How brain cells lay down infrastructure to grow and create memories

Research published today in Science Advances sheds new light on the molecular machinery that enables the shape, growth and movement of neurons. It is the first time scientists have revealed how the brain shuttles genetic code within its cells, a process believed to be crucial for the formation and storage of long-term memories. Brain cells, […]

You Don't Have To Lock Yourself Inside At All Times To Practice Social Distancing

Social distancing is recommended to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. Experts say staying at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible will help slow the new coronavirus epidemic. Going outside is still okay (and suggested for your mental and physical health) as long as you steer clear of highly populated areas. Ever […]

Not just decluttering: How to make minimalism work better for you

Minimalism, originally used to describe mid-century art, has grown to become much more than simple decluttering, or a design aesthetic. It’s now becoming one of the defining virtues of our age, with dozens of books and blogs guiding us on how to live with less. Marie Kondo. Sustainability. Ethical fashion. KeepCups. Social media detoxes. Friend […]

Hand-made tale: Indian amputee’s new lower limbs adapt to her body

When amputee Shreya Siddanagowder was offered new hands, the Indian student didn’t hesitate—even though they were big, dark and hairy, and once belonged to a man. Now though, not only have her new hands become more slender, they have also changed colour to match her skin tone, mystifying the doctors who carried out the rare […]

Despite the best laid plans, every organization is susceptible to social engineering

While there are no shortage of technical approaches for hackers targeting a healthcare organization, the fact of the matter is that many attacks start with doctors, administrative workers and the other employees who might not have cybersecurity on the mind. This approach, often referred to under the umbrella term of “social engineering,” is at the […]

Antidote to pain and negativity? Let it be

Merely a brief introduction to mindfulness helps people deal with physical pain and negative emotions, a new study by researchers at Yale, Columbia, and Dartmouth shows. The effect of mindfulness was so pronounced, they found, that even when participants were subjected to high heat on their forearm, their brain responded as if it was experiencing […]

Mother, 35, risks her life to save her baby

Mother, 35, risks her life to save her baby by undergoing dangerous transplant surgery to donate a piece of her liver Firefighter Jonathan Roscoe is used to saving lives, but it’s his wife, Danielle, who has saved the life of their son Otis by donating part of her liver, after doctors warned he would die […]

Weight-based bullying linked to increased adolescent alcohol, marijuana use

Adolescents who are bullied about their weight or body shape may be more likely to use alcohol or marijuana than those who are not bullied, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. The link between appearance-related teasing and substance use was strongest among overweight girls, raising special concerns about this group. “This […]

Poor sleep in infancy linked to behavioral and emotional problems in toddlers

Disrupted and poor quality sleep in the earliest months of a child’s life can be an indicator of depression, anxiety and behavioural problems among toddlers, according to a new study. Researchers at the Institute for Mental Health, at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, in Helsinki, found […]

Moving later in life may not lower cognitive decline linked to Stroke Belt

People who spent their childhood or early adulthood in the Stroke Belt are more likely to develop cognitive impairment later in life, even if they have moved away, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2020—Feb. 19-21 in Los Angeles, a world premier meeting for researchers and […]