Fungi are everywhere. They are in the soil, in compost, and in water. They are part of the vast kingdom of organisms that includes mold and mushrooms. While they play a crucial role in ecosystems, they can also be harmful to human health. Fungal infections are responsible for around 2. 5 million deaths each year. However, the actual number could be much higher due to...
The human body is full of mysteries. One of these is the sensitivity of our teeth. Ever wondered why a cold treat or a dentist's drill can make your teeth zing? The answer lies in the distant past, with ancient armored fish. These fish, living around 500 million years ago, had exoskeletons that were surprisingly complex. Scientists initially thought these scales bel...
Pancreatic cancer is a tough nut to crack. It is often diagnosed late, making treatment difficult. But what if there was a way to spot it earlier? New research is exploring an unusual place to find clues: the gut. Scientists have found that people with pancreatic cancer, whether in Finland or Iran, share similar patterns of gut bacteria. This isn't about what yo...
Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition that affects millions of people. At the heart of this disease lies a protein called amyloid beta (Aβ). This protein can take on many forms, and it is not entirely clear which ones are the most harmful. Scientists have found that when brain tissue containing Aβ is injected into animals, it can speed up the disease process. Ho...
The use of far-ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) light, specifically within the 200 to 235 nanometer range, has shown promise in killing germs. This type of light is being explored for various medical uses. However, its effectiveness against infections deep within the body, such as those in the lungs, is still being studied. The safety of Far-UVC light on different human tissu...
In Tanzania, cervical cancer stands out as a major health issue, particularly for women aged 15 to 49. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. This cancer type is also the top cancer affecting women of reproductive age. It is important to note that cervical cancer can be prevented and treated if caught early. This is why getting screened ...
Moyamoya angiopathy is a puzzling condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain. It's a rare disorder that can strike both kids and young adults. The main issue is that the carotid arteries in the brain gradually become blocked. This can lead to two serious problems: ischemic strokes, which happen when blood flow to the brain is cut off, and hemorrhagic strok...
The world of implementation science often relies on self-report measures. This is because many important factors are hard to observe directly. However, when surveys become too complex, people might rush through them or not pay full attention. This can lead to inaccurate data, which is a big problem for researchers. To tackle this issue, a recent study took a close lo...
Puerto Rico is aging quickly. Almost everyone there is of Hispanic or Latino background. This is one of the fastest aging populations globally. The focus is on people aged 85 and older. This group faces a significant cancer challenge. Researchers looked into how common cancer is and how often it leads to death among these elderly residents. They also compared these n...
A new marine reptile species has been discovered in British Columbia. This creature is part of the elasmosaur group, which lived in the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery was made possible by advanced deep-ocean technology and paleontology research. This new species, named Traskasaura sandrae, has been a mystery for a long time. It was finally identified after dec...