The phenomenon of the placebo effect offers a fascinating concept of alleviating pain without the use of drugs or surgery. It hinges on the belief and expectation that pain will diminish, portraying the power of the mind over the body. Recent studies have delved deeper into this enigmatic effect, unveiling the specific neural circuits in
Health
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the role of a protein called interleukin 11 (IL-11) in the aging process. Researchers from the Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School conducted a study where they successfully extended the lifespans of mice by up to 25 percent by blocking the effects of IL-11. This protein has
Mindfulness meditation, a practice rooted in Buddhism, has gained popularity in recent years as a tool for stress relief and mental health improvement. With its origins dating back over 1,500 years in India, mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of one’s thoughts, sensations, and feelings. However, recent scientific research has shed
In recent years, the presence of microplastics in major organs of the human body, including the placenta, has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with these tiny fragments. Studies have shown that these microscopic particles can easily infiltrate our tissues, prompting researchers to investigate the effects of microplastics on human health. While research
The emergence of long COVID-19 since 2020 has created a significant health burden on millions of individuals worldwide. This condition, stemming from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in a myriad of long-term health effects that range from respiratory symptoms to chronic conditions such as heart failure and diabetes. As a physician scientist deeply involved in
Throughout human history, various infectious diseases have plagued the human population, with some rising to the status of the “most deadly disease” at different points in time. One such disease that left a devastating impact on Europe and surrounding areas was the bubonic plague. This disease has a long history, with three major pandemics occurring
Sleep is an essential part of our daily routine, and we all understand the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Research has shown that regular exercise can have a positive impact on sleep quality. However, the timing and intensity of exercise can play a significant role in how it affects our sleep patterns. There
The search for alcohol hangover cures has been a long-standing quest, with many remedies and solutions being touted as effective. One such remedy that has gained popularity in recent times is the idea that taking a shot of olive oil before consuming alcohol can prevent hangovers. This theory suggests that the high-fat content of olive
For over a century, scientists have observed that mice and rats tend to live longer when they are fed less. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from the US and UK has shed new light on this phenomenon. Instead of simply focusing on the amount of energy or protein consumed, the study suggests that
One of the latest beauty trends includes ultra long and thick eyelashes achieved through eyelash extensions. However, despite their popularity, there are hidden dangers associated with this beauty treatment. While eyelash extensions may enhance our appearance, they also come with potential risks to our health. Eyelash extensions are attached using glue, which can cause a
Sleep plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, especially for children. Recent research has shown a strong link between socioeconomic status and sleep quality among children. In particular, children from families with low economic resources are at a higher risk of experiencing shorter sleep duration and later bedtimes, which can have negative effects
Recent research from China has highlighted the alarming trend of decreasing sperm counts worldwide. One of the contributing factors identified by scientists is excess weight and obesity. This connection between obesity and semen quality decline has raised concerns globally. Epidemiologist Yingxin Li and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of 50 previous studies involving 71,337 men
In a groundbreaking announcement, a 60-year-old German man has become the seventh person to be effectively cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant. This procedure, typically reserved for individuals with both HIV and aggressive leukaemia, is not a viable option for the vast majority of the nearly 40 million people worldwide living with
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the main treatments for this disease is L-DOPA, which aims to replace the deficit of dopamine in the brain. While L-DOPA can help ease the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms, it comes with its own set of issues. Over time, prolonged use
There has been previous research suggesting correlations between constipation and diarrhea with a higher risk of infections and neurodegenerative conditions. However, these findings were limited to sick patients, leaving ambiguity as to whether irregular bathroom visits were the cause or effect of their health conditions. Senior author Sean Gibbons at the Institute for Systems Biology