Many spy thrillers depict the inner workings of national intelligence agencies, such as the CIA. National security is commonly depicted as a slick and hardcore profession with flashy suits, shiny guns, backflips, and explosions. But real life is not like a James Bond or Jason Bourne film where people seem to be born with super...

One morning, a four-year-old girl woke up dazed and unable to walk. Her mother rushed her to a local hospital where the doctors struggled to find the source of the symptoms, which were getting worse. She went from crawling to being unable to sit up or move her hands. Finally, a neurologist found the source...

Scientists analyzed “Neanderthal” human remains and discovered it doesn’t fit into any known species classification. Uncovered in China in 1958, the 300,000-year-old fossil included a skull and a few facial bones. Despite the specimen being incomplete, researchers realized its features don’t fit perfectly into any primate catagory such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. The skull also...

It’s never too late to change careers and pursue your dreams. Carl Allamby was a car mechanic before he went back to college at 38 to become a doctor. He had originally planned to get his business degree but part of the curriculum included a biology course that “reminded me a lot of the childhood...

Salt may be the most routine ingredient in the world. It would be difficult to find a kitchen without it in some form. Table salt is the most common, and it comes from extracted salt from underground deposits. The raw salt is then refined to remove impurities, mixed with additives like iodine and agents to...

Bunions are a common foot disorder that affects approximately one-third of adults in the United States. They occur when the big toe joint is misaligned. It leans too much toward the second toe, so the joint protrudes on the side of the foot and stretches it uncomfortably. They worsen over time and can cause pain,...

“You’re too young to have bowel cancer.” Unfortunately, many patients heard this when they contacted medical help for their symptoms. That’s what Stephanie Bansemer-Brown was told in 2012 before being diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer. She was 42 at the time, and fits alongside new research finding over 28,000 Australians under the age of...

Magnesium is a mineral essential for many bodily functions. For example, it helps with muscle movement, nerve function, and maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Oral magnesium supplements are commonly used to aid sleep, anxiety, and constipation. It’s also found in foods like seeds, legumes, and vegetables. However, you may have seen magnesium...

Mental health disorders are, unfortunately, common among prostate cancer patients. Although it has high survival rates, prostate cancer involves years of grueling treatments and long-lasting side effects that can contribute to body image issues and lowered self-esteem. And above everything is the fear of death and cancer recurrence. One study involving over 18,000 cases of...

Case studies are detailed reports of a particular person or situation for further analysis. Although no scientific conclusions can be made from one anecdote, these reports can indicate areas in need of further research. They also record fascinating and sometimes terrifying incidences. One case study from 2018 presented a situation where a man woke up...

Cooking in bulk and eating leftovers is convenient, but it comes with a higher risk of food poisoning. Rice in particular has been getting buzz over social media, namely about the dangers of “fried rice syndrome” and “reheat syndrome”. However, the safety concerns don’t refer only to the reheating process. Rather, the main issue lies...

Some bugs make surprisingly good roommates. For example, many species of spiders can work as pest control while keeping to themselves. However, other insects are venomous or enjoy invading food supplies, beds, and house foundations. Phereoeca uterella is a type of moth that lives in tropical climates and eats a wide diet, including household items...