Health
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 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the potential for further spread. This now triggers a coordinated international response to an extraordinary event and the mobilisation of resources, such as vaccines and diagnostic testing, to curb the spread of this infectious disease. But WHO has not declared mpox a pandemic. Rather, the measures it has triggered are designed to prevent it from becoming one. What triggered this...
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...
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 in the UK. This drug, called anastrozole, could benefit...
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes unwanted fat from various parts of the body. It is becoming increasingly popular among men and women who want to improve their appearance by getting rid of...
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...
Time to take laughter seriously
While people the world over enjoy a good laugh, remarkably little is known about this instinctive behaviour. By Ali Jones - Before babies can talk or walk, they can laugh. An infant’s first giggle...
New generation of artificial hearts promises lifeline to patients
Millions of people facing heart failure could benefit from new advances in artificial versions of the organ. By Michael Allen The human heart beats 100 000 times a day, every beat circulating blood, oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Heart failure happens when the fist-sized organ is unable to perform this vital function properly. Most people with the condition are forced to seek long-term mechanical support for blood circulation. While pumps and artificial hearts have been available for more than 40 years, the options currently on offer are tricky for their users.New normal The devices are often noisy and require patients to carry heavy battery packs and have wires going through their skin to power the device. Some even use...
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Editorial - Drug addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition that can affect people from all walks of life. It is characterized by a...
The COVID pandemic risks lasting damage to adult social care
Laura Noszlopy, University of Birmingham and Jean McHale, University of Birmingham - Three years have passed since the UK government implemented emergency legislation in response to the COVID pandemic. The Coronavirus Act 2020 made amendments to laws affecting many aspects of society, including the duties and powers incumbent on England’s local authorities to provide adult social care under the Care Act 2014. The Coronavirus Act 2020 set out legislative changes to statutory requirements, known as Care Act “easements”, which provided local authorities with a legal avenue to operate with reduced workforce capacity. The easements allowed care and support provision to be changed or, in extreme circumstances, withdrawn to meet more urgent needs elsewhere in the system. While it was important to...
In fight against male cancer, caring for mental health is a growing priority
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and its diagnosis - and treatment - can take a toll on emotional and...
Alzheimer’s disease: Viagra is seen as a potential treatment, but the research shows contradictory findings
Ian Maidment, Aston University and Hayley Gorton, Aston University - A recent study reported that sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra, and other medicines from the same group called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. But other research has found no effect. Why isn’t the picture clear? And what can be concluded about whether drugs such as sildenafil reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s if the available research has contradictory findings? Dementia has been described as a global pandemic. In 2022, it was the biggest cause of death in England and Wales. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and current treatment is with Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors...
Baby foods take centre stage in push for more safety and quality
Researchers are joining forces with the food and health industries to tighten controls and improve nutrition for infants and children. By DANIELA DE LORENZO If we...
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen area, while also tightening the abdominal muscles. It is a popular procedure among individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, postpartum women, or those who have excess skin and fat due to aging. The procedure...
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
By Anne Roumard - Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of women worldwide, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medications, and medical conditions. Understanding the causes of hair loss in women is crucial in determining the most effective treatment options, including hair transplant surgery. Genetics is one of the leading causes of hair loss in women. Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a condition that affects both men and women. In women, this type of hair loss typically results in thinning of the hair on the top and crown of the head, while the hairline remains intact. Women with a family history of hair loss are...
Can you really be allergic to alcohol?
Samuel J. White, Nottingham Trent University and Philippe B. Wilson, Nottingham Trent University Some people get allergy-like symptoms when drinking alcohol, but can you really...
Why your kids might be able to see better if they play outdoors more often
Karla Zadnik, The Ohio State University and Don Mutti, The Ohio State University - The ready availability of technology may make the children of...
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the face and neck. It is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help individuals look younger and more refreshed....
Keto diet may slow cancer tumour growth in mice – but not without potentially deadly consequences
Mhairi Morris, Loughborough University - The ketogenic (keto) diet has been popular in recent years among people looking to lose weight and keep fit....
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...
Powerful Strategies to Tame Stress and Reclaim Your Well-being
By Anne Roumard - Stress has become an unwelcome companion in our fast-paced, modern lives. From demanding work schedules...
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...
Can eating poppy seeds affect drug test results? An addiction and pain medicine specialist explains
Gary Reisfield, University of Florida - The U.S. Defense Department issued a memo on Feb. 17, 2023, warning service members to avoid eating poppy...
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...
Risk of heart disease lower when obesity is due to genetics rather than lifestyle – new research
Ida Karlsson, Karolinska Institutet and Elsa Ojalehto, Karolinska Institutet - It’s well known that a high body mass index (BMI) has negative effects on our health, increasing the risk of several diseases. This...
The Prevalence of Addiction
Editorial - The prevalence of addiction is a growing concern in today's society. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of...
Why Do People Snore?
Everything from special pillows to nose strips and even...
Long COVID: effects on fatigue and quality of life can be comparable to some cancers – new research
Henry Goodfellow, UCL - As of March 2023, the...
New generation of artificial hearts promises lifeline to patients
Millions of people facing heart failure could benefit from...
What’s the best diet for healthy sleep?
A nutritional epidemiologist explains what food choices will help...
Heartbreak has turned to rage in Israel. Can Benjamin Netanyahu survive the biggest challenge to his rule?
Ran Porat, Monash University - Israelis are once again venting their anger over the failure of the government to reach a deal to release...
Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?
Emma Shortis, RMIT University - It’s the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign from the start: is the United States...
First delivery of mpox vaccine doses from the Commission arrive today in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Brussels - Today, close to 100,000 mpox vaccine doses will arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making these the first delivery of the vaccine to...
Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture delivers its final report to President von der Leyen
Brussels - President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received today the final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, handed...
Kamala Harris’ campaign has taken off, but Donald Trump still has one advantage – if he can rein himself in
Lester Munson, University of Sydney - Six weeks ago, it was inconceivable that Vice President Kamala Harris would be in the driver’s seat of...
