Exploding head syndrome, a peculiar and poorly understood sleep disorder, is a part of the parasomnia family. With relatives like sleep paralysis and hypnic jerks, this disorder disrupts the transition from wakefulness to sleep with abrupt loud noises resembling explosions inside the head. During an episode of exploding head syndrome, individuals experience sudden loud noises
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Paper cuts are one of those annoying injuries that seem to happen out of nowhere. The sharp sting, the sight of blood on a clean white surface – it’s enough to make anyone cringe. But have you ever stopped to wonder why paper cuts are so effective at slicing through skin? Physicists from the Technical
Accessing adequate dental care in the UK has become increasingly challenging for many individuals. The decline in NHS dentistry coupled with rising dental hygiene poverty has resulted in what is known as “dental deserts” across the country. Budget cuts have made it difficult for individuals to receive necessary dental health care, leading to a situation
The connection between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease has been a topic of interest among researchers. A study published in 2023 explored the impact of using sleeping pills, specifically suvorexant, on the build-up of toxic proteins in the brain. The study conducted by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found that taking suvorexant for two
When it comes to discussions about the human papillomavirus (HPV), the focus usually centers around its link to cervical cancer in women. However, recent research from Argentina has shed light on the impact of HPV on male fertility. Studies conducted on semen samples from 205 adult males revealed a concerning correlation between high-risk strains of
The traditional narrative of THC and CBD opposing each other’s effects may not hold true, according to a recent clinical trial. While THC is known for its intoxicating properties, CBD is often touted as a calming antidote. However, the results of the study suggest that this may not be the case. Instead of mitigating the
The evidence supporting the health benefits of plant-based diets continues to grow, with recent research highlighting the positive effects on weight loss and heart disease prevention. A study conducted by Yani Xu and colleagues from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University emphasizes the role of raw vegetables in improving long-term health outcomes. While plant-based diets have
Cannabis, a commonly used substance in the United States, has been the subject of a recent study that suggests it may have significant effects on the human body’s epigenome. The epigenome functions as a set of switches that can activate or deactivate genes, ultimately altering how our bodies function. This study, conducted by epidemiologist Lifang
In a world where bacteria are rapidly outsmarting antibiotics, researchers have turned to the human gut as a potential goldmine for new weapons in the war against disease. With the human gut containing approximately 100 trillion microbes, it serves as a competitive environment where only the fittest survive. Scientists in the US embarked on a
Recent analysis of Victorian-era books has revealed the presence of toxic materials such as lead and chromium, once used to imbue cloth-bound books with vibrant hues. Although casual contact with these heavy metals is not likely to cause serious harm, those who handle antique books frequently, such as librarians and book dealers, are at a
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Research has shown that various factors can influence the rate of cognitive decline in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. A recent prospective study conducted by an international team of researchers aimed to identify key predictors of cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer’s patients, shedding
The field of medical science is ever-evolving, with researchers constantly striving to find new and improved methods for detecting and diagnosing diseases. One such breakthrough comes in the form of a liquid biopsy for brain cancer. Unlike traditional surgical biopsies, this new method requires only 100 microliters of blood and can detect biomarkers associated with
Recent studies have reported that taller individuals are at a higher risk of developing various types of cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund has highlighted that taller people are more prone to developing cancers such as pancreatic, large bowel, uterine, ovarian, prostate, kidney, skin (melanoma), and breast (pre- and post-menopausal). But what exactly is the
The placebo effect has long been a source of fascination in the field of psychology. The idea that taking a sugar pill with no active medical ingredients can lead to real physiological and psychological changes is both intriguing and puzzling. Recent research has shown that the placebo effect can be harnessed as a simple and
Intermittent fasting has been widely studied for its potential benefits, including weight loss and reduced risk of dementia. However, a new research study in mice has uncovered a potential downside to periodic food abstinence: an increased risk of cancer. The research found that fasting in mice led to a boost in the regenerative capabilities of