Medicine

Placebos Can Reduce Anxiety, Even if People Know they’re Fake

Even though people knew they were taking placebo pills, they still had a significant effect on mental health. Credit: PixabayA new study indicates that taking placebo pills, even when people know they have no active ingredients, can still greatly decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. These "non-deceptive placebos" could be an effective method for enhancing...

Newly Found Proteins May Explain Alzheimer’s Devastating Effects

Credit: DepositphotosDespite decades of research, pinpointing the exact cause of brain damage in Alzheimer's disease has proven challenging. A team from Emory University in the US may have found a crucial piece of the puzzle.Reevaluating Amyloid Beta's Role in Alzheimer'sMuch research has investigated amyloid beta plaques in Alzheimer's, but some now view them as...

How Your Food Choices Can Contribute to Anxiety and Depression

Credit: DepositphotosThe familiar "sugar high" after enjoying a sweet treat is a well-known example of how food can positively impact mood.Conversely, the experience of feeling "hangry"—where hunger leads to anger or irritability—demonstrates how our diet, or lack thereof, can also trigger negative emotions.Recent research indicates that fluctuations in blood sugar levels play a role...

Preliminary Studies Suggest Manuka Honey Reduces Breast Cancer Cell Growth by 84%

Manuka honey, produced from nectar from the mānuka tree, has potent anticancer propertiesDepositphotosPreliminary studies indicate that Manuka honey can decrease breast cancer cell growth by 84% while sparing healthy cells and causing minimal side effects. This suggests potential for developing a natural, non-toxic cancer treatment, either as a supplement or a standalone therapy.Nutraceuticals—essentially a...

Even Mild Concussions can Cause Lasting Effects on the Brain and Behavior

A concussion can cause long-term changes to brain structure and behavior. Credit: PixabayNew research reveals that even a mild concussion from years ago can have lasting impacts on brain function and behavior in otherwise healthy individuals. This study enhances our understanding of traumatic brain injury and has implications for the evolving legal framework concerning...

Five Distinct Patterns of Brain Aging Uncovered by 50,000 Scans

Some parts of the brain tend to atrophy and deform in concert with other regions. Credit: Zephyr/SPLA comprehensive analysis of nearly 50,000 brain scans has identified five unique patterns of brain atrophy linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The study also connected these patterns to lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as...

Study Finds Vinegar’s Surprising Effect on Depression

Credit: PixabayA recent study has uncovered a surprising potential treatment for depression: vinegar. Researchers from Arizona State University have found that daily consumption of vinegar could significantly improve symptoms of depression, hinting at its potential as "a simple and natural treatment option."The Study and Its FindingsThe study divided 28 overweight but otherwise healthy adults...

Common Nutrient Deficiency Linked to Disease-Causing DNA Damage

Nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and dark chocolate are all good dietary sources of magnesiumDepositphotosIf your diet includes plenty of leafy greens, dark chocolate, nuts, and beans, you're likely in good shape. However, if these foods are missing from your meals, you should take note of a new study that highlights how a mineral...

The AI Will Analyze your Speech and Identify Issues

Your tongue offers a window to your overall health, especially when a machine-trained algorithm is lookingDepositphotosBy applying modern machine learning to an age-old health diagnostic method, researchers have created an impressive system that can detect various medical conditions simply by examining your tongue. Testing demonstrated its near-perfect accuracy."Doctors have been asking to see your...

Microbiologist Reveals Best Method to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

Credit: PixabayEating fruits and vegetables daily is a great way to maintain good health—just be sure to wash them thoroughly first.While many are aware of the health risks associated with raw meat and fish, fresh produce is often seen as "safe." However, each year, one in ten people falls ill from consuming unsafe food,...