Medicine

Talc is Deemed a Robable Cancer Contributor by a WHO Agency

Mineral powder talc has been widely used in cosmetics and as 'baby powder'DepositphotosThe World Health Organization's cancer research agency issued a critical report on talc, stating it is likely carcinogenic to humans, primarily due to potential asbestos contamination in powders.The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified natural talc as "probably carcinogenic...

Struggling to Focus? You Might Have Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome

Credit: DepositphotoDo you often catch yourself daydreaming, feeling sluggish, or easily losing focus on tasks? You might have Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS).Psychologists first identified CDS in the 1960s and 1970s, noting that some individuals consistently exhibit these traits more than others. But why is it classified as a syndrome instead of a mere personality...

Some Individuals Have Remained Unaffected by COVID-19, Possibly Due to a Little-Known Genetic Factor

Credit: MICROSTOCKHUB/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUSPeople who have managed to avoid COVID-19 for over four years may owe their immunity to a newly discovered immune response, according to a recent study. Researchers deliberately exposed volunteers to the virus and found that those with the heightened activity of a little-known immune gene called HLA-DQA2 did not sustain...

Speech Patterns May Signal Future Alzheimer’s

Credit: FreepikResearchers from Boston University have developed a promising new AI algorithm that analyzes speech patterns to predict the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease. This approach could revolutionize early detection and intervention for Alzheimer's, offering hope in managing the disease more effectively.Detection of Alzheimer's Through Speech PatternsNevertheless, despite not fully...

Study Finds Multivitamins Don’t Extend Lifespan

Credit: PixabayLiving longer isn't as simple as taking daily pills. Although vitamin supplements may benefit some conditions, they generally don't help extend lifespan.New research indicates that multivitamins don't extend lifespan, although other studies suggest they may offer health benefits that improve quality of life in older age.Researchers from the US National Institutes of Health...

New Gut Treatment Prevents Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

A novel treatment prevents and repairs hearing loss caused by noise exposureDepositphotosResearchers have developed a novel oral treatment to prevent and repair noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by combining magnetic properties from traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary insights into the gut microbiome.NIHL can result from exposure to sudden, intense sounds like gunshots or continuous...

Honeybees Can Detect Lung Cancer by Scent

Honeybees’ olfactory systems are so sensitive that scientists may one day be able to use the insects to detect the odors of cancer. Credit: PixabayHoneybees can identify the faint scents of lung cancer in laboratory settings, including the slight aroma detectable in a patient's breath.Leveraging the bees' remarkable sense of smell, scientists connected living...

Study: High-Fat Diet May Increase Anxiety

Credit: PixabaySelect comfort foods wisely. While stress-eating might provide temporary relief, a recent study indicates that some high-fat foods can exacerbate anxiety over time.The study found that a high-fat diet, particularly one rich in saturated fats from animal sources, disrupted the gut microbiome of lab rats and altered their behavior. These rats exhibited increased...

Nighttime Light Exposure Can raise your Type 2 Diabetes Risk by up to 67%

New findings about the danger of late-night screen time. Credit: DepositphotosIn a large study involving 85,000 participants, Flinders University researchers discovered that exposure to light at night increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of daytime activities."Exposure to light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms, altering insulin secretion and glucose metabolism,"...

Slow-Release Ketamine Tablet Reduces Depression Levels By 50%

Credit: VecteezyA clinical trial revealed that a slow-release, twice-weekly ketamine tablet significantly reduced depression symptoms. "Unlike current ketamine treatments requiring medical supervision, this tablet can be taken at home." Over the past 20 years, research has primarily focused on injectable and nasal spray ketamine, which necessitates medical monitoring for two hours post-administration. This new...