The use of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and cannabis, has been found to have potential benefits for protecting the brain from certain aspects of aging. A recent survey of 3,294 adults in the US revealed that those who reported using hallucinogens in the past year showed fewer depressive symptoms and positive changes
Health
Have you ever noticed a craving for a snack after a workout or while watching sports events on television? Research indicates that physical exercise can often lead to increased food consumption, whether as a reward for your hard work or as a way to replenish the energy you have burned. However, a new study suggests
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurological condition that manifests in a variety of ways. While some individuals may have milder symptoms that allow them to function relatively normally, others face significant challenges with social interactions, language development, and cognitive skills. In some cases, lifelong supportive care is necessary to help individuals with more severe
In a world plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have finally uncovered a secret weapon that some individuals possess to naturally combat the virus. Through an in-depth analysis of genetic activity in nasal tissues and blood, scientists have identified a novel immune response that provides a robust defense against SARS-CoV-2. While vaccines have been instrumental
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has spread across all continents except Oceania, leading the United Nations to label it as a “global zoonotic animal pandemic.” This virus has the ability to infect an extensive range of bird species and even some mammals, with migratory waterfowl being especially vulnerable to avian-borne influenza viruses. These
Climate change presents a significant threat to public health, with global warming being a key factor in this crisis. Rising temperatures have been linked to various health issues, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Studies have shown that heat exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as
A recent study conducted on mice suggests that a restricted diet could potentially enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The research, led by experts from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, focused on the effects of fasting on white blood cells known as natural killer cells (NK cells). These cells
The age-old adage of saying “cheese” to make someone smile may have more scientific backing than previously thought. A recent genetic analysis conducted in China has revealed that individuals with better mental well-being are more likely to lead longer and healthier lives. While the notion of eating cheese to improve overall health may seem surprising,
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of individuals globally. The challenge lies in the early detection of the disease, as most symptoms do not present until significant damage has already occurred in the brain. However, a recent study conducted by researchers has identified a promising avenue for early detection through blood
More than 260 million people in the northeastern US are bracing themselves for an intense heatwave, set to break records and test their resilience against challenging temperatures. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this heatwave is predicted to be one of the longest and most severe in decades for certain regions. A heat dome,
The decriminalization and legalization of psilocybin, the compound found in “magic mushrooms,” has led to a concerning spike in calls to poison control centers across the United States. After psilocybin was decriminalized in Denver, Colorado in 2019, followed by legalization in several cities and states, the number of cases involving psilocybin exposures among adolescents and
The world’s population is witnessing a significant increase in the number of centenarians, showcasing the fastest-growing demographic group. This rise is attributed to various factors, including advancements in medical science, improved quality of life, and better access to healthcare. Centenarians have always been a subject of fascination for scientists and researchers, as they hold the
Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare and little understood condition where microbes in the gut start to make alcohol. Individuals with this syndrome experience symptoms that mimic signs of alcohol abuse, such as drowsiness, altered mood, and vomiting. One remarkable case in Canada involved a woman who had seven episodes of feeling drunk without consuming any
Recent research suggests that our body’s circadian clock plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. Checkpoint inhibitors, which are immunotherapy drugs, work by blocking proteins from binding to cancerous tumors, allowing the immune system’s T cells to recognize and destroy the cancer cells. While these drugs are less toxic than traditional
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition characterized by the buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, leading to the death of neurons and the subsequent development of symptoms such as memory loss. However, there exists a special group of individuals who seem to be resilient to the effects of these proteins, despite having