Scientists have long tried to duplicate the procedure that led to the first long-term remission 12 years ago. With the so-called London patient, they seem to have succeeded. For just the second time since the global epidemic began, a patient appears to have been cured of infection with H.I.V., the…

A recent paper looks at how long coronaviruses can survive on various types of surfaces. It finds that the virus tends to persist longer in colder, more humid conditions. The authors also ask how we can destroy coronaviruses. The novel coronavirus, now officially known as COVID-19, has been making headlines…

There are many possible causes of hip pain, ranging from muscle strains and injuries to arthritis and inflammatory disorders. However, gently exercising the hips can often help relieve pain and restore mobility. In this article, we describe 14 exercises that can help strengthen the hips, improve joint mobility, and relieve…

The knee is the largest joint in the body. People use it heavily every day as they walk, run, climb, or jump. As a result, it is also very prone to injury and pain. When these occur, a doctor may recommend exercises to help a person strengthen the muscles around…

A recent study investigated whether planet Earth’s only venomous primate could help us understand why so many people are allergic to cats. The researchers believe that cat allergies might be the result of an ancient defense mechanism. In the United States, cat allergies affect an estimated 12.1% of people over the age…

There are very few things as certain in life as the experience of loss. We have all had, or will have, to say goodbye to someone who we cherish deeply — be it a partner, family member, friend, or mentor. The gap left by their absence is unfillable, so how…

Researchers studying the process of decomposition in a body after death from natural causes found that, without any external “assistance,” human remains can change their position. This discovery has important implications for forensic science.  Often, forensic scientists will assume that the position in which they find a dead body is…

The human body reacts to external and internal changes. Body temperature rises when the external temperature increases but also when the internal temperature increases. Experts consider the normal body temperature to be around 98.6ºF (37ºC), but it can vary by up to 0.9ºF (0.5ºC) depending on the time of day. Average body…

Dubbed the powerhouses of the cell because they turn nutrients into energy, mitochondria are tiny organelles that live inside the cell and are key to metabolic health. New research offers fresh insights into how they work and what keeps them healthy. Because of the role of the mitochondria in metabolic and overall…

The disruption to shift workers’ natural bodily rhythms may play a part in their increased risk of disease, according to a new study. Every human body runs on a 24-hour clock. This system, known as the circadian rhythm, uses factors such as daylight to determine when a person sleeps and…

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat that sometimes occurs alongside a skin rash. However, a variety of other conditions can also lead to a sore throat and a rash together. In this article, we discuss eight conditions that can cause both a sore throat and a…

There are many questions about the novel Coronavirus that remain unanswered, such as “how does the virus spread?” and “where did it originate?” Now, Chinese-based researchers say they think the pangolin — a scaly, otherwise harmless mammal that eats ants — may have spread the virus to humans.  When coronaviruses…

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the liver. The main characteristic is the accumulation of fat in this organ. Could a natural compound help to prevent and treat this condition? According to recent data, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of…

To prevent viral infections, doctors suggest practicing good hand hygiene. In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak, public health guidelines continue to emphasize this. Is hand washing really that helpful in the context of an epidemic? New research suggests that it is. When it comes to preventing viral infections —…

Bumps in the back of the throat may look swollen and rough. Some people call this symptom cobblestone throat due to its appearance. Most people with a cobblestone throat have pharyngitis, which causes the throat to feel swollen, painful, and irritated. Several different conditions can cause pharyngitis, but it is most commonly due to…

Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils. The tonsils sit at the back of the throat. They are collections of lymphoid tissue that form part of the immune system. Although tonsillitis can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, the condition is rarely a major health concern. Most people will recover from…

A recent study investigates the role of odor in learning and memory. The authors confirm that the strategic use of aromas while learning and during sleep might improve exam performance — even outside of the laboratory. In a nutshell, the recent study concludes that if we smell an aroma while…

A new consensus statement urges healthcare professionals to measure waist circumference in addition to body mass index in order to manage patients’ health and longevity and avoid obesity-related health risks. The statement appears in the journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology. Robert Ross, who is a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health…

Arthritis and arthralgia are similar. In the strictest sense, arthralgia simply refers to joint pain. Arthritis is inflammation in the joints, which also causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness.  Many people now use the two terms interchangeably to describe joint pain. However, while the two issues are similar, there…

Oxycodone is a type of pain-relieving medication that doctors may prescribe to help people manage moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is an opiate (narcotic) analgesic. Opiate analgesics change how the brain and central nervous system respond to pain. These chemical changes stop a person from feeling pain in the same way as…

Rising drug use in the United States is taking its toll on mortality rates, according to a study that has shown drug-associated deaths to be twice as high as stats suggest. On average, in what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have dubbed a drug “epidemic,” 130 people die each…

Monday Breakfast: One poached egg and half a small avocado spread on one slice of Ezekiel bread, one orange. Total carbs: Approximately 39 Lunch: Mexican bowl: two-thirds of a cup low-sodium canned pinto beans, 1 cup chopped spinach, a quarter cup chopped tomatoes, a quarter cup bell peppers, 1 ounce (oz)…

“Sweetness should be consumed in moderation, regardless of the calories,” caution researchers, as a new study reveals the impact of consuming artificial sweeteners on metabolism and glucose control. Lately, we have been hearing a lot in the media about the dangers of sugar consumption. Added sugar raises the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease,…

Near-death experiences are rare but can be emotionally loaded occurrences for those who go through them. But what kind of mark do these unsettling experiences leave? A new study claims it can now offer an “unbiased” evaluation of people’s descriptions of near-death experiences. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are states of altered…

The current outbreak of infections with a novel type of coronavirus has sparked global anxiety and concern that the virus might spread too far and too fast and cause dramatic harm before health officials find a way to stop it. But what are the realities of the new coronavirus outbreak?…

Researchers have found the molecular mechanism underpinning HIV’s decision to remain in an active or dormant state. This may lead to new therapies that work by keeping the virus in a permanently dormant state. The study, led by a team from the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, CA, features in…

Experts know that processed red meats are likely to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. But are unprocessed meats, fish, and poultry less harmful? New research investigates. Several studies have established a link between consuming processed meat — such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and other similar meats — and…

 A new study maps complex affective states to within an area of the brain just 3 centimeters (cm) in size.  An innovative new study has unveiled a small, 3 cm area in the brain where emotions are registered.  The study examined the correlation between data from two experiments measuring participant…

A new large-scale study carried out in Japan concludes that fermented soy products, as opposed to those with unfermented soy, might reduce mortality risk. However, the study is observational, and there are limitations. Soy products have been popular in Asia since ancient times and, over recent decades, they have become…