Imagine you're sitting in a room where big decisions about food are made. In South Africa and Ghana, those decisions often prioritize business interests over nutrition. Why is that? Let's dive into the political game of food policy. In these countries, food systems are ruled by a mix of governments
You know those super-cheap Ikea prices that make us all happy? Well, they might not stay that way. The boss of the company that runs most Ikea stores says tariffs, like the ones Donald Trump wants to put on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, make it tough to keep prices low. He's worried these ta
When it comes to making decisions about health services, including those for mothers and newborns, it's crucial to involve everyone affected – service users and other stakeholders. This practice is seen as democratic and open. But, in low- and middle-income countries, there's a gap in understanding
Imagine trying to understand why things happen when they do. That's what Victor Ambros set out to do while studying a tiny worm called C. elegans. He found that certain genes, called heterochronic genes, control when cells mature. It was like figuring out the rhythm of life for these tiny creatures.
Diclofenac, a popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been a topic of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because it can worsen the disease by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial problems. COVID-19 is known for its hyperinflammation, and diclofenac might make this w
Ever wondered how tough childhood experiences affect a person's brain? Researchers recently took a close look at this, using saliva to check out brain-derived microRNAs in teenagers who had been through a lot. These microRNAs are like tiny messengers that can show if certain genes are being affected
Imagine this: a man in Brazil received his third Pfizer COVID-19 shot and soon after, his intestinal lymph nodes started to inflame. This isn't the typical reaction to the vaccine. Usually, lymph nodes near the injection site swell up a bit. But in this case, it was the mesenteric lymph nodes, locat
The world's best television shows were celebrated in New York at the 2024 International Emmy Awards. Winners came from 21 different countries, showcasing the global nature of the TV industry. A French-Japanese manga adaptation called "Drops of God" took home the award for best drama series. Competi
Last week, a weird smell and droplets were found on the International Space Station (ISS) after opening a Russian supply ship. NASA astronaut Don Pettit compared the smell to spray paint. The crew quickly closed the hatch and checked the air. Luckily, the air quality returned to normal the next day.
The epidermal growth factor receptor, or EGFR, helps cells grow and become specialized. But when things go wrong, EGFR can cause cancer. There are eight molecules, called ligands, that activate EGFR, with two main ones being epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α). Sci
