Medicine

Garlic May Help Reduce Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

Credit: PixabayIncorporating garlic into your diet—whether fresh, sprinkled, or infused in oil—can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels.A meta-analysis of 22 studies with 29 randomized, controlled trials by researchers from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University in China has confirmed that garlic consumption is associated with reduced glucose and certain fat molecules.Glucose...

Coffee May Lower Death Risk from Prolonged Sitting

Credity: PixabaySpending years seated in an office chair or on a couch can lead to serious long-term health risks, but enjoying a regular cup of coffee may help counteract these negative effects.Daily coffee drinkers in a study of over 10,000 U.S. participants may be shielded from the negative impacts of sitting for six or...

A Commonly Overlooked Exercise for Relieving Lower Back Pain

Credit: DepositphotosA high-end ergonomic chair or frequent physio sessions with special equipment may not be the ultimate answer to non-specific lower back pain.An Australian randomized controlled trial has discovered a highly effective method to alleviate unexplained lower back pain that requires no special equipment and is freely accessible anytime, anywhere.Walking daily not only boosts...

Study Reveals Why Some Don’t Get COVID Despite Infection

A UK-based study involved volunteers allowing scientists to deliberately infect them with SARS-CoV-2, aiming to understand why some individuals naturally avoid contracting COVID-19. This pioneering research could lead to improved vaccines and treatments.Previous studies have examined COVID-19's effects on patients, but none have tracked the disease from the initial entry of the virus to...

Extreme Heat During Pregnancy can Lead to Lifelong Health Issues for the Child

Credit: DepositphotosClimate change presents one of humanity's most pressing public health challenges. Global warming, a central aspect of this crisis, is linked to deteriorating health, especially impacting vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children.Scientists have previously demonstrated that heat exposure increases the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. New research continues to reveal concerning...

Study Suggests Hepatitis E Might Be Sexually Transmitted

Researchers have discovered that the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is associated with sperm in pigs, suggesting it may be sexually transmitted and linked to male infertility, according to a study in PLOS Pathogens. HEV, the leading cause of acute viral liver infection worldwide, is prevalent in pigs in the U.S. Though the virus is...

Online Support and Challenges in Deprescribing Antidepressants

Recent research indicates that individuals seeking to discontinue antidepressant medication are increasingly relying on online groups due to "insufficient support from medical professionals." This trend underscores a significant gap in care that needs urgent attention.Antidepressant use is rising globally, driven not by new prescriptions but by existing patients prolonging their medication intake. Guidelines from...

Disposable Vapes are Increasingly Popular Among Young People

Credit: PixabayA recent study published in Addiction, titled "Young People's use of Disposable Vapes: A Qualitative Study," conducted by the University of East Anglia, explores the rising popularity of disposable vape use among young people in the UK.It reveals that while young individuals view smoking and vaping as interchangeable, they show more awareness...

Alcohol on Planes Could Be Riskier Than You Think

Credit: DepositphotosNext time you're on a long-haul flight, consider refraining from drinking alcohol and napping—it's a combination that a recent study suggests could strain your heart.Researchers from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center divided 40 volunteers into two sleep lab chambers: one simulating ground-level pressure and another simulating the pressure...

Study Finds Odd Link Between Depression and Body Temperature

Credit: PixabyTo improve the treatment and prevention of depression, a deeper understanding of the underlying brain and body mechanisms is essential.Interestingly, several studies have suggested a connection between depressive symptoms and body temperature, but their limited sample sizes raise questions about their reliability.In a recent study published in February, researchers from the University of...