The world has been facing a suicide crisis over the past few years. In the United States alone, tens of thousands of people die by suicide each year. But new research shows that a $1 increase in the minimum wage might prevent thousands of deaths.  According to the National Institute…

Does using powder in the genital area increase the risk of ovarian cancer? A new data analysis of over 250,000 women found no link, but the authors urge caution as the study may not be large enough. Some people use powder on their genitals to reduce moisture, friction, or odor.…

New research shows how the use of a multisensory illusion may help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The new method could bypass the disadvantages of exposure therapy.  In 1998, researchers Matthew Botvinick and Jonathan Cohen of the University of Pittsburgh, PA, detailed an experiment that people would later refer to as the “rubber…

Home remedies and natural treatments can soothe the dry, itching skin that comes with eczema. People can use creams, natural products, and dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent eczema flares, especially in the winter, when symptoms tend to be at their worst. Natural substances, such as aloe vera gel and coconut…

Hemp oil can refer to a full-spectrum oil from the Cannabis sativa plant or hemp seed oil, which is oil that comes from just the seeds of the hemp plant. There is very little risk of intoxication from hemp oil as all forms of hemp oil come from food-grain strains of hemp.…

Throughout evolutionary history, fear has helped humans stay safe and thrive. But in the modern world, many fear responses — such as phobias — are, at best, unhelpful and, at worst, debilitating. Yet, accumulating evidence shows that mindfulness practice could help us unlearn these responses.  The practice of mindfulness —…

Changes in marijuana laws and the increased use of medicinal marijuana have led to questions about what conditions it can treat. Many people wonder whether marijuana can affect or treat asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that occurs when the airways in the chest get narrower or become inflamed. Symptoms…

Marijuana is the dried and ground up or shredded parts of the cannabis plant. Nearly all parts of the plant make up marijuana, including the leaves, stem, flowers, and seeds. As with other medications and procedures, marijuana use can potentially bring both positive and negative effects. Many of marijuana’s effects…

Marijuana contains many compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds remain in the system after use, but many factors can affect how long they stay there. This can influence the length and side effects of the marijuana detox process. THC and CBD attach to the same cannabinoid receptors…

As cannabis edibles become legal in an increasing number of countries, medical experts are warning people about the possible health risks that these may pose to consumers, as well as their family members.  The use of cannabis — for medical and, sometimes, recreational purposes — is becoming legal in an…

For most of us, our hobbies are an essential component of our personal lives, but did you know they can be good for our mental and physical health too? Hobbies provide a fulfilling, productive use of our free time, and our core identities are often bound up in the interests…

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley has identified and mapped the 13 subjective experiences that different kinds of music can evoke in people.  Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted a playlist of musical tracks to put you in a certain mood — for…

There is a common belief that you should never reheat rice. However, this is not true. It is possible to reheat rice, but people must take precautions to ensure it is safe to eat. Rice is more problematic than some other leftover foods as it may contain bacteria called Bacillus cereus,…

Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and wastes the water and other resources it takes to grow the food. While the average consumer is not a large environmental polluter compared to large corporations, finding ways to reduce food waste throughout the day can help a person avoid contributing to…

Osteoporosis affects millions of people around the world, and it is not possible to change some of the primary risk factors, such as aging. However, more and more environmental risk factors are coming to light, and air pollution appears to be one of them. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by impaired…

A recent study has concluded that exposure to a common pesticide increases the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Although the study has limitations, its authors call for urgent follow-up. The study focused on a class of pesticides called pyrethroids. People use these chemicals in agriculture and for residential…

People with psoriatic arthritis may have symptoms of both psoriasis and arthritis. The condition causes widespread inflammation that impacts many systems in the body from the immune system to the digestive system. Psoriatic arthritis or PsA is a type of arthritis that affects up to 30 percent of people who have the skin condition psoriasis.…

Dogs have a different digestive system from humans. This means that some foods that are safe for people can be harmful or even very dangerous for dogs. However, many human foods are also safe for dogs and can provide important nutrients and health benefits. Here, we look at which people…

A recent paper describes how a group of scientists painted zebra stripes on cows. The authors conclude that this unusual method might help protect livestock from biting flies and, consequently, help reduce the use of pesticides. Why do zebras have stripes? Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories inform us that the stripes developed…

People with lactose intolerance cannot metabolize lactose properly, because their digestive system produces too little of an enzyme known as lactase. If they consume foods containing lactose, they may experience bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. Lactose is a sugar found only in milk, but it is also present in dairy products…

Stomach churning is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen that may occur alongside nausea and other digestive symptoms. Although stomach churning is often only temporary, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. In this article, we describe 11 possible causes of stomach churning. We also explain when…

The pinworm, also known as threadworm, is a very common intestinal parasite. The medical condition associated with pinworm infestation is known as enterobiasis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pinworms are the most common type of worm infection in the United States. They are parasites, meaning that they…

Although it is not necessarily the most pleasant of topics, we must, at least, respect its ubiquity: poop is everywhere. In this Spotlight, we bring you some fascinating stool-based knowledge. Feces unites the entire animal kingdom. It is something we all have in common. On average, we will do 1.2 poops every…

Although the role of “good” viruses in human health is still relatively mysterious, we are slowly unraveling the importance of our viral visitors. In this special feature, we introduce a neglected section of the microbiome — the virome. The role of bacteria and our microbiome in health and disease is…

Many things can change the color of stool, including vitamins, infections, and certain foods. Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color. Pale stool, especially if it is white or clay colored, can indicate a serious health problem. When adults have a pale…

The colon is another name for the large intestine. It is an important part of the digestive system. Sometimes, a person can experience pain in this area. After food goes through the stomach, it enters the small intestine, where the body absorbs the majority of its nutrients. Any remaining waste…

16:8 intermittent fasting, which people sometimes call the 16:8 diet or 16:8 plan, is a popular type of fasting. People who follow this eating plan will fast for 16 hours a day and consume all of their calories during the remaining 8 hours. Suggested benefits of the 16:8 plan include…

Many doctors and dietitians recommend a Mediterranean diet to prevent disease and keep people healthy for longer. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and it includes less dairy and meat than a typical Western diet. In this article, we explain what the Mediterranean diet is and provide a 7-day…

Eating meals at the same time each day may be an effective way to improve quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, a new study suggests. In a study conducted on mice with Huntington’s disease, researchers discovered that restricting feeding time to the same 6-hour period every day for 3…

Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system triggers the overproduction of skin cells. Some home remedies may help relieve symptoms. Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches of skin called plaques. Plaques usually appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but they can develop anywhere on the body.…