According to a study tracking more than 13,000 community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan, physical fitness assessments such as the 8-foot up-and-go test can indicate a person’s mortality risk over a seven-year period. Researchers found that participants who performed best on standardized fitness evaluations were about half as likely to die during the follow-up period compared … Read more
Fecal microbiota transplants delivered via frozen capsules can help patients with severe food allergies build a higher tolerance to peanuts, according to a landmark study published in Science Translational Medicine. The research offers a novel therapeutic approach for the up to 6 million people affected by peanut allergies by targeting the gut microbiome. Clinical Trial … Read more
Fossilized feces unearthed across 35 global sites reveal that a prehistoric “fecal revolution” over half a billion years ago may have driven the Cambrian Explosion, according to an excremental study published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. Researchers found that the transformation in ancient animal waste coincided with the rise of complex marine … Read more
A non-invasive fecal immunochemical test done entirely at home can cut colorectal cancer deaths by 50% among adults aged 50 to 69, according to a 21-year study from Spain examining data from 2.2 million people. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men and women, with screening rates climbing among … Read more
Men who experience early-onset hair loss before age 30 may have a 29% to 45% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, according to research published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology. While the exact biological mechanism remains unconfirmed, researchers suggest that a genetic variant in the male hormone receptor gene may influence both the development of … Read more
Summer seasonal affective disorder (RSAD) is a form of clinical depression that affects an estimated 0.57% of people, according to an analysis of multiple studies. Unlike winter SAD, which triggers low moods during cold months, RSAD manifests as anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue during the heat of summer. What causes summer seasonal affective disorder? Melatonin levels … Read more
A study published in Neurology has identified a rare cohort of older adults, known as “super movers,” who maintain high cognitive function despite showing Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. These individuals, representing only 6% to 10% of the older population, exhibit walking speeds typical of people 30 years their junior, suggesting that physical mobility may serve as … Read more
Spiritual reminders can lead people to choose ultra-processed foods by fostering a belief in divine healing. According to research published in Psychology & Marketing, “God salience”—the momentary activation of thoughts regarding a higher power—can lower self-control and increase the consumption of unhealthy items like chips, ice cream, and pizza. How does “God salience” impact dietary … Read more
The Cozumel fox, a species long feared extinct, has been confirmed alive following a 2023 photographic sighting in Mexico. Published in the journal Neotropical Biology and Conservation, the report confirms this is the first documented appearance of the elusive, dwarf-sized canine since 2001. Researchers warn the animal remains critically endangered, facing significant threats from habitat … Read more
Frank’s sign is a diagonal crease in the earlobe that serves as a potential marker for underlying cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 61% of American adults are likely to develop some form of cardiovascular disease. While classic symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath are well-known, medical observation suggests this … Read more