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
Health
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
Aging is a natural process that brings with it wisdom, experience, and even evolutionary advantages. However, the gradual deterioration of our biology as we grow older is far from enjoyable for anyone. But what if there was a way to delay aging and extend healthy lifespans? A recent study conducted on mice by developmental biologist
As scientists sound the alarm on the potential health risks associated with microplastics infiltrating our bodies, the need for effective detection methods becomes increasingly urgent. Unfortunately, current techniques fall short when it comes to identifying these minuscule pollutants. However, a breakthrough imaging technique developed by Columbia University environmental chemist Naixin Qian and her team offers
As many of us hit the gym or go for a run to recover from the silly season, you might notice a bit of extra muscle soreness. This is especially true if it has been a while between workouts. A common misunderstanding is that such soreness is due to lactic acid build-up in the muscles.
In recent years, scientists have been making significant progress in the field of brain organoid research. Organoids are miniature models of organs that are created in the laboratory using stem cells. They have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of various diseases and disorders, including those of the brain. However, until now, the creation of
Many individuals who are trying to kick-start their weight loss or shed a few pounds before a special occasion often consider trying a crash diet. These diets, characterized by drastically reducing calorie intake to 800-1,200 calories per day for a few weeks at a time, have gained popularity due to influencers and social media. Proponents
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have uncovered a fascinating link between gut microbes and weight gain, shedding light on the potential impact of early exposure to antibiotics on childhood obesity. By feeding young mice a high or low fat diet, with or without antibiotics, the team observed that mice on a high fat diet and exposed
When it comes to cholesterol, we often categorize it as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on its impact on heart health. However, a recent study has shed new light on the potential health risks associated with the ‘good’ type of cholesterol, known as High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C). Contrary to popular belief, excessive levels of HDL-C
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of individuals worldwide. While medications can control seizures for most people, around 30 percent of individuals with epilepsy have drug-resistant forms of the condition. In recent years, there has been growing evidence suggesting that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, known as the ketogenic diet, may significantly
