Author: healthadmin

A new study provides one of the clearest pictures yet of what happens when Arctic permafrost thaws. The study, led by geoscientist Michael Rollins of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, provides detailed insight into how rising temperatures are reshaping water systems and releasing long-frozen carbon. The researchers studied an area of ​​Alaska’s North Slope, roughly the size of Wisconsin, where hundreds of rivers and streams flow into the Beaufort Sea. Using 44 years of model data at a kilometer resolution, they found that runoff has increased sharply, rivers are transporting more carbon, and the snowmelt season has extended into the…

Scientists examine microplastic particles under laboratory conditions as part of aquaculture research. (AA photo) April 5, 2026 03:01 AM GMT+03:00 MMicroplastics can reduce the output of aquaculture systems by up to 18%, according to a new study by researchers at Istanbul University, warning that urgent action is needed to protect sustainable food production.Control model shows production lossesThe study, conducted by Professors Nuray Erkan and Gokhan Tunceli from the Faculty of Aquatic Sciences at Istanbul University, investigated how exposure to microplastics affects farmed aquatic species within a controlled production system.The research team modeled an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system, a method that…

High testosterone levels in male teenagers suffering from depression are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that blood tests that assess hormone levels could one day help doctors identify teenage boys who are most at risk of self-harm. The study was published in the journal BMC Psychiatry. Depression and suicide rates among teenagers have steadily increased over the past decade. This issue poses a major public health challenge because doctors currently lack objective biological markers to predict which young people are most likely to consider or attempt suicide.…

Neuroimaging studies have investigated the brain activity of individuals who can spontaneously enter transcendental fantasy states, which are rare and non-ordinary states of consciousness. The researchers found that during this state, the participants’ brain connections were fundamentally reorganized. Visual and somatosensory connectivity decreased, and connectivity increased in fronto-parietal control regions of the brain. The paper was published in neuroimage. Non-ordinary states of consciousness are mental states that differ significantly from normal waking consciousness in terms of perception, cognition, emotion, and sense of self. Such a state can occur through a variety of means, including meditation, sensory deprivation, extreme stress, sleep,…

Young people often face daily challenges in terms of concentration, emotional regulation, and planning. A recent study published in Psychological Reports found that a rigorous mindset may bridge the gap between certain personality traits and everyday cognitive deficits. The findings of this study suggest that psychological inflexibility plays a mediating role in how anxiety and goal orientation relate to a person’s perceived mental efficiency. The human brain continues to develop even into our 20s. During this time, the prefrontal cortex is still maturing. This brain region is responsible for executive function, the high-level mental skills that allow people to navigate…

Climate change is impacting the United States in very different ways depending on region, according to a study published in . PLOS climate. María Dolores Gadea Rivas, a researcher at Spain’s University of Zaragoza, and Jesús Gonzalo, a researcher at Spain’s Universidad Carlos III, found that patterns of global warming vary widely across countries, pointing to the need for region-specific responses. Climate change is a global problem, but its effects are not evenly distributed. The progress of global warming is determined by local conditions. This means that policies and adaptation strategies need to be tailored to specific regions. Compared to…

Recent research published in Journal of social and personal relationships provide evidence that youth who hold hostile sexist beliefs are more likely to engage in behaviors intended to undermine the social relationships of their peers. The findings suggest that challenging traditional gender norms among young people may not only reduce prejudice but also improve the way young people interact with each other. Scientists typically study aggressive behavior by focusing on predictors related to small social circles, such as family and school environments. This approach tends to overlook how broader societal beliefs, such as gender and power expectations, influence human interactions.…

Imagine star-shaped cells in your brain extending long, thin extensions to surround nearby neurons. These cells are called astrocytes. Scientists have long believed that astrocytes function primarily as caretakers, holding neurons together and keeping brain circuits running smoothly. Now, new research is challenging that idea. These widely distributed “support cells” appear to be as important as neurons when it comes to the formation and control of fear memories. “Astrocytes are intertwined between neurons in the brain, and it’s hard to imagine that they’re just there for housekeeping. We wanted to understand what astrocytes actually do, and how they shape neural…

LOS ANGELES — People may think that if they’ve been drinking a little during the week or month, then having a heavy drink every now and then on a Friday or Saturday won’t harm their liver. New research suggests not, according to a study from USC’s Keck Medicine published today. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology. Researchers have found that people with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), the nation’s most common liver disease that affects one in three adults, face a significantly higher risk of liver fibrosis, or harmful scarring of the liver, if they engage in episodic heavy drinking. Episodic…

Climate change and pollution are accelerating global health threats. Insights from the 2025 Lancet Countdown report reveal rising heat-related deaths, wildfire smoke risks, and disease vectors. Discover sustainability solutions for urban planners and public health advocates.