In a remarkable medical breakthrough, history was made in 2022 when surgeons performed the world’s first partial heart transplant in a baby. The recipient, Owen Monroe, who was just 18 days old at the time, underwent a groundbreaking procedure where heart valves and vessels taken from a donor infant were stitched into his heart. This
Health
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, and humans have always been fascinated with the quest for longevity. The desire to remain youthful drives a multi-billion pound industry that offers anti-ageing products, supplements, and diets for those hoping to extend their lifespan. While advancements in medicine and improvements in living conditions have allowed us to
The correlation between pet ownership and mental health benefits has been well-documented. However, a recent study of nearly 8,000 people in the UK delves deeper into the potential impact of owning a pet on cognitive decline in older adults living alone. The findings of this study shed light on the protective and beneficial effects that
One thing that all runners have in common is their obsession with time. Whether they are amateur or professional, runners are constantly striving to improve their pace and get faster. However, there is a growing trend in the running community known as “slow running.” This movement suggests that anyone can run, regardless of their ability
Researchers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the development of lupus in children. By identifying a single genetic mutation in the UNC93B1 gene, they have shed light on a new mechanism that triggers this autoimmune disease. Lupus is a lifelong condition characterized by chronic inflammation caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues. With
Overconsumption of calories is associated with a condition that impacts millions of people, one that despite research showing strong links to environment, neurology, and genetics, is still notoriously attributed to a lack of self-control. If you guessed obesity, you’re not wrong, but there is another answer: alcohol use disorder, a condition that affects an estimated
Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. While there is still much to learn about depression, a new study has shed light on
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
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