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
Health
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
Recent studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of stressful life events on the development of dementia in later life. Particularly, events such as the death of a loved one or divorce have been shown to increase the risk of developing dementia, but only if they occur during childhood or midlife. Researchers have examined the association
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, claiming the lives of more than 10 million individuals annually. Despite the grim statistics, many cancers are treatable if detected early and managed effectively. The challenge often lies in the elusive nature of cancer, making it difficult for timely diagnosis and intervention. Recent research has
One of the most challenging decisions that individuals face is whether or not to remove life support from a loved one who has suffered a traumatic brain injury. The uncertainty surrounding the potential for recovery makes this decision even more difficult, as doctors struggle to predict which patients may improve with more time and which
When we think of taking a car ride, the last thing on our minds is the potential risks and dangers that come with it. However, recent research has shed light on a disturbing finding – harmful chemicals present in 99 percent of vehicle cabins tested in cars manufactured in the US since 2015. These materials,
One of the latest headlines surrounding independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s health has put a spotlight on a disturbing neurological issue. According to a 2012 deposition reviewed by the New York Times, Kennedy disclosed that a worm had invaded his brain in 2010, “ate a portion of it and then died”. This
Adenomyosis is a chronic condition that affects the uterus, yet it remains largely unknown to many people. Despite affecting as many as one in five women, awareness about this condition is scarce. Symptoms of adenomyosis include irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and even difficulties with fertility. The severity of symptoms varies among patients,
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has recently announced a significant move to ease federal restrictions on cannabis by reclassifying it from a Schedule I drug to the less restricted Schedule III category. This change acknowledges the valuable medicinal properties of cannabis and opens up new possibilities for its therapeutic use. This decision comes at a
The brain is often referred to as a supercomputer, with its complex network of neurons that help us think, learn, and make decisions. This intricate organ can be likened to a bustling city, with different parts serving specific functions, much like different areas in a city. When we have a thought, it’s like a message
Plastic pollution is a global crisis that affects not only our environment but also our bodies. Microplastics, miniscule fragments of plastic, have found their way into the human body through various means such as eating, drinking, and even breathing. In a shocking revelation in 2022, scientists discovered microplastics embedded in the deepest parts of the
Sex-related headaches can vary in intensity from mild to severe, lasting anywhere between a minute to 24 hours or even up to three days. These headaches, also known as primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHASA), commonly occur around orgasm. It is important to note that PHASA is more prevalent in men than women, with
An 18-month old British girl named Opal, who was born completely deaf, has become the youngest person to have their hearing restored after undergoing groundbreaking new gene therapy. This therapy is a result of a collaboration between UK ear surgeon Manohar Bance and the US biotech firm Regeneron. Opal’s case is significant because she has
The issue of counterfeit painkillers in the United States, particularly in Rhode Island, has reached a critical point. The ongoing opioid epidemic has been deemed a “tremendous public health crisis” in the state, ranking among the top ten states in the nation for drug overdoses. Recently, epidemiologists at Brown University have discovered troubling evidence that