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How do cancer-causing bacteria take over our stomachs?

How do cancer-causing bacteria take over our stomachs?

A new study in mice uses cutting-edge imaging techniques to investigate how H. pylori, which are present in around half of the humans on earth, survive and thrive in the stomach. How do H. pylori (pictured above) colonize humans so successfully? Gut bacteria are one of the hottest topics in medical science today. As scientists […]

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What causes black mucus?

What causes black mucus?

When a person has black mucus, they may have inhaled potentially harmful pollutants. Or, they could have an underlying infection or condition. Mucus serves an important purpose in the nasal passages and other cavities throughout the body. It helps protect against infection and harm from foreign objects. Mucus also helps lubricate these passages and cavities. […]

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What to know about excessive burping

What to know about excessive burping

There is no single definition of excessive burping, but if a person thinks that they are burping far more than usual, they might feel as though they are burping excessively. A burp is a normal bodily function that occurs when the body releases excess air from the digestive tract through the mouth. The air typically […]

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Possible causes of facial pain

Possible causes of facial pain

Facial pain is common and often the result of headaches and injuries. However, other causes of facial pain include nerve conditions, jaw and dental problems, and infections. Facial pain can originate from a specific area of the face, or it may radiate from another part of the head. Doctors often categorize facial pain into one […]

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Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking prednisone?

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic form of adrenocortical steroid that doctors can prescribe to treat several different conditions. Prednisone can help balance hormones in people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough corticosteroids. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help treat diseases that cause inflammation, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. Prednisone can […]

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What is dermatophagia?

What is dermatophagia?

Dermatophagia is a psychological condition in which a person compulsively bites, chews, gnaws, or eats their skin. It often affects the skin around people’s fingers. Dermatophagia is an emerging concept in mental health research. For this reason, there have been few studies into precisely what it is and how it differs from other conditions. According […]

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Natural ways to lower cholesterol

Natural ways to lower cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the liver produces. It is also present in animal-based foods. Cholesterol supports many essential bodily functions, but high levels can lead to health issues. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), unhealthful lifestyle choices are the leading cause of high cholesterol. However, genetics, certain medical […]

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Alzheimer’s: How light therapy could protect the brain

Alzheimer’s: How light therapy could protect the brain

Researchers have previously shown that a type of light therapy could potentially reduce toxic proteins that build up in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. Now, the same team has identified what happens at cell level to achieve this result. A recent study asked why flickering light might help fight Alzheimer’s. In 2016, scientists at Massachusetts […]

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Are strangers’ mental health ‘recovery narratives’ helpful?

Are strangers’ mental health ‘recovery narratives’ helpful?

Researchers at the University of Nottingham in United Kingdom have reviewed dozens of articles analyzing the helpfulness of other people’s “recovery narratives” and found that they can help people overcome their own mental health problems. Hearing others’ recovery stories can help us cope with our own mental health issues. Increasingly, mental health professionals are considering […]