The technology is coming, but contrary to what some people say, there could be health risks The telecommunications industry and their experts have accused many scientists who have researched the effects of cell phone radiation of “fear mongering” over the advent of wireless technology’s 5G. Since much of our research is…

While a good number of studies have demonstrated that modern, man-made ambient electromagnetic fields can have both stimulatory and inhibitory effect on immune system function, the precise mechanisms have yet to be completely elucidated. It is hypothesized here that, depending on the parameters, one of the means by which long-term electromagnetic field exposure…

The claim: 5G has been increasing and even causing the spread of coronavirus across the globe Conspiracy theories that the novel coronavirus is caused by new telecommunications technology have gained traction over the past few weeks, despite a consensus among experts that such claims are wrong. Viral posts on social…

In most cases, we used to only have one option when we became ill and needed medical attention: travel to a doctor or hospital. For people in rural areas, with doctors located several miles away, traveling while ill can be challenging and time-consuming. With the advent of telehealth and remote…

A new study helps explain why our sensitivity to external sensory stimuli fluctuates with the beating of our hearts. According to popular culture, the brain and heart work in opposition to each other. The brain is the seat of rational, objective thought, while the heart is emotional and intuitive.  In…

The coronavirus pandemic is reminding us that we live in a connected world. It’s an opportunity to revisit our relationship with nature and rebuild a more environmentally responsible world. In 2020, the theme of World Migratory Bird Day on 9 May is “Birds Connect Our World.” It highlights the importance of conserving and restoring…

The outbreak of COVID-19 has demonstrated the destructive potential of virus as a weapon of mass destruction. It has added a new dimension to alter the global strategic balance and triggered another chain of events for global strategic dominance, besides unprecedented human sufferings. During First and Second World Wars era,…

Countries around the world are increasingly adopting sweeping measures, including full lockdowns, shutting down airports, imposing travel restrictions and completely sealing their borders, to contain the new coronavirus. Below is a list of countries that have taken such measures in recent days. Travellers should visit government websites for updated information and more details.…

Tanzania has suspended the head of its national health laboratory in charge of coronavirus testing, a day after President John Magufuli questioned the accuracy of the tests. Magufuli, who has consistently downplayed the effect of the virus, said on Sunday he had secretly had animals, fruits and vehicle oil tested…

A team of scientists from China has found a new candidate drug against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which works by inhibiting a key part of the virus’s machinery.  Much of the world is on hold until scientists find a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, which has, so far, claimed hundreds…

A team of researchers claims to have found the best materials for homemade face masks: a combination of either cotton and chiffon or cotton and natural silk, both of which appear to effectively filter droplets and aerosols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently updated their guidelines on the…

Certain natural substances have antibacterial properties, but which are safe to use, and when should a person use them? Prescription antibiotics, such as penicillin, have helped people to recover from otherwise fatal diseases and conditions since the 1940s. However, people are also turning to natural antibiotics for treatment. According to the NHS, 1…

New research suggests raw frozen dog food contains bacteria that are resistant to key antibiotics. The authors were due to present their work at the now canceled 2020 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). Their work suggests that raw frozen dog food contains bacteria that are capable of resisting…

Non-communicable diseases, which can seriously undermine a country’s social and economic development, are progressively killing more people worldwide, according to a new report issued by the World Health Organization. Examples of non-communicable diseases include diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, osteoporosis, chronic lung disease, stroke, and heart disease. Almost four-fifths of all deaths from non-communicable diseases occur in…

It’s always advisable to read the medication label thoroughly before taking any drug and doubly so when administering a dose to a young child. With that in mind the FDA has issued a warning in regards to liquid acetaminophen marketed for children.  The possibility for confusion and wrong doses has…

A lack of essential amino acids and choline in the diet has been linked to stunted growth, says a study published online in EBioMedicine. The findings may offer new ways to help millions of malnourished children around the world. Globally, 150 million children are malnourished, and around 25% of all children…

Polonium-210 is the deadly poison that was used to kill the former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, in London in 2006. He died of radiation sickness. Litvinenko is alleged to have swallowed a fatal dose of Po-210 by drinking tea at a business meeting with two other Russians. Both were charged…

Accidents, falls, and certain diseases can injure the spinal cord. How a spinal cord injury affects a person depends on two factors: the area of the spinal cord where the injury occurred and the severity of the damage. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that sends messages from…

Occupational therapists focus on enabling people to do the things they want and need to do in their everyday lives. In this article, we explain what occupational therapy is, what occupational therapists do, and what to expect during an appointment with one of these professionals.  We also explain the differences…

Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many health conditions, ranging from heart disease to dementia. Although all forms of physical activity provide some benefits, aerobic exercise is particularly effective because it causes the heart and lungs to work harder than usual. National physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic…

When it comes to replenishing muscles after exercise, sports energy bars and drinks are no better than cheap, carb-rich foods, such as potato pancakes, hash browns, and fries, a new study suggests. The manufacturers of sports energy bars and drinks market them as providing an “edge” for amateur and professional…

Astrocytes, which are brain cells that regulate neuronal communication, show long-term degradation from stress. “The experience of traumatic events can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and drug addiction,” says Dr. Si-Qiong June Liu of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine.  Dr. Liu is the lead author of…

Image captionHalf a dozen Indian companies are developing vaccines for coronavirus US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last fortnight that India and the US were working together to develop vaccines against the coronavirus.  Mr Pompeo’s remark didn’t entirely come as a surprise.  The two countries have run an internationally…

PM Jacinda Ardern announces that New Zealand has stopped community transmission New Zealand says it has stopped community transmission of Covid-19, effectively eliminating the virus. With new cases in single figures for several days – one on Sunday – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the virus was “currently” eliminated. But…

A minute’s silence has been held across the UK to commemorate the key workers who have died with coronavirus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday, joined the tribute at 11:00 BST. More than 100 NHS and care staff have died with the virus, as have many transport and…

Italy has outlined plans to ease the restrictions it imposed seven weeks ago to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the measures would be relaxed from 4 May, with people being allowed to visit their relatives in small numbers. Parks, factories and building sites will…

Motor neuron diseases are a group of conditions that cause the nerves in the spine and brain to lose function over time. They are a rare but severe form of neurodegenerative disease. Motor neurons are nerve cells that send electrical output signals to the muscles, affecting the muscles’ ability to…

Ancient viruses have left behind traces in our DNA. Researchers believe these contribute to neurological conditions. Could inhibiting our viral passengers pave the way for future treatments? Transposable elements, which scientists also call transposons or jumping genes, are stretches of DNA that harbor the ability to move around our genome. Scientists…

COVID-19 affects people differently, in terms of infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2 and mortality rates. In this Special Feature, we focus on some of the sex differences that characterize this pandemic.  All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be…

Researchers from Columbia University have identified sugar-sensing neurons in mice, which could lead to the development of new sweeteners. Sugar is everywhere in today’s food system and one of the most common ingredients in processed foods. It is often described as addictive. Since refined sugar became widely available in the…