The discussion about the development of Parkinson’s disease has taken a new turn with the suggestion that environmental factors might play a significant role in triggering this neurodegenerative condition. Researchers have been exploring different models to understand how the gradual loss of neurons associated with Parkinson’s disease is initiated, with a particular focus on the
Health
The idea of freezing bread to make it healthier has been circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok. The process involves the transformation of starches in bread, particularly those low in fiber or made from finely milled flours like white bread, into resistant starch when cooled. Resistant starches are harder for enzymes in our
Depression, with its core experiences of changes in energy, activity, thinking, and mood, has been documented for over 10,000 years. The term ‘depression’ has been in use for about 350 years, yet despite its long history, experts do not universally agree on its definition or the underlying causes. Rather than viewing depression as a singular
Over the years, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Originally referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD), the condition has undergone significant changes in its diagnosis and classification. The first clinical description of children with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity dates back to 1902. British paediatrician
The detrimental effects of drug addiction on the human brain have long been a subject of interest among scientists and researchers. Recent studies by a team from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shed light on the specific pathways through which addictive drugs like cocaine and morphine disrupt the
A day spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was shut down nearly six years ago following a state health department investigation into the facility’s unregulated practice of ‘vampire facials’. Recently, a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed five suspected cases of HIV linked to unsanitary procedures carried out at the spa.
A recent case study highlighted the story of a 52-year-old man from Florida who experienced worsening migraines and was later diagnosed with neurocysticercosis. This condition, caused by larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, is typically associated with poor sanitation in developing countries. However, this particular case raised concerns as the man had not traveled to
Recently, a medical case report has shed light on a disturbing possibility – a fatal prion disease, known as chronic wasting disease, may have crossed over from deer to humans. The report details the tragic deaths of two hunters who consumed venison from a group of deer infected with chronic wasting disease, also referred to
Recent research has uncovered a fascinating connection between specific genes and protection against excessive drinking. The study, which analyzed over 3.2 million DNA records, focused on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have previously been associated with a decreased risk of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). One interesting finding was that individuals with certain genetic variants may experience
The recent report from infectious disease specialists at the Amsterdam University Medical Center in The Netherlands reveals a startling case of a 72-year-old immunocompromised man who battled COVID-19 for 613 days before succumbing to the virus. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those with weakened immune systems when it
A recent case in Belgium has brought attention to a very rare metabolic condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS). This condition causes the body to produce alcohol internally, leading to signs of intoxication without actually consuming alcohol. The 40-year-old man involved in this case was charged with drink-driving but was able to prove in court
The study conducted by a team of researchers from the US and Japan suggests that patients treated by female physicians have better health outcomes compared to those treated by male physicians. While the study does not delve deep into the reasons behind this difference, it aligns with previous research showing similar conclusions. The disparity in
Time-restricted eating (TRE) has been gaining popularity as a potential weight loss strategy. However, a recent study comparing TRE with a usual eating pattern (UEP) suggests that the key factor behind weight loss may be the reduction in overall food intake rather than the impact of daily fasting periods. This finding raises important questions about
In a recent study, researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank to explore the relationship between sleep duration and type 2 diabetes risk. They found that people who slept less than six hours a night had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study followed 247,867 adults over a decade and looked at
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that affects women throughout their reproductive years. However, the impact of hormones on the brain during this time is not well understood. A recent study led by neuroscientists Elizabeth Rizor and Viktoriya Babenko of the University of California Santa Barbara sheds light on the structural changes that take
