While visible veins may be cosmetically unappealing, their appearance is usually not a cause for concern. Activities like exercise, skin tone, exposure to the sun, tight clothing and hot temperatures can cause bulging veins. Aging, genetics, and being overweight may also contribute to veins being more noticeable. These enlarged, twisted veins appear prominently beneath the...

Scientists achieved remarkable progress in HIV gene editing research using CRISPR technology to eliminate viral DNA from infected cells. With current HIV medicines only inhibiting the virus, this therapy aims to eradicate the virus from the body entirely. The University of Amsterdam team successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept results, while Excision BioTherapeutics advanced to human clinical trials...

While the COVID-19 pandemic is “over”, the virus still exists and public health officials have kept vigilant on the virus’s mutations. Public health experts worldwide are closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has sparked alarm due to its rapid global spread. The World Health Organization designated this strain as a...

For decades, the idea of regenerating damaged organs felt like science fiction. The idea was reserved for Star Trek episodes where a single pill could grow a new kidney. While scientists at Scripps Research faced many setbacks, that vision is finally inching toward a reality. Researchers have made breakthroughs in regenerative medicine: “tricking” the body’s...

Scientists have identified a concerning new coronavirus in Chinese bats that could pose a pandemic threat. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology discovered HKU5-CoV-2 during a comprehensive study of bat populations across China’s southern and eastern regions. The virus belongs to the lesser known relative of COVID, the merbecovirus family. This family includes the...

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...

In recent years, scientists have discovered so much about vitamin D. Before it was simply thought of as the accompaniment to calcium for strong, healthy bones. Now we know it is so much more than that, with new information being discovered every day. Despite its importance, deficiency is more common than you think and can...

Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used in treating hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Marketed under various brands including Synthroid, it is the second most prescribed medication, especially among older adults, in the United States. Millions of Americans rely on levothyroxine to manage symptoms and prevent complications resulting from thyroid irregularities. However, new research has uncovered...

It’s not uncommon to misplace your keys, forget plans or feel a little beside yourself. But if these instances are recurring, you may need to see your medical professional sooner rather than later. Dementia refers to a broad scope of conditions that impair memory, reasoning and general cognitive decline.  Early signs of dementia may include...

The word “lupus” is derived from the latin word meaning “wolf”. This is most likely due to the visible and “wolf” looking skin lesions. Lupus is a mysterious and complex disease with the exact causes remaining unknown. For ages, lupus has plagued humanity, as far back as the era of Hippocrates (around 460-375 BC) who...

Researchers from Concordia University’s Biology and Physics departments have proposed a promising method to combat cancer tumors using ultrasound-guided microbubbles. This new and innovative approach uses pre-existing technology already common in medical imaging and drug delivery. Researchers are leveraging this technology to enhance the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer. The ultrasound-guided microbubbles are...

Turmeric has been having a moment – and a fairly long one, at that. Having been used for hundreds of years in eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, the western world has caught onto its impressive health properties. Now, it seems like every health food store, organic market, and coffee shop are offering turmeric-based products and drinks...