Beards are fashionable these days, but a study found some scary stuff lurking in them.
The main goal of the research was not to analyze beards. Instead, scientists at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria, wanted to see if it was safe for people to use the same MRI scanners that dogs are sometimes scanned in.
Most veterinarians don’t have MRI scanners.… Read More
Americans visit the doctor an average of three times a year. And during each visit, the doctor or a nurse typically takes vital signs.
There are four standard vital signs:
But new research makes the case that there should be a fifth.
A review of more than 140 recent studies looked at the relationship between muscle mass and overall health.… Read More
Some of us like to work in a dimly lit room so we can concentrate. We might even close our eyes to focus ourselves mentally.
A darkened environment seems to lend itself to blocking out distractions.
But surprising research finds that doing this is not only unhelpful, it actually damages your ability to absorb and remember new information.i
In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, neuroscientists at Michigan State University trained Nile grass rats to perform a simple task.… Read More
Is your liver quietly dying? If so, you’re not alone.
And it may have nothing to do with drinking too much.
Some 40% of Americans have a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is common in people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes.i
It typically has no symptoms. But here’s the scariest part…
It is progressive.… Read More
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is more than just a little tummy trouble.
It’s an autoimmune illness that can be disabling. It causes diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss, and overwhelming fatigue that can destroy your quality of life. IBD also increases your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and kidney and liver disease.
The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. … Read More
Was it hard to concentrate during that important work meeting?
Maybe the crossword puzzle was more difficult than usual?
Or perhaps you had a hard time remembering what you were supposed to buy at the grocery store.
You may think these common mental lapses are a normal part of getting older. But a study shows that there is often a simple solution that can restore your cognitive sharpness.… Read More