As you begin to drift off to sleep, have you ever experienced the sudden sensation of a bomb going off inside your head? This phenomenon is known as Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS), a baffling and poorly understood sleep disorder that falls under the category of parasomnias. Other parasomnias include sleep paralysis and hypnic jerks, which
Health
In the UK, many individuals are facing challenges when it comes to accessing adequate dental care to maintain good oral health. The decline of NHS dentistry and an increase in dental hygiene poverty are significant contributing factors to this issue. Budget cuts have resulted in the emergence of “dental deserts” across the country, where there
Alzheimer’s disease is still a condition that holds many mysteries, with researchers continuously exploring various factors that may contribute to its development. One such factor that has caught the attention of researchers is the relationship between poor sleep and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted in 2023 shed some light on this matter,
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly associated with cervical cancer in women, but its effects on male fertility are often overlooked. Recent research from Argentina has uncovered a concerning correlation between high-risk strains of HPV and compromised sperm quality. In a study involving 205 adult males, scientists found that semen samples from individuals infected with
Imagine this – you are going about your daily tasks, and suddenly, a paper cut. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the physics behind paper cuts is quite intriguing. Physicists from the Technical University of Denmark have conducted experiments that have shed light on this phenomenon. According to their findings, paper sheets with
The debate surrounding the effects of THC and CBD, the two most prominent compounds in cannabis, has long been a topic of interest in the scientific community. While THC is known for its intoxicating properties, CBD is often touted for its non-intoxicating nature. However, recent research has shed light on a potential interaction between these
Plant-based diets have long been associated with better long-term health outcomes, particularly in terms of weight loss and prevention of heart disease. Recent research conducted by Yani Xu and colleagues from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University has further emphasized the positive effects of plant-based diets on overall health and well-being. However, while the consumption of
The recent study conducted by epidemiologist Lifang Hou and her team at Northwestern University suggests that the use of cannabis may lead to changes in the human body’s epigenome. The epigenome, which functions like a series of switches, can activate or deactivate genes to alter how our bodies operate. With cannabis being a commonly used
Recent analysis of Victorian-era books has shed light on the presence of toxic materials such as lead and chromium in the dyes used to color the cloth-bound covers. While the average reader might not be at high risk of exposure simply from handling these books, individuals who frequently come into contact with antique books, such
In the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers are exploring new avenues for potential solutions. One such avenue is the human gut, which is home to a vast array of microbes. The gut microbiome, comprised of around 100 trillion microbes, has become a focal point for scientists seeking new ingredients to combat disease. A recent
Research has shown that taller individuals are at a greater risk of developing cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund reports strong evidence indicating that taller people have a higher likelihood of developing various types of cancer such as pancreatic, large bowel, uterine, ovarian, prostate, kidney, skin, and breast cancer. For example, data from the UK
The study on Alzheimer’s patients conducted by an international team of researchers highlights the importance of understanding the key cognitive functions that change in individuals diagnosed with this debilitating disease. The research indicates that factors such as age, sex, irregular heart rhythms, and daily activity levels play a significant role in predicting the decline in
A groundbreaking development in the field of cancer diagnostics has emerged with the invention of a new method for detecting brain cancer known as glioblastoma. This innovative ‘liquid biopsy’ technique requires only a small volume of blood, specifically 100 microliters, and can identify biomarkers associated with this deadly type of brain tumor within just one
The placebo effect is a fascinating and mystifying phenomenon that has intrigued scientists and researchers for decades. The idea that a simple sugar pill with no active medical ingredients can elicit a powerful psychological and physiological response in individuals is truly mind-boggling. What’s even more astonishing is that placebos can produce beneficial effects even when
Recent research has shed light on a potential downside of intermittent fasting that was previously overlooked. While intermittent fasting has been associated with various health benefits such as weight reduction and decreased risk of dementia, a new study in mice suggests a possible increase in the risk of cancer. This surprising finding has raised concerns
Recent research has shed light on a fascinating discovery that suggests a link between grandparents’ educational attainment and their grandchildren’s biological age. This study highlights the far-reaching effects of socioeconomic status, showing that the benefits of higher education can extend not only to the next generation but also to the generation after that. Our cells