Your blood serves numerous roles to maintain your health. To carry out these functions, blood contains a multitude of components, including red blood cells that transport oxygen, nutrients and hormones; white blood cells that remove waste products and support the immune system; plasma that regulates temperature; and platelets that help with clotting. Within the blood are also numerous molecules formed as byproducts of normal biochemical functions. When these molecules indicate how your cells are responding to disease, injury or stress, scientists often refer to them as biological markers, or b ..read more

Dietary supplements are a big business. The industry made almost US$39 billion in revenue in 2022, and with very little regulation and oversight, it stands to keep growing. The marketing of dietary supplements has been quite effective, with 77% of Americans reporting feeling that the supplement industry is trustworthy. The idea of taking your health into your own hands is appealing, and supplements are popular with athletes, parents and people trying to recover more quickly from a cold or flu, just to name a few. A 2024 study found that approximately 1 in 10 adolescents have used nonprescribed ..read more

A jump in the number of people with serious illness caused by group A Streptococcus — also referred to as Streptococcus pyogenes or Strep A — has made headlines recently. There has also been a higher than usual number of deaths from group A Streptococcus infections, including in children, leaving people with questions about why and how these infections are spreading, and what symptoms to be aware of. Shortly after the number of COVID-19 infections diminished worldwide, a considerable increase in patients diagnosed with diseases caused by group A Streptococcus began in different parts of the wo ..read more

In recent years, sound bathing, a therapy in which sound is used for healing, has been marketed as one of many “self-care” practices, such as journal-keeping or candle-burning, in support of personal well-being. Sold also as sound “immersions,” or sound “healing” or “therapy,” sound baths are pitched as a safe and effective way to reduce stress and increase inner peace. Do they, though? If so, how? As a medical anthropologist who has conducted research on the sound bath boom, I have some evidence-based insights to offer. What is a sound bath? Dedicated yogic sound baths are typically intimate ..read more

As a scientist who investigates hunger and weight control, I’m interested in the way our brains let us know we’ve had enough. As we begin to feel full, we slow down how quickly we eat. For decades, scientists have thought that this change in pace was driven solely by signals from the stomach and intestines to the brain. But a new study from my lab at UC San Francisco shows that, in fact, there is another process at work, and it begins as soon as we taste our food. This process has remained unknown until now because we haven’t been able to observe the relevant brain activity in an animal while ..read more

Although about 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, only about 1 in 44 will die from it. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer die from other causes, especially those with a low-risk prostate cancer that usually grows so slowly it isn’t life-threatening. However, until about a decade ago, most men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer were immediately treated with surgery or radiation. Although both can cure the cancer, they can also have serious, life-changing complications, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. I am a fam ..read more

Tooth implants offer immense benefits. They can restore your smile, improve your oral health, and enhance your overall quality of life. However, the key to enjoying these benefits lies in finding the right specialist to perform the procedure. Fortunately, you can find the best tooth implant specialist near you with a quick search online. Unveiling the Benefits of Tooth Implants Before diving into the process of finding the best tooth implant specialist, it’s important to understand the benefits of tooth implants. Unlike dentures or bridges, tooth implants are a permanent solution for missing t ..read more

Online school has made education more accessible than ever, and now you can even obtain a psychology degree online. Dive into the world of online psychology degrees with a quick search online. Find the top schools and learn the benefits of online learning. Start a search online today to take the first step toward getting your degree. Expectations from Online Education When pursuing an online psychology degree, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Online education offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. However ..read more

Have you noticed a ringing or buzzing sensation in one or both ears? If so, you may be experiencing tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. It is important to understand the warning signs of tinnitus and what steps you can take to manage and treat it. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available online to help you learn more about this condition. Perform a search online today to learn more. Understanding Tinnitus: More Than Just Ringing Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, bu ..read more

Biohazards pose real dangers. The best way to protect your health is to get informed. Learn how to handle clean-ups safely and when to call in the pros. Perform a search online today to learn more. Defining Biohazards: What Are They? Before diving into the topic of biohazard cleanup, it’s important to understand what biohazards are. Biohazards are biological substances that pose a threat to human health or the environment. These can include blood, bodily fluids, medical waste, chemicals, and even animal remains. These substances can contain harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi ..read more