Silver leaf disease, caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum, has long plagued various botanicals, including pears, roses, and rhododendron. While this fungal infection is usually harmless to humans, a groundbreaking case emerged in June 2023, revealing a mycologist who contracted silver leaf disease in his own throat. This unprecedented cross-kingdom infection sheds light on the
Health
Artificial sweeteners have become widely popular, but their long-term effects on health continue to be a topic of debate. A recent study conducted on male mice suggests that the artificial sweetener aspartame may have detrimental effects on learning and memory. Furthermore, these effects were observed not only in the mice but also in their offspring,
The search for an effective treatment for acne vulgaris, a common inflammatory skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, has been a constant battle against resistance and side effects. The overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes, a skin bacterium, leads to uncomfortable eruptions of small pustules. While current treatment options such as antibiotics and hormonal regulation of
When it comes to finding effective ways to reduce stress, many people envision activities like exercise or meditation. However, there is another technique that has gained popularity in recent years – adult coloring books. While it may seem simple, research has shown that coloring can be a highly effective way of reducing stress and improving
The phenomenon of near-death experiences has long fascinated medical professionals and scientists alike. In a follow-up to a major study on the mysteries of death, researchers from New York University Grossman School of Medicine have shed light on potential flickers of awareness in the minds of cardiac arrest patients during resuscitation. The study, conducted in
Our metabolism plays a crucial role in determining whether we convert food into energy or accumulate extra weight. Many of us blame a “slow” metabolism when we struggle to lose weight, leading to a massive industry of products claiming to speed up our metabolic rate. However, rather than relying on supplements, there are natural methods
Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating form of dementia affecting millions of people globally, continues to baffle researchers despite decades of intensive study and substantial investment. However, hope may be on the horizon as Stanford University neuroscientist Andy Tsai and his team shed light on the biological mechanisms underlying immune cell mutations associated with Alzheimer’s. By investigating
The recent evaluation of clinical trial data by a panel of expert advisors for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shed light on the truth behind oral phenylephrine-based (PE) drugs. Contrary to popular belief, these drugs do not live up to their promise of reducing nasal stuffiness when taken orally. The expert
Sleep is an essential function that allows our brain to recharge and restore itself. However, research has now revealed that the consequences of sleep deprivation go far beyond just feeling tired. In fact, studies have shown that lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on the brain and increase the risk of developing neurological diseases
Lead poisoning has long been recognized as a serious health issue, but a recent study suggests that its impact is far greater than previously thought. The research, conducted by two World Bank economists and published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal, reveals that lead exposure potentially contributes to over five million deaths each year. Moreover,
A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that a specific variation of a gene involved in our immune response may secretly provide protection against two devastating neurological diseases: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The gene variant, known as DR4, is part of a family of genes that typically assist our immune system in identifying and eliminating foreign invaders
A 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts in the US tragically died last Friday hours after eating a tortilla chip dusted with a spice made from two of the world’s hottest peppers, the Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of extreme food challenges and the responsibility of manufacturers in