By Katharine Lang — Fact checked by Rita Ponce, Ph.D. Obesity is a risk factor for many health conditions. Current treatments include calorie restriction, bariatric surgery, and medications. But the number of people with obesity continues to increase. Many factors lead to weight gain, including the increased availability of calorie-dense foods. Today looked at whether…
Category: Health News
What makes breast cancer come back?
By Maria Cohut, Ph.D. on October 26, 2022 — Fact checked by Hannah Flynn Millions of people live with breast cancer, the most common form of cancer worldwide — and also, in most cases, one of the most treatable. However, even after successful treatment, breast cancer can recur. How does breast cancer spread, why does it sometimes come back, and can…
Africa Tops World in Undiagnosed Diabetes – WHO Analysis
World Health Organization (Geneva) Brazzaville — Only 46% of people living with diabetes in the African region know their status, raising the risk of severe illness and death, potentially worsening the situation in the region which already has the world’s highest mortality rates due to the disease, a new analysis by World Health Organization (WHO)…
Hair loss: The latest science on causes, treatment, and prevention
By James Kingsland on November 3, 2022 — Fact checked by Rita Ponce, Ph.D. In the past decade, biologists have disentangled many of the complexities of how hair grows and how it is lost in conditions such as pattern baldness and alopecia areata. In this Special Feature, we explore the latest discoveries and treatments, and ask experts if it is possible…
Is faking a smile enough to improve your mood?
By Anna Guildford, Ph.D. on October 25, 2022 — Fact checked by Hannah Flynn Humans communicate their feelings through their facial expressions. Facial feedback theory states that this can change the way we feel. New international research has shown that posing with a fake smile can make people feel happier, but it doesn’t change their levels of anger or anxiety. The scientists…
Eczema: New drug reduces symptoms by 75% in infants and young children
Between 15% and 20% of children worldwide have an inflammatory skin condition known as eczema. Results from a phase 3 clinical trial found the medication dupilumab provides at least a 75% improvement in eczema symptoms in children ages 6 months to 5 years old. U.S. regulators approved the use of dupilumab in children ages 6…
Keep moving: 10,000 steps a day may halve dementia risk
Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide and is the seventh leading cause of death globally. With the proportion of older people in the population increasing, the number of dementia cases is also on the rise. There is mounting evidence that regular physical exercise not only benefits general health, but is also one of…
Rehabilitating spinal cord injury and stroke with graphene and gaming
Scientists are seeking ways to treat spinal injuries with graphene-based implants while VR gaming could help stroke recovery. By VITTORIA D’ALESSIO Few human injuries are as catastrophic as those to the spine. An accident, disease or act of violence affecting the spine can result in poor function – even paralysis – almost anywhere in the…
