Health

Are you one of the millions about to have cataract surgery? Here’s what ophthalmologists say you need to know

Allan Steigleman, University of Florida and Elizabeth M. Hofmeister, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Cataract surgery is one of the most popular and commonly performed procedures in the world. The vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes with few complications. Here are the numbers: By age 80, over half of all Americans have cataracts. Close to 4 million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year. Over 90% of patients have 20/20 vision with glasses after surgery, although those with other eye conditions may not do as well, including those with...

What happens to your liver when you quit alcohol

Ashwin Dhanda, University of Plymouth - According to Greek mythology, Zeus punished Prometheus for giving fire to humans. He chained Prometheus up and set an eagle to feast on his liver. Each night,...

Smokers have a higher level of harmful bacteria in the mouth – new study

Yvonne Prince, Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Glenda Mary Davison, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that...

Proposed smoking ban would improve UK public health – but tobacco industry opposition could be a major roadblock

Phil Chamberlain, University of Bath and Allen Gallagher, University of Bath - In his speech on Tuesday, King Charles III outlined what measures the government plans to introduce to cut smoking rates and create a...

It’s okay to run slowly – in fact it has plenty of benefits

Dan Gordon, Anglia Ruskin University; Jonathan Melville, Anglia Ruskin University, and Matthew Slater, Anglia Ruskin University Runners are obsessed with time. Amateur or professional, for most avid runners the aim is to get faster...

Obesity in children is rising dramatically, and it comes with major – and sometimes lifelong – health consequences

Christine Nguyen, University of Southern California - In the past two decades, children have become more obese and have developed obesity at a younger age. A 2020 report found that 14.7 million children and adolescents in the U.S. live with obesity. Because obesity is a known risk factor for serious health problems, its rapid increase during the COVID-19 pandemic raised alarms. Without intervention, many obese adolescents will remain obese as adults. Even before adulthood, some children will have serious health problems beginning in their preteen years. To address these issues, in early 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first new obesity management guidelines in 15 years. I am a pediatric gastroenterologist who sees children in the largest public hospital in California,...

Kids are exposed to violent war images: trauma expert sets out how you can protect them

Kristen Choi, University of California, Los Angeles - In today’s screen-filled world, many children and teens have nearly continuous access to media. Estimates from...

Alcohol Addiction

Editorial - Alcohol addiction is a prevalent problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic disease that can have both physical and psychological consequences, and it can be difficult to overcome without professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to understand the signs, causes, and treatment options available. The signs of alcohol addiction can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include an increased tolerance for alcohol, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and an inability to control how much or when to drink. Other signs can include neglecting responsibilities, drinking alone, and experiencing blackouts or memory loss. The causes of alcohol addiction can be complex...

Most people who think they are allergic to penicillin aren’t

Colin Michie, University of Central Lancashire - About 6% of people in the UK are wrongly labelled on their medical records as being allergic...

Nicotine Addiction

Editorial - Nicotine addiction is one of the most common addictions around the world. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco, which is why smoking is so difficult to quit. Nicotine addiction affects millions of people worldwide and is responsible for many health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. The nicotine in tobacco stimulates the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that gives us a sense of pleasure and reward. This release of dopamine is what makes smoking so addictive and why it's so hard to quit. Nicotine addiction is both physical and psychological, making it one of the most challenging addictions to overcome. Nicotine addiction...

What are Botox Injections?

Botox injections are a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This non-invasive procedure involves injecting a purified form...

Turning 50? Here are 4 things you can do to improve your health and well-being

Jay Maddock, Texas A&M University When the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve to mark the beginning of 2023, I came to grips with the fact that I would turn 50 years old this year. Entering a new decade is often a time to pause and reflect on our lives, particularly when reaching middle age. For 50-year-old American men, the average...

Microplastics: are plastic alternatives any safer for our health?

Xavier Coumoul, Université Paris Cité; Jean-Baptiste Fini, Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (MNHN); Nicolas Cabaton, Inrae, and Sylvie Bortoli, Université Paris Cité Plastic pollution is now pervasive in our environment, contaminating everywhere from our homes and workplaces to the planet’s deepest recesses. The problem regularly makes headlines, with the spotlight turned toward ocean pollution in particular. The startling images of plastic pollution may seem far removed from our lives, but they should not distract us from a problem that is less visible and so receives far less attention and affects human beings and ecosystems – microplastic and nanoplastic contamination. In contrast to macroplastics, which result from the degradation of larger objects (found in the form of paint flakes or fibres, for example), microplastics...

Breast cancer prevention drug approved for post-menopausal women in the UK – here’s how it works

Sarah Allinson, Lancaster University - A drug that can halve the risk of developing breast cancer in post-menopausal women has been approved for use...

Pros and Cons of a Beard Transplant

By Anne Roumard, Harbinger Editorial - Are you considering a beard transplant to achieve that rugged, masculine look? Before you make a decision, it's...

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a "nose job," is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and enhance the appearance of the nose. This procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced plastic...

A silent killer, liver cancer prompts race to improve organ replacements

With the only cure for liver cancer often being a transplantation, scientists are honing the selection of patients for this life-saving surgery and growing...

The Prevalence of Addiction

Editorial - The prevalence of addiction is a growing concern in today's society. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic...

White patients are more likely than Black patients to be given opioid medication for pain in US emergency departments

Trevor Thompson, University of Greenwich and Sofia Stathi, University of Greenwich - White people who visit hospital emergency departments...

What is Rhinoplasty?

Scientists remain vigilant for new Covid-19 variants while improving the ability to predict complications

Unveiling the Secrets of Modern Orthodontics for a Radiant Smile

By Anne Roumard - In a world where confidence is key and smiles are the ultimate accessory, the journey to a perfect set of teeth has evolved far beyond traditional braces. Modern orthodontics has...

People with Parkinson’s may benefit from cardio, weight training and yoga – here’s what you need to know

Aideen Sullivan, University College Cork and Lucy Collins-Stack, University College Cork - Many people associate Parkinson’s disease with the physical symptoms it causes –...

WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency. What happens next?

C Raina MacIntyre, UNSW Sydney - The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, after rising cases...

Tracking daily step counts can be a useful tool for weight management – an exercise scientist parses the science

Bob Buresh, Kennesaw State University - Over the last decade, smartphones have become ubiquitous not just for sending texts and staying abreast of news, but also for monitoring daily activity levels. Among the most...