Drugs

A new study shows that engaging in solitary drinking during young adulthood can greatly increase the risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Drinking alcohol has become an integral part of most social events and gatherings and is particularly prevalent amongst adolescents. However, while most adults drink while in the company of others, studies show […]

Air pollution is estimated to have caused 6.7 million deaths around the world in 2019.  As the leading environmental cause of premature death, air pollution has been linked to several health conditions, including stillbirths, asthma, neurological and mental health disorders, strokes, and lung cancer.  These consequences are more prevalent in marginalized populations.1 Some advancements have […]

Iodine is instrumental in the creation of thyroid hormones, which normalize metabolism, development, and growth, from birth right up to the end of life.  Accordingly, iodine deficiency can have negative effects on brain function, fertility, and child development.  This nutrient can be found in foods such as seaweed, fish, iodized salt, dairy products, and some […]

A new study investigates the potential antimicrobial benefits of a phytochemical. The development of antibiotics was pivotal to the practice of modern medicine. Before the discovery of the first antibiotic, penicillin, in 1928, treatable and common bacterial infections often resulted in serious complications or were fatal.1  Since then, many different types of antibiotics were developed, […]

It has been shown that regular check-ups between a patient and the same doctor have numerous positive benefits for the patient, the doctor, and the overall health system. These benefits include:1 Reduction in all-cause mortality, Greater patient satisfaction with services, Improved adherence to medical advice and uptake of preventive medicines, Lower use of hospital care, […]

A new study investigates whether SARS-CoV-2 targets heart cells in COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, exerts well-documented adverse effects on the respiratory system.  These effects can vary significantly between individuals, as some COVID-19 patients require hospitalization while some patients only develop mild symptoms.1  Notably, a growing body of evidence suggests that individuals […]

The human nervous system is divided into two major parts known as the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.1 While the central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system represents the nerves that connect these structures to different parts of the body.1 When damage occurs to these branches, […]

A new analysis estimates the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on global rates of COVID-19-related mortality. The development of vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus was an integral part of the global pandemic response plan.  Studies show that these are effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19; for example, the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S vector vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 exhibited an efficacy […]

As we head into summer, the rise in humidity and temperature creates an ideal environment for ticks to thrive in.1 In fact, warmer weather is associated with an increased risk of infections caused by ticks, specifically Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis.1 As a result, it is important to learn about how […]

Hepatitis is a type of infection that causes liver inflammation and damage, with outbreaks documented as early as 5,000 years ago in China.1 Viral hepatitis can be caused by five different types of viruses belonging to the hepatotropic family: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis E virus.1,2 […]

Diverse communities of microorganisms live all over the human body – both inside and outside.1 These microbial cells exist in almost equal proportions to human cells, with an estimated total number of 38 trillion.1 In the human gastrointestinal tract, the resident bacteria of the gut microbiome help with digestion and are influenced by the types […]

A new study investigated neurodevelopment in children born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy. Despite being a respiratory virus, a growing body of research suggests that the effects of COVID-19 may go beyond the respiratory system. The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary significantly, and some people, particularly those who develop post-COVID conditions, […]

It’s important to keep in mind that several factors contribute to acne and the right acne treatment varies based on: 1 – the type of acne – the location – the timing of the breakouts – the age of the person What are good habits to adopt against acne? To start off there are some […]

The legalization of recreational cannabis has increased use by youth and adults, according to a new study.1 The findings, published in Addiction, contradict claims that recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) has no impact on cannabis use. Recreational cannabis legalization has gained momentum In 2016, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada made recreational cannabis use legal.1,2 Some studies […]

Approximately 25% of pregnant women will suffer significantly from stress.1 While stress can lead to poor health outcomes in the mother, it can also affect the health of the baby inside her womb. High levels of stress during pregnancy are concerning to clinicians as they may be associated with abnormal fetal brain development.2-4 In a […]