Recent research conducted by neuroscientists at Imperial College London challenges the widely accepted notion that sleep helps flush out toxins and waste from the brain. Nick Franks, one of the study’s co-leaders, expressed surprise at the results, stating that the field has been overly focused on the clearance idea as a reason for why we
Health
Recent research has highlighted the connection between experiencing stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or divorce, and the increased risk of developing dementia later in life. However, this risk is particularly significant if these stressful events occur during childhood or midlife. The study conducted by researchers involved analyzing spinal fluid
The increasing trend of cannabis use among breastfeeding parents in the US has raised concerns about the potential risks and consequences for newborns. A recent observational study has shed light on the presence of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, in breast milk up to 12 hours after maternal consumption. However, the uncertainty surrounding
Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in burning calories to generate heat within the body. Unlike white fat, which is mainly used for insulation, brown fat is filled with mitochondria that act as energy centers. The primary function of brown fat is to burn blood sugar and fat in
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming more than 10 million lives each year. The secret to combating cancer lies in early detection and effective treatment. The challenge, however, is that cancer often operates stealthily. A recent study has uncovered a groundbreaking method to identify cancer “fingerprints” at an atomic level,
Making the decision to withdraw life support from a loved one who has suffered a traumatic brain injury is undoubtedly one of the most challenging choices a person may ever have to face. The uncertainty surrounding recovery from severe head trauma adds an extra layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. Doctors often struggle
When we embark on a journey in our cars, we rarely stop to consider the potential risks involved. However, recent research has unveiled a startling reality – 99 percent of car cabins tested in vehicles manufactured in the US since 2015 contain dangerous materials. These materials, designed to meet flame retardant safety standards, may actually
In a recent deposition reviewed by the New York Times, independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disclosed a harrowing experience involving a parasitic infection in his brain. Initially, doctors suspected a brain tumor due to cognitive difficulties he was experiencing. However, it was later discovered to be a pork tapeworm larva (Taenia solium)
In a groundbreaking announcement in late April 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency revealed its plan to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a less restricted Schedule III substance. This shift, which places cannabis in the same category as drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, reflects a significant acknowledgement of the
Adenomyosis, a chronic condition affecting the uterus, remains a hidden battle for many women, including public figures like BBC presenter Naga Munchetty. Despite impacting as many as one in five women, awareness of this condition lags behind others like endometriosis. Adenomyosis can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility issues,
The brain is often likened to a bustling city with a complex network of streets and buildings, each serving a unique purpose. Just like in a city, different areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions. When a thought is formed, it’s like a message navigating through the city, passing from one region to
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic pollution that invade the human body on a daily basis, with individuals unknowingly ingesting them through various means – from eating and drinking to simply breathing. Shockingly, studies estimate that the average person inhales an equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every week, the health implications of
Sex is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, but for some individuals, it can turn into a literal pain in the head. Primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHASA) is a condition characterized by recurrent headaches or neck pain triggered by sexual activity. These headaches can manifest gradually during sexual intercourse or intensify suddenly just
Imagine being able to experience the world of sound for the very first time at just 18 months old. This is the reality for a young British girl named Opal, who was born deaf but recently had her hearing successfully restored through a groundbreaking new gene therapy. This medical breakthrough is a testament to the
Engaging in extreme exercise, such as running 10 hours a week for over 120 km (75 miles), may seem like a recipe for pushing the body beyond its limits. However, a recent study has suggested that some professional athletes who engage in such brutal routines may actually be adding years to their lives, contrary to
