In Central Texas, heavy rains led to terrible flash floods. Some people online blamed this on cloud seeding, a method used to make rain. But experts say this is not true. Cloud seeding is an old idea. It started in the 1940s. The process involves putting things like silver iodide into clouds to mak
Medical devices are tricky. They're not like drugs. They have learning curves, affect how hospitals work, and their prices change over time. Plus, there's often not much data on them. This makes it hard to figure out if they're worth the money. People study these things to help decide where to spen
Heart patients with mechanical aortic valves often need blood thinners for life. These meds, called vitamin K antagonists, stop dangerous clots from forming on the new valve. The usual target for blood thinning, measured by INR, is 2. 5. But some patients have extra risks. If they have atrial fibri
Bananas are more than just a tasty snack. They have been used for ages in traditional medicine. Two types, Musa sapientum and Musa paradisiaca, are packed with helpful compounds. These include flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins. They are found in different parts of the plant, like the roots, fruits
New Zealand's public mental health services are facing a big problem. More and more psychiatrists are choosing to leave their jobs. This is a serious issue because it affects the care that people receive. There are many reasons why psychiatrists are leaving. One big reason is the workload. They hav
In New Zealand, managing cholesterol levels after a heart attack is crucial. The focus is on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad" cholesterol. After a first heart attack, doctors aim to keep LDL in check to prevent further issues. However, there's a gap in how well this is being done.
In Taiwan, a group of researchers decided to look into why some people are more active in their free time than others. They wanted to see if genes play a role in how much someone enjoys or does physical activities during leisure time. The team focused on Taiwanese people because not much research h
Caffeine is a popular stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Many people rely on it to stay alert and focused. But how does caffeine affect the body, especially when combined with exercise? A recent study looked into this question, focusing on adults who are overweight. The study wanted
North High School's girls' basketball team recently showed that their skills extend beyond the court. They organized a youth camp where they not only taught younger players but also collected food donations for the local community. The team brought these donations to the Sojourner House, a shelter t
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a vital service called 1737 Need to Talk has been making waves since its launch in mid-2017. This service lets people reach out for mental health support via phone or text, offering a lifeline to those in need. The goal? To understand how this service is being used and who's
