Recently, scientists have made an intriguing discovery regarding the potential relationship between oral contraceptives and changes in the brain’s fear-processing regions. This finding may offer insights into the disproportionate impact of fear-related mechanisms on women. Typically, it is understood that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can influence the brain’s fear circuitry. To delve further
Health
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has recently proposed revoking the registration of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a modified vegetable oil used as an emulsifying agent in citrus-flavored sodas. This decision comes after numerous toxicology studies raised concerns about the safety of BVO. In this article, we will delve into the
Endometriosis is a truly cruel condition that causes physical, sexual, and emotional pain. With approximately 190 million individuals worldwide affected by the illness, including one in every ten American women, it is alarming that the disease has been shrouded in silence for so long. This chronic gynecological illness affects everyone with a uterus, regardless of
Sleep deprivation is a common problem that affects many individuals, leading to various negative consequences. One such consequence is an increased sensitivity to pain. People who experience chronic pain often have difficulties sleeping, which in turn exacerbates their pain symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms that link sleep deprivation to heightened pain sensitivity have not been
A recent study has shed light on the potential cognitive benefits of consuming wasabi for older adults. The study focused on a bioactive compound found in wasabi called 6 methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC), which has been previously associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These effects are thought to slow down cell damage and provide protection.
The discovery of sustained human transmission of the monkeypox virus marks a significant turning point in our understanding of this infectious disease. For years, experts believed that humans could only contract monkeypox from small mammals such as monkeys or rodents. However, a recent study led by epidemiologist Áine O’Toole from the University of Edinburgh has
Modern humans are the result of a complex genetic heritage, shaped by interbreeding with archaic humans such as the Denisovans. Recent research conducted by Spanish scientists sheds light on the fascinating story of our genes and suggests a potential link between this interbreeding and mental health issues such as depression. This groundbreaking study explores the
The human brain is undoubtedly a complex and enigmatic organ that continues to baffle scientists and researchers. We might automatically associate hearing voices with neurological conditions like schizophrenia. However, recent studies have revealed that most brains can be tricked into hearing voices that aren’t really there, given the right conditions. Researchers from the École Polytechnique
After enduring several days of sleepless nights and incessant rustling sounds in her left ear, a woman in Taiwan reached her breaking point. The deep, bone-like clicking noises seemed to resonate from within, leaving her with an unsettling sense that something had taken residence in her ear canal. Unfortunately, her instincts were correct. A visit
Sneezing is a phenomenon that we all experience, yet it remains both universal and uniquely personal. It is an involuntary reflex that serves as a protective mechanism to expel irritants from our nasal passages. During a sneeze, the airway pressure exceeds that of heavy breathing during exercise by more than 30 times. Remarkably, sneezes can
When we think of farm animals, we often associate them with providing us with food and resources. However, a recent study has shed light on a much darker aspect of human-animal interactions. Scientists have discovered that the domestication and husbandry of livestock coincided with the emergence and spread of animal-borne diseases that have plagued human
In recent years, ketamine has been touted as a potential solution for those suffering from severe forms of treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional medications, ketamine offers the benefits of electroshock therapy without the associated risks. However, the drug’s strong psychoactive effects have made it difficult to conduct blind tests. Despite this challenge, researchers from Stanford University
In today’s developed countries, people are spending more time than ever sitting, whether it’s in front of a computer, stuck in traffic, or unwinding in front of the TV. Unfortunately, this sedentary lifestyle is associated with various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancers, all of which can contribute to
A recent study has unveiled a distressing revelation: for every year of rugby played, the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) significantly increases. CTE is a debilitating brain disease that is believed to result from repeated head injuries, causing the brain to collide with the skull and damage its tissues. Although the diagnosis of
A recent study conducted by researchers from Israel and the US has revealed a significant association between adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of developing dementia. Over a period of 17 years, the study observed 109,218 adults with and without ADHD, finding that 13.2 percent of the participants with ADHD went