Author: healthadmin

Scientists at Stanford Medicine have identified a natural molecule that appears to mimic some of the weight-loss effects of semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic. In animal studies, this molecule reduced appetite and weight while avoiding some common side effects such as nausea, constipation, and muscle loss. This molecule, called BRP, acts through different but related biological pathways to activate different groups of neurons in the brain. This suggests it may offer a more precise way to control appetite and metabolism. “The receptors that semaglutide targets are located not only in the brain, but also in the intestines, pancreas, and other…

A new study reveals that while most dietitians work one-on-one with patients to reintroduce FODMAP foods, the lack of a standard approach may make this critical step in IBS care more variable than expected. Research: Reintroducing fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols into clinical practice: exploring gaps and opportunities. Image credit: Alkema Natalia / Shutterstock Recent research published in journals Progress of gastric hep highlights a notable discrepancy among registered dietitians (RDs) during the food reintroduction phase of a low-fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, polyol (FODMAP) diet. Although most clinicians provide individualized counseling and follow-up, approaches vary in timing, sequencing, and…

Increasing evidence suggests that rat hepatitis E virus infects humans more frequently than is realized, raising urgent questions about diagnosis, transmission, and the true global burden of this overlooked infectious disease. Research: Rocahepevirus ratti: molecular evolution, zoonotic potential and public health implications. Image credit: Rudmer Zwerver / Shutterstock Recent research published in journals nature communications Rat hepatitis E virus (ratHEV, Rocahepevirus Latti) Ecology, molecular virology, host range, and clinical impact. Hepatitis E is a well-known cause of acute hepatitis, with 19.5 million cases annually, and its clinical entity was considered synonymous with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. HEV is currently…

A six-phase study using LH-based cycle tracking found that muscle strength and mood did not change synchronously across the menstrual cycle, suggesting that more individualized, cycle-aware methods may be needed for coaches to monitor readiness and performance. Study: Effect of menstrual cycle on physical and psychological parameters of female athletes. Image credit: Dee-sign / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal scientific reportGerman researchers investigated how six different stages of the menstrual cycle were associated with differences in physical fitness and psychological well-being in female athletes. The study sample included 18 normomenorrhagic women whose menstrual cycle phases were…

A new review of clinical studies suggests that people receiving ketamine for mental health conditions do not face an increased risk of severe bladder and urinary tract problems, at least in the short term. The researchers noted that although these symptoms are common among recreational users, medically monitored doses appear to be much safer. The study results were published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Ketamine was synthesized in the early 1960s as a safer alternative to older anesthetics. The duration of effects was shorter and the risk of delirium was lower. It has been a staple in operating rooms around…

New research suggests that taking low doses of the hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide, known as LSD, can enhance the way the human brain processes emotional rewards. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, points to specific changes in brain electrical activity after administering small doses to patients suffering from mild depression. These neural changes were consistent with an improvement in mood that lasted several days after the initial exposure. For years, there has been growing public interest in the act of ingesting very small, barely perceptible amounts of psychedelic drugs. This practice, often referred to as microdosing, is frequently…

Recent research has revealed that the physical structure of certain brain regions acts as a bridge between narcissistic personality traits and the habit of hiding one’s emotions. By looking at brain scans of healthy adults, researchers found that the volume and surface folds of the anterior insula correspond to both narcissistic tendencies and emotional suppression. The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Although narcissism is often thought of as a single personality flaw, psychologists divide it into two main dimensions. Grandiose narcissism is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a constant desire for admiration, and a…

New research into Neanderthal remains unearthed from a Belgian cave sheds light on a disturbing aspect of prehistoric life. Researchers analyzing human bones from the Troisièmes cave in Gohiers, Belgium, found evidence that Neanderthals practiced selective cannibalism between 41,000 and 45,000 years ago. Bodies indicate that adult women and children were the main victims. For the first time, scientists were able to construct biological profiles of the people whose bones were found at the site. Their findings suggest that these people did not belong to the local Neanderthal group that lived in the area. Rather, they may have come from…

A study of more than 1,000 boys and girls ages 9 to 13 found that those who played the Roblox adventure video game Super U Story had slightly better body satisfaction compared to those who played Rainbow Friends 2 Story immediately after the game. However, changes in body satisfaction did not differ from the group that performed the web-based word search. The paper was published in. Medical Internet Research Journal. Body satisfaction refers to the degree to which an individual feels positively about his or her appearance and physical characteristics. This includes perceptions, thoughts, and feelings related to your body…

More than one in four people with type 2 diabetes uses GLP-1 receptor agonists, a type of widely prescribed medication. But a new study by Stanford Medicine and international collaborators suggests that these drugs may be less effective in some people due to genetic differences. Approximately 10% of the population carries a specific genetic variation associated with a newly identified phenomenon called GLP-1 resistance. In these people, levels of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar, are actually higher than normal, but they appear to be less effective at work. It remains unclear whether these genetic variations…