their facilities.
January 16, 2024Source

How looking after your willpower can help you reduce stress and stay productive, wherever you are working
The COVID pandemic led to big increases in psychological distress for many people, including symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. The negative impact on mental health has been substantial and is likely to be long-lasting, with many people experiencing psychological distress even now.
January 16, 2024Source

Is the extreme cold bad for your lungs?
From frostbite to hypothermia, extremely cold can be dangerous. The cold can also affect your lungs.
January 16, 2024Source

Kush: What is this dangerous new west African drug that supposedly contains human bones?
A new drug called kush is wreaking havoc in west Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone where it is estimated to kill around a dozen people each week and hospitalize thousands.
January 16, 2024Source

Music can ease the January blues—but the types of songs that work depend on your age and mindset
Music can significantly boost your mental health—delivering benefits similar to those provided by exercise or weight loss. It can also reduce feelings of anxiety and physiological measures of stress and, as neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin argues, even create the same "neurochemical cocktail" as other pleasurable activities, like orgasms or eating chocolate.
January 16, 2024Source

Neuroscientific study suggests violence in video games does not negatively impact adults' empathy
Neuroscientists from the University of Vienna and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have investigated whether playing violent video games leads to a reduction in human empathy. To do this, they had adult test subjects repeatedly play a violent video game over the course of an experiment lasting several weeks.
January 16, 2024Source

New dust testing methodology better protects workers from lung diseases
A new dust testing methodology developed by University of Queensland researchers offers workers better protection from diseases such as black lung and silicosis.
January 16, 2024Source

New study shows how brain glucose affects fungal disease treatment
In a recent study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers examined metabolite-drug-fungal interactions in the fungal meningitis pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.
January 16, 2024Source

Simulations of the human body and advanced data promise more personalized medical treatment
In a laboratory in the Italian capital Rome, Marco Evangelos Biancolini and his team are poking patients to gauge the effectiveness of different surgical procedures.
January 16, 2024Source

Spain bans flavored heated tobacco products
Spain's government on Tuesday approved a decree that bans the sale of flavored heated tobacco products as part of efforts to discourage tobacco use, the health ministry said.
January 16, 2024Source

Teens who up screen time raise mental health risks: Study
Young people who spent progressively more time online or playing video games were more likely to be depressed, anxious or to self-harm at 20, the study found.
January 16, 2024Source

Tobacco use shrinking despite industry efforts: WHO
The number of adult tobacco users is steadily dropping, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, but warned that Big Tobacco was working hard to attract young people.
January 16, 2024Source

Toronto police data underreports cyclist and pedestrian injuries, study finds
Cycling and pedestrian injuries are severely underrepresented by police data, particularly those not involving a motor vehicle, according to new research believed to be the first of its kind in Canada.
January 16, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 15th, 2024

82% of asthma hospitalizations not getting recommended two-day follow-up
Asthma patients who ended up in hospital only had a GP appointment within recommended 48-hour period in 18% of cases between 2017-19, new research shows.
January 15, 2024Source

A surgeon general report once cleared the air about smoking. Is it time for one on vaping?
Sixty years ago, the U.S. surgeon general released a report that settled a longstanding public debate about the dangers of cigarettes and led to huge changes in smoking in America.
January 15, 2024Source

Be sure to get enough of the 'sunshine vitamin' this winter
In the middle of winter when sunshine can be hard to come by, it's tough to get enough vitamin D, but one expert has some advice.
January 15, 2024Source

Erectile dysfunction medications may increase risk of death when combined with common chest pain medication
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i)—an erectile dysfunction drug sold under the names Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and others—are a common medical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a new Swedish study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that patients are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality over time when PDE5is and nitrate medication are both prescribed.
January 15, 2024Source

Chemists discover three new recreational drugs that have not previously been reported in Australia
Three new recreational drugs that have never been reported in Australia before have been identified by chemists at Australia's only fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, located in Canberra.
January 15, 2024Source

Cycling deaths on the decline in Australia, but not in all age groups
New research shows there is a stark contrast between fatality rates in younger and older cyclists in Australia.
January 15, 2024Source

Cycling to work linked with better mental health
People who cycle to work are less likely to be prescribed drugs to treat anxiety or depression than those who commute using different modes of transport, new research shows.
January 15, 2024Source

Gabapentinoids associated with severe exacerbation of COPD
A population-based cohort study of more than 10,000 persons using gabapentinoids found that their use was associated with an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. This study supports the warnings from regulatory agencies and highlights the importance of considering this potential risk when prescribing gabapentin and pregabalin to patients with COPD.
January 15, 2024Source

Four street drugs that could pose the biggest threat to UK public health in 2024
As with fashion and music, illicit drugs go through peaks and troughs of popularity. There are popular staples, such as cannabis, and more disruptive and transient substances, such as mephedrone. As with clothing fashion, the drugs that most people are able to buy are determined by the choices of designers, manufacturers, and logistical operations, rather than consumers.
January 15, 2024Source

Future benefits of water fluoridation not guaranteed, study shows
Existing drinking water fluoridation programs in England still provide marginal savings for the NHS, but there is no guarantee new schemes would continue to do so, a new study called LOTUS led by University of Manchester researchers finds.
January 15, 2024Source

Impacts during everyday physical activity can slow bone loss
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, found that the bone mineral density at the femoral neck decreased, but the structural properties were maintained or even slightly improved during a year-long multicomponent exercise training intervention in 70- to 85-year-old men and women who had previously been physically inactive.
January 15, 2024Source

Is too much screen time bad for our eyes?
In the modern world, it's clear that screens dominate our lives. But is excessive screen time having an impact on our eyesight?
January 15, 2024Source

Largest study using machine learning in neuroimaging sets new benchmark for major depression diagnosis
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers established a benchmark classification of major depressive disorder (MDD) using machine learning (ML) on cortical and subcortical measures.
January 15, 2024Source

Malnutrition often seen in patients treated for inflammatory bowel disease
Some patients seen in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic screen positive for malnutrition, according to a research letter published online Nov. 20 in Gastro Hep Advances.
January 15, 2024Source

Nurse creates app to help peers manage anxiety
While being a nurse can be fulfilling, it can also be challenging and taxing, especially when it comes to mental health and anxiety.
January 15, 2024Source

Q&A: Identifying the barriers to earlier autism and ADHD diagnosis
Diagnostic delay is a major concern for children and young people with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—and also for their loved ones.
January 15, 2024Source

Sociologist explores perceptions of street safety in urban and rural communities
Crime is often perceived as an urban phenomenon whereas rural life is viewed as more bucolic, but Timothy Bryan is testing these ideas.
January 15, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 13th, 2024

Domestic violence against men: Recognize patterns, seek help
Domestic violence against men isn't always easy to identify, but it's a serious threat. Learn how to recognize if you're being abused — and how to get help.
January 13, 2024Source

Study explains why "being in love" makes us tunnel visioned
Love is blind, the saying goes, and thanks to a world-first Australian study, we are now a step closer to understanding why.
January 13, 2024Source

Tapering of inhaled steroids feasible for asthma controlled with benralizumab
For patients with severe eosinophilic asthma controlled on bevacizumab, tapering of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is feasible and is not associated with worse asthma control, according to a study published online on Dec. 7 in The Lancet.
January 13, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 12th, 2024

A bid to stamp out parasitic disease strongyloidiasis in remote Australian communities
Strongyloidiasis—a poorly understood parasitic worm disease common in remote Australian communities and some returned travelers, refugees or asylum seekers—is finally gaining attention in the national research arena.
January 12, 2024Source

Association between vitamin D supplementation and fatigue
In a recent review published in Nutrients, researchers reviewed existing data on the mechanisms underlying vitamin D's effects on fatigue.
January 12, 2024Source

Autism can be predicted from routine developmental surveillance data
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be predicted from routine developmental surveillance data, according to a study published online Jan. 10 in JAMA Network Open.
January 12, 2024Source

Brain structure predicts treatment response to antidepressant and placebo medications, finds study
New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, University of East London (UEL) and the University of Pennsylvania has used artificial intelligence to analyze the brain images in people living with major depressive disorder (MDD).
January 12, 2024Source

Candida evolution disclosed: New insights into fungal infections
Global fungal infections, which affect 1 billion people and cause 1.5 million deaths each year, are on the rise due to the increasing number of medical treatments that heighten vulnerability. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments after organ transplant often present compromised immune systems.
January 12, 2024Source

Cosmetic procedure in your plans for '24? An expert offers advice
More than a few folks are considering a cosmetic skin procedure to enhance their looks heading into 2024.
January 12, 2024Source

Mental illness in patients with chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of adults worldwide. Mental health is an important yet under-recognized issue in patients with CKD. Depression is common and related to poor prognosis in CKD patients, but previous research has primarily focused on dialysis patients, leading to an insufficient understanding of depression in earlier stages of CKD.
January 12, 2024Source

Neuroscientists find that animals replay incidentally encoded episodic memories
Indiana University neuroscientists have found the first evidence that rodents can call upon their episodic memory—the ability to recall seemingly unimportant streams of events from the past—and use incidentally encoded information to answer unexpected questions.
January 12, 2024Source

Persistent fluorinated chemicals tied to higher risk for inflammatory bowel disease
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure is associated with later occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a research letter published online Dec. 26 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
January 12, 2024Source

Researchers identify diverse neuron types associated with vulnerability to Parkinson's disease
Through transcriptomic profiling of more than 300,000 cells in human substantia nigra, a part of the brain that helps control the body's movements, a research team has identified a previously unreported neuron type with vulnerability in Parkinson's disease. This novel finding could help explain the complexity of the disease symptoms and direct new therapeutics development.
January 12, 2024Source

Stress, via inflammation, is linked to metabolic syndrome
Lifestyle and genetics, and a range of other factors within and outside our control, are known to contribute to development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that add up to increased risk for serious health problems.
January 12, 2024Source

Study links cord blood lipid levels to early ADHD and autism symptoms
In a recent study published in eBioMedicine, researchers evaluated the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology and the cord blood lipidome at the age of two years.
January 12, 2024Source

Study provides insights into depression via ophthalmology
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry measured the pupillary reaction of participants while they were solving a task. In healthy participants, the pupils dilated during the task in anticipation of a reward, but this reaction was less pronounced in participants with depression.
January 12, 2024Source

Study reveals function of little-understood synapse in the brain
New research from Oregon Health & Science University for the first time reveals the function of a little-understood junction between cells in the brain that could have important treatment implications for conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to Alzheimer's disease, to a type of brain cancer known as glioma.
January 12, 2024Source

Why does depression cause difficulties with learning?
When learning, patients with schizophrenia or depression have difficulty making optimal use of information that is new to them. In the learning process, both groups of patients give greater weight to less important information and, as a result, make less than ideal decisions.
January 12, 2024Source

Withings Body Scan Review: High-End Health Monitoring at a High-End Price
When the holiday festivities are done with and January rolls around, people naturally look to improving their health and usually turn to smart devices to get their lifestyle back on track. Weight loss is typically part of that calculation, and while smart scales can help, there's little to distinguish between the majority of offerings on the market.
January 12, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 11th, 2024

AI discovers that not every fingerprint is unique
From "Law and Order" to "CSI," not to mention real life, investigators have used fingerprints as the gold standard for linking criminals to a crime. But if a perpetrator leaves prints from different fingers in two different crime scenes, these scenes are very difficult to link, and the trace can go cold.
January 11, 2024Source or Watch Video

ADHD medication—can you take it long term? What are the risks and do benefits continue?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect all stages of life. Medication is not the only treatment, but it is often the treatment that can make the most obvious difference to a person who has difficulties focusing attention, sitting still or not acting on impulse.
January 11, 2024Source

Altering key ion channel found to protect against pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury
A group of Chinese researchers has conducted a mouse study to determine the role of Orai1, a membrane calcium-selective ion channel protein, in pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury.
January 11, 2024Source

An artificial muscle device that produces force 34 times its weight
Soft robots, medical devices, and wearable devices have permeated our daily lives. KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) researchers have developed a fluid switch using ionic polymer artificial muscles that operates at ultra-low power and produces a force 34 times greater than its weight. Fluid switches control fluid flow, causing the fluid to flow in a specific direction to invoke various movements.
January 11, 2024Source

Commensal T cells: How a healthy microbiome reduces gut inflammation
The microbiome has a profound influence on our health, but exactly how our resident bacteria wield their power is still unclear. A type of T cell appears to provide some answers for gastrointestinal health, a study of the mouse microbiome finds.
January 11, 2024Source

Eczema website delivers for patients and the NHS
A website that helps people with eczema to manage their symptoms could be saving the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds, according to new research by the University of Southampton.
January 11, 2024Source

Enhanced mental wellbeing linked to workplace interventions on physical activity and sedentariness
In a recent article published in BMC Public Health, researchers investigated the effects of six months of multi-level workplace interventions aimed at decreasing sedentary behavior (SED) or increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on the mental health of office workers.
January 11, 2024Source

From ancient apothecary to modern medicine
Throughout history, humanity has used nature's pharmacy for healing. In exploring nature as a source of shelter and food, early humans fortuitously discovered the therapeutic properties of plants, with many of today's drugs having their roots in ancient knowledge.
January 11, 2024Source

Hoping to Clear the Air in Casinos, Workers Seek to Ban Tobacco Smoke
The instant Tammy Brady felt the lump in her breast in February 2022, she knew it was cancer. With no known genetic predisposition for breast cancer, she suspects 38 years of working in smoky Atlantic City casinos played a role.
January 11, 2024Source

How does social attention develop in autistic children?
As they grow, children increasingly focus their attention on social elements in their environment, such as faces or social interactions. However, children with autism are often more interested in non-social stimuli, such as textures or geometric shapes.
January 11, 2024Source

It's normal for your mind to wander. Here's how to maximize the benefits
New UC Davis research shows that men with an FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS).

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-loss-function-onset-neurodegenerative-condition.html
Loss of executive function may signal onset of neurodegenerative condition FXTAS
January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 — Source

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Neural implant can read deep neural activity from the brain surface
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a neural implant that provides information about activity deep inside the brain while sitting on its surface. The implant is made up of a thin, transparent and flexible polymer strip that is packed with a dense array of graphene electrodes.
January 11, 2024Source

Neural mechanisms may serve as therapeutic target for depression
A recent study publishedpublished in Molecular Psychiatry has identified previously unknown alterations in neural connectivity that promote psychomotor disturbance—a slowing or reduction in movement—in individuals with major depressive disorder.
January 11, 2024Source

New immune system-targeting compound shows early promise in treating lupus
Scientists from Scripps Research have developed a small molecule that blocks the activity of a protein linked to autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Crohn's disease. This protein, known as SLC15A4, has been considered largely "undruggable," as most researchers have long struggled to isolate the protein, determine its structure, or even pin down its exact function within immune cells—until now.
January 11, 2024Source

New smoke exposure model may help determine the effects of cannabis on consumers more accurately
The legalization of cannabis in Canada is driving the demand for scientifically backed insights to inform public health messaging.
January 11, 2024Source

Opinion: Seeing through the cigarette tax smokescreen
The high taxes on tobacco are counterproductive in decreasing smoking. It only benefits the illegal cigarette trade—and its political masters.
January 11, 2024Source

Pain-based weather forecasts could influence behavior
For individuals who experience chronic pain, weather can be a significant factor in their day-to-day plans. In a recent study from the University of Georgia published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, about 70% of respondents said they would alter their behavior based on weather-based pain forecasts.
January 11, 2024Source

Pandemic-era demand for ADHD meds is fueling shortages today
A spike in the use of ADHD medications during the pandemic likely prompted drug shortages that continue to frustrate patients and doctors today, a new study shows.
January 11, 2024Source

Quest for personalized medicine hits a snag: Current models have limited effectiveness to predict treatments, says study
The quest for personalized medicine, a medical approach in which practitioners use a patient's unique genetic profile to tailor individual treatment, has emerged as a critical goal in the health care sector. But a new Yale-led study shows that the mathematical models currently available to predict treatments have limited effectiveness.
January 11, 2024Source

Small changes in specific immune cell populations linked to autoimmune disorders
Much like ripples on the water can betray powerful currents below the surface, small changes in our bodies can sometimes be an indicator of a serious condition. Now, researchers from Japan say that cells in the blood may provide telltale signs of important immune dysfunction.
January 11, 2024Source

Study reveals high prevalence of anemia with low rates of screening in Ireland
A study by researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland has found high rates of anemia among patients in the Irish health system, while screening for common causes was found to be low.
January 11, 2024Source

Research highlights prevalence of mental health conditions in young male offenders
A new study looking at the mental health of young male prisoners has found that more than 85% had a current mental health condition; however, less than 3% had received a clinical assessment (i.e., a comprehensive assessment of mental health and neurodevelopment) while in prison.
January 11, 2024Source

There are no US clinical guidelines for treating and diagnosing adult ADHD: That may change soon
The number of adults being diagnosed with ADHD—a neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity—is increasing rapidly in the U.S. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, such adult diagnoses are growing roughly four times faster than they are among children.
January 11, 2024Source

Three-quarters of autistic children also have other types of neurodivergence, finds study
Three quarters of children (76.2%) who were diagnosed with autism also had traits of other neurodivergent neurotypes—including traits associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning and motor differences—according to a new study.
January 11, 2024Source

Time for a 'Weed-Free January?' How cannabis users could benefit from a 'dry' month
By now, most are familiar with the idea of Dry January, a voluntary month without alcohol that follows a month when many drink more than usual.
January 11, 2024Source

We are more sensitive to temperature than we thought, study reveals
An experiment conducted by Laura Battistel involved the use of four temperature-controlled climate chambers, ranging from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Twenty-six participants were involved: 13 men and 13 women. Volunteers had to compare pairs of chambers, moving from one chamber to another, and then say which was warmer and which was colder.
January 11, 2024Source

What Did You Say? Eye Glasses That Could Replace Some Hearing Aids Seem Really Cool
At CES 2024, we tried on and learned about Nuance Audio glasses, which use a technology similar to AirPods Pro 2 to help people hear better without dedicated hearing aids.
January 11, 2024Source

Why poor sleep quality can be a matter of life and death for migrant roofers
Migrant roofers in the U.S. helping communities rebuild from natural disasters often struggle with poor quality of sleep, according to new research from Rice University. The issue can be a matter of life and death for these individuals, who are working in environments where a sleepy misstep can literally end their life or permanently injure them.
January 11, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 10th, 2024

A beginner's guide to sound baths—what they are, how to choose a good one and what the research shows
In recent years, sound bathing, a therapy in which sound is used for healing, has been marketed as one of many "self-care" practices, such as journal-keeping or candle-burning, in support of personal well-being. Sold also as sound "immersions," or sound "healing" or "therapy," sound baths are pitched as a safe and effective way to reduce stress and increase inner peace.
January 10, 2024Source

A more eco-friendly facial sheet mask that moisturizes, even though it's packaged dry
Starting a new year, many people pledge to enact self-care routines that improve their appearance. And facial sheet masks soaked in skin care ingredients provide an easy way to do this. However, these wet masks and their waterproof packaging often contain plastics and preservatives.
January 10, 2024Source

Adults with PTSD have smaller cerebellums, study reveals
Adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have smaller cerebellums, according to new research from a Duke-led brain imaging study.
January 10, 2024Source

Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's rates in Europe
Researchers have created the world's largest ancient human gene bank by analyzing the bones and teeth of almost 5,000 humans who lived across western Europe and Asia up to 34,000 years ago.
January 10, 2024Source

Blood tests offered in New Mexico amid query into 'forever chemical' contamination at military bases
Hundreds of residents and personnel stationed at a U.S. Air Force base in eastern New Mexico will be able to have their blood tested as state officials expand their investigation into contamination from a group of compounds known as "forever chemicals."
January 10, 2024Source

Can drinking alkaline water help prevent kidney stones? Not likely, study finds
Bottled water marketed as "alkaline water" is unlikely to be an effective alternative for prevention of recurrent urinary stones, reports a study in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.
January 10, 2024Source

Cannabis products may harbor fungal toxins harmful to human health, but regulations are uneven or nonexistent
Hemp and cannabis host many fungi inside and outside the plant, most of which are harmless to most people. However, certain types of fungi such as Aspergillus and Fusarium pose potential health concerns, particularly for the immunocompromised, both through direct infection and consumption of the toxins they produce.
January 10, 2024Source

Decoding the mysteries of medically unexplained neurologic diseases
New research may create some respite for sufferers of two medically unexplained fatigue-inducing conditions: myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM).
January 10, 2024Source

Feeling depressed linked to short-term increase in body weight, study finds
Increases in symptoms of depression are associated with a subsequent increase in body weight when measured one month later, new research from the University of Cambridge has found.
January 10, 2024Source

Five dental TikTok trends you probably shouldn't try at home
TikTok is full of videos that demonstrate DIY hacks, from up-cycling tricks to cooking tips. Meanwhile, a growing number of TikTok videos offer tips to help you save money and time at the dentist. But do they deliver?
January 10, 2024Source

High tech glove stymies Parkinson's disease tremors
Roberta Wilson-Garrett looked at the glove keeping her right hand steady and smiled.
January 10, 2024Source

MedUni Vienna researchers discover possible trigger of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
As the cause of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is not yet known, treatment for sufferers is currently aimed at alleviating the often agonizing symptoms. The discovery by a MedUni Vienna research team that the trigger for IBD could be found on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells provides a new potential starting point for the development of therapeutic measures. The results of the study were recently published in the scientific journal "EMBO Reports".
January 10, 2024Source

Novel microfluidic device models gut neuro-epithelial connections
Epithelial cells and sensory neurons communicate through neuro-epithelial connections in the GI tract, essential for major senses and digestion. Studying these interactions has been complicated due to the differing needs of epithelial cells and neurons.
January 10, 2024Source

PhD students' mental health is poor and the pandemic made it worse—but there are coping strategies that can help
A pre-pandemic study on Ph.D. students' mental health showed that they often struggle with such issues. Financial insecurity and feelings of isolation can be among the factors affecting students' well-being.
January 10, 2024Source

Researchers identify cellular traffic jams in a rare neurological disease
Researchers from McGill University, led by Professor Alanna Watt of the Department of Biology, have identified previously unknown changes in brain cells affected by a neurological disease. Their research, published in eLife, could pave the way to future treatments for the disease.
January 10, 2024Source

Reduced drug use is a meaningful treatment outcome for people with stimulant use disorders, data show
Reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder, even if they did not achieve total abstinence. This finding is according to an analysis of data from 13 randomized clinical trials of treatments for stimulant use disorders involving methamphetamine and cocaine.
January 10, 2024Source

Research finds dark web fentanyl-selling operations have grown rapidly, offer steep discounts
Overdose deaths in North America have skyrocketed, primarily because of the spread of illegally manufactured fentanyl. In a new study, researchers have analyzed an early and prominent fentanyl-selling operation on the dark web. The organization sustained a significant growth rate, which allowed it to offer consumers steep discounts.
January 10, 2024Source

State variance seen in requirements to report medically impaired drivers
There is considerable variance in state reporting requirements regarding medically impaired drivers, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
January 10, 2024Source

Stronger social networks key to addressing mental health in young adults, research finds
Having strong social networks, or a set of individuals a person is connected to, can make people more resilient to symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults whose social lives and relationships were disrupted by COVID-19.
January 10, 2024Source

Study draws lessons about drug policy by examining history of fireworks regulation, prohibitions
Policymakers worldwide wrestle with whether to prohibit products that can harm consumers. Prohibitions can reduce consumption and consumption-related harms, but also create other problems, including illegal markets. In a new study, researchers have reviewed the history of fireworks regulations, sales, and harms, then contrasted these with those for cannabis.
January 10, 2024Source

Study shows special brain cells react to unexpected situations
New research from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience shows that chandelier cells, a specific type of brain cell, become active during unexpected situations. Researchers have been wondering about the functionality of these cells for a long time.
January 10, 2024Source

Tinnitus: Ringing in Your Ear Really Comes From Your Brain
Uncontrolled ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ear can seriously interfere with your quality of life. Just ask Jeff Grace, who has tinnitus.
January 10, 2024Source

US teen smoking rates have plummeted, with fewer than 1% now daily smokers
The number of American teens who smoke or have even tried smoking has dropped dramatically compared to a generation ago, with less than 1% now saying they light up cigarettes daily.
January 10, 2024Source

Therapy against spider fear can also reduce fear of heights, shows study
It has long been assumed that it is necessary to use different exposure therapies to treat different fears. A new study from Ruhr University Bochum challenges this view.
January 10, 2024Source

What's your bedtime routine? Survey finds Americans' favorites
A hot shower, a glass of wine, a good book and sex are a few of Americans' favorite ways to unwind at bedtime, a new survey shows.
January 10, 2024Source

When is a cough a concern?
Hearing a chorus of coughs is typical at this time of year. An occasional cough is normal and healthy. A cough that persists for several weeks or brings up discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that needs medical attention.
January 10, 2024Source

Wristband monitors provide detailed account of air pollution exposure
Environmental epidemiologists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Oregon State University, Pacific Northwest National Labs, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, report on the findings of a new study of air pollution exposures collected using personal wristband monitors worn by pregnant individuals in New York City matched with data from a questionnaire.
January 10, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 9th, 2024

A common marker of neurological diseases may play a role in healthy brains
Researchers have discovered that a protein called phosphorylated α-synuclein, which is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, is also involved in the normal processes of how neurons communicate with each other in a healthy brain.
January 9, 2024Source

Current research on prevalence of prolonged grief disorder is inadequate, says study
Proper procedures for diagnosing prolonged grief disorder (PGD) are not being followed in research into its prevalence, according to a study published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry. What's more, most published literature doesn't clearly acknowledge the limitations of the methodology used.
January 9, 2024Source

Discovering a new mechanism of vestibular neuritis
Prof. Sun-Uk Lee of the Department of Neurology and Prof. Euyhyun Park of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology from Korea University's Anam Hospital have discovered a new mechanism of vestibular neuritis.
January 9, 2024Source

Emotional well-being and subjective health are linked during adulthood, shows study
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, showed that mood and life satisfaction are linked to people's experiences of their health. Emotional well-being was found to predict subjective health up to 11 years later. And vice versa, better health predicted life satisfaction later in life. The paper is published in the journal Psychology & Health.
January 9, 2024Source

Engineering a more elegant deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's
A team of physicians, neuroscientists and engineers at Duke University has demonstrated two new strategies that use deep brain stimulation to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
January 9, 2024Source

Exposure to air pollution associated with increase in sedentary time, study finds
Long-term exposure to current levels of UK air pollution has been found to be associated with an annual increase of up to 22 minutes of sedentary time each day, in a study published in the Journal of Public Health.
January 9, 2024Source

Hepatitis linked to alcohol increasingly drives emergency department visits, especially among younger adults: Study
Hepatitis linked to alcohol, the most severe form of alcohol-associated liver disease, is increasingly prevalent, severe, and likely to involve emergency departments, according to a new analysis. The findings reflect increased drinking and alcohol-linked liver disease in the general population.
January 9, 2024Source

Hospitalizations for scooter injuries nearly tripled in the US between 2016 and 2020, research finds
UCLA-led research finds that scooter injuries nearly tripled across the U.S. from 2016 to 2020, with a concurrent increase in severe injuries requiring orthopedic and plastic surgery over the same period.
January 9, 2024Source

Imetelstat leads to durable red blood cell transfusion independence
For heavily transfused patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) who are not responding to or are ineligible for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), the competitive telomerase inhibitor imetelstat leads to durable red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence, according to a study published online Dec. 1 in The Lancet.
January 9, 2024Source

Improved cellular recycling could benefit patients with neurodegenerative conditions
For the first time, a research team at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has uncovered a way to potentially reduce the amount of toxic cellular waste accumulating in patients with Zellweger Spectrum Disorder (ZSD).
January 9, 2024Source

Innovative wearables offer glimpse into continuous, unobtrusive health monitoring
In a review published in Communications Materials, researchers discussed the recent advances and barriers in the development of a digitally connected body via a network of wearable sensors and bio-interfaces.
January 9, 2024Source

Irritable bowel syndrome patients found to suffer higher rates of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have uncovered a link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and somatic disorders, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
January 9, 2024Source

Learning a second language strengthens neural connections in the language network, study shows
They organized a large intensive German learning program for Syrian refugees and studied their brains using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), uncovering dynamic modulations in the wiring of crucial language regions that enabled them to communicate and think in the new language.
January 9, 2024Source

Love scrambles the brain and scientists can now tell us why
Love is blind, the saying goes, and thanks to a world-first Australian study, we are now a step closer to understanding why.
January 9, 2024Source

Microfragmented adipose tissue injection beneficial for knee OA
For patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injection with arthroscopic surgery is associated with improved midterm clinical outcomes, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in the World Journal of Stem Cells.
January 9, 2024Source

Re-frame of mind: Do our brains have a built-in sense of grammar?
For centuries, a prevailing theory in philosophy has asserted that at birth the human mind is a blank slate. More recently, the same notion has also held sway in the field of neurobiology, where it is commonly held that neural connections are slowly created from scratch with the accumulation of sensory information and experience.
January 9, 2024Source

Researchers use a soft, wearable robot to help a person living with Parkinson's walk without freezing
In a recent study published in Nature Medicine, a group of researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of soft robotic apparel in averting Freezing of Gait (FoG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, showcasing significant improvements in mobility and gait quality.
January 9, 2024Source

Scientists find about a quarter million invisible nanoplastic particles in a liter of bottled water
The average liter of bottled water has nearly a quarter million invisible pieces of ever so tiny nanoplastics, detected and categorized for the first time by a microscope using dual lasers.
January 9, 2024Source

Severe multiple sclerosis predicted using machine learning
A combination of only 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) for different individuals. The identified proteins could be used to tailor treatments to the individual based on the expected severity of the disease. The study, "Proteomics reveal biomarkers for diagnosis, disease activity and long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis," led by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden, has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
January 9, 2024Source

Study: Psychological differences between sexes persist in countries with higher standards of living
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have published an article in Perspectives on Psychological Science showing that psychological differences between the sexes persist in countries with higher standards of living. Some differences become even greater, while others decrease, with women appearing to benefit more than men from the changes. The findings confirm to some degree the so-called equality paradox.
January 9, 2024Source

Texas Health Department Claims It Has Nothing to Do With Warnings on Porn From Texas Health Department
An age verification law in Texas demands that porn sites put up a warning from Health and Human Services about the dangers of porn. But the department claims it has nothing to do with it, and no records to show.
January 9, 2024Source

What happens to our online activity over the switches to and from Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) might be influencing our internet habits, according to research from the University of Surrey and the University of Padova (Italy).
January 9, 2024Source

Women more resistant to anesthetic than men, finds study
Sex hormones may contribute to increased anesthetic resistance in women compared with men, according to a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. General anesthetics exert their hypnotic effects partly by modulating the activity of hypothalamic circuits, which regulate sleep and wakefulness.
January 9, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 8th, 2024

Age plays a critical role in the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease, study reveals
New research by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences published in Blood journal has revealed that the age at which individuals are tested for von Willebrand disease (VWD), a common bleeding disorder, significantly affects their diagnosis. This could be key in addressing current challenges in misdiagnosis and treatment of patients, potentially reducing the risk of bleeding complications during surgery and childbirth.
January 8, 2024Source

Bottled water harbors a quarter of a million tiny plastic particles, posing unknown health risks
In recent years, there has been rising concern that tiny particles known as microplastics are showing up basically everywhere on Earth, from polar ice to soil, drinking water, and food. Formed when plastics break down into progressively smaller bits, these particles are being consumed by humans and other creatures, with unknown potential health and ecosystem effects.
January 8, 2024Source

Cannabinoids Are Common: Why So Many Use CBD, Delta-8, Others
They're not regulated by the federal government, at least not yet, but a substantial number of Americans reportedly use hemp-derived alternative cannabinoid products.
January 8, 2024Source

Distinct sex differences persist in countries with higher standards of living, finds study
Psychological gender differences persist in countries with improved living conditions, according to a study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science by researchers from Karolinska Institutet. Some differences become larger and others smaller as women seem to benefit more than men from improved living conditions. The findings confirm to some extent the so-called gender paradox.
January 8, 2024Source

E-cigarettes found to help more tobacco smokers quit than traditional nicotine replacement
Nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT), according to the latest Cochrane review co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst public health and health policy researcher.
January 8, 2024Source or Source

Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement boosts methadone treatment
Telehealth-delivered mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement (MORE) is a feasible and effective adjunct to methadone treatment (MT) for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry.
January 8, 2024Source

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can distinguish cystitis from OAB
Hanwei Ke, from Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing, and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis involving 70 women diagnosed with IC/BPS, 20 diagnosed with OAB, and a randomly selected cohort of 150 healthy women (normal). All participants underwent a comprehensive panel of blood tests, and the NLR was determined.
January 8, 2024Source

New program for psoriasis patients highlights cardiovascular risk
Almost 30% of the patients in a pilot program for those with psoriasis that was devised by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania were identified as having undiagnosed, elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Those patients were then able to be given more individualized care over the next year, but all participants received extra care and guidance.
January 8, 2024Source

Novel test holds promise for detecting Parkinson's disease early
In the development of Parkinson's disease (PD), the changes that will lead to neurodegeneration take place in the brain long before patients show any symptoms. But without a test that can detect these changes, it's difficult to intervene early to more effectively slow disease progression.
January 8, 2024Source

Renal macrophages observed playing crucial role in preventing kidney stones
Researchers at Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China, have investigated how the body's innate immune system of renal macrophages works to prevent kidney stones. In a paper, "Renal macrophages monitor and remove particles from urine to prevent tubule obstruction," published in Immunity, the authors detail their findings of mechanistic actions and strategic positioning of macrophages to surveil epithelial cells and intratubular environments.
January 8, 2024Source

Study explores the causal links between emotional well-being and subjective health
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, showed that mood and life satisfaction are linked to people's experiences of their health. Emotional well-being was found to predict subjective health up to 11 years later. And vice versa, better health predicted life satisfaction later in life.
January 8, 2024Source

Study finds Epstein-Barr virus T-cells prevalent in early multiple sclerosis
The body's immune response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play a role in causing damage in people with multiple sclerosis, according to a new study led by UTHealth Houston.
January 8, 2024Source

Study suggests EBV-specific T cells play key role in development of multiple sclerosis
The body's immune response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play a role in causing damage in people with multiple sclerosis, according to a new study led by University of Texas Health Houston.
January 8, 2024Source

Sunscreen: Why wearing it even in winter could be a good idea
Sunscreen has taken center stage in many skincare routines, especially among those hoping to prevent visible signs of aging. But while it makes sense to wear sunscreen every day in the summer when the sun's rays are most powerful, many may wonder whether there's any benefit of wearing sunscreen daily in the winter months.
January 8, 2024Source

Targeting the mRNA of 'undruggable' proteins in the fight against Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute, Florida, have developed a new method to counteract α-synuclein protein levels by targeting the mRNA that forms them. The strategy unlocks many research doors with potential therapeutic approaches for addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
January 8, 2024Source

The curious link between animal hibernation and aging, and what humans could learn from it
When the cold and dark winter is setting in, some of us envy animals that can hibernate. This long, deep rest is an example of how nature develops clever solution to difficult problems. In this case, how to survive a long, cold and dark period without much food and water.
January 8, 2024Source

Thirdhand smoke study teaches reveals more about the risks
It's long been established that secondhand smoke is a detriment to health and linked to cancer. Now, researchers are looking more closely at thirdhand smoke, which is the presence of toxic tobacco by-products that remain on surfaces such as furniture, decor, walls, and floors.
January 8, 2024Source

UK facing unusually large scabies outbreaks, treatment shortages appear mostly to blame
Scabies is an unpleasant skin infection that's common all around the world. Outbreaks happen regularly—with an estimated 450 million cases occurring globally each year. But since the start of winter, outbreaks in the UK have been higher than normal. In November 2023 alone, cases were double the seasonal average.
January 8, 2024Source

What is resilience? A psychologist explains the main ingredients that help people manage stress
The word resilience can be perplexing. Does it mean remaining calm when faced with stress? Bouncing back quickly? Growing from adversity? Is resilience an attitude, a character trait or a skill set? And can misperceptions about resilience hurt people, rather than help?
January 8, 2024Source

Why do we sleep? Researchers propose an answer to this age-old question
Sleep is a fundamental need, just like food or water. "You'll die without it," said Keith Hengen, an assistant professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis. But what does sleep actually accomplish? For years, the best researchers could say is that sleep reduces sleepiness—hardly a satisfying explanation for a basic requirement of life.
January 8, 2024Source

Why you should take vitamin D this winter
The days are finally getting longer, but the sun is still low in the sky—and that means you probably aren't getting your recommended daily allowance of vitamin D through solar rays alone.
January 8, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 7th, 2024

Blood flow changes in the eyes could influence visual symptoms of migraines
A recent study found changes in blood flow in the retina could explain why some migraine patients experience visual symptoms. The findings could represent a long-sought observable marker for migraines that doctors can use to aid in the clinical treatment of the condition.
January 7, 2024Source

Can we fight back against Parkinson's disease? These research volunteers hope so
About three years before he retired, David Campbell noticed something weird happening as he typed. Whenever he tried to hit a letter, say "a," he'd get "aaa," like the keyboard was jamming or his finger was triple-tapping the key. That wasn't the only thing that seemed off—his sense of smell was faltering. "Little things," he says, "that I didn't think of as being a big deal."
January 7, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 6th, 2024

Blisters: First aid
If a blister isn't too painful, try to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister may provide a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover it with a bandage or moleskin. Cut a piece of moleskin into a doughnut shape and place the pad so that it encircles and protects the blister. Then cover the blister and moleskin with gauze.
January 6, 2024Source

Chemical burns: First aid
Chemical burns are tissue damage caused by strong acids, drain cleaners, paint thinner, gasoline and many other substances. Usually, you are aware of such a burn and its cause. But sometimes you may not immediately recognize a burn caused by a milder chemical. As with some sunburns, the damage may develop hours after the exposure. Major chemical burns need emergency medical help. Minor chemical burn can usually be treated with first aid.
January 6, 2024Source

Harvard's robotic exoskeleton can improve walking, decrease falls in people with Parkinson's
If you follow the world of robotic exoskeletons with any frequency, you're no doubt aware of the two primary categories. The first is aimed firmly at workers with strenuous or repetitive jobs such as lifting and transporting packages. The second is assistive, largely focused at individuals with mobility impairments.
January 6, 2024Source

How living like a hunter-gatherer could improve your health
Many of us want to live long, happy and healthy lives. Yet it's often confusing to know the best way to achieve this, and many aspects of modern, westernized living conspire to keep us from achieving this goal.
January 6, 2024Source

PTSD, depression, and anxiety nearly doubles in Israel in aftermath of Hamas attack
A study conducted by researchers at Ruppin Academic Center in Israel and Columbia University documents the broad impact on the mental health of Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, with sharp increases in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in the aftermath Hamas' attack in October.
January 6, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 5th, 2024

3 things you didn't know about cold sores
Ian Roth: Cold sores on the lips can be embarrassing and tough to hide. But, turns out, you might not have a reason to be embarrassed.
January 5, 2024Source

Asbestos: The size and shape of inhaled nanofibers could be exclusively responsible for the development of pulmonary fibrosis
The pathogenic potential of inhaling the inert fibrous nanomaterials used in thermal insulation (such as asbestos or fiberglass) is actually connected not to their chemical composition, but instead to their geometrical characteristics and size. This was revealed by a study conducted on glass nanofibers.
January 5, 2024Source

Soft robotic, wearable device improves walking for individual with Parkinson's disease
Robotic exosuit eliminated gait freezing, a common and highly debilitating symptom
January 5, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 5th, 2024

Migraine symptoms linked to retinal blood flow changes
A recent study found changes in blood flow in the retina could explain why some migraine patients experience visual symptoms. The findings could represent a long-sought observable marker for migraines that doctors can use to aid in the clinical treatment of the condition.
January 5, 2024Source

Health — General Information — January 4th, 2024

Study reveals new genetic link between anorexia nervosa and being an early riser
Individuals with the eating disorder often wake early and experience insomnia
January 4, 2024Source

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