Aging is an inevitable part of the human journey, and with it often comes the unwanted accumulation of body fat. While society primarily focuses on the aesthetics of being overweight, doctors delve deeper to understand the health implications of the byproducts of fat in our bodies. Fatty acids, the molecular building blocks of fats, are
Health
Victorians have been facing an alarming increase in cases of Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial infection. In 2021 alone, 363 people were diagnosed with this condition, marking the highest number of cases since 2004. The severity of the disease has prompted scientists to delve deeper into understanding its transmission. In a groundbreaking new study, researchers
Early gestation, a critical period in human development, continues to hold many mysteries for scientists. In an effort to shed light on this crucial phase, a team of researchers led by clinician-scientist Eduardo Maury from Harvard Medical School embarked on a groundbreaking study. By analyzing genetic data from thousands of individuals, they discovered two genetic
In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists in China, a new type of antidepressant has shown the potential to not only alleviate symptoms of depression but also restore the body’s ability to combat certain types of cancer. This novel antidepressant, called ansofaxine hydrochloride, has demonstrated inhibitory effects on colon cancer cell growth in both cell
As our understanding of autism continues to evolve, it becomes apparent that our previous misconceptions have been both egregious and misleading. Recent research involving mice indicates that both male and female brains may be equally susceptible to autism, a discovery that emphasizes the need to include both genders in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) studies. Neuroscientist
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has long been suspected as a trigger for multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects a significant portion of the global population. However, the exact mechanism through which this virus induces an immune response against the body’s cells has remained elusive. Recent research from the University of Texas provides new insights
Weight loss and diabetes drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro have garnered significant attention in the field of health. These drugs have been lauded as breakthroughs for weight loss and blood sugar control, targeting regulatory pathways involved in obesity and diabetes. However, it is essential to explore the origins of these drugs and the underlying
Cannabis has long been associated with a notorious side effect known as the ‘munchies,’ which refers to an intense desire for food after consuming marijuana. While it has been widely observed among users, the scientific understanding of why cannabis induces such cravings has remained limited. However, researchers at Washington State University have recently made significant
In recent studies, researchers have discovered a surprising phenomenon: cancer patients who smoke tend to have better outcomes when treated with autophagy inhibitors. Autophagy is a cellular process that cancer cells manipulate to promote their own growth. This observation has led scientists to explore the role of carbon monoxide (CO) in inhibiting autophagy and potentially
Climate change poses a serious threat to the survival of polar bears. However, these majestic creatures now face an additional deadly challenge: bird flu. A recent incident confirmed that a polar bear from northern Alaska succumbed to the disease. This has raised concerns about the implications for the wider polar bear population, as well as
As the new year approaches, many people are setting resolutions to be more physically active in the year ahead. If you are one of these individuals, you might be considering investing in an activity tracker to help you along the way. But what exactly are the benefits of activity trackers? And do you really need
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has raised concerns about the country reaching a critical tipping point in terms of vaccinations. This tipping point occurs when there are insufficient vaccinated individuals to protect the unvaccinated, resulting in preventable deaths. In a recent commentary by FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and FDA vaccine regulator
In November 2023, a feral kitten in Omaha, Nebraska, tested positive for rabies, causing concerns about a potential outbreak in the area. What made this case even more alarming was that the kitten was infected with the raccoon variant of the virus, typically found only in the Appalachian Mountains. This discovery prompted the formation of
When we open our curtains and let the sunlight into our rooms, we are not just allowing light to illuminate our surroundings. We are also triggering a series of chemical reactions within our bodies that regulate our biology and keep our internal clock in sync with the natural cycles of day and night. The specific
The relationship between cannabis and exercise has long been a topic of debate, filled with assumptions and contradictions. While some view cannabis as a performance-enhancing drug, others associate it with laziness and couch-lock. However, emerging evidence suggests that both of these perspectives may miss the mark. Surveys conducted in US states where cannabis is legalized
