The human brain is a complex organ that plays a vital role in our daily lives. It is the body’s control center and is responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and actions. To protect this precious organ from pathogens and toxins, the brain and spinal cord are shielded by a barrier known as the blood-brain barrier.
Japan’s Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has recently sent back its first images of the lunar surface, providing a detailed view of the gray, rubble-covered world. However, this beautiful and lonely view is also a poignant reminder of the unfortunate situation that the lander finds itself in. Just moments after capturing
Cancer, a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Researchers have long been studying the protein MYC, which plays a crucial role in both healthy cell activity and cancer development. MYC, when functioning normally, helps regulate cell growth and division. However, in cancer
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
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
In the vast expanse of the Universe, there exists a captivating sight that may seem straight out of a fantasy. Imagine taking a flight through the treacherous conditions of Neptune’s atmosphere, with diamond rain gracefully tapping at your window. A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers suggests that this extraordinary phenomenon of
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
When NASA embarked on a mission to return to the Moon for the first time in 50 years, little did they know that it would spark controversy and raise ethical and legal concerns. The inclusion of human ashes, including those of renowned science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, in the payload of the Peregrine lander
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
A Russian man named Vladimir Dunaev has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after being found guilty of his involvement in developing the Trickbot malware, which was used to extort businesses, including hospitals, during the COVID pandemic. The United States Justice Department announced the sentencing on Thursday, stating that Dunaev had pleaded
A recent study conducted by a team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has made a significant breakthrough in modeling and understanding the phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). This phenomenon is crucial for subcellular organization and plays a vital role in numerous biological functions and diseases. IDPs are involved in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders,
