Author: healthadmin
Many British adults want to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, but this research shows that confusion, cost, convenience and mixed messages remain obstacles. Research: Understandings of ultra-processed foods among adults responsible for household food activities in the UK: A qualitative study. Image credit: nau2018 / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal BMC Global and Public Healthresearchers conducted a qualitative study to explore perceptions of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the United Kingdom (UK). This study utilized thematic analysis based on data from 30 UK adults who were primarily responsible for food in their households. Results showed that…
A new Perspective article says generative AI could help scientists decipher the hidden complexities of cancer across images, molecules, and clinical data, opening new avenues for smarter diagnosis, discovery, and treatment. Perspective: Tackle cancer complexity using generative models. Image credit: Antonio Marca / Shutterstock Recent Perspective articles published in journals cell We argue that generative models can help address the complexity of cancer. “Cancer hallmarks” provided a framework for organizing our understanding of cancer biology. They proposed a set of principles that govern the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells and the subsequent progression of cancer. Features represent a…
People who think their depression or anxiety is the result of a chemical imbalance tend to use antidepressants for much longer periods of time than people who think their condition is a reaction to life events. These people are less likely to try to stop taking their medication, even if their ongoing symptoms are mild. A study detailing these patterns was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Since the 1990s, pharmaceutical marketing and educational campaigns have heavily promoted the idea that depression is a biological disease. Many of these campaigns specifically argued that mental distress was caused by a…
Thirty years after the closure of one of the world’s largest lead mines, the people of Kabwe in Zambia are still dealing with the aftermath. Facing rampant lead contamination that continues to put children at risk, Kabwe families, along with a coalition of human rights groups, are calling on the African Union to force Zambia to clean up the site.”For generations, children in Kabwe have been forced to grow up in a toxic environment that no child should ever be exposed to,” said Moussa Kika, director of the African Institute for Human Rights and Development, one of the groups filing…
Alcohol use disorder affects tens of millions of people worldwide, resulting in huge economic losses and serious public health impacts. Chronic conditions are defined by a loss of control over drinking habits and severe negative emotional states when the drug is no longer taken. Several drugs have been approved to treat this disorder, but they are only effective for some patients. In a recent study, researchers found that genetic markers associated with specific brain receptors predicted the severity of alcoholism in rodents, and that administration of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin reduced withdrawal-induced drinking. The study was published in the journal…
Human society has not simply adapted to the natural world. They steadily learned how to change it. Arlie Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, draws on research in archaeology, ecology, anthropology, and evolutionary theory to explain how cultural practices have evolved to exert extraordinary influence on the ecosystems that sustain humans. From the early use of fire to cook food and shape landscapes to modern systems such as industrial agriculture, global trade, and rapidly growing cities, societies have developed powerful tools and institutions. These social and cultural advances have enabled humanity to…
Recent research has investigated the role of past traumatic experiences and how people emotionally connect with others, as well as the consensual exchange of power during sex and the role of pain. This study shows that a history of childhood sexual abuse and certain unstable emotional patterns are associated with whether someone prefers a submissive or dominant sexual role. These initial results were published in the journal behavioral science. To understand these connections, it is helpful to examine the framework surrounding bondage, discipline, domination, submission, and sadomasochism. This group of acts is commonly known by its early expression, BDSM. This…
As the demand for computing continues to soar, scientists are exploring the quantum world for smarter ways to process large amounts of data. One promising direction is a field called orbitronics, which focuses on harnessing the movement of electrons around the nucleus, known as orbital angular momentum, to more efficiently transport and store information. Traditionally, controlling this movement required magnetic materials such as iron, which were heavy, expensive, and difficult to scale to fit into actual devices. New research introduces a much simpler approach to producing this orbital motion in electrons. The key lies in a new area of physics…
Recent research published in political psychology A person’s general tendency to believe in conspiracies suggests that he or she is strongly predicted to support a particular political rumor, primarily when that rumor attacks a political opponent. This study provides evidence that psychological traits and political allegiances interact to shape what people are willing to believe. These findings help explain how political divisions influence the spread of misinformation. Previous research has identified two distinct predictors of these beliefs. First, people have varying levels of “conspiracy thinking.” This is a common psychological tendency to believe that secret evil forces control world events.…
Researchers led by Northwestern University have developed a fuel cell that uses microorganisms naturally found in soil to generate electricity. The device, about the size of a paperback book, generates small amounts of electricity by capturing the energy released when these microorganisms break down organic matter in dirt. This soil power system is designed to power underground sensors used in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. This is a battery that could potentially replace traditional batteries, which contain toxic and flammable materials, rely on complex global supply chains, and contribute to increased e-waste. Power the sensor without batteries To demonstrate its…