A new study finds that ethnicity, depression, lack of exercise and social support are major risk factors for CFS. Moderate exercise halves the risk, while social status and cultural background play a significant role.
Research on Prozac reveals it can reorganize brain plasticity by altering neuronal cell activity and connections in the hippocampus. This changes may contribute to anxiety symptoms experienced by some patients.
Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.
Researchers are exploring traditional medicine as a starting point for developing new antimalarial treatments. Plant extracts and natural compounds have shown anti-malarial properties and potential synergies.
A Norwegian study found that women unhappy with their relationships were more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. A good relationship, on the other hand, served as a buffer against everyday stresses, helping women cope better with work-related issues, financial problems, or moving house.
Researchers used two well-known optical illusions to study how the brain assesses relative size, revealing that environmental clues affect perception after three-dimensional image processing. The Ponzo illusion was found to hold true regardless of eye use or presentation order.
A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences found that female rats are more likely to develop cocaine addiction due to their heightened motivation and impulsivity. Researchers also discovered that the likelihood of drug abuse increases with an individual's sex, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers have developed new rectal-specific lubricants that can help protect against HIV and other STIs when used with condoms. These lubricants, which combine microbicidal properties with condom use, are currently being tested in clinical trials.
A new study reveals that education is inversely correlated with high blood pressure, with educated individuals experiencing a significant decrease in blood pressure over time. The research also found that higher levels of education are associated with lower BMI, smoking rates, and alcohol consumption.
Researchers have developed a method to disperse pathogenic fungi as a means of preventing malaria spread, using synthetic oil to increase dispersal effectiveness. The fungi cause muscardine disease in mosquito larvae, killing up to 50% more larvae than untreated spores and reducing pupation levels.
New research shows reovirus-infected cancer cells release pro-inflammatory proteins that recruit and activate white blood cells, killing cancer. A cellular signalling protein, Ras, is abnormally activated in many cancers, providing a window of opportunity for reovirus infection.
A new study found that young people with a family history of melanoma are still ignoring sun safety advice, despite being aware of the risks. The research showed that younger women in particular viewed tanning as healthy and were less likely to use sunscreen.
New research published in Chemistry Central Journal reveals that chocolate contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than fruit juice. Dark chocolate and cocoa have been found to have a higher antioxidant capacity and greater total flavanol content, making them a healthier alternative.
A study of over 44,000 15 and 16 year olds in Germany found that rural teenagers are more likely to engage in binge drinking than their urban counterparts. Binge drinking has serious social and health consequences, including increased risk of accidents, unsafe sexual behavior, and long-term brain damage.
Researchers used acoustic analysis and genetic diversity to identify gibbons from their regional accents, showing a high degree of similarity between species within the same location. The study suggests that gibbon songs are adapted to forest environments, with distinct patterns in each region.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that wounded veterans are more likely to die from coronary heart disease due to war-time stress. The research, conducted by Dr. Seppo Nikkari and his team, surveyed 55-year-old Finnish WW2 veterans and found a significant correlation between physical trauma and an increased risk of CHD.
Research published in BMC Microbiology suggests that insects on pig farms can carry and transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans. The study found high prevalence of resistant Enterococcus faecalis and faecium in insect intestines, mirroring those found in pigs' feces.
Researchers found that weaver bird chicks change the length and pitch of their begging calls as they get hungrier, making it harder for parents to distinguish them from others. This unique call pattern enables parents to accurately gauge their chick's hunger levels.
New research reveals that odontoblast cells in teeth orchestrate an immune response to protect against bacteria-induced decay. The cells produce proteins that down-regulate inflammation, protecting the underlying pulp from damage.
Researchers used music compression algorithms to study brain response to complex and simple sounds. They found that enduring musical masterpieces tend to have high compressibility, suggesting our brains respond to simple patterns. This theory may lead composers to create music with simpler data structures for greater appeal.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that polygamous mice produce more fertile offspring due to increased sperm competitiveness. After 12 generations of competitive selection, polygamous males outperformed monogamous males in both paternity and fertility rates.
A study published in BMC's Reproductive Health journal found that a pill containing essential oils significantly reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Women taking the supplement reported eased PMS symptoms at 3 and 6 months, with few adverse events recorded.
A new study published in Nutrition Journal found that consuming a large breakfast does not lead to increased calorie burn throughout the day. In fact, researchers discovered that individuals who had bigger breakfasts tended to consume fewer calories during lunch and dinner, offsetting the extra calories consumed at breakfast.
Genetic comparison reveals Egyptian vulture population in Canary Islands was established around 2500 years ago, matching human colonization date. Human activity led to divergent evolution and demographic expansion of vultures, assisted in their adaptation to new environment.
Researchers found that silencing the TLR4 gene can prevent hyperglycemic cardiac apoptosis in diabetic mice, highlighting the potential clinical use of siRNA-based therapy. The study demonstrated that TLR4 plays a critical role in cardiac apoptosis and that its silencing can suppress apoptotic cascades.
Research finds that dominant animals in primate societies have higher parasite loads due to suppressed immune systems. Frequent aggression and contact with other animals may contribute to the risk of infection.
A study of 3610 Australian women found that social norms play a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. Women who surrounded themselves with friends who engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to adopt similar habits.
Researchers found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who chose a positive color on a color chart were nine times more likely to respond to hypnotherapy. The study suggests the use of this test as a predictor for responders.
Researchers have identified DNA variants in two nervous system genes associated with an excessively high BMI, providing new insights into the genetics of obesity. The study used a novel approach to link rare and common regulatory variants to extreme obesity.
Researchers found that severe asthma affects 2% of the population and is closely related to chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal blockage. Individuals with multiple asthma symptoms are likely to have a more severe form of asthma, increasing the risk of attacks and negatively impacting quality of life.
Researchers developed a new treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) using insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gelatin hydrogels, with 48% of patients showing hearing improvement at 12 weeks and 56% at 24 weeks.
A study found that allotment gardeners, especially those over 60, exhibit increased levels of physical activity and better overall health compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research also suggests that having an allotment can promote healthy aging and lifestyle habits.
Researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis. The study suggests a new potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, which currently has limited long-term drug-free remission options.
A systematic analysis found that clinical management research lacks representation of sex and gender-specific design and analysis. The study suggests significant imbalances in outcomes due to lack of knowledge about gender differences in healthcare provision.
Researchers found that plugged females mated just as often and were more attractive than unplugged ones. Plugging improved female fitness by increasing egg production, suggesting a male's act may be beneficial to its partner. The study reveals new insights into the reproductive behavior of nematode worms.
Researchers found that extra-virgin olive oil and its extracts protect against oxidative damage of hepatic tissue in rats. The study showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and a decrease in markers of liver damage, indicating potential health benefits of olive oil consumption.
A large-scale study published in BMC's Breast Cancer Research journal found no overall association between green tea intake and the risk of breast cancer. The study assessed over 54,000 Japanese women and found that drinking green tea had no protective effect against breast cancer regardless of tea type or quantity.
A randomized, controlled trial found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation maintained service and forehand ground stroke consistency in tennis players after a simulated match. The study showed no decline in skilled tennis performance in players who received the supplement.
A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.
Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption lower breast cancer risk for women with and without a family history of the disease. A study of over 85,000 postmenopausal women found that these behaviors significantly reduce breast cancer risk.
Researchers used low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to treat patients with delayed unions of the tibia, resulting in a 34% increase in bone mineral density. This non-invasive treatment modality shows promise as a viable option for patients suffering from these injuries.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that female cichlid fish develop exceptionally large pelvic fins, differing from male fins in shape and color. Males prefer females with larger pelvic fins, leading to the growth of disproportionately sized fins.
A systematic review of research on herbal supplements for anxiety found strong evidence for extracts of passionflower, kava, and combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine. The study pooled results from 24 studies involving over 2,000 participants.
A study published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine found that stressed-out mothers can exacerbate their children's asthma symptoms. Researchers discovered that mothers who suppress their emotional expressions or are chronically irritated and angry can increase their child's disease status. The study suggests that parents should focus on man...
A high protein diet during development can prime the body to react unhealthily to future food binges. The study found that rats fed a high protein diet showed increased body weight and fat mass in response to a high energy diet.
A new study found that mice subjected to early weaning and maternal separation exhibited long-lasting hyperactivity and anxiety. The researchers hope to use this model to investigate the effects of childhood neglect on human behavior.
A new study found that playing white noise in class can improve the memory of schoolchildren with difficulties in paying attention. The researchers discovered a significant improvement in performance for inattentive children and a decline in performance for attentive ones as noise levels increased.
Researchers found that two single vodka and orange drinks significantly affected obstacle avoidance test results in senior volunteers. The study showed delayed response times and reduced amplitudes after just one drink, highlighting the negative impact of low-blood-alcohol concentrations on dexterity.
A recent study published in Proteome Science found that one in ten seagull droppings contain 'superbug' bacteria resistant to Vancomycin. The researchers used a novel technique called proteomics to detect bacterial proteins connected to antibiotic resistance, providing new targets for antimicrobial agents and potential biomarkers.
Researchers found that intensive care diaries significantly reduced new onset post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following critical illness. The diaries, completed daily by nursing staff and relatives, featured information about the patient's stay accompanied by photographs, helping to alleviate delusional memories and fears.