Accidental overdoses from ‘copies’ of the weight-loss drug sold commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy are on a steep rise in the US. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to patients, health providers, and compounding pharmacies due to a concerning number of dosing mistakes related to injectable semaglutide. This active ingredient is
Health
The blood-brain barrier is a crucial component of the human body, serving to protect the brain tissue and central nervous system from harmful substances in the bloodstream. While this barrier is highly effective in preventing the entry of unwanted molecules, it also poses a significant challenge in delivering therapeutic proteins to the brain. The impermeability
The human brain is a complex organ that is destined to fail as we age. Detecting memory decline and distinguishing between typical aging and signs of dementia can be a daunting task for healthcare specialists. In many cases, the technology required for accurate diagnosis, such as expensive scans and spinal fluid samples, may not always
Hospital-acquired infections are a serious concern for both patients and healthcare providers. These infections occur as a result of exposure to the healthcare system, where individuals are already in a vulnerable state due to their health conditions. The risk of acquiring bacteria that can lead to infections increases significantly while in the hospital or shortly
As society shifts and more people decide to wait longer before starting a family, the issue of fertility becomes increasingly prominent. Women, in particular, face a significant challenge as their fertility begins to decline around the age of 35. This decline in fertility can lead to difficulties in getting pregnant, affecting about one-third of couples
Recent research has revealed a groundbreaking discovery in fruit flies that sheds light on the connection between inflammation and impaired motor function. This finding offers a potential target for addressing the persistent muscle fatigue that often follows infections, particularly in the context of long COVID. The impact of this research extends beyond simply feeling unwell
The recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California Davis sheds light on the intricate workings of opioids in the human brain. The study introduces a new method that allows for real-time visualization of how the nervous system responds to the activation of opioid receptors. This groundbreaking research has the potential to deepen
In recent years, there has been a shift in consumption patterns, with many people opting for diet soft drinks over sugary beverages. While this may seem like a healthier choice, the long-term effects of consuming diet soft drinks regularly are still under scrutiny. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting daily sugar intake to less
Viruses have long been known to leave remnants of themselves in our genomes, which were once thought to be inactive. However, recent research has shown that these ancient viral sequences, known as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), can be reactivated and play a role in diseases such as cancer. University of Colorado bioinformatician, Atma Ivancevic, led a
There is a growing concern over the impact of blue light emitted from electronic devices on our skin. While sunlight is the most potent source of blue light, our phones, laptops, and TVs also emit this type of light at lower levels. This has led to questions about whether or not prolonged exposure to blue
Recent studies suggesting that alcohol consumption in moderation can be beneficial have come under scrutiny by a team of scientists from the University of Victoria. Psychologist Tim Stockwell and epidemiologist Jinhui Zhao led a meta-analysis of 107 scientific studies, involving over 4 million participants and 425,000 deaths, to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and
The discovery of a potential new treatment for hereditary-patterned baldness has sparked excitement among scientists conducting research on deoxyribose sugar. This accidental finding has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach hair loss, which affects both men and women worldwide. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University in
Placebos have long intrigued scientists and medical professionals alike, offering the tantalizing prospect of pain relief through the power of the mind rather than pharmaceutical interventions. This phenomenon, known as the placebo effect, hinges on individuals’ expectations of symptom improvement, thereby triggering actual physiological responses in the body. Recent research conducted on mice by a
The recent study conducted by researchers from the Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School sheds light on the potential role of interleukin 11 (IL-11) in the aging process. By blocking the effects of this protein, scientists were able to extend the lifespans of mice by up to 25 percent. This discovery has significant implications
Mindfulness meditation has gained increasing popularity in recent years as a way to reduce stress and improve mental health. However, the practice of mindfulness is not without its risks. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can have adverse effects on a significant percentage of individuals, with symptoms ranging from anxiety and depression to psychotic episodes