Health

Related media - Latest news Despite cholera being a preventable and low-cost treatable disease, recent data from the World Health Organization indicate a worrying increase in death rates, outpacing the increase in infection rates. Last year saw a 71% increase in cholera-related deaths worldwide, compared to a 13% increase in new cases. Factors such as climate-related disasters and ongoing conflict are exacerbating outbreaks, particularly in regions where there have been no recent cases. Philippe Barboza, head of the cholera programme at the WHO's health emergencies department, expressed dismay at the rapidly rising death rates, highlighting the global disdain for a disease that predominantly affects the poorest populations, without access to clean water. In 2023, more than 4...

Related media - Recent news A recent study from the University of Washington, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals significant differences in brain development between adolescent girls and boys following coronavirus-related lockdowns. The research focused on cortical thinning, a normal part of brain maturation in which the brain sheds excess synapses and shrinks its outer layer. This process, which usually begins in late childhood or early adolescence, is known to improve the efficiency of the brain as it matures. However, stress can accelerate this thinning, which is often associated with increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Data collected in 2021, as pandemic restrictions eased, indicated that both se...

More news - Latest news Health Update – A new metric, the Body Roundness Index (BRI), is gaining traction as a more accurate indicator of health risks than the traditional body mass index (BMI). Body Mass Index, commonly abbreviated to BMI, calculates a person's health based on their height and weight. Despite its widespread use in health assessments, BMI has faced considerable criticism for its inability to accurately reflect an individual's health, particularly in those with high muscle mass. The limitations of BMI have become more apparent with individuals like Ilona Maher, an American Olympic rugby player. Despite a BMI of 30 that puts her on the edge of obesity, Maher is an elite athlete, demonstrating the metric's inadequacy in properly assessing fitness and heal...

More news - News 24 hours A recent scientific study has uncovered a troubling link between disease-related declines in bat populations and rising infant mortality rates. The research highlights a chain reaction in which the decline in bats, natural predators of insects, has led farmers to increase their use of pesticides to protect crops, inadvertently impacting human health. The study, published in the journal Science, found that counties across the United States that experienced a decline in bat numbers saw a 31 percent increase in insecticide use. This increase in pesticide use correlated with an 8 percent increase in infant mortality in those regions. This research highlights the complex interdependencies in our ecosystems and how wildlife decline can have profound...

Related media - Recent news A recently launched awareness campaign in Burlington, Vermont, challenges traditional views of addiction with a powerful message displayed on an airport walkway: “Addiction is not a choice. It is a disease that can affect anyone.” The initiative seeks to change public perceptions and promote a more compassionate approach to those struggling with addiction. For many years, the medical community has recognized addiction as a chronic brain disease, but this perspective has struggled to gain widespread acceptance. The general public often views addiction through the lens of personal responsibility, influencing how drug use policies and sanctions are structured. Recent trends show a resurgence in blaming individuals for their drug use, which has ...

More news - Breaking news Recent research has highlighted a potentially game-changing secondary benefit of Wegovy, an established obesity management drug. In a large clinical trial, individuals taking Wegovy were observed to have a significantly reduced death rate from Covid-19 compared to those not taking the drug. Clinical Trial Insights The study participants, who were already using Wegovy for obesity, contracted Covid-19 at the usual rate expected in the general population. However, their risk of succumbing to the virus was reduced by a third. This remarkable reduction in mortality was surprising and suggests an indirect benefit of the drug that had not previously been recognized. Wider health implications In addition to COVID-19 mortality, the study also documente...