The recent survey conducted on a group of US adults aged between 42 and 92 suggests that the use of psychedelic drugs may have beneficial effects on brain health as individuals age. Those who reported using hallucinogens in the past year displayed fewer depressive symptoms and showed improvements in higher-order brain functions. This includes enhanced
Health
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that affects individuals in varying degrees. Some may experience milder symptoms, while others face significant challenges with social, language, and cognitive skills. For those with more ‘profound’ cases of ASD, lifelong supportive care may be necessary. This diverse range of symptoms within the autism spectrum has
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, causing illness, death, and economic devastation on a global scale. However, not everyone who is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus experiences severe symptoms or complications. Recent research conducted by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University College London has shed light on the differences in
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has spread extensively among animals across the globe, being found on all continents except Oceania. The United Nations has deemed it a “global zoonotic animal pandemic.” This virus has the ability to infect over 350 species of birds and nearly 60 species of mammals, with migratory waterfowl being
Climate change poses a significant threat to public health, with global warming being a major contributing factor. The rising temperatures associated with climate change have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. Studies have shown that heat exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth,
When it comes to cancer treatment, researchers are constantly exploring new avenues to enhance the body’s ability to fight the disease. A recent study conducted on mice has shed light on the potential benefits of fasting in reprogramming the metabolism of natural killer cells (NK cells) to better tackle tumors. This groundbreaking research, led by
It’s no secret that cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can add flavor to a multitude of dishes. However, recent genetic analysis has uncovered some surprising benefits of cheese consumption, particularly in relation to mental well-being and aging. While the idea of eating cheese to live longer and healthier may sound too good
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people globally. Researchers have been working tirelessly to find ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages in order to develop better treatments and preventative strategies. A recent study conducted by University College London biochemist Jenny Hällqvist and her team has shown promising
As the summer of 2024 kicks off, more than 260 million people are bracing themselves for a challenging heatwave that is set to break records across northeastern US. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about the duration and intensity of this heatwave, stating that it may be the longest experienced in decades for
In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of calls to poison control centers in the U.S. related to psilocybin exposure among adolescents and young adults. Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” has gained popularity as a recreational drug, especially after it was decriminalized and legalized in certain cities
The world’s population has seen a significant increase in the number of centenarians, making them one of the fastest-growing demographic groups. With their numbers doubling roughly every ten years since the 1970s, these individuals have become a subject of interest for scientists and researchers worldwide. Understanding how long humans can live and what determines a
Imagine the scenario where you seek medical attention due to dizziness and slurred speech, only to be dismissed as drunk despite not consuming any alcohol. This bewildering experience was faced by a woman in Canada, who struggled with a mysterious illness known as auto-brewery syndrome. This rare and poorly understood condition involves the production of