Long COVID Brain Scans Reveal Dopamine Damage and New Treatment Paths

New research published in eBioMedicine provides the strongest evidence to date that long COVID is linked to physical injury within the brain’s dopamine system. Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada used PET imaging to identify reduced dopamine nerve terminal density, offering a potential biological explanation for persistent symptoms like … Read more

Smart Travel Habits for Back Pain Relief

Traveling with Chronic Back Pain: Expert Strategies to Prevent Flare-Ups Travelers living with chronic low back pain can minimize discomfort by using lumbar support, taking frequent movement breaks, and preparing through stretching routines. According to Hackensack Meridian Health specialists, proactive planning and smart lifting techniques are essential to preventing spinal flare-ups during peak travel seasons. … Read more

Why You Can’t Lose Weight Despite Trying Hard

Weight loss resistance often stems from a slowing metabolism rather than a lack of willpower, according to Galway-based weight loss coach Grace Joyce. By shifting focus from restrictive dieting to metabolic restoration, individuals may address common struggles like hormonal weight gain, thyroid issues, and post-pregnancy challenges that traditional calorie-counting often fails to resolve. Why Does … Read more

How Hourly Movement Breaks Counter the Harms of Prolonged Sitting

Taking a five-minute movement break every hour is the most effective way to offset the health risks of prolonged sitting while maintaining workplace productivity. A large-scale study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that hourly intervals provide the optimal balance between physical feasibility and psychological benefit, effectively reducing fatigue and boosting mood … Read more

NZ Economy Rebounds as Australia Shows Signs of Fatigue

New Zealand is emerging from its economic slowdown faster than Australia, according to recent business confidence and inflation data. While Australia maintains higher absolute wealth and employment, New Zealand’s inflation has dropped to 3.1% compared to Australia’s 4.2%, and its business confidence has recently shifted from negative to positive territory. Why is New Zealand’s business … Read more

Gut Bacteria: Why Fatigue Often Precedes Illness

Researchers found that fatigue in healthy adults is linked to specific shifts in gut bacteria and fecal metabolites. According to a study in Scientific Reports, these microbial patterns overlap significantly with those found in ME/CFS and psychiatric disorders, suggesting gut dysbiosis may serve as an early indicator for these conditions. What microbial changes are linked … Read more

New Genetic Marker Linked to Severe IBD

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Francis Crick Institute have identified a genetic marker, HLA-DRB1*01:03, that correlates with more severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study suggests that genetic testing could help clinicians identify high-risk patients for earlier intervention with advanced therapies. How does the … Read more

NH Man Hospitalized After Contracting Severe Tick-Borne Illness

A 66-year-old Concord, New Hampshire man remains hospitalized with the Powassan virus, a rare but serious tick-borne illness. According to his friend Tom Wright, John Reagan was admitted to Concord Hospital after a tick bite and later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital. There are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for the virus, which … Read more

Ireland Urged to Recognize ‘Hidden Condition’ Symptoms

The “Celtic Gene”: Why Early Detection is Transforming Ireland’s Health Landscape Haemochromatosis, often dubbed the “Celtic Gene,” is a silent health crisis hiding in plain sight. As Ireland’s most common genetic condition, it affects a staggering number of people, yet it remains frequently overlooked by both patients and healthcare providers. With approximately 1 in 83 … Read more

Yoga Therapy Improves Mental Well-being for Cancer Survivors

Integrative Oncology: Why Gentle Yoga is Changing Survivorship For millions of people navigating life after a cancer diagnosis, the transition from active treatment to survivorship can be physically and emotionally taxing. Recent clinical research from the Wilmot Cancer Institute highlights a promising, non-drug approach to managing the lingering side effects of surgery and chemotherapy: gentle, … Read more