Is there any safe level of alcohol consumption? The brain, the body, the young

The article discusses the perception of alcohol as a toxin despite its cultural acceptance in places like the UK. It highlights the health risks associated with heavy drinking, links to cancer, and its effects on young adults. While some studies suggest benefits of moderate drinking, WHO emphasizes no safe level. Solutions for reducing alcohol consumption include stricter marketing regulations.

Mpox: Deja vu or exaggeration

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak has raised global health concerns, with cases reported beyond endemic regions, prompting the WHO to declare it a global emergency. The disease, caused by the orthopoxvirus, primarily spreads through animal contact and human interactions, especially among homosexual men. Although lower mutation rates exist, effective treatments remain necessary.

Phage therapy: a solution for the expanding antibiotic resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health threat, with 1.27 million deaths in 2019 linked to resistant bacteria. Bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, present potential alternatives to antibiotics due to their specificity, self-replicating capability, and lower side effects. However, challenges such as specificity limits and safety concerns remain, prompting ongoing research into phage therapy.

Did Our Ancestors Look Like Larvae? 

The majority of model organisms in scientific research develop directly, but indirect life cycles with distinct larval stages are prevalent across Metazoa. These larvae show diverse morphologies and functions, with some feeding and others relying on maternal reserves. Recent studies highlight genetic similarities and differences, suggesting evolutionary patterns among larval forms.

Rethinking Zoos: Conservation, Ethics, and the Modern Dilemma

The article by Nirvan Marathe examines the evolving role of zoos amid growing concerns about animal rights and welfare. While zoos claim to focus on conservation and education, ethical issues and the psychological effects on captive animals raise significant questions about their relevance. Alternatives like virtual reality could reshape public interaction with wildlife.

The underestimated gut microbiota in gut-brain axis – how do we deal with it?

The human microbiome, comprising diverse microorganisms, significantly impacts health, including digestion and mental well-being. While probiotics and prebiotics show promise, their use should be approached cautiously due to possible risks. Further research on the microbiome’s role and safety of supplements is crucial for understanding its complex influence on health and disease prevention.

Prescription for Pain: America’s Struggle with the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid crisis in America arose from increased prescriptions and misrepresentation by pharmaceutical companies, leading to widespread addiction and overdose deaths. Regulatory failures allowed easy access to addictive drugs, exacerbating the epidemic. Communities, especially those with lower socioeconomic status, suffer disproportionately. Comprehensive interventions are necessary to address disparities and curb the crisis.

Why does it take so long for endometriosis to be diagnosed?

Endometriosis affects over 170 million women globally. Diagnostic delay averages 6.6 years, with extreme cases up to 27 years. Lack of awareness and overlapping symptoms lead to misdiagnosis. Access to private healthcare correlates with shorter diagnostic delays. More research and awareness are needed to reduce the delay and improve patients’ quality of life.

Understanding Multi-System Disorders in Pregnancy

In healthcare settings, women’s pain is often underestimated, affecting perinatal care. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) are serious but overlooked conditions, impacting women’s health during pregnancy. HG causes severe nausea and vomiting, while AFLP leads to acute liver failure. Understanding these disorders is crucial for improving women’s care.