The Philippines is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a critical player in the global seafood industry. Contributing over four million tonnes of seafood annually, the nation ranks as the 11th largest seafood producer worldwide. The livelihoods of countless coastal communities rely heavily on this robust industry, which not only provides sustenance but
Health
The resurgence of measles in recent years presents a significant public health concern, underscoring critical deficiencies in global vaccination coverage. According to a joint report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 10.3 million reported measles cases worldwide in 2023. This figure
Semaglutide, known commercially as Wegovy, represents a revolutionary advancement in weight loss medication, making headlines since its approval by the US FDA on June 4, 2021. This approval marked the first significant entry of a new weight-loss drug since 2014. Beyond its primary function as a weight-loss aid, semaglutide has garnered attention for its extensive
The human brain has long been regarded as the sole keeper of our memories, a notion that is deeply rooted in our understanding of learning and cognition. However, recent research conducted by a team at New York University (NYU) challenges this conventional idea, suggesting that the capacity for memory formation lies not just within the
Sleep apnea is a serious condition characterized by recurring interruptions in breathing during sleep. This ailment can have grave consequences, not just affecting the quality of sleep but also leading to long-term health issues like heart disease and stroke. Traditionally, management of sleep apnea has involved various treatments, such as CPAP machines and mandibular advancement
John Steinbeck encapsulated a profound truth when he once remarked, “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.” This observation not only captures the essence of human experience but is also increasingly supported by contemporary scientific inquiry. Recent
A significant public health event recently unfolded in British Columbia, where a teenager has unfortunately tested positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This diagnosis marks Canada’s inaugural case of bird flu in humans, raising eyebrows across the province and the country. The affected individual is currently receiving medical
The cold and flu aisle of American pharmacies is populated with familiar names like Sudafed, Mucinex, and Benadryl, boasting attributes of quick relief for nasal congestion and other respiratory ailments. However, a significant portion of these remedies may be ineffective due to a common ingredient: oral phenylephrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
As we navigate the journey of life, the aspiration to “age successfully” is a common desire that resonates across generations. Successful aging can be characterized by a few key indicators: the absence of major chronic diseases, maintaining cognitive vitality, engaging actively with life, and preserving mental health. With an increasingly aging global population, particularly in
Osteoporosis is often heralded as a ‘silent disease’ due to its lack of noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. This condition is defined by a significant reduction in bone density and strength, rendering bones brittle and prone to breaks, particularly in critical areas such as the hips, spine, and wrists. As startling as it may
In recent decades, society has made significant strides in understanding the interconnectedness of human health and the environment. Amidst this awareness, certain chemicals have emerged as culprits in disrupting biological processes essential for reproduction. One such chemical is benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a substance commonly found in soft, flexible plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A
In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy have garnered significant attention for their effectiveness in assisting with weight loss. Originally developed for the management of type 2 diabetes, these medications have proven beneficial in promoting weight reduction among various demographics. While the positive implications of these drugs cannot be overlooked, emerging
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is primarily known for causing cold sores, but its implications extend far beyond visible lesions. Recent research, comprising collaborative efforts from the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne in France, has delved into the erudite connections between HSV-1 and the central nervous system (CNS). While the exact
Light has always played an imperative role in human existence. From the earliest days of civilization, the Sun emerged as a primary source of illumination and warmth, essential for survival. This deep-rooted connection to solar energy saw the rise of various ancient religions across cultures, where the Sun was revered as a deity, embodying healing
Biological education often revisits the foundations established in earlier academic settings, but recent discoveries may reshape these foundations fundamentally. Traditional cell biology has long been anchored in the notion that every organelle within a cell is encased in a membrane, creating distinct compartments with unique functions. This understanding has been transformed through the advent of
The spread of the A/H5N1 strain of bird flu has raised significant concerns within the agricultural and public health sectors, particularly following the alarming discovery of the virus in a pig on a non-commercial farm in Oregon. This development forces us to assess the broader context of avian influenza and its potential risk to human