Some people will go to desperate measures to deal with addiction and depression. One man injected magic mushrooms in the hopes that it would help, and ended up in the hospital. His story reflects how people in vulnerable situations will often do anything to self-medicate. However, without a proper understanding of the consequences, they can...
Cannabis use was demonized and classified as an illegal drug for decades. However, in recent years, there has been a major shift in public opinion regarding its use. Cannabis is beneficial for many conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and cancer-related symptoms. Today, we can find a large range of cannabis products available...
The concept of detecting cancer through smell sounds like something straight out of a strange science fiction novel. However, while humans cannot smell cancer, recent studies have explored the intriguing theory that certain cancers produce unique odors. These odors are caused by volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) produced by cancer cells. Even though these odors may...
The rolling mounds of Shasta Valley in Northern California have intrigued geologists for more than 100 years. For anyone driving past on Interstate 5, the strange hills could easily be mistaken for naturally occurring terrain or volcanic cones. Yet, researchers eventually figured out that the unusual landscape was the result of one of the biggest...
The miracle of life has always been counterbalanced by the inevitability of death. But what if the certainty of death is a challenge science is preparing to confront head-on? The quest for immortality is almost as old as human civilization itself. Traces of this quest can be found in even the oldest known pieces of...
Today, we take for granted how many systems serve to warn us of impending natural disasters. Yet, this was not always the case. Imagine living in an era before the invention of all the technological advancements we enjoy today. Imagine a time before satellite imagery, gas sensors, seismometers, geological surveying, and global communication networks. How...
One of the most comforting scents must be the smell of freshly laundered clothing. However, fabric softeners are actually among the highest indoor air pollution sources. This is because they emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can potentially harm your health. Fabric softener air pollution is very common, yet not often addressed. To learn how...
Butter is a staple in many households and has been for generations. It has many diverse uses and is typically used as a bread spread, as well as for baking and cooking. Many of your grandma’s favorite recipes more than likely require a fair dose of butter. However, new research has revealed some concerning information...
Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the mesothelium, a layer of tissue covering organs. This occurs when the DNA of mesothelial cells changes, resulting in the rapid growth of cancerous cells. The biggest risk factor for the development of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are very strong...
Utilizing new techniques and advances in technology, scientists have world out that the universe is 13.7 billion years old. That is truly an inconceivably long amount of time. Many people assume that it will simply go on forever. However, while we aren’t in any immediate threat, researchers believe the universe will end much sooner than...
It can often be quite difficult to get a good night’s rest. Maybe you had a stressful day that is affecting your ability to sleep, or you are a particularly light sleeper. There are a number of reasons that people often turn to using sleep medications to help them get better rest. However, a group...
Having a hysterectomy is often recommended for women dealing with certain reproductive health issues. However, a new study suggests that having an early hysterectomy before 50 may increase your chance of developing heart disease. Even for those women who end up taking estrogen afterwards, the risks are not entirely canceled out. Let’s find out more...
