For more than 30 years, manufacturers from the food industry have marketed L-carnitine as a supplement for aiding weight loss and improving exercise performance. While some might consider this as another marketing ploy, these claims have scientific basis. L-carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a critical role in the metabolism of fatty acids. It […]
Depending on intensity and duration, the biological effects of stress are either favourable or unfavourable and several researchers have been specifically exploring how chronic stress affects the brain. According to published studies, too much and prolonged stress alters brain functions and brain structures, resulting in cognitive and mental health problems. The study of Jamie L. Hanson et al […]
Does talcum powder cause cancer? A 1971 study by W. J. Henderson et al involving an extraction-replication technique to examine tissue from patients with ovarian cervical tumor found particles of talc embedded in 75 percent of the obtained tumor tissues. This finding stirred further inquiries regarding the link between talcum powder and cancer. Talc is […]
Most cases of urinary track infections or UTI are caused by Escherichia coli. Found in the normal flora of the intestine and passed through the faeces, these bacteria are able to reach urethra—the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. They are able to advance to the bladder despite intense pressure […]
Science has long established the myriads of health problems associated with regular overconsumption of food high in carbohydrates. Several studies have in fact linked a diet high in carbohydrates with accelerated aging and the emergence of age-related diseases. One study concluded that a diet that restricts intake of carbohydrates could regulate the functions of about […]
Vaccination usually implies the use of an antigenic material to stimulate the immune system and develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen or infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. The antigenic material or vaccine typically contains an agent made from a weakened or killed pathogen or some its constituents and by-products such as surface proteins […]
Androgenic alopecia is hair loss resulting from androgenic miniaturisation of hair follicles. This health conditions remains serious primarily because it leads to psychological stress due to its effect on physical appearance that moreover leads to a diminished body image satisfaction.
Aging and carbohydrates seem to share an unfavourable association. One thing is for sure according to several scientific studies—the legendary fountain of youth has zero carbohydrates. Several studies have been trying to establish a link between aging and carbohydrates. Accordingly, it might be possible that the secret to aging slowly lies in restricting carb intake. Carbohydrates are one […]
Stress and cortisol levels are normal biological response. In adults, several studies have explored how chronic stress and high levels of cortisol affect physical and mental health. Other studies have also explored the health effects of stress and cortisol levels in children. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex within […]
Bacon, sausages, and other processed meats are now classified as Group 1 carcinogens according to an announcement made by the World Health Organization on 26 October 2015. The organisation also mentioned red meat as a likely cause of cancer. These conclusions came from the review study of a scientific panel that examined 800 epidemiological studies from […]
An unborn baby begins ingesting amniotic fluid at around 12 weeks and a powerful sense of smell starts developing by 28 weeks. Based on this prenatal development process, it is worth determining whether or not babies can learn about flavours and odours even before they are born. Several studies have explored this possibility. Researchers J. […]
English poet John Milton once said, “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” While proverbial sayings have regarded gratefulness as key to happiness, researchers have further established the science behind the association. Simply put, neuroscientists have tried explaining […]
A year after the phenomenal global fundraising campaign, scientists are crediting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the accompanying public interest for modern breakthroughs in ALS research. It was in August 2014 when the research campaign went viral on several social networking websites. Dubbed as the Ice Bucket Challenge, the campaign dared people to do […]
Emmy Award-winning actress Vicki Lawrence woke up one morning jaded with her condition. Her palms were covered with hives and the itchiness was unbearable. She found a temporary relief by submerging her hands in cold water. But the itch went back the next morning. Later that day, the itchiness spread in her abdomen and back. […]
Because stress can affect the mental health of individuals, it can also bring forth several behavioural problems. According to several studies, the common behavioural effects of chronic stress include diminished sociability and reduced confidence. Thus, people subjected under too much stress for a prolonged period often exhibit antisocial and risk aversion tendencies. Researchers Carmen Sandi […]
Exposure to stressful environment triggers high cortisol levels in children. Remember that stress is a normal biological response and that the body naturally produces and releases cortisol as part of normal biological functions. But certain external or environmental factors can cause chronic stress and disrupt normal cortisol production. Several studies have revealed that children living in a […]
For several decades, scientific and popular understanding had characterised the central nervous system as lacking of a classical lymphatic drainage system despite an established consensus that the central nervous system undergoes constant immune surveillance that takes place within the meningeal compartment. The mechanisms involving the movement of immune cells in and out of the central […]
The canine transmissible venereal tumor is a rare type of cancer that affects dogs. Also referred to as canine transmissible venereal sarcoma, sticker tumors, and infectious sarcoma, this disease affects mainly the external genitalia of dogs and in some rare cases, their mouth or nose. The cancer results in the appearance of a grotesque-looking, cauliflower-like […]
Sweat it. Sniff it. We might be communicating positive or negative emotions through the smell of our sweat. A study revealed that whenever we experience a particular emotion, we are producing chemical compounds or chemosignals and we release them through our sweat. Thus, others unknowingly receive these chemosignals and interestingly, experience similar emotions whenever they […]
Tilapia is a favourite dinnertime fish in the United States and several parts of Asia. Its mild flavour and affordability makes it one of the most commercially important aquaculture species. Scientists, however, have found a new use for this fish Researchers Jiao Sun, Xiumei Mo, and their colleagues have found out that a protein found […]