Author: healthadmin
Almost all animal species, including humans, have blood cells. However, blood is not the same throughout the animal kingdom. Different species have evolved different types of blood cells and immune cells, reflecting millions of years of adaptation to infection and disease. Thanks to advances in hematology and immunology, scientists already understand much about the composition and function of blood cells in humans and mice. What remains unclear is how these cells first appeared and evolved over time. To answer these questions, researchers at Kyoto University set out to trace the origin and diversification of blood cells across the animal kingdom.…
In June, players from 16 countries will open the World Cup wearing other people’s old clothes. Well, maybe. They will wear sports uniforms made from recycled fabrics, possibly with a mix of scraps and old clothing. This is the latest move by Nike, one of the world’s largest apparel companies, to incorporate more recycled materials into its clothing. Now, the clothing giant has announced that it has produced its first elite performance apparel from 100% textile waste using “advanced chemical recycling.” Nike executives and some media reports have hinted that the outfit is a tipping point for sustainable fashion, meaning…
Occupational exposure to carcinogens among health and social care workers in Europe: new insights from worker exposure studies Cancer remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide, and occupational exposure to carcinogens is recognized as an important and preventable cause. A new study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and supported by the La Caixa Foundation sheds new light on the prevalence of cancer-causing risk factors, particularly in the health and social care sector (HeSCare) across Europe. Unlike many previous studies that focused primarily on the industrial and manufacturing sectors, this study outlines exposures encountered…
Researchers tracked 42,759 menstrual cycles with wearable devices, revealing how sleep patterns, age, and physiology are intertwined, and found that even subtle sleep disturbances can be associated with measurable changes in menstrual health. Research: The menstrual cycle through the lens of wearable devices: Insights into physiology, sleep, and cycle variability. Image credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.com recent NPJ Digital Medicine The study investigated how data from wearable devices can reveal relationships between women’s menstrual cycle stages, sleep patterns, and physiological fluctuations. Current understanding and unanswered questions in menstrual cycle physiology The menstrual cycle involves repeated hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral fluctuations in a…
We’ve all heard the advice: eat your fruits and vegetables, take your vitamins, and stay healthy. In most cases, that guidance is valid. But some nutrients have a more complex story, and vitamin B12 is an interesting example. B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for life. It helps the body produce red blood cells, keeps the nervous system functioning, and plays a central role in how cells copy and repair DNA. B12 is naturally found in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. Some cereals and breads are also fortified with it, which can help non-meat…
From heart rate and skin temperature to cycle fluctuations and menopausal symptoms, wearable devices are giving researchers an unprecedented real-world view of women’s health and could help transform the way menstrual and hormonal changes are monitored and managed. Research: Decoding menstrual health across the lifespan: A scoping review of digital health tools in research. Image credit: BAZA Production/Shutterstock.com Recent reviews published in magazines npj women’s health We investigated how digital health tools, particularly wearable devices and smartphone apps, are advancing research on women’s health related to menstruation and have the potential to help women understand and improve their menstrual health…
New research warns that humans are putting more pressure on the planet than it can sustain, raising concerns for future food security, climate stability and human well-being. Although researchers say the situation is serious, they also believe that slowing population growth and changing consumption patterns may still help reduce risks in the long term. This study environmental research lettersconcludes that humanity has already exceeded the Earth’s sustainable carrying capacity. Scientists say the combination of continued population growth and current levels of resource use will place even greater strain on ecosystems and societies around the world. The study examined more than…
Smart ring maker Oura secretly filed for an initial public offering after reaching a valuation of $11 billion last year. The company announced on May 21 that it has filed a draft registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The company said the initial public offering is subject to market and other conditions and will occur after the SEC completes its review process. Founded in Finland in 2013, Oura’s smart ring continuously tracks more than 50 health metrics, including…
Elbow injuries are once again in the spotlight in professional baseball, with Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery, but new research from the University of Waterloo suggests that many pitchers may be able to reduce stress on their elbows without sacrificing ball speed. Computer modeling at the University of Waterloo has shown that professional baseball pitchers can make mechanical changes to avoid common career-threatening elbow injuries without necessarily sacrificing competitive speed. ”In our simulations, we found solutions that suggest the existence of untapped efficiencies.” said Cedric Attias, who led the study and is a…
Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease slowly damage the brain by destroying neurons, the cells that carry messages through the nervous system. When these cells are lost, people can experience memory loss, cognitive decline, and movement difficulties, which are often severe enough to require ongoing care. Current drugs can alleviate some symptoms, and recent Alzheimer’s treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab can slow decline in certain people with early-stage disease, but they do not restore lost memory or rebuild damaged brain tissue. That’s why researchers are pursuing another ambitious idea: helping the brain replace lost neurons.…