Credit: iStock Major depressive disorder, which occurs in about 15% of adults worldwide at some point in their life, is a staggering public health challenge. It’s projected to be the leading cause of global disease and disability burden by 2030, with an associated annual economic burden of more than $210 billion. Alarmingly, the number of … Continue reading Could Anti-Inflammatory Medications Reduce Heart Disease Risk in People With Depression?
Disease Risk
Update: Stay Active to Reduce COVID-19 Severity
Credit: iStock As our knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has continued to evolve, the important role that physical activity plays in combating the disease has become increasingly clear. Scientific research now suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of having a severe case of COVID-19 if you’re infected with the … Continue reading Update: Stay Active to Reduce COVID-19 Severity
Spotlight On: Microbiome
Credit: iStock Over the past decade, studies around how bacteria influence our health have gained attention. The human microbiome is a community of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other multicellular microorganisms. These little “bugs” exist in our gut, on our skin, on our computers and desks, and even on the foods we eat. The elements of … Continue reading Spotlight On: Microbiome
Reckoning with Diversity and Equity Problems in U.S. Research and Clinical Trials
Credit: iStock Long simmering racial tensions across the U.S. have bubbled to the surface again. This is especially true on the heels of the recent police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. The fallout resulted in protesters taking to the streets around the nation to call for an end to racism and declaring “Black lives … Continue reading Reckoning with Diversity and Equity Problems in U.S. Research and Clinical Trials
Spiking COVID-19 with Science
Image courtesy of National Institutes of Health. Scientists around the globe and across disciplines are racing to better understand the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The better they understand the virus—officially named SARS-CoV-2—the better they can hamper its spread and treat those already infected. Some of the foundational work to fight SARS-CoV-2 is being done … Continue reading Spiking COVID-19 with Science
Why COVID-19 Makes It Hard to Breathe
Credit: iStock COVID-19—the viral respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2—is a rapidly evolving disease that will undoubtedly profoundly affect many, if not all, of our lives in one way or another. As we learn more about the disease, we can better understand how and why it affects people so differently. We don’t have a … Continue reading Why COVID-19 Makes It Hard to Breathe
Who’s WHO When It Comes to COVID-19?
Credit: iStock As the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads, so too does information—and misinformation—about it. Accurate and reliable facts are key to helping us all make the best choices to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe. But who are these frequently mentioned organizations helping federal, state and local governments make the … Continue reading Who’s WHO When It Comes to COVID-19?
Binge Drinking and Fatty Liver: It Could Be All in Your Head
Credit: iStock Alcohol consumption is a normal part of culture for many: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports more than 55 percent of adults over 18 say they have had an alcoholic drink in the past month. It’s often a social lubricant and a mainstay at holiday gatherings and other important events. … Continue reading Binge Drinking and Fatty Liver: It Could Be All in Your Head
Can Going Organic Cut Your Cancer Risk?
Credit: iStock As the new year starts, many people make resolutions about following a healthy diet. It may not seem important to choose between two different apples at the grocery store. They’re both apples and therefore healthy choices, you might say to yourself. But if one of those apples has been organically farmed, some research … Continue reading Can Going Organic Cut Your Cancer Risk?
Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk
During the long, hot days of summer, you may find yourself reaching for your sunglasses to block the glare from the sun’s rays. You may not realize that donning shades does more for your eye health than just make it more comfortable to see. Blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is good for … Continue reading Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk