Health
Health headlines can be confusing – these 3 questions can help you evaluate them
Health headlines can be confusing – these 3 questions can help you evaluate them When evaluating health headlines, ask yourself: Are people getting this illness more often? Is it due to artifactual changes or true changes in rates? Consider the type of study that led to the claim. Is it a randomized controlled trial, observational […]
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Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort − a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated
Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort − a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated Pregnancy back pain is a common issue that affects up to three-quarters of expectant mothers, yet many cases go untreated due to fear of medication or harm to the unborn baby. Untreated […]
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Why you can salvage moldy cheese but never spoiled meat − a toxicologist advises on what to watch out for
Why you can salvage moldy cheese but never spoiled meat − a toxicologist advises on what to watch out for Molds on foods can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that can be harmful to human health, and some molds are more potent cancer-causing agents than others. When it comes to grains and nuts, fungi like […]
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Phone data could help identify mental health disorders
Phone data could help identify mental health disorders Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that cellphone data can help identify mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study used a statistical analysis tool to find correlations between sensor data and mental health symptoms reported by participants, showing that sensor […]
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Parkinson’s protein clumps drain brain cells of energy
Parkinson’s protein clumps drain brain cells of energy Parkinson’s disease protein clumps can drain brain cells of energy by breaking down adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule responsible for powering cellular activities. The protein clumps, composed of alpha-synuclein, reshape themselves to trap ATP in a small pocket, causing it to break apart and release energy, similar […]
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New trick could stop lung cancer in its tracks
New trick could stop lung cancer in its tracks A researcher at the University of Missouri has discovered that tiny bubble-shaped packages called extracellular vesicles (EVs) may hold the key to stopping lung cancer in its tracks. EVs are released by nearly every cell in the body, including cancer cells, and can carry harmful signals […]
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How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities
How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities Autism rates are rising in the US, with 1 in 31 children diagnosed by age 8, up from 1 in 36 in 2023, according to the CDC. The diagnostic definition of autism spectrum disorder has expanded over time to include […]
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How alcohol exposure can cause brain damage in offspring
How alcohol exposure can cause brain damage in offspring Alcohol exposure during pregnancy or around birth can significantly impair brain development, particularly in regions that govern decision-making. The study identified a specific type of brain cell called cholinergic interneurons (CINs) as being directly linked to problems with flexible thinking and impulse control in offspring exposed […]
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CDC’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury and falls is severely compromised by Trump cuts
CDC’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury and falls is severely compromised by Trump cuts The Trump administration’s cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have severely compromised the agency’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury, and falls. Injuries are a leading cause of death in […]
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Atorvastatin recall may affect hundreds of thousands of patients – and reflects FDA’s troubles inspecting medicines manufactured overseas
Atorvastatin recall may affect hundreds of thousands of patients – and reflects FDA’s troubles inspecting medicines manufactured overseas The FDA has issued a recall for thousands of bottles of generic atorvastatin due to manufacturing issues, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of patients. The recalled medication was manufactured by Ascend Laboratories in New Jersey and failed […]
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AI chatbots routinely violate mental health ethics standards
AI chatbots routinely violate mental health ethics standards A new study has found that AI chatbots, including those used for mental health advice, systematically violate ethical standards of practice established by organizations like the American Psychological Association. The researchers identified 15 ethical risks in LLM counselors, including a lack of contextual adaptation, poor therapeutic collaboration, […]
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‘Switch’ could turn off growth of tough childhood cancer
‘Switch’ could turn off growth of tough childhood cancer Researchers at Texas A&M University Health Science Center have discovered a key weakness in one of the toughest childhood cancers, translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC), which affects children and young adults. The team found that RNA builds “droplet hubs” in cancer cells, acting as command centers […]
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Why you shouldn’t take pain relievers after your flu shot
Why you shouldn’t take pain relievers after your flu shot Take pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) after a flu shot at your own risk, as they may dilute the vaccine’s effectiveness. These medications work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, which can reduce the production of antibodies that protect against illness. Avoid […]
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Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health
Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health Young adults (18-25 years old) are at a critical stage in their lives where behaviors that can harm heart health, such as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity, become more common. The rate of heart disease among people under 40 […]
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Vaping while pregnant may pose serious risks
Vaping while pregnant may pose serious risks Vaping while pregnant poses serious risks to a developing fetus, according to new research. A recent study found that exposure to e-cigarettes with nicotine can impair the growth of the fetus and placenta in mice. Nicotine exposure may interfere with how nutrients are delivered to the fetus, similar […]
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Team sports lower blood pressure for people with chronic diseases
Team sports lower blood pressure for people with chronic diseases A new study published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology found that team sports can significantly lower blood pressure for people with high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as COPD and type 2 diabetes. The 12-week training program, which involved twice weekly […]
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Simple tool can help uncover underdiagnosed back condition
Simple tool can help uncover underdiagnosed back condition A new study has developed an innovative online screening questionnaire called the A-tool to help identify people with underdiagnosed back conditions, specifically axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The A-tool consists of a brief set of clinical questions that patients can complete themselves without a physician intermediary, and it has […]
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Ohio State researchers use AI to tackle elusive lobular breast cancer detection challenges
Ohio State researchers use AI to tackle elusive lobular breast cancer detection challenges BulletPointN One of the most common forms of breast cancer is nearly impossible to detect. Source: Youtube link Q. What is one of the most common forms of breast cancer? A. Lobular breast cancer. Q. Why is lobular breast cancer challenging to […]
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Navigating mental illness in the workplace can be tricky, but employees are entitled to accommodations
Navigating mental illness in the workplace can be tricky, but employees are entitled to accommodations Mental health challenges are becoming increasingly common in the US, affecting approximately 23% of adults, with a nearly 37% increase over the past decade. Employees with mental illness may face difficulties in completing tasks at work due to symptoms such […]
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Gut microbiome can affect desire for alcohol
Gut microbiome can affect desire for alcohol Gut microbiome research has found a connection between Candida albicans, a fungus associated with alcohol use disorder, and the brain’s dopamine reward pathway. The study discovered that an overgrowth of Candida albicans increases levels of inflammatory molecules called PGE2, which can affect the desire for alcohol in mice. […]
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Does the full moon make us sleepless? A neurologist explains the science behind sleep, mood and lunar myths
Does the full moon make us sleepless? A neurologist explains the science behind sleep, mood and lunar myths The full moon may have a modest effect on sleep, causing people to sleep about 20 minutes less, take longer to fall asleep, and spend less time in deep, restorative sleep. The most likely reason for this […]
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COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment – new research
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment – new research COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have shown promising antitumor effects when used alongside immunotherapy treatments for late-stage melanoma and lung cancer, with patients receiving the vaccine being more than twice as likely to be alive after three years compared to those who didn’t […]
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Being fit might help your body handle dehydration
Being fit might help your body handle dehydration Research suggests that physically fit individuals may be better equipped to handle dehydration due to their increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. A study using high-runner mice found that fitter animals increased their running distance and speed when water was removed, despite losing body weight […]
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Astronauts can get motion sick while splashing back down to Earth – virtual reality headsets could help them stay sharp
Astronauts can get motion sick while splashing back down to Earth – virtual reality headsets could help them stay sharp Astronauts can experience motion sickness during splashdown due to conflicting sensory inputs from their vestibular system and brain, which can impair their ability to respond quickly in emergency situations. The conflict arises when astronauts’ brains […]
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Your kids may not get as much sleep as you think
Your kids may not get as much sleep as you think Parents often overestimate how much sleep their kids are getting, while actual sleep data shows that only 14% of children meet national sleep guidelines. A new study found that elementary school children get an average of only 8 hours and 20 minutes of actual […]
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Helping friends can boost mood for older adults
Helping friends can boost mood for older adults Providing practical help to close friends can boost mood for older adults, particularly women, who tend to have more emotional intimacy and conversation-based friendships. Older men are less likely than women to provide emotional support to friends, and may experience a lower positive mood on days they […]
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Oura redesigns app with expanded stress tracking
Oura redesigns app with expanded stress tracking Oura is launching a redesigned app with expanded stress-tracking features to help users manage their stress levels. The new Cumulative Stress feature provides a weekly overview of how the body manages and recovers from sustained stress, using data from sleep, heart rate, temperature, and activity. Oura is working […]
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Zombies, jiangshi, draugrs, revenants − monster lore is filled with metaphors for public health
Zombies, jiangshi, draugrs, revenants − monster lore is filled with metaphors for public health Zombie lore has parallels with public health concepts, including infectious disease outbreaks and societal collapse. The zombie apocalypse narrative echoes key questions asked by epidemiologists during real-life outbreaks, such as how to contain an outbreak and prevent its spread. Monsters like […]
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Yes, ADHD diagnoses are rising, but that doesn’t mean it’s overdiagnosed
Yes, ADHD diagnoses are rising, but that doesn’t mean it’s overdiagnosed ADHD diagnoses are rising, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s overdiagnosed. The condition exists on a spectrum and can be treated differently depending on the severity of symptoms. The diagnosis of ADHD is not always clear-cut, as symptoms can vary widely from person to […]
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Weight loss drugs may curb alcohol use
Weight loss drugs may curb alcohol use Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may help reduce alcohol use by slowing down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, which can lead to a slower increase in blood-alcohol content. A study found that participants taking these medications reported feeling less intoxicated after consuming an alcoholic […]
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