A recent panel of US health experts convened by the Food and Drug Administration rejected the use of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This decision comes after California-based Lykos Therapeutics submitted two clinical studies to support the use of MDMA in combination with other psychological interventions for
Health
The recent death of a man in Mexico from the H5N2 strain of bird flu has raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus to the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting full genetic sequence data to better understand the virus. The 59-year-old man who succumbed
As reports of animal-to-human bird flu transmission start to surface in the latest outbreak in the United States, health experts are on high alert about the potential for the virus to adapt and spread from human to human. While there is currently no evidence of this happening, the need for effective vaccines to combat this
One of the key findings from a recent study in 2023 is the potential link between slow-wave sleep and the risk of developing dementia as we age. Slow-wave sleep is a crucial stage of the sleep cycle, characterized by brain waves and heart rate slowing down, and blood pressure dropping. This deep sleep phase plays
When it comes to antenatal depression, research has shown that poor nutrition can play a significant role in mental health challenges for pregnant women. A longitudinal study in New Zealand revealed that the majority of pregnant women are not following the recommended nutritional guidelines. In fact, only 3 percent of pregnant women in New Zealand
The use of psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, as a potential treatment for long COVID has garnered attention recently. One 41-year-old woman shared her remarkable experience of finding relief from her long COVID symptoms through the use of these mind-altering substances under the guidance of a therapist. While the FDA has not authorized the
Recently, in Mexico, a tragic incident unfolded as a 59-year-old individual succumbed to the H5N2 variant of bird flu. The victim, who passed away on April 24, displayed symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and nausea. Surprisingly, this individual had no known exposure to poultry or any other animals, making this case all
The consumption of chocolate in the United States alone exceeds 3 million tons annually. While this sweet treat is beloved for its rich flavor, the reality is that traditional chocolate is loaded with sugar and saturated fats, posing risks to our health. The combination of cacao paste, sugar, and cocoa butter results in a delicious,
Exercise is often touted as a key factor in maintaining good health and boosting the immune system. However, recent research has raised concerns about the effects of extreme exercise on immune function. A 2023 study conducted on firefighters suggests that vigorous exercise may actually have a negative impact on the immune system, especially in the
Circumcision has long been a topic of discussion when it comes to its potential impact on reducing the risk of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men. While observational studies have pointed towards the benefits of circumcision in preventing STIs like HIV, there has been ongoing debate due to potential sampling biases. However,
From non-stick frying pans to stain-resistant sofas, some of the most innovative everyday products are made using chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” have been utilized since the 1950s due to their ability to repel water and oil, resist high temperatures, and act as surfactants. With around 15,000 different PFAS
Fatherhood has been found to have a significant impact on the heart health of individuals, particularly in later stages of life. The stress and responsibilities associated with parenting may make it challenging for men to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, resulting in poorer heart health outcomes. A longitudinal, multi-ethnic US study conducted by researchers has shed
In the midst of a cost of living crisis, many individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their usual budget for groceries, particularly when it comes to purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has noted a decline in fruit and vegetable consumption in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.
Despite the extensive research efforts that have been dedicated to understanding cancer, it is still a complex disease with many unknowns. The classical theory of cancer development has long revolved around genetic mutations being the primary cause of the disease. However, a recent study published in Nature has shed light on a new theory that
It is widely known that our bodies operate on a 24-hour biological cycle known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm influences various aspects of our daily routine, including our sleep patterns, body temperature, hormones, metabolism, and even blood pressure levels. A recent study has shown that aligning the timing of blood pressure medication with an