Ever noticed how surgeons can be crazy-specific about what they do? Like some prefer fixing bones (orthopaedic surgery), and within that, they might have a favourite body part or problem to tackle. This curious choice of interests among orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria is no excepti
Heatwaves can be deadly, as seen in Europe's 2018 and 2022 summers. But did you know that some of these extreme temperatures could be foreseen weeks in advance? Subseasonal forecasts, which predict weather 2 weeks to 2 months ahead, offer a glimpse into the future. Yet, we haven't fully explored how
Heart health matters, especially for lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Since a big study called RTOG 0617, doctors have been paying more attention to how radiation affects the heart. But there's a problem: we don't have enough large-scale studies that accurately map the different pa
The 17th edition of the annual banned-substance review just came out, and it's all about the latest findings in human sports drug testing. This one covers research published between October 2023 and September 2024. Just like before, the focus is on new ways to detect doping and figure out how certai
Substance use disorders are complex issues that are influenced by both our genes and our environment. One key player in this mix is serotonin, a chemical in our brain that's linked to how we feel and behave. Scientists have found that variations in the genes that control serotonin receptors might ma
Scientists have been playing with the building blocks of molecules to see how changes can impact their behavior. They took a special type of molecule called N-methylpyrrole azo-benzene, which can switch between different forms when light hits it. They made these molecules in different ways, swapping
Violence, both at home and in public, is a real issue among those who rely on crack cocaine in Brazil. Researchers wanted to understand howusers of crack deal with domestic violence, how often they face public violence, and how being male or female affects these situations. They focused on whether t
In Burr Ridge, Illinois, the local school district is grappling with a high rate of teacher absenteeism. The problem isn't new, as this year, 38% of teachers missed at least 10 days. Why? Health issues are a major reason, says the superintendent. Other districts like Gower (33%) and Pleasantdale (25
Did you know that deep beneath the surface of the Earth, there's a whole world of tiny creatures? The Eger Rift is one such place, known for its frequent earthquakes and high CO2 levels. Scientists drilled down 238 meters to study the rocks and sediments, finding a fascinating mix of microbes. They
Ever thought of your brain as a bustling city with tiny garbage trucks inside? These are actually macroautophagy, the process our brain cells use to clean themselves. It's crucial for keeping our brains in tip-top shape. But drugs like cocaine, meth, opiates, or alcohol can give it a run for its mon
