Did you know that certain trace elements in our body might play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? A study in China found that kids with ASD had different levels of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) compared to typically developing kids. The kids with ASD had lower zin
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain condition that affects how people act, interact, and think. There's no cure, which makes early detection crucial. Doctors look at kids' behaviors and history to spot it, but it's tough. The face can show brain signs, so facial features are a handy tool. AI c
Ever wondered why some people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feel less abdominal pain? Scientists have been puzzling over this for a while now. It turns out that a specific gene variation might play a key role. This gene is linked to Na v 1. 8, a protein that helps detect pain signals in our
Ever wondered how some compounds can help fight cancer? Let's talk about violaceoid F, a small molecule that's making big waves in cancer research. It all starts with FOXO3a, a protein that keeps cells from growing too much and triggers cell death when needed. In cancer cells, FOXO3a likes to hang o
Ever wondered how we can distinguish one math object from another? Some folks, known as nominalists, think it's a mystery. They question how we can tell math objects apart, since these objects don't share the same physical properties as everyday stuff. Let's dive into three methods to identify math
In Burr Ridge, Illinois, the local school district is grappling with a high rate of teacher absenteeism. The problem isn't new, as this year, 38% of teachers missed at least 10 days. Why? Health issues are a major reason, says the superintendent. Other districts like Gower (33%) and Pleasantdale (25
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) aim to boost health equity for communities that have faced discrimination. But do their policies truly fight racism? Often, they don't. This can lead to policies that unintentionally promote racism. To tackle this, we used a method called Critical Anti-Raci
Did you know that deep beneath the surface of the Earth, there's a whole world of tiny creatures? The Eger Rift is one such place, known for its frequent earthquakes and high CO2 levels. Scientists drilled down 238 meters to study the rocks and sediments, finding a fascinating mix of microbes. They
Imagine trying to walk with a prosthetic leg that doesn't fit quite right. It's not just uncomfortable; it can cause real problems, like skin irritation and poor mobility. The main issue? The size of the residual limb (the part of the leg left after amputation) can change over time, leading to a mis
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, or CCH, is a big player in making people's brains work less well over time. This happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced. Part of the puzzle involves how our bodies handle a nutrient called choline. When we eat food with choline, our gut bacteria break it dow
