So, you've just experienced your first psychotic episode. It's a tough time, and one of the first things docs often recommend is antipsychotic meds. But how's that playing out in real life? A recent study dove into this, checking out how often these meds are started in the year after a first-time ps
Ever wondered what keeps African genets busy at night? Two types of genets, the small-spotted and Cape genets, were studied to find out how seasons and competition affect their nightly activities. These tiny carnivores live in the same area but have slightly different habits. Scientists tracked them
Thoracic disc herniation might not be as rare as you think. But why is it such a big deal? Well, there are two main obstacles we face with this condition. First, cutting out the herniated disc can be a real challenge. The thoracic spine is a tricky area to operate on because it's protected by the ri
Did you know that some bacteria can use a powerful antioxidant called ergothioneine as their main source of nitrogen? Burkholderia sp. HME13 is one of them. This microbe has a clever set of enzymes that help it break down ergothioneine for its own use. One of these enzymes, ErtE, is particularly int
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare and often deadly disease that's usually found at an advanced stage. The standard first-line treatment is a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin. However, there's no clear global standard for second-line treatments after chemotherapy. New therapies targeting s
Did you know that inflammation in your bile ducts can sometimes look a lot like cancer? This can make it tough for doctors to manage the real deal—biliary tract cancer (BTC). But what if we told you that there's a genetic connection between these two? Scientists have been trying to figure out the mo
European countries are taking action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by creating National Action Plans (NAPs). These plans aim to boost understanding and awareness of AMR. However, translating these targets into practical advice for general practitioners is where things get tricky. General pr
Scientists have created something amazing - a cell line from the muscles of a male Cuvier's Beaked whale that washed up on the Italian coast. This is the first time such a cell line has been made in a lab. The team started by growing these cells and checking their growth rate, chromosomes, and prote
Chronic hand eczema, or CHE, is a tricky skin issue. It's got various causes, looks different on each person, and has no one-size-fits-all treatment. Plus, it can really mess with your life, affecting your mood, ability to work, and overall health. This study looked into how Italian dermatologists h
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable increase in gun purchases in the United States. Simultaneously, the country witnessed a rise in racism and hate crimes. But did these two trends intersect? This study explores whether experiencing racism influenced Americans' decision to buy guns dur
