Our natural eyelashes serve a crucial purpose in protecting our eyes from external elements. They act as a barrier, diverting air away from the eyeball and preventing airborne particles from entering the eye. In addition, natural eyelashes help keep the eye lubricated and play a role in ensuring we blink regularly to maintain eye health.
Health
In a groundbreaking medical development, a 60-year-old German man has potentially become the seventh person in the world to be cured of HIV after undergoing a stem cell transplant. This risky and painful procedure is typically reserved for individuals who have both HIV and aggressive leukaemia, making it a treatment option for only a small
Recent research has found that shorter sleep and later bedtimes in children are linked to harmful functional changes in parts of the brain crucial for coping with stress and controlling negative emotions. Furthermore, children from families with low economic resources are particularly vulnerable to these negative effects. As neuroscientists committed to reducing socioeconomic disparities in
Recent research coming out of China has shed light on a concerning trend – a rapid decline in sperm quality across the globe. Epidemiologist Yingxin Li and his team at Sun Yat-sen University conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 50 previous studies, covering a total of 71,337 men. Their findings suggest a strong link
The main treatment for Parkinson’s disease, L-DOPA, is effective in replacing the dopamine deficit in the brains of patients. However, prolonged use of this medication can lead to the development of dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrollable movements such as twitching, swaying, and head bobbing. This side effect can significantly limit the long-term benefits of
Research has previously suggested connections between irregular bowel movements and various health conditions, such as infections and neurodegenerative diseases. However, these links were often observed in individuals who were already sick, raising questions about whether the irregularity was a cause or a result of their underlying conditions. Senior author Sean Gibbons from the Institute for
Exercise is often touted as a key component in weight loss, yet the effectiveness of exercise in shedding pounds varies from person to person. A recent study shed light on the role of a specific protein, PGC-1α, in metabolism, and how its variants can impact the outcomes of exercise and weight loss. Researchers from Japan
A recent study conducted by researchers at MIT has shed light on the effects of propofol, a commonly used anesthesia drug, on the brain. The study suggests that propofol disrupts the brain’s ability to control highly excitable neurons, leading to a loss of consciousness. This disruption of inhibitory mechanisms in the brain could explain how
New research has shed light on the potential of heparan sulfate-modified proteoglycans (HSPGs) as a target for drugs to combat Alzheimer’s disease at its early stages. The proteins, found on the surface and in between animal cells, play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, cell-environment interactions, and the autophagy process, essential for clearing out
Dreaming is a fundamental aspect of our lives, with a significant portion of our time asleep dedicated to this activity. Despite its prevalence, the reasons why we dream and how our brains create these dreams remain largely unknown. However, recent research suggests that our dreams could hold valuable insights into our brain health and overall
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be a terrifying experience, not only for patients but also for their caregivers. The uncertainty of what the future holds can be overwhelming. However, a recent study conducted by a team of experts has provided a glimmer of hope by developing a tool that can predict the next
Many individuals embark on weight loss journeys with the goal of quickly shedding pounds. However, while rapid weight loss may initially seem like progress, it can have negative consequences on muscle mass. Muscle is a critical component in determining our metabolic rate, as it burns more calories compared to fat. When we create a calorie
The term “man flu” has been used to mock men who supposedly exaggerate their symptoms when they have minor respiratory infections like colds. The stereotype often involves a man laying on the couch surrounded by tissues while his female partner continues working and taking care of him. But is there any truth to this idea
Toxoplasmosis is a serious infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can have devastating effects, especially when contracted for the first time during pregnancy. The infection can be picked up from various sources, including infected cats, contaminated water, undercooked meat, and shellfish. Most people experience mild symptoms, but if a pregnant person becomes infected,
Sepsis is a severe condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes harm to its tissues and organs. It can lead to cognitive impairment, disability, and even death. In cases of septic shock, vitamin C levels in the body are significantly reduced. This prompted researchers from the University of Melbourne to investigate