Hepatitis C is a type of blood-borne virus that specifically targets the liver, causing inflammation and damage if left untreated. It spreads through blood-to-blood contact, and in many cases, infection occurs due to contaminated blood transfusions. Additionally, intravenous drug use and exposure to contaminated blood during medical or cosmetic procedures can also lead to infection.
Health
Recent data indicates that regular COVID-19 vaccinations could potentially enhance our immune systems against future variants and related viruses, in addition to the demonstrated protection they already offer against current infections. This news comes as a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing hospitalizations and long COVID cases, along with the constant emergence of new variants.
The world sees over 350 million surgeries yearly, with most people experiencing the effects of general anesthesia at some point in their lives. Although general anesthesia is considered a safe medical practice, the intricacies of how anesthetic drugs interact with the brain remain largely unknown. This lack of complete understanding has persisted since general anesthesia
Recent research from the University of New Mexico has shed light on the presence of microplastics in testicular tissue, raising concerns about the potential impact on male fertility. The study revealed that both humans and dogs have traces of microplastics in their testicles, with higher levels found in human samples. This discovery adds to the
In the UK, a large outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has been ravaging the population since the beginning of 2024. With 2,793 confirmed cases and tragically five infant deaths attributed to the infection, the severity of whooping cough cannot be understated. Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Initially
Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of semaglutide, the key ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, for heart health. The findings from the Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SELECT) trial have revealed promising results, suggesting a significant reduction in the risk of stroke or cardiac events even among individuals who do not
Your skin is susceptible to wrinkles for a variety of reasons, including aging, sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, facial expressions, and your sleeping position. When you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity and pressure from the pillow can cause your skin to be stretched and compressed, leading to the formation of sleep wrinkles. To minimize
It’s not just farmers and hunters who need to be concerned about the current bird flu outbreak in the United States. Research from the New York City Virus Hunters (NYCVH) Program has shown that even city dwellers, especially those with pets, are at risk. The study found that a small number of birds passing through
Chronic pain affects approximately one in five adults in the United States, causing relentless suffering over extended periods of time. The current treatment options mainly involve painkillers, which are not always effective and can lead to addiction. In order to better comprehend the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain, neuroscientist Mayank Gautam and his team at
The recent news of a cow-to-human transmission of the highly pathogenic bird flu A(H5N1) in the US has raised concerns among experts and the general public alike. This marks the first confirmed case of the virus being passed from cows to humans, highlighting a new potential transmission route. The infected dairy farmer reported inflammation in
A groundbreaking study conducted by a group of international researchers, including ETH Zurich materials scientist Raffaele Mezzenga and food scientist Jiaqi Su, has led to the development of a gel made from milk proteins and gold nanoparticles that shows promise as an effective hangover cure. Initial tests on mice have demonstrated that the gel could
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 4 (SCA4) is an incredibly rare condition that affects individuals with progressively worsening problems with walking and balance. Despite the debilitating symptoms, there is currently no cure for SCA4. However, after a quarter of a century of research, the genetic coding behind SCA4 has finally been identified by an international team of
For years, scientists have been fascinated by the idea that sleep plays a crucial role in clearing out toxins and waste products from the brain. This theory, often referred to as a ‘Nobel-prize winning idea’ of neuroscience, was widely accepted as a key reason why we sleep. However, a recent brain imaging study in mice
Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue, has long been recognized for its ability to burn calories in order to generate heat and maintain the body’s core temperature. In contrast to white fat, which predominantly functions as a storage depot for energy, brown fat is densely packed with mitochondria, the energy centers of cells.
The use of cannabis among breastfeeding parents in the United States is on the rise, with more individuals incorporating the drug into their daily routines. However, the extent to which THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, is present in breast milk remains uncertain. A recent observational study conducted in the US found that THC