Health

In the face of the urgent need to better understand the potential health effects of microplastics in our bodies, scientists have been grappling with the challenge of detecting and identifying these tiny pollutants. However, a breakthrough has been made by Columbia University environmental chemist Naixin Qian and her colleagues. They have developed an innovative imaging

When it comes to muscle soreness after a workout, many people believe that lactic acid is to blame. However, this widely-held belief is actually a myth. Research has proven that lactic acid has nothing to do with the discomfort experienced in the muscles post-exercise. In fact, cells produce lactate, not lactic acid, and this process

Researchers in the Netherlands have made an important breakthrough in brain organoid research by developing a brain organoid directly from fetal brain tissue. This innovative approach bypasses the challenging process of coaxing stem cells to multiply and differentiate into various cell types, such as neurons. While the brain organoid is not a real organ and

The relationship between the gut microbiome and weight gain has been a topic of increasing interest in the scientific community. Recent research has suggested that microbes living in our guts play a significant role in regulating metabolism and affecting weight gain. A study conducted by Vanderbilt University biochemist Catherine Shelton and her colleagues has shed

Cholesterol is often categorized as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on its impact on heart health. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Monash University has revealed that high levels of the so-called ‘good’ cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), may be associated with a higher risk of dementia in older adults. While this finding

Exercise has long been known to have a range of health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to boosting mood. However, a recent study has uncovered a surprising link between regular physical activity and the size of specific areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning capabilities. Not only that, but the study suggests that

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. While medications are effective for most individuals, about 30% of patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. In recent years, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet known as the ketogenic diet has emerged as a potential solution for managing seizures in people with treatment-resistant epilepsy, particularly

As we embark on a new year, prioritizing our health becomes a top resolution for many. The pursuit of longevity and overall well-being has led to a boom in products and promises that guarantee transformative results. While genetics may play a minor role in determining our lifespan, the choices we make day in and day

When it comes to preparing a berry smoothie, many of us turn to the trusty banana for its potassium-rich properties and the creamy texture it adds to the drink. However, recent research from the University of California Davis (UCD) suggests that adding a banana to your berry mix might actually diminish the benefits of the

Do you struggle to enjoy salads? If so, you’re not alone. Despite our awareness that vegetables are essential for our health, many of us find it difficult to incorporate them into our meals. This aversion to vegetables can be attributed to the fact that we have evolved to appreciate the taste of higher energy foods,

In our quest to maintain good cognitive health as we age, we often neglect the sense of smell. However, a recent study conducted at the University of California, Irvine has uncovered strong evidence suggesting that enriching our environment with fragrances can improve cognitive performance and potentially slow down cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia.