Credit: DepositphotosAfter discovering the blood vessels responsible for finger wrinkles in water, young readers of The Conversation's Curious Kids series had more questions for scientists:"Do the wrinkles always form the same way?" one reader asked.Curiosity Sparks a Scientific Investigation"I thought, 'I haven't the foggiest clue!'" recalls Guy German, a biomedical engineer from Binghamton University...
A molecule that blocks cell death could mean treatments for Parkinson's and other degenerative diseasesDepositphotosA new study has uncovered a method to prevent cell death, potentially paving the way for treatments that could slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.Apoptosis, the body’s ancient “cell suicide” mechanism, is controlled by interactions within the...
Credit: DepositphotosWhoop has partially retreated from its contentious upgrade policy for the Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker. Initially, when the company unveiled the Whoop 5.0 this week, it told members they could receive the new device by either extending their subscriptions by 12 months or paying a one-time upgrade fee of $49—or $79 for the...
Credit: PixabayYour brain not only has to store a huge collection of past memories, but it also needs to handle new information daily—meaning it must prepare for forming new memories even as it processes existing ones.Sleep is widely recognized as essential for memory and learning, but many of the exact processes behind it remain...
Credit: PixabayAs cannabis becomes legal in many parts of the US, attention is turning from the ethics of its use to its health effects. Recent research indicates that smoking cannabis does not reduce sperm quality, contradicting findings from some previous studies.Study Analyzes Semen Samples from 921 Men to Assess Sperm QualityThe study, conducted...
Credit: PixabayA new study suggests that antibodies can push our eyes into an enhanced repair mode, stimulating nerve cell regeneration in the retina beyond their normal healing capacity.New Treatment Shows Promise for Restoring Vision by Targeting Prox1 in MiceThe South Korean research team sees this treatment as a potential breakthrough for restoring vision once...
Credit: PixabayThe mouth is frequently referred to as a mirror of overall health — and with good reason. Increasing research highlights a strong connection between inadequate dental care and heart disease. Though they may appear unrelated, your oral health can significantly impact your cardiovascular well-being.Gum disease and oral infections can spark inflammation, allow dangerous...
Credit: PixabayOne major hurdle in treating for Alzheimer's and other brain-related diseases is bypassing the brain's strong protective barriers. However, a new study offers a promising solution to this challenge.Nanoparticles Bypass Blood-Brain Barrier to Target Immune CellsThe brain’s primary defense system, blood-brain barrier (BBB), acts as a biological gatekeeper—allowing in only essential molecules and...
Credit: PixabayPeople usually catch the virus that causes cold sores in childhood, and it stays in their body for life, hiding quietly in the nerves. Occasionally, triggers like stress, illness, or injury can reactivate it, causing cold sores in some individuals.However, this very virus — known as herpes simplex virus type 1 — might...
Credit: New AtlasFor certain common medical conditions, taking medication at the right time is crucial. A new customizable capsule developed at UC San Diego may streamline complex dosing routines with its innovative staged release system.In recent years, studies have explored how the timing of substance intake, aligned with our body's internal clock—known as the...
