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...
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...
Credit: DepositphotosAfter years of steady decline, tuberculosis (TB) is poised to make a significant comeback in the US. A surge of new cases in Kansas City seems to be one of the largest outbreaks since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started tracking TB in the 1950s.According to the Kansas Department of...
Adding an immunotherapy drug to chemotherapy made breast cancer treatment more effectiveOriginal image by DepositphotosA phase 3 clinical trial found that adding nivolumab, a targeted immunotherapy drug, to chemotherapy nearly doubled cure rates for patients with the most common type of breast cancer, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/HER2-negative (HER2–). This finding signals a potential shift in treatment...
Credit: PixabayBy utilizing AI, scientists have engineered proteins that counteract the toxins from cobras and other venomous snakes. This proof-of-concept approach could eventually lead to a new treatment for snakebites. In laboratory tests, the tailored proteins saved the lives of mice exposed to a lethal dose of toxins, as reported by researchers on January...
Credit: AIPresident Donald Trump has once again announced his intention to end U.S. support for the World Health Organization (WHO), a global health and humanitarian body dedicated to disease eradication and tracking outbreaks across borders.On January 20, Trump signed an executive order outlining the U.S. plan to withdraw from the Switzerland-based organization, a process...
The stomach sends hunger signals to the brain in the form of ghrelin (blue arrow), prompting the brain to send a growth hormone to muscle tissue (pink line). In the foreground, a closer look at the muscle reveals the growth hormone (pink orbs) influencing BCL6 (purple blob) to attach to the cell’s DNA (purple...
Bisphenol A molecule. (Selvanegra/Canva Pro)In recent years, diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly risen, prompting ongoing research into the factors contributing to these conditions.Key Findings on BPA Processing in ChildrenA 2023 study highlighted a key difference in how children with autism and ADHD process bisphenol A (BPA),...
Credit: DepositphotosIn many jobs, it often seems like the workday isn’t long enough, but a recent study highlights two effective methods to fight fatigue: taking frequent microbreaks and receiving support from a supervisor.Researchers from Wake Forest University, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Northeastern University in the US conducted the study, which may determine whether...
A 3D model of human airways was used to test how airborne infections are spreadUniversitat Rovira i VirgiliA 3D-printed model of the human nose and upper airway, capable of simulating coughing and sneezing, has given researchers valuable insights into the transmission of airborne infections. This information will support efforts to develop strategies for minimizing...
