Once a common childhood illness, chickenpox has become increasingly rare in the United States thanks to a successful vaccination campaign that started in 1995. The number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in individuals under the age of 20 has decreased by more than 97 percent since the introduction of the vaccine. While this decline in
Health
Pregnancy is a transformative experience for women, both physically and emotionally. Research led by Yale University has shed light on the significant impact of pregnancy on cellular aging. This study delves into how the process of gestation and postpartum recovery can influence the biological age of mothers. By analyzing blood samples from women at different
Nasal rinsing or irrigation has gained popularity as a method to manage hayfever and other nasal irritants. The process involves introducing a solution into the nasal passages to cleanse out microbes, mucus, dust, and allergens. While this technique can provide relief for allergy sufferers, it is not without its risks. One of the primary concerns
In Denmark, researchers are delving into the realm of artificial intelligence to predict the various stages of an individual’s life. The initiative, known as life2vec, aims to leverage data from millions of people to uncover patterns and relationships that conventional methodologies may overlook. The goal is to not only anticipate health outcomes but also social
Recently, researchers in the US have conducted a study that could potentially recommend an FDA-approved pharmaceutical used to treat erectile dysfunction, sildenafil, as a therapy for decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This study involved analyzing medical insurance data alongside a laboratory investigation on the genetic and neurological effects of sildenafil, which is commonly sold
The ability to recognize faces is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, but for individuals with prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), this simple task becomes a distorted nightmare. PMO is a rare neurological condition that causes faces to appear grotesque and monstrous to the affected individual. Unlike the typical facial recognition mechanisms in the brain, PMO distorts familiar
A recent study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and Brighton and Sussex Medical School revealed an intriguing link between double-jointedness (GJH) and the risk of developing long COVID. The study, which surveyed 3,064 individuals who had previously contracted COVID-19, found that those with GJH had a 30 percent higher likelihood of experiencing ongoing
Hot tubs may seem like the perfect place to unwind and relax, but the warm water can actually harbor dangerous bacteria that pose serious health risks. One such risk is the possibility of contracting hot-tub lung, a respiratory condition caused by mycobacteria. These microbes can lead to inflammation in the lungs, resulting in symptoms like
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health, researchers delved into the world of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS. This study, which took eight years to complete, focused on 17 individuals who developed ME/CFS after an infection, and compared them to 21 healthy controls. The
The human brain is a complex organ that functions through a series of waves, orchestrating various activities simultaneously. Understanding how the brain keeps these distinct oscillations from intertwining has been a longstanding enigma in the field of neuroscience. Recent research conducted by US scientists sheds light on the direction of traveling brain waves and how
Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential short-term benefits. However, a new study has raised concerns about the long-term effects of this dietary practice. While some people, including celebrities, have embraced intermittent fasting as a way to control their weight and improve their health, there may be serious consequences associated
In recent developments, scientists in the US have made significant progress in the quest for an “exercise pill” that could potentially provide some of the health benefits of physical activity without the need for movement. This new drug, known as SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in initial experiments on rodents, offering improvements in muscle function,
Mild cognitive impairment, often considered as an early stage of dementia, has been found to be significantly underdiagnosed in people aged 65 and older. Recent studies have revealed that only a mere 8% of cases of mild cognitive impairment are actually diagnosed, leaving approximately 7.4 million cases undetected across the country. This alarming statistic highlights
Broccoli has been gaining attention for its high levels of sulforaphane, a compound known for its potential health benefits. Studies have shown that sulforaphane plays a role in blood sugar control and may even have anti-cancer properties. As a result, the popularity of broccoli pills has been on the rise. While supplements may seem like
Elon Musk’s recent revelation about using ketamine to manage his depression has sparked a range of reactions from the media. But what exactly is ketamine and how does it play a role in the treatment of depression? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used in surgery and for pain relief. This drug allows individuals to
