New research in mice suggests that adopting a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil can prevent the toxic accumulation of the protein tau, which is a hallmark of multiple types of dementia. Due to its monounsaturated fatty acids, or “good” fats, extra virgin olive oil is known for its ability to…

A recent study has reported that rapamycin, a drug that has long served as an immune suppressor, may also slow aging in human skin. The small clinical trial found that regular application of rapamycin to the backs of the hands appears to reduce wrinkles and sagging and improve skin tone.…

Plenty of research has suggested that owning a dog can be beneficial to health. Two new studies now add to the existing evidence, finding an association between dog ownership and a significantly lower death risk following a stroke or heart attack.  “The findings in these two well-done studies and analyses…

For the first time, researchers have managed to record the heart rate of the largest animal that has ever lived on planet Earth — the blue whale.  The blue whale, also known as a sulfur-bottom whale, or by its Latin name, Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest animal known to have lived, with an…

People who are in a precarious financial position have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. New research reveals that chronic sleep loss may contribute to this risk in the context of social inequality.  Last year, research featured in the journal Circulation of the American Heart Association explained that individuals with low socioeconomic…

A fascinating new study involving people who underwent hemispherectomy — surgery to remove one of the brain’s hemispheres — in childhood shows that these individuals now display almost no immediately obvious effects of this procedure.  Brains have two halves, known as hemispheres. Each has various regions that regulate different aspects…

A range of conditions can affect the way a person urinates. If a person has a constant urge to pee but little comes out when they go, they may have an infection or other health condition. If a person frequently needs to pee but little comes out when they try…

The oral contraceptive pill, commonly known as “the pill,” is a hormone-based method of preventing pregnancy. It can also help resolve irregular menstruation, painful or heavy periods, endometriosis, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation. No egg is produced, so there is nothing for the sperm to…

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. It is one of the few organs in the human body that changes in size every month throughout a person’s fertile years. Each month, as part of the menstrual cycle, the body prepares the endometrium to host an embryo. Endometrial thickness increases…

People often think dark circles are due to tiredness and a lack of sleep. Although this can be one cause, there are other reasons for dark under eye circles, such as allergies or the natural aging process. Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown…

The immune system defends the body against infection. Although it works effectively most of the time, sometimes our immune system fails, and we become sick. Are there ways we can boost our immune system and prevent illness? We find out. The immune system is a network of special cells, tissues,…

Cold sores are often known as fever blisters given their appearance. Most cold sores are caused by HSV-1, also known as Herpes Simplex Virus. According to the World Health Organization, around two-thirdsTrusted Source of adults aged 50 and older have HSV-1. The University of Michigan’s Health Service estimates that 50 percent of American kindergarten-age…

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is a form of herpes virus that can be sexually transmitted and causes lesions, such as sores and blisters, to form on the skin. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is spread by skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted even when the herpes lesions are not…

Researchers may have finally revealed the way that herpes is able to go into and come out of hiding.  A herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection lasts for life. No vaccination can prevent it, and no treatment can fully eradicate it. The problem for doctors is that, most of the time, herpes lies…

If a dog bite pierces a person’s skin, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection. Washing the wound thoroughly can remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection. If the bacteria stay in the body, they can cause an infection,…

The new system can pick out a single target molecule from 10 000 trillion water molecules within milliseconds, by trapping it on a self-assembling single layer of gold nanoparticles.  The team of scientists, all from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, say this technology opens the way to develop devices…

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses…

Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week.  Exact figures vary, but…

According to new research, keeping a healthy weight and quitting smoking before the age of 40 may substantially relieve the hot flashes and night sweats that often characterize menopause.  According to some estimates, as many as 1.5 millionTrusted Source females experience menopause each year. Although menopause is a normal, healthy part of life, physiological…

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health crisis. In this Spotlight feature, we look at the use of antibiotics in animals and its consequences for human health, covering research presented recently at the London Microbiome Meeting. Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health, both in the United StatesTrusted Source and globallyTrusted Source.…

While medical research has helped us overcome many health threats, we now face a new type of crisis: Many dangerous bacteria are becoming resistant to the drugs meant to fight them. Where do we go from here?  Healthcare professionals frequently use antibiotics to treat many forms of bacterial infection — from those…

Omega-3 fish oil supplements can improve attention in some youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. ADHD is a condition in which a person presents a marked pattern of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity — or all of these symptoms — to a level that interferes with development…

Ludwig’s angina is a rare, serious skin infection that develops on the floor of the mouth and the neck. It results from bacteria that are present due to other issues, such as a tooth abscess or a mouth injury. With antibiotics, people usually recover from Ludwig’s angina. However, if a person does…

Warts are harmless growths that can occur anywhere on the body, including on the face. They are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Read on to learn more about the different types of wart that can appear on the face. This article also provides information on how…

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that people from the Amazonian regions traditionally use as a spiritual medicine. This brew reportedly induces strong hallucinations, but what, exactly, does it do to the brain?  Researchers have discovered evidence of ayahuasca — also known as “yagé” — in use by shamans, dating back…

You can care for minor burns at home with simple first aid. There are different levels of burns. First-degree burns are only on the top layer of the skin. The skin can: Turn red Swell Be painful Second-degree burns go one layer deeper than first-degree burns. The skin will: Blister Turn…

Autophobia is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by the idea and experience of spending time alone. Like other anxiety disorders, autophobia may lead to some physical, as well as psychological, symptoms. Autophobia can be distressing to experience and may have a negative impact on a person’s life if left untreated. Understanding…

According to some observers, anxiety is now snowballing in the United States. So, in this Spotlight, we ask whether anxiety truly is becoming more prevalent in the West and, if so, what may be causing it. For many, anxiety is an ever-present uninvited guest; in our circle of friends, among family members,…

According to Chinese officials, doctors have recently diagnosed a third case of bubonic plague in a month. Although the plague is life threatening, it is treatable. The latest outbreak should not inspire panic. The most recent case concerns a 55-year-old male who appears to have caught the plague from a…