The once common practice of injecting children with growth hormone derived from deceased individuals has long been abandoned, and for good reason. From 1959 to 1985, approximately 200 children received these injections to treat short stature. However, many of these individuals developed Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a degenerative brain condition caused by misfolded prion proteins, decades later.
Health
The human brain, being the most crucial organ in our body, is naturally protected by a sophisticated defense mechanism known as the blood-brain barrier. This barrier acts as a shield against pathogens and toxins, safeguarding the delicate structure and functioning of our brain and spinal cord. While the blood-brain barrier serves a vital purpose, it
Cancer, a deadly disease, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. One of the key players in this process is the protein MYC, which usually has a crucial role in healthy cell activity. However, when cancer cells develop, MYC goes haywire and contributes to the progression and spread
In a medical first, an infant named Owen Monroe became the recipient of a partial heart transplant, offering hope for a future without multiple heart surgeries. Surgeons at Duke University accomplished this groundbreaking feat by implanting heart valves and vessels from a donor baby into Owen’s heart when he was just 18 days old. What
The pursuit of longevity has captivated human beings for centuries. As advancements in medicine and living conditions have increased our average lifespan, the focus has shifted from simply living longer to living healthier for longer. This article explores the concept of “blue zones,” locations around the world where there is a higher prevalence of centenarians
Runners are constantly striving to improve their performance and achieve faster times. However, a new trend has emerged in recent years – the practice of slow running. Slow running, also known as zone 2 running, emphasizes running at a comfortable pace that allows for conversation. This approach is gaining popularity due to its numerous benefits
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 5 million individuals, primarily women of childbearing age. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to chronic inflammation that can potentially damage any organ in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing lupus and minimizing its impact on individuals’
The journey of aging brings about various changes in the body, one of which is the increased accumulation of body fat. While society tends to focus on the aesthetic aspect of being overweight, medical professionals delve deeper into the health implications of fat byproducts in the body. Fatty acids, the building blocks of fats, are
When we are presented with the opportunity of a financial reward, our brains typically respond with anticipation and excitement. However, a recent study has revealed that individuals with clinical depression lack this feeling of reward anticipation, along with the accompanying pupil dilation. This research sheds light on the connection between depression and the brain’s reward
Buruli ulcer, also known as Bairnsdale ulcer, has been a growing concern in Victoria, with an alarming increase in the number of cases reported each year. In 2020 alone, 363 people were diagnosed with this flesh-eating bacteria infection, marking the highest number since 2004. The threat of this debilitating disease has raised questions about its
Early gestation, a significant but enigmatic period in human development, has recently captured the attention of researchers studying schizophrenia. Through an extensive analysis of genetic data, a team led by Harvard Medical School clinician-scientist Eduardo Maury uncovered two gene deletions associated with schizophrenia that likely occur during this critical formative stage. These findings challenge the
Depression and cancer are two complex medical conditions that have been extensively studied. Recent research suggests that there may be a connection between these two conditions. The immune system’s response to cancer cells can be negatively impacted by psychological stress and depression. This raises an intriguing question: Can antidepressants help enhance the body’s ability to
As our understanding of autism progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that our preconceived notions were gravely flawed. A groundbreaking study conducted on mice has revealed that both male and female brains are equally susceptible to autism, challenging the long-held belief that this disorder predominantly affects males. Led by neuroscientist Manish Kumar Tripathi from the Hebrew
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. Over the years, researchers have suspected that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could play a crucial role in triggering the development of MS. However, understanding the precise mechanism by which the virus instigates the immune system to attack its own
The emergence of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro as weight loss and diabetes drugs has brought attention to the underlying mechanisms of metabolic disease. These drugs target regulatory pathways involved in obesity and diabetes, providing breakthroughs in weight loss and blood sugar control. However, it is essential to understand the inspiration behind the development of these