Posted by
What to know about sleeping with earplugs

What to know about sleeping with earplugs

Earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. However, it is possible that frequent use can lead to some minor problems in the long run, such as earwax buildup. Sometimes, noise from the environment can disrupt sleep. For example, having a bedroom that faces a busy street can affect sleep duration. However, disrupted sleep may […]

Posted by
Supplements for vegans: What to know

Supplements for vegans: What to know

People who follow a vegan diet do not eat any animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. While it is possible to be vegan and stay well-nourished by eating whole foods, many people choose to supplement their diet. A vegan diet is low in some nutrients, such as vitamin B-12, that are primarily present in […]

Posted by
What are the side effects of tramadol?

What are the side effects of tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription pain medication that can help with moderate to severe pain. It has a number of side effects, however, including dizziness, nausea, sweating, and heartburn. Less common side effects include confusion and hives. Doctors only prescribe tramadol to people over 12 years old. Adolescents with certain risk factors should speak with their […]

Posted by
What causes a loss of taste?

What causes a loss of taste?

A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. People may also use this phrase to describe an overpowering and typically unpleasant taste. Many medical issues may lead to a loss of taste. Some of these issues are harmless, while others may require a doctor to diagnose them. The […]

Posted by
Researchers close in on a new depression mechanism

Researchers close in on a new depression mechanism

One key characteristic of clinical depression is anhedonia, the complete lack of pleasure in things and activities that used to be rewarding. A new study in rats has now uncovered an important biological factor that contributes to this state. Researchers have found a new ‘key player’ in depression, and the discovery could lead to therapies […]

Posted by
How a fruit compound may lower blood pressure

How a fruit compound may lower blood pressure

Blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and peanuts are some of the natural sources of resveratrol — a plant compound that has received much attention in the medical community recently. New research in mice and human cells breaks down the mechanism through which resveratrol may lower blood pressure. Red grapes and some blueberries contain resveratrol. From […]

Posted by
Through my eyes: High functioning autism

Through my eyes: High functioning autism

At the risk of explaining the obvious to the neurotypicals — people not on the autistic spectrum — in the audience, I know that I am not every autistic person. I can only speak of my experience as a thirtysomething white cis man who grew up in semirural Hertfordshire. ‘You don’t seem autistic’ is something […]

Posted by
In mice: Are animal studies relevant to human health?

In mice: Are animal studies relevant to human health?

The media is rife with claims of breakthrough biomedical studies performed in animals. However, can animals ever faithfully model human health? What can animal models tell us about human health? Avid readers of medical news will be familiar with the widespread use of animal models in biomedical research. From nutrition to cancer research and studies […]

Posted by
Is Eczema Contagious?

Is Eczema Contagious?

What is eczema? Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin where patches of skin become rough and inflamed, often producing tiny fluid-filled bumps that can leak clear fluid. Eczema can occur at any age and is often chronic. The condition has a tendency to periodically worsen and then subside. Eczema is a general term […]