Image of a Coffee Cup with a tissue box on a table, coined by the photographer as Sick Day accessories.

Meningitis: Not your regular Flu

As university students approach 2026, awareness of “Freshers’ Flu” and meningitis is crucial. Meningitis is a serious infection marked by symptoms like fever and a stiff neck, potentially leading to severe complications if untreated. Students are urged to practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, and maintain healthy sleep habits to reduce risks.

Image of paracetamol tablets on a table, with their box in the background.

Trump’s Acetaminophen Claim: What Research Shows

During a press conference, President Trump claimed acetaminophen may increase autism risk in pregnant women, referencing a flawed study. Experts countered that evidence does not support this link, urging high-quality research. The MHRA maintains that paracetamol is safe during pregnancy, advising women to seek medical counsel for pain management.

Unmasking the ‘love hormone’: Does oxytocin truly make us more loving?

Oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone,’ plays a complex role in human emotions and social bonding. It facilitates childbirth and fosters affection, but can also influence in-group bias, leading to discrimination. Understanding oxytocin highlights its dual effects in relationships, showing it contributes to love while underpinning social divisions.

An Introduction to Brainwashing

The article examines the complex concept of brainwashing, highlighting how individuals can succumb to extreme beliefs due to social coercion and misinformation. It discusses the significance of schemas in shaping beliefs and behaviors while emphasizing the need for critical thinking to combat manipulation. Ultimately, it calls for valuing human life in political discourse.

Why the Knee is Poorly Designed for Injury Recovery: A Personal Account

Madeleine Hjelt shares her experience with a knee injury sustained while skiing, leading to severe bone bruising and a small fracture. The poor blood supply in knees delays healing, complicating recovery, especially for those with Generalised Joint Hypermobility. She emphasizes the importance of joint health management and proper recovery strategies to prevent long-term issues like osteoarthritis.

Coffee is actually good for you

Recent studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption, particularly around three cups daily, may offer benefits such as increased alertness, reduced risk of depression, and lower heart failure rates. However, individual responses to caffeine can vary, and excessive intake may raise health concerns, particularly during pregnancy. Balance is essential.

Under Pressure: Why we crack under high stress

The article discusses the phenomenon of “choking” under pressure, illustrated through examples from sports and gaming. Research by Smoulder et al. explores this phenomenon in rhesus monkeys, revealing that excessive reward pressure can hinder performance. While their findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms involved, further studies are necessary to relate these findings to humans.