Healthcare

Large Study Reveals Unexpected Origins of Gout

Image from PixabayGout is often linked to poor diet and drinking habits, but new research reveals genetics as a stronger factor in developing the condition than previously believed. In a major study, researchers analyzed genetic data from 2.6 million individuals, including 120,295 with this disease, identifying 377 DNA regions associated with the condition—149 of...

A Significant Number of Doctors are Already Integrating AI Into Medical Care

Credit: PixabayA recent survey of approximately 1,000 UK general practitioners found that one in five doctors use generative AI tools—such as OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini—to support clinical practice.Doctors reported using generative AI for tasks like creating documentation after appointments, assisting in clinical decision-making, and delivering patient information—such as easy-to-understand discharge summaries and treatment...

TikTok Claims Cough Medicine Could Aid in Pregnancy—Here’s the Science

Credit: PixabayThe desire for biological children (conception) is deeply ingrained in many people, especially those facing infertility, which makes the allure of simple solutions hard to resist. This may explain why "the Mucinex method" has gained traction on social media.On TikTok, many women credit their successful conceptions to Mucinex, a common cough and cold...

Nanoplastics May Weaken the Effectiveness of Antibiotics

Credit: PixabayNanoplastics’ Impact on Antibiotic Absorption and ResistanceA recent study reveals that nanoplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 0.001 millimeters—can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb antibiotics and may even encourage the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Researchers from the University of Vienna, University of Bonn, and University of Debrecen used molecular models to examine the...

Man Declared Brain Dead Wakes Up as Organs About to Be Removed

Credit: DepositphotosA case in Kentucky, where a man woke up just before his organs were set to be harvested, has raised concerns about the protocols used by US hospitals and organ donation networks to confirm death.Whistleblower Nyckoletta Martin detailed this disturbing incident in a letter to the US House Energy and Commerce Committee during...

Can I Catch Bird Flu From Eggs or Milk?” A California Expert Explains

Credit: PixabayWith bird flu outbreaks affecting poultry farms and dairies across California, many are questioning the safety of their food.Since highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) appeared in the U.S. in January 2022, it has been found in both wild birds and domestic poultry, as reported by the CDC.Recent Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian InfluenzaIn...

Strong Link Between Red Meat Consumption and Cancer Discovered

The 'how' behind the link between red meat consumption and cancer has been identifiedDepositphotosMechanism Linking Red Meat to Colorectal Cancer IdentifiedResearchers have identified the mechanism that connects the excessive intake of red meat to colorectal cancer, along with a potential intervention strategy for this type of cancer.Red meat serves as a vital source of...

Study Finds That Your Sense of Smell Influences How You Breathe

Credit: DepositphotosIn a 2011 survey, over half of 16- to 22-year-olds, when asked to choose only two items from a list, said they would rather give up their sense of smell than go without technology like their phone or laptop.Compared to other senses, human smell often seems like an afterthought. However, researchers have discovered...

New Nano-Weapon Discovered In Dangerous Bacteria

The researchers used a cryogenic electron microscope to derive this stylized version of the Tse15 toxinBrooke HayesOpportunistic Threat: Acinetobacter baumanniiAcinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic bacterium that infects individuals weakened by illnesses like pneumonia or wounds. It can colonize the lungs and cause infections in organs or on the skin, surviving on dry...

Survey Shows How Many People Skip Handwashing After Using the Toilet

Credit: DepositphotosAustralia's Food Safety Information Council recently released a report on the nation's handwashing habits. It revealed that 19% of Australians don’t always wash their hands after using the toilet, and nearly half (42%) confess they don’t consistently wash their hands before handling food.Do you wash your hands every time you use the bathroom?...