Common

A study has identified similar changes in gene activity related to synaptic function in the brains of those with schizophrenia and the elderly, suggesting a common biological link to cognitive impairment, through the analysis of the Synaptic Neuron and Astrocyte Program (SNAP) in brain tissue samples. Credit: SciTechDaily.comCognitive impairment in both conditions might be linked to closely coordinated genetic alterations in two kinds of brain cells, providing hints for potential treatments.Researchers from the Broad…

Despite oral rehydration salts (ORS) being a cost-effective treatment for diarrheal diseases, which are a significant cause of child mortality worldwide, health care providers in developing countries, especially in India, seldom prescribe it due to misperceptions about patient preferences, contributing to persistent low usage rates. A new study highlights that correcting these misperceptions could prevent half a million deaths annually and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, suggesting that providers underestimate the…

A common, usually harmless bacteria have a significant role in causing stomach cancer, a new study has found. It joins the better-known, at least in medical circles, H. pylori bacteria as a known cancer risk. Researchers identified the bacteria’s mechanism of action, opening the door to developing therapeutics to reduce the risk.About half of the world’s population carries the usually harmless bacteria Helicobacter pylori. While it’s well-known in the medical community that when H. pylori turns pathogenic, it can cause an…

We humans like to think we’re so clever, but in many cases nature has beaten us to the punch with a better version. The newest example comes from a humble insect that’s probably in your own backyard, which makes nanoscale soccer balls that hide it from predators – inspiring better UV protection, sunscreens and maybe even cloaking tech.Leafhoppers are a common insect often found in gardens or on farms, where they’re considered a pest to crops. They’re pretty unremarkable in most aspects, except for one unique feature…

In 1776 Thomas Paine, a traitorous Englishman living in the American colonies, published a seditious…

Researchers at the University of Colorado have discovered how bacteria in the gut convert dietary tryptophan into an inflammatory chemical that may contribute to arthritis, offering new insights for potential treatments. The study suggests that manipulating gut bacteria to alter tryptophan processing could provide a therapeutic pathway for rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.Tryptophan is needed for our survival, yet bacteria can convert it into a chemical that causes inflammation. A researcher from the CU…

A study from Spain reveals that Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure impacts the gut microbiome of children differently, with normal-weight children showing greater bacterial diversity compared to those who are overweight or obese. This research underscores the importance of understanding BPA’s role in childhood obesity and the potential for future health interventions.Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical, is extensively utilized in creating long-lasting plastic items such as glasses, water bottles, and epoxy resins. However, it…

A study from the University of Oxford reveals that a significant number of COVID-19 infections persist for over a month, potentially contributing to the emergence of new variants and Long COVID symptoms. Analysis of over 90,000 participants found that up to 0.5% of infections could last 60 days or more, with some infections showing high mutation rates.Recent research conducted by the University of Oxford has found that a high proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the general population lead to persistent infections…

Depending on which part of the demographic you happen to be, you perhaps haven’t noticed that the vast majority of things are either designed with you in mind or for an entirely different kind of human. We’re talking, of course, about gendered design. Someone asked “What female-centric design do you want to see in architecture and design?” and women shared their best ideas. From simple things like car headrests to literally medical procedures, women often get the short end of the stick. So get comfortable as you scroll…

Every time I get up and leave a place, I quickly glance back a second time just to be sure I didn’t forget something where I was sitting. I also talk to my cat constantly, and I’ll never walk out of a store without purchasing anything without getting a pang of guilt because the employees might think I’m stealing. And as it turns out, these are all perfectly normal human habits!Redditors have been discussing those odd things that we do instinctively but don’t often talk about, and they’ve confirmed that many of our…