The skin, constituting approximately 15 percent of our body mass, often goes unnoticed in terms of its functions. Yet, this organ serves as a multifaceted protective shield that not only provides aesthetic appeal but also carries significant implications for our overall health. Our skin acts as a sunscreen, protecting us from harmful UV rays, a
Health
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare condition characterized by troubling issues with vision and spatial awareness. It involves difficulty judging distances, seeing movement, and recognizing objects. Recent research has shed new light on the close relationship between PCA and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions share similar pathological changes in the brain, but the rarity of
Financial strain can have an immense impact on an individual’s overall well-being. Recent research conducted by scientists at University College London (UCL) and Kings College in the United Kingdom has revealed that stress caused by financial difficulties is closely connected to long-term changes in key health markers. This nationally representative study is unique as it
Simulating miniature human organs in the laboratory has become an invaluable tool in medical research. A pioneering team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has recently developed an innovative ‘heart-on-a-chip’ model. This cutting-edge technology is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the safety of cancer treatments, which have been known
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued urgent warnings to consumers regarding the dangers of purchasing and consuming tianeptine, commonly known as “gas station heroin.” This synthetic drug, available in tablet or powder form, can be found online, as well as in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. Despite being approved in some
Exercising with your partner has long been seen as a way to foster a healthy and active lifestyle. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore suggests that exercising together may lead to lower overall activity levels for older couples. This finding challenges the notion that exercising with a
The practice of injecting children with growth hormone extracted from the brains of deceased people was a controversial medical procedure that occurred between 1959 and 1985. This method was primarily used to treat short stature in children. However, it was later discovered that this therapy led to the development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in around 200
The human brain, being the body’s most vital organ, is naturally protected from harmful pathogens and toxins. However, this extensive safeguard also makes it challenging for medical treatments to reach the central nervous system. The blood-brain barrier, often referred to as the brain’s “locked gate,” prevents more than 98 percent of small molecule drugs and
The devastating effects of cancer are a challenge faced by millions of people worldwide. Despite advancements in medical research, finding an effective treatment for cancer remains elusive. However, a recent discovery by scientists at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) offers new hope. By focusing on the protein MYC, which plays a pivotal role in
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the first partial heart transplant on a baby has yielded astounding results, promising a hopeful future for those in need of this life-saving procedure. Unlike previous methods, this innovative technique involves incorporating donated heart valves and vessels into the recipient’s native heart, eliminating the need for repeated surgeries. The success
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, and the desire for longevity has captivated humanity for centuries. We are fascinated by the idea of eternal youth, which has given rise to a multi-billion pound industry offering anti-ageing products, supplements, and diets. However, while the average life expectancy in the UK has increased significantly from around
In a recent study conducted in the UK, it was discovered that owning a pet could potentially protect against the mental decline often associated with dementia in older individuals who live alone. This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that having a pet can help mitigate the effects of aging on the