Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study finds that DHEA therapy is effective in reducing depression symptoms and improving sexual functioning in individuals with midlife-onset depression. Six weeks of DHEA treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to placebo, suggesting its potential as a second-line treatment option.
A survey of pediatricians found that only a few were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with most citing concerns about side effects or delays in seeking medical care. Despite this, 87% of patients had asked their pediatrician about CAM therapies in the past three months.
A study by Associate Professor Lily Stojanovska investigates the mechanisms of resilience in menopausal women, revealing three significant themes: coping with life's challenges, displaying resilience or not, and searching for tools to cope. The findings support education guidelines for improving women's resilience during menopause.
A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.
A study found that nearly half of rural North Carolina adults use home remedies for various health conditions. The most common remedies used were honey-lemon-vinegar-whiskey for respiratory issues, herbs for cardiovascular conditions, and teas for general well-being.
Dr. Eric Winer emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing for complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) due to safety concerns and limited scientific evidence. Many CAMs have not undergone thorough evaluation, leading to potential interactions with standard treatments.
A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has announced a new research fellowship program to support outstanding researchers in CAM. The fellowship aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in CAM research, with a focus on clinical, translational, and laboratory-based studies.
Researchers are exploring alternative methods to conventional medical care for treating women's health issues, antibiotic-resistant infections, melanomas, and coronary heart disease. Nutritional and botanical therapies are being investigated as potential alternatives to traditional treatments.
Researchers at Emory University have developed an innovative technique for biventricular resynchronization that minimizes risks and eliminates ionizing radiation. The new approach uses tiny incisions and specialized tools to connect leads to the heart, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
NCCAM is offering grants to establish new research centers focused on complementary and alternative medicine. The centers will support program project grants, developmental cooperative agreements, and planning grants for international institutions.
Researchers are studying the effects of Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in people over 65. The 50-participant clinical trial aims to maximize cognitive function and assess the supplement's impact on short-term memory, attention, and reaction time.
A new survey reveals that over 65% of IBS patients in the US experience debilitating symptoms, with 97% consulting healthcare professionals in the past three months. The study also shows significant economic burdens, with $258 average spend on GI disorders per month.
A recent study found that Australians now spend significantly more on unproven therapies compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals, with a notable increase in the use of alternative treatments and consultations. This trend is concerning, as many alternative medicines have not been rigorously tested or proven safe.
A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are conducting a study on Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) to reduce psychological stress and medical symptoms in cancer patients. The therapy combines creative expression, meditation, and art-making to improve overall quality of life.
A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.
A new study reveals that rats with chronic pain from inflammation were more tolerant of painful heat stimuli and had less swelling when fed a diet based on soy protein. The findings suggest that a soy diet may reduce the need for opioid medications, which are often associated with severe side effects.
The U-M Medical School is developing an interdisciplinary CAM curriculum, integrating theory, evidence, and practice to enhance learning. The program aims to increase medical students' knowledge of CAM, promoting a deeper understanding of the healing relationship between physician and patient.
A two-year study of postmenopausal monkeys found tibolone improved bone mineral density while reducing cardiovascular risks compared to estrogen-based treatments. However, it may offer advantages in breast and uterine safety over other options.
The Rush College of Nursing will integrate information on CAM therapies into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula and develop continuing education programs for faculty and practicing nurses. The program aims to equip nurses with expertise to assess CAM use, critically appraise therapy safety, and provide patient guidance.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that African-American patients receive fewer heart procedures than white patients, despite having a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers suggest various factors, including patient education and physician attitudes, may contribute to these disparities.
A community-based therapeutic care component is being touted as a more effective and cost-efficient way to treat malnutrition during famine. The strategy aims to improve coverage, provide socioeconomic benefits, and reduce death rates from starvation.
The journal launches a series on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying over 200 therapies into eight categories. ACP-ASIM opposes the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing concerns about inadequate care at end-of-life.
A preliminary study by University of Florida researchers suggests that magnetic stimulation may be a safe and revolutionary treatment for patients with clinical depression who do not respond to standard medications. After two weeks of daily magnetic treatment, the 10 patients evaluated in the study showed improvement in tests that rate...
Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.
A comprehensive approach to cancer treatment is needed, considering a patient's total life situation, including stress, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. Research highlights the importance of evaluating alternative and complementary therapies, which have poorly documented effectiveness but are widely used by patients.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 21 women with cancer, revealing their experiences with alternative and complementary therapies. The study highlights the importance of patients having better information about treatment options, including a mix of conventional and holistic approaches.
A study found that high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with seed implant therapy had poorer outcomes compared to radical prostectomy and external beam radiation. The researchers suggest that high-risk patients should discuss alternative treatment options with their physicians.