Medicine

Your Takeout Food Packaging May Raise Heart Failure Risk

Credit: PixabayChemicals from disposable plastic containers may leach into your takeout food, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular disease.Chinese researchers conducted experiments on rats and found that consuming water contaminated with plastic additives from heated packaging triggered bodily changes, starting with disruptions in gut bacteria.Heart Tissue Damage Observed in Exposed Rodents After Three MonthsAfter...

Popular Sugar-Free Sweetener Associated with Severe Heart Risks

Credit: PixabayAspartame has been promoted for years as a guilt-free sugar substitute in popular products like Diet Coke and sugar-free Jell-O. However, it has also faced controversy, and recent research has linked the artificial sweetener to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes in mice. Still, some experts remain skeptical about its implications...

Why do Men Experience More Severe Heart Attacks than Women?

New research has identified why heart attacks cause more damage in malesDepositphotosA recent study has identified testosterone as the reason men suffer greater heart muscle damage after a heart attack than women. Researchers have also found a potential solution using an existing drug.The World Heart Federation's World Heart Report 2023 highlighted that heart disease...

Stay Hydrated or Age Faster: Study Connects Water Intake to Longevity

Staying well hydrated may ensure you live a longer, healthier lifeDepositphotosA groundbreaking study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that inadequate hydration may increase the risk of chronic diseases and premature death.Published in 2023, the study builds on earlier research from the same NIH team, which explored the long-term effects...

Existing Cardiac Drug May Help Prevent Cancer from Spreading

A new treatment could dissolve circulating cancer cells and prevent their spreadMartin Oeggerli (Micronaut), supp. by Pathology, Univ Hosp Basel, BioEM-Lab, Biozentrum, Unibas, N Aceto ETH ZurichOne of cancer’s deadliest traits is its ability to spread to other organs. Now, a drug already used in the treatment of heart disease has shown potential to...

Gut Bacteria May Be the Key to a More Effective Vitiligo Treatment

Credit: DepositphotosA new therapeutic approach could bring hope to people with vitiligo. An experimental treatment has shown excellent results in mice with the disease and uses a natural substance produced by beneficial gut bacteria.Understanding VitiligoVitiligo is an autoimmune condition that destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its...

Eating One Egg per Week Reduces the Risk of Dying from Heart Disease by 29%

Weekly egg consumption is associated with a decreased risk of death, a new study has found. Credit: PixabayA recent study reveals that consuming one to six eggs per week significantly lowers the risk of death from any cause, especially heart disease—even among individuals with high cholesterol.The health effects of eating eggs have been debated...

Uncovered: The Amount of Exercise Required to Counteract a Day of Sitting

Credit: PixabayWhile it's clear that prolonged sitting harms our health, how much exercise is needed to offset its effects? Studies indicate that 30-40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily can help counterbalance the risks.How Much Exercise Is Needed to Offset the Effects of Prolonged Sitting?While it's clear that prolonged sitting harms our health,...

Does Scratching that Itch Provide Any Benefits? A New Study Says Yes and No

Got an itch? Scratching it might not be your best course of action says new research. Credit: DepositphotosThe urge to scratch bug bites, rashes, and other skin irritations can be overwhelming. However, new research reveals why resisting the temptation may be beneficial.Biologically, scratching presents a paradox. It provides a sense of relief, suggesting it...

Largest Study to Date Finds Decreased Brain Function in Younger Cannabis Users

Cannabis use can interfere with young adults' brain functioning. Credit: PixabayThe most extensive study to date on cannabis effects in 18- to 36-year-olds reveals that the drug can impair brain function during cognitive tests. These findings aim to help individuals make informed choices about cannabis use.With the growing legalization of cannabis for both medical...