Search

Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, play a crucial role in protecting against invaders, clearing debris, and maintaining neural connections. However, growing evidence suggests that malfunctioning microglia may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression. Researchers have found that targeting microglia and their interactions with synapses could lead to new therapies. While replacing microglia with rejuvenated cells or genetically engineering stem cells to have disease-fighting properties shows promise, there are still many obstacles to overcome before these treatments become a reality. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of exercise and its effects on the body and mind. It covers topics such as the benefits of exercise, the most efficient way to get fit, and the ideal amount of exercise for long-term health. The article also explores different types of exercise, including high-intensity interval training, and the potential risks of excessive exercise. It delves into the rise of online fitness apps and the psychological aspects of exercising alone versus in a group. Overall, this article offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to improve their fitness and provides guidance on incorporating exercise into their lives. It emphasizes the importance of starting slow and gradually increasing activity levels, as even small amounts of exercise can have significant long-term health benefits. The article also highlights the importance of physical activity for children's cognitive and physical development and encourages the establishment of a positive relationship with exercise from a young age. [Extracted from the article]

This article covers a range of complex scientific and technological concepts. It begins by discussing the nature of thought and how it is understood in the brain. It then explores the concept of rogue planets, which are planets that do not orbit stars. The article also delves into the concept of causality, particularly in the quantum realm where it becomes uncertain. Biodiversity is another topic discussed, with a focus on the measurement and conservation efforts. The article also touches on quantum biology, artificial general intelligence, fractals, and neurodiversity. Each concept is presented objectively, providing an overview of the topic without taking a stance. [Extracted from the article]

In the article "How not to languish" from New Scientist, Corey Keyes, a psychologist at Emory University, discusses the concept of languishing and its impact on mental well-being. Languishing is described as the absence of positive emotions and experiences, where individuals feel numb or dead inside. Keyes explains that languishing is distinct from depression, as it lacks the negative symptoms associated with depression. He suggests that about 40% of teenagers in the US are languishing, and prolonged languishing can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased productivity, increased risk of mental illness, and even premature death. Keyes proposes five activities, or "vitamins," that can help individuals move from languishing to flourishing: helping others, learning something new, playing, engaging in spiritual or religious practices, and socializing. These activities can improve overall well-being and should be incorporated into daily or weekly routines to maintain flourishing. Keyes emphasizes that flourishing should not be equated with societal success, as success can sometimes come at the expense of well-being. [Extracted from the article]

But evidence for the latter comes from experiments in mice showing that they start to gain weight and develop gut inflammation after receiving transplants of gut microbes from people with obesity and inflammatory bowel disease respectively. "Despite the growing science linking the gut microbiome and the chemicals it produces with dozens of health outcomes, what defines an optimum or "healthy" gut microbiome is still not absolutely clear", says Tim Spector at King's College London, who is a co-founder of personalised nutrition company ZOE. He and his team have also shown that, in mice susceptible to Alzheimer's-like disease, those without a gut microbiome have fewer of the disease's characteristic protein clumps and tangles in their brains than those with gut microbes. A 2018 study found that, in vaginally born babies, bacteria from the mother's vagina are found in the baby's gut for only a few days, while the mother's gut bacteria continued colonising the baby's gut for months after the birth. [Extracted from the article]

In the late 1980s, J. Kiffin Penry and Joan Christine Dean, then at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, showed that implanting a vagus nerve stimulator reduces or even eliminates seizures for some people with the condition. If the vagus nerve is our body's superhighway, such drugs would control the movement of individual cars, while vagus nerve stimulators would dictate general traffic flow across multiple lanes. Vagus nerve stimulation causes white blood cells to shut down cytokine production enough to avoid runaway inflammation, but not so much that our immune system is disarmed completely, says Tracey. After they mapped the vagus nerve of pigs, they developed an ultra-selective vagus nerve stimulator with 10 separate contact points. [Extracted from the article]

MDMA-assisted therapy, which combines the drug MDMA with talk therapy, was seen as a breakthrough for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently declined to approve this therapy due to concerns about the trials' methodology and potential ethical misconduct. The FDA was also worried about the difficulty of blinding participants in psychedelic studies and the lack of rigorous guidance for conducting talk therapy. Safety concerns and allegations of research misconduct further complicated the approval process. Despite the setback, further trials are being planned to gather more evidence for the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved three new drugs for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease: donanemab, lecanemab, and aducanumab. These drugs are the first to target and remove amyloid proteins, which are believed to be a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer's. However, there are concerns about the safety of these drugs, as they have been associated with side effects such as brain bleeds. While the drugs have shown some effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline, they are not considered a cure for Alzheimer's. Accessing these drugs can be expensive and requires regular brain scans. [Extracted from the article]

Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in various parts of the human body, including the liver, lungs, and breast milk. These fragments come from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces and can enter our bodies through food, water, and air. While it is unclear whether microplastics have a negative impact on our health, a study found a correlation between microplastics and artery plaques, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. However, this correlation does not prove causation, and other factors like air pollution may be involved. Animal studies suggest that microplastics may have detrimental effects on the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems, but these studies use higher concentrations than what humans are typically exposed to. Due to the variety of microplastics and their potential health effects, it is currently impossible to determine their impact on human health. However, it is recommended to take a precautionary approach by reducing plastic production and preventing plastic from entering the environment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study has produced the most detailed map of the endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus, to date. This mapping will enhance our understanding of reproductive health and conditions like endometriosis. By analyzing over 313,000 endometrial cells from 63 individuals, researchers were able to identify different cell types and gain insights into their functions. The study also revealed new cell types and provided clues about endometriosis, potentially leading to new treatments. This map is expected to greatly contribute to our understanding of conditions that affect the endometrium in the future. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland has found that the brain uses two distinct networks to anticipate and identify transitions in music. The researchers analyzed brain activity in 36 adults while they listened to different genres of music and found that a network called the early auditory network activates just before a musical boundary, while a different network called the boundary transition network activates during and after the transition. Musicians and non-musicians engaged these networks differently, with musicians relying on higher-level auditory processing and integration. The findings may have implications for music-based therapies for individuals with language comprehension difficulties. [Extracted from the article]

Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Eastern equine encephalitis and dengue, are on the rise around the world. Climate change is a major factor contributing to the increase in outbreaks, as warmer weather and wetter conditions allow mosquitoes to emerge earlier and survive longer, increasing their transmission period. The US has seen a recent spike in Eastern equine encephalitis cases, with one death reported in New Hampshire. Brazil has experienced an 800% increase in cases of Oropouche virus, and dengue cases worldwide have reached a record high in 2024. Measures such as installing screens, emptying stagnant water, and wearing protective clothing can help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. [Extracted from the article]

Bacteria engineered to destroy DNA have been found to remove over 99% of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater. This is significant because wastewater is a major source of antibiotic resistance genes, which can spread to humans through water, food, and livestock. The researchers genetically modified the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis to produce enzymes that break down DNA, effectively preventing the transfer of resistance genes to other organisms. This method is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current strategies for removing genetic material from wastewater. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study suggests that the low-calorie sweetener erythritol may increase the risk of blood clots, which could explain its association with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Erythritol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in the US and Europe, and regulatory bodies have classified it as safe. However, research has shown that high concentrations of erythritol in the blood are linked to a doubled risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that erythritol consumption led to increased clot formation in the blood, while sugar had no significant effect. Further research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of low-calorie sweeteners compared to sugar. [Extracted from the article]

High cholesterol and vision loss have been identified as two new modifiable risk factors for dementia. Eliminating these factors, along with 12 previously recognized ones, may prevent nearly half of dementia cases worldwide. However, genetics and old age still have the greatest influence on a person's chances of developing the condition. The researchers suggest that high cholesterol may increase the likelihood of stroke, which can cause dementia, and that excess cholesterol in the brain may be linked to Alzheimer's disease. Untreated vision loss was included as a risk factor because it reduces cognitive stimulation, which may bolster resilience to dementia. It is important to note that being associated with dementia does not necessarily mean these factors cause the condition, and eliminating them may not halve an individual's risk of getting dementia, which is mostly influenced by genetics and age. [Extracted from the article]

The situation for Palestinians in Gaza is becoming the worst humanitarian crisis in modern memory. More than three-quarters of the population, including half of the children, are internally displaced and lack access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The recent conflict between Hamas militants and Israel has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, with long-term health consequences for survivors. International aid organizations lack concrete, long-term plans to address the health needs of Gaza, which include infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues. Rebuilding infrastructure, developing rehabilitation programs, and routine screenings for illness are necessary for long-term health plans in Gaza. The cost to address the devastation in Gaza is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hunter College in New York has found that the Covid-19 pandemic had a more severe impact on India than previously estimated, particularly affecting women, younger demographics, and certain social groups. The study analyzed data from the National Family Health Survey, which revealed that there were approximately 17% more deaths in 2020 compared to 2019, indicating almost 1.2 million excess deaths in 2020. Overall life expectancy at birth declined by more than 2.5 years, with a greater decline observed in women compared to men. The study also highlighted disparities among different social groups, with high-caste Hindus experiencing a smaller decline in life expectancy compared to Muslims and lower-caste individuals. The findings underscore the magnitude of health inequities in India and emphasize the need for policy responses to address these issues. However, the study has limitations, including a limited sample size and lack of information on cause of death. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California, San Francisco has discovered a hormone in mice that may explain how adult bones remain strong during breastfeeding. This finding could potentially lead to new treatments for osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. Despite the fact that breastfeeding depletes calcium from bones and lowers levels of the hormone estrogen, which is crucial for skeletal health, lactation only causes temporary decreases in bone mass. The researchers found that inhibiting estrogen production by targeting receptors in the brain actually strengthened bones in female mice. They identified a brain hormone called CCN3, which is only produced during lactation, as the substance responsible for strengthening bones. Blocking this hormone reduced bone mass in lactating mice, suggesting that it may be the molecule preventing bone loss during lactation. However, it is still unclear whether these findings will apply to humans. The researchers are currently developing a blood test for CCN3 to further investigate its role in breastfeeding. [Extracted from the article]

Health officials in the US are struggling to monitor people who have been exposed to a bird flu virus, H5N1, that is circulating in dairy cows. Patchy surveillance makes it difficult to detect infections in people, which raises the risk of the virus spreading and developing mutations that could make it more dangerous. While the virus has not been found to spread between people, it can cause severe illness and has been fatal in about half of the almost 900 known cases worldwide. Surveillance for the virus is a voluntary process that requires collaboration between health departments, farmers, and workers, but distrust of government in some rural areas has hindered monitoring efforts. As a result, cases in humans are likely going undetected. [Extracted from the article]

Conflicting advice from major US healthcare organizations has created confusion about the use of weight-loss drugs in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended the use of weight-loss medications in adolescents aged 12 and up to address childhood obesity, while the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found insufficient evidence to make a recommendation. The global prevalence of childhood obesity has increased, leading to a greater risk of obesity-related conditions. However, there is limited data on the long-term effects of weight-loss drugs in children, and more research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

Paying people to lose weight has shown promise as a treatment for obesity, according to recent studies. Financial incentives have been found to lead to significant weight loss in participants. For example, one study offered participants up to $750 for losing weight, resulting in a 49% success rate compared to 22% in a control group. However, it is unclear if these results are sustainable in the long term, and the cost-effectiveness of this approach compared to other interventions is still unknown. Additionally, obesity is a complex issue influenced by factors such as genetics, access to nutritious food, and environmental factors, so a multi-faceted approach is likely necessary. [Extracted from the article]

A new study indicates that the age at which menstruation begins is dropping in Western countries, including the US. This trend is concerning because starting menstruation before the age of 12 is linked to an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Factors such as childhood obesity, stress, and exposure to endocrine disruptors may be contributing to the earlier onset of menstruation. The effect is more pronounced in minority groups and those from lower socioeconomic levels. It is believed that these factors, along with others that are currently unknown, interact to lower the age of menstruation, with structural racism playing a role in the disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two different topics. The first topic is an exhibition called "Ice Cold: An exhibition of hip-hop jewelry" at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The exhibition showcases extravagant jewelry pieces worn by famous rappers, representing their individual identities and their impact on hip-hop and culture. The second topic is a book called "This is Your Mind on Plants" by Michael Pollan, which explores humanity's relationship with opium, caffeine, and the psychedelic mescaline. The book combines science, history, and personal anecdotes, providing an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. [Extracted from the article]

A bird flu virus has been spreading among dairy cows in the US, but public health experts are still unsure of how it is spreading. Early evidence suggests that contaminated milking equipment may be a factor. The virus may be transmitted through respiratory droplets or through raw milk, which can contain high concentrations of the virus. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify other potential pathways of transmission. The US Department of Agriculture is offering compensation to dairy farmers to encourage increased surveillance and testing. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted on male mice suggests that the amount of gut microbes in fathers may affect the health of their offspring. Researchers treated 28 male mice with antibiotics, which reduced the abundance of their gut microbes and altered the balance of microbial species. The pups from mice with impaired gut microbiomes experienced various health issues, including lower birth weights and significantly stunted growth. While the findings may have implications for humans, further research is needed to confirm this. [Extracted from the article]

Public health experts are warning that not enough is being done to contain the spread of a bird flu virus in US dairy cows, which increases the risk of the disease spreading to humans. The virus, called H5N1, has been detected in 36 dairy herds across nine states and in one dairy worker in Texas. However, inadequate surveillance has left experts unsure of the extent of the outbreak and how it is being transmitted. Unlike protocols for H5N1 in poultry, the US Department of Agriculture does not reimburse dairy farmers for testing or provide incentives for reporting outbreaks early. Experts are calling for increased surveillance efforts, such as testing samples from bulk milk tanks, to better track the virus. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted on mice suggests that switching to a lower-fat diet before receiving the flu vaccine may improve its effectiveness. People with obesity are more likely to get the flu and experience severe illness, even with immunization. The reason for this is unclear, but the study found that mice on a low-fat diet had a higher survival rate when infected with the flu virus compared to those on a high-fat diet. However, more research is needed to determine whether it was the diet or weight loss that led to these improvements, and caution should be exercised when applying these findings to humans. [Extracted from the article]

The US is preparing for the possibility of a bird flu outbreak in humans as the virus continues to spread among dairy cattle. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are closely monitoring the virus's spread and have confirmed cases of H5N1, a subtype of the bird flu virus, in dairy cows and cats across multiple states. Genetic sequencing has shown that the virus has not significantly adapted to infecting mammals. The CDC has tested individuals with close contact to the animals and has increased funding for genetic sequencing centers. The safety of the milk supply is also being ensured, as milk from infected cattle contains high amounts of the virus. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found genetic traces of bird flu in 1 in 5 milk samples, but it does not mean the samples contain intact, infective virus. Most milk sold in the US is pasteurized, which is effective in killing pathogens. Two vaccine candidates for H5N1 are being developed and materials for a bird flu vaccine are being stockpiled. Vaccination is not currently necessary, but the US is prepared if the situation changes. [Extracted from the article]

India's healthcare system, despite various initiatives implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, still faces challenges in meeting the needs of its 1.4 billion population. Preventable diseases like tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases remain leading causes of death, while chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer are increasing. Low healthcare spending, accounting for less than 3% of the country's GDP in 2020, contributes to poor outcomes. Healthcare has not been a major political topic in India, with voters prioritizing development and anticorruption. However, initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) have made progress in improving sanitation and providing public health insurance. Challenges remain in terms of awareness and accessibility to healthcare services, as well as the quality of care provided. [Extracted from the article]

News AFTER months of devastating fires, Canada's worst wildfire season worsened even further in September. Using ground and satellite-based air pollution data, Burke and his colleagues analysed the contribution of wildfire smoke to PM2.5 levels in the US between 2000 and 2022. [Extracted from the article]

Forensic scientists at Loughborough University have developed a technique to detect drug residue on fingerprints from crime scenes. Traditional methods using gel lifters introduce chemicals that make it difficult to identify trace amounts of drugs or explosives. The researchers used mass spectrometry to identify chemical compounds from gel-lifted fingerprints, achieving 100% accuracy in detecting the date-rape drug zolpidem. This technique has the potential to determine if someone has been handling drugs, particularly in cases involving assault. [Extracted from the article]

"The Immune Mind: The new science of health" by Monty Lyman is a comprehensive and engaging book that explores the intricate connection between the body, mind, and gut microbes. Lyman argues that viewing physical and mental health as separate entities has been detrimental to our well-being and emphasizes the need to see our bodies as a delicate balance between the brain, immune system, and gut. The book provides real-life stories and recent findings to ground complex biological processes in real experiences. While lifestyle fixes can strengthen immunity, Lyman acknowledges their limitations and highlights the importance of context in addressing health problems. Overall, "The Immune Mind" offers a valuable and eye-opening overview of the interplay between the immune system, mind, and gut microbiome. [Extracted from the article]

The first case of H5N1 bird flu passing from cows to humans has been reported in the US, but experts say there is no need to panic about another pandemic. The risk to humans is currently very low, although the virus has infected various mammals, including foxes, seals, mink, and now cows. While the virus has not been transmitted between people, there is concern that each time it infects or transmits between mammals, it could acquire mutations that may make it more dangerous to humans. Genetic sequencing will help trace the virus's spread, and in the meantime, dairy farmers are advised to provide workers with protective equipment and the general public's risk is low. [Extracted from the article]

An experimental treatment has been developed that rejuvenates the immune systems of older mice, potentially reversing age-related declines in immunity. The treatment targets biased stem cells using antibodies, resulting in a decrease in these cells and an increase in white blood cells crucial for fighting pathogens. In a test, mice that received the treatment were more successful in clearing a virus infection compared to untreated mice. While the findings are promising, further research is needed to understand potential side effects and determine if a similar therapy could be effective in humans. [Extracted from the article]

Two commonly used antibiotics, paromomycin and neomycin, have shown potential in regenerating heart cells in pigs, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The study used drug discovery software to identify antibiotics that could bind to proteins preventing heart muscle cells from dividing and regenerating. After administering the antibiotics to pigs with damaged hearts, the researchers found that the treated pigs had less scar tissue and improved heart function compared to untreated pigs. These findings suggest that antibiotics could potentially be used to treat heart failure in the future. [Extracted from the article]

In a medical breakthrough, a pig kidney has been successfully transplanted into a 62-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease. This is the first time a pig kidney has been transplanted into a living human, marking a significant milestone in xenotransplantation. The surgery took place on March 16th, and the recipient, Richard Slayman, is recovering well. The pig kidney was provided by a pharmaceutical company that breeds genetically modified pigs to reduce the risk of transplant rejection. This procedure offers hope for millions of patients worldwide suffering from kidney failure. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany suggests that an anti-inflammatory nasal spray containing the molecule HB-EGF may be effective in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition in which the immune system damages the protective myelin that covers nerves, resulting in various symptoms such as vision problems and difficulty walking. In the study, mice with MS-like symptoms were treated with the nasal spray for 15 days and showed a reduction in symptoms compared to a control group. Further research is needed to determine if this treatment could be effective in humans. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Denmark found that individuals with a history of mental health conditions have higher levels of RNA damage, which is associated with accelerated aging. This could explain why mental illness is linked to a higher risk of dying from age-related diseases such as cancer or type 2 diabetes. The study measured markers of damaged RNA and DNA in over 7700 participants, with almost 3100 having a history of mental health conditions. The researchers found that urine samples from individuals with mental health conditions had levels of a specific marker of RNA damage that were 9% higher, on average, than those without mental health conditions. Additionally, participants with high levels of the marker and a mental health condition were almost twice as likely to die compared to those with low levels and no mental health condition. The reasons for the increased oxidative stress in individuals with mental health conditions are unclear, but factors such as smoking or obesity may play a role. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles found that even small doses of the psychedelic drug LSD can increase complexity in the brain, without altering consciousness. Neural complexity, which measures the amount of unique brain signals produced, is known to correlate with consciousness. The study gave participants either a placebo or small doses of LSD, and found that only the 26-microgram dose significantly increased neural complexity. However, it is still unclear if these small doses have therapeutic benefits or if they pose potential risks. [Extracted from the article]

Inhaling antibiotic-filled nanoparticles may be a potential treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study conducted by researchers at Soochow University in China. The nanoparticles, made from silica and given a negative charge to aid in mucus penetration, were filled with the antibiotic ceftazidime and administered through an inhalable spray. In a study involving six mice with signs of COPD, the mice treated with the nanoparticles showed a significant reduction in pathogenic bacteria in their lungs compared to those who received only the antibiotic. Additionally, the treated mice exhibited lower levels of inflammatory molecules in their lungs and improved lung function. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Salzburg in Austria found that the menstrual cycle does not have a significant impact on verbal and spatial skills. The study involved participants between the ages of 18 and 35 with regular menstrual cycles and no underlying health conditions. The participants completed cognitive tasks during different phases of their menstrual cycle, and the researchers found no difference in cognitive performance. However, it is important to note that these findings may not apply to individuals with irregular menstrual cycles or those who are highly sensitive to hormone fluctuations. [Extracted from the article]

Since the US Supreme Court overturned the right to an abortion, an estimated 65,000 pregnancies resulting from rape have occurred in states with near-total abortion bans. Very few, if any, of these pregnancies were terminated by a legal in-state abortion, even in states with exceptions for rape. The repeal of the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade ruling has allowed 14 states to outlaw nearly all abortions. Survivors of rape are particularly affected, as even in states with exceptions, there are few abortion providers and reporting to law enforcement is often required, which many survivors choose not to do. These findings are likely an underestimate, and previous research shows that people denied abortion are more likely to face negative consequences such as staying with abusive partners, living in poverty, and experiencing poorer mental and physical health. [Extracted from the article]

During and after pregnancy, certain brain regions become smaller and thinner, but most of these changes reverse after giving birth, according to scans conducted on 110 first-time mothers. The cortex, or outer region of the brain, was found to be 2.5% thinner and 4.6% smaller in volume in pregnant women compared to women who had never had children. Two brain networks, the default mode network and frontoparietal network, were particularly affected, being at least 2% thinner and almost 3.6% smaller in volume in new mothers. These changes may help prepare for parenthood, but more research is needed to understand why pregnancy alters these networks. The findings could also contribute to understanding mental health conditions associated with pregnancy, such as postpartum depression. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Liège in Belgium have discovered early fossil evidence for photosynthesis in cyanobacteria fossils that are 1.75 billion years old. The fossils, found in rocks from the McDermott Formation in Australia, contained thylakoids, which are membrane-bound sacs where photosynthesis takes place. This discovery provides the oldest known evidence of these structures and suggests that cyanobacteria played a role in the build-up of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere 2.4 billion years ago. [Extracted from the article]

Severe infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, appear to increase the risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. This suggests that Covid-19 may heighten the risk of developing schizophrenia. Researchers analyzed data from over 650,000 people in the US National COVID Cohort Collaborative and found that those who had Covid-19 were 4.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a psychotic condition compared to those who tested negative for the virus. The increased risk may be due to Covid-19 causing inflammation in the brain and elevated levels of a substance called kynurenic acid, which is associated with psychosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University in California suggests that the psychedelic substance ibogaine may have potential in treating chronic symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study involved 30 male US military veterans with combat-related TBI who were given a single dose of ibogaine at a treatment facility in Mexico. The participants experienced lasting improvements in physical and social functioning, cognition, and mood. However, it is unclear whether these effects are solely due to the drug or if other factors, such as therapy or wellness activities, also contributed to the improvements. Further research with a control group is needed to determine the true cause of these positive outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong suggests that a daily combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as SIM01, may help alleviate symptoms associated with long covid. Long covid refers to the condition where individuals experience symptoms for an extended period after recovering from covid-19. The study involved 232 adults who took SIM01 twice daily for six months, while another group took a mixture containing starch and low-dose vitamin C. The participants who took SIM01 reported a higher likelihood of experiencing relief from symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, general unwellness, and gastrointestinal upset. The study also found that SIM01 enhanced the diversity of gut microbes and the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, the exact mechanism by which this improvement occurs is still unclear. [Extracted from the article]