Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be effectively treated with surgical gastric fundoplication, a procedure that almost completely stops both acid and non-acid reflux. However, this surgery isn't always the best choice for everyone. Lasting side effects can sometimes outweigh the benefits. T
Half a century ago, the medical community got a game-changer. Sir Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett introduced the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in The Lancet. They wanted a clear, easy-to-use tool to rate coma levels. Back then, doctors used different words for consciousness. It was confusing. The GCS c
Coral reefs, the underwater cities of the ocean, are facing a sneaky threat: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, are becoming increasingly common in our seas. Scientists wanted to figure out how different amounts of these microplastics affect reef-building c
The INtensive diet versus Knee Arthroplasty (INKA) trial is exploring if weight loss can be as effective as knee surgery for obese patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. But how do the patients who join this trial compare to those who choose not to participate? This study is trying to figure out
Patellar instability, where the kneecap slides out of place, is a common problem orthopedic surgeons face. One big reason for this is an unusual shape of the thighbone's groove, called trochlear dysplasia (TD). Doctors have been trying different operations to fix this. Two common ones are rebuilding
Did you know that some plastics can soak up heavy metals like a sponge? Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) mulch is designed to replace conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch in farming. The goal? To cut down on plastic waste and microplastics in soil. But it turns out, these tiny plastic bits can al
Imagine what happens when you toss a disposable face mask into a landfill. Scientists have been looking into this, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mask use. They found that these masks can break down over time, releasing tiny pieces called microplastics and harmful chemicals
Did you know that wild rice could be a game-changer in feeding the world? As our planet's climate goes through big changes, it's becoming crucial to save and use wild rice varieties. These are like the grandparents of the rice we eat, with special traits that could help rice crops survive tough cond
Many celebrities opt for plastic surgery, but a few stand out for embracing their natural looks. Let's talk about who they are and why they chose this path. Barbra Streisand, famous for her powerful voice, never altered her nose because she feared it might change her voice. Justine Bateman from "Fam
Ever wondered which side of the knee fares better when it comes to treating worn-out cartilage? Scientists are asking the same question, pitting lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) against medial UKA. These operations replace damaged cartilage on one side of the knee, but they target di
