Ever thought about how your brain changes and grows? It turns out that tiny cells in your blood, called platelets, might play a big role in this. These little guys are like messengers, carrying important signals from your body to your brain. They help your brain adapt and change, a process known as brain plasticity. Platelets are usually known for their role in clot...
In the U. S. , there's been a rise in tools that show healthcare prices. These tools aim to help control costs and give patients more say in their care. But do they really help patients, or just add more stress? Most tools just put price info out there for patients to find if they want. This is called passive transparency. It might not help much. In fact, it could m...
In the heart of a bustling city, a trauma center sees many victims of violent crimes. Yet, most of these patients have never heard of a program designed to help them. This program, called Crime Victims Compensation (CVC), is meant to ease the financial burden of violent injuries. But awareness is shockingly low. Out of 2, 200 patients, only a small group of 141 were...
In the lush gardens of Nanjing, a silent battle is unfolding. Azaleas, those vibrant and beloved plants, are under attack. Over the past few years, about 15% of Rhododendron simsii plants in nurseries have shown signs of wilting and yellowing. The culprit? A sneaky pathogen causing crown and root rot. Scientists have identified the troublemaker as Phytopythium vexan...
Many people think their old PCs can't run Windows 11. But that's not always true. Even if your PC is more than five years old, there are ways to upgrade it for free. First, check if your PC meets the basic requirements. It should have enough memory and storage. If it was sold with Windows 10, it probably can be upgraded. But you might need to make some changes. One...
UnitedHealthcare's plan to limit remote patient monitoring (RPM) reimbursement starting in 2026 is a big mistake. They will only cover heart failure and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. This decision ignores the growing evidence that RPM helps manage common conditions like hypertension and diabetes. It also goes against the trend of modernizing chronic care. ...
Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) is a serious condition that can lead to widespread blood clotting and bleeding. It's often seen as an early warning sign for more severe health issues. While it's known that SIC can increase the chances of dying, its role in predicting blood clots and bleeding is still not fully understood. To shed some light on this, a study was con...
This year, something unusual happened. The U. S. didn't get hit by any major hurricanes. It's been ten years since this last occurred. Many storms formed in the Atlantic. But they all turned away before reaching the coast. Experts call this "recurvature. " It's when storms curve back out to sea instead of hitting land. Several factors played a role. Winds and air pr...
Patti Smith took the stage at the Orpheum Theatre, kicking off with a raspy "Jesus" that dissolved into a laugh. She shook it off and dove into "Gloria, " a song that's been a part of her identity for decades. Smith, a punk poet with a legacy stretching back half a century, blends her unique spirituality with rock 'n' roll. Her resume? Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and...
Moving to Puerto Rico from New York City was a big change. The idea of living near the beach and enjoying a warmer climate sounded amazing. However, life here isn't always as perfect as it seems. First, the people here are incredibly welcoming. Locals go out of their way to help newcomers. They share their numbers and offer assistance with anything, from finding a d...