Smoking during pregnancy has long been linked to various health issues in newborns. But how does it affect them at a molecular level? Research has shown that sustained smoking by mothers during pregnancy can lead to changes in the DNA of their newborns. These changes, known as methylation, can affect how genes are expressed. This means that the genes might not wo...
In 2010, a new way to think about food was born in Brazil. This system, called Nova, sorts food into four main groups. It looks at how much a food has been changed from its natural state. Some foods are hardly changed at all. Others go through a lot of processing. The most changed foods are called ultra-processed. These are the ones to watch out for. Why? Because eat...
Selenium might not be a household name, but it's a mineral that plays a vital role in keeping our bodies running smoothly. Unfortunately, many people in Brazil aren't getting enough of it. This isn't just a minor issue; it's a significant health concern. Selenium is essential for a strong immune system and protecting our cells from harm. Without adequate selenium, th...
In the United States, conversations about race and racism are often avoided during routine check-ups for kids. This is despite the fact that these topics can greatly affect a child's health and overall well-being. There's a lot of uncertainty about whether families want to have these conversations with their pediatrician. If they do, how should doctors be trained to ...
The link between weather and our emotions is real. For over a decade, researchers have been looking into how temperature shifts affect our moods. They have found that changes in temperature can influence how we feel. This is not just about feeling hot or cold. It is about how these changes can make us feel sad, worried, or lonely. To understand this better, scie...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. caused a stir recently. He is the head of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. He suggested that government scientists might stop publishing their research in top medical journals. He made this statement on a podcast called "The Ultimate Human". The journals he mentioned are The Lancet, the New England Journal of Medicine, and JAM...
Climate change is a big deal for our health. The effects of climate change on our well-being are well-documented. It is important to understand what future doctors think about this issue. A recent survey in Jordan looked into how much medical students know and how they feel about climate change and health. The survey included 837 students from different medical f...
Prostate cancer is a big deal among Latino men in the U. S. There are some striking differences between those born in the U. S. and those who migrated from other countries. The numbers show that U. S. -born Latino men have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer. This is a fact that needs more attention. The reasons behind this trend are not fully understood. ...
The vagus nerve is a powerhouse in the body, playing a crucial role in managing inflammation. This nerve, which stretches from the brainstem to the gut, is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" state, which is the opposite of the "fight or flight" response. The vagus nerve helps regulate various automa...
The cycle of childhood trauma is a serious issue. It affects how a child's brain and body grow. This trauma can lead to long-term mental health problems and chronic diseases. It can also repeat itself in future generations. This is where the STANCE program comes in. It was created to break this cycle. The program focuses on helping young children and their families. ...