A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered a breakthrough that could lead to more effective water filters capable of removing a wide range of harmful chemicals, including "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in many household appliances and cosmetics, and are notoriously difficult to break down naturally. These chemicals are linked to elevated...
An observational study led by Dr Sarah Bergen at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, suggests that medical sleep treatment, specifically the use of melatonin, may reduce self-harm in young people with anxiety and depression. The study examined over 25,500 children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 who were prescribed melatonin in Sweden, with over 87 percent having at least one psychiatric disorder....
In the realm of DNA analysis, including forensic science and genetic research, extracting DNA from hair is a crucial process. Hair is an exceptional source of DNA since it holds nucleated cells that contain genetic material. Nevertheless, DNA extraction from hair can be intricate and difficult. This article will explore the method of extracting DNA from hair. Hair is made up of two distinct parts, namely the hair shaft and the hair follicle....
A team of international scientists has sequenced Ludwig van Beethoven's genome using five locks of his hair, which has revealed new insights into the composer's family history and health. Published in Current Biology, the study was led by researchers from the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, the American Beethoven Society, KU Leuven, FamilyTreeDNA, the University Hospital Bonn and the University of Bonn, the Beethoven-Haus, Bonn...
Our preference for unhealthy and high-fat foods may be influenced by how our brain learns to like them. This is because when we consume such foods, our brain's reward system is activated, making us crave them again and again. While this preference can also be influenced by genetic factors or being overweight, studies suggest that our brain rewires itself through the consumption of these unhealthy foods. In a study conducted by researchers at Max...
The Candida auris fungus is a rapidly spreading and urgent threat to public health in healthcare centers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. A new study has shown that cases of C. auris, which is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, have been increasing annually since 2016, with the most rapid increase occurring between 2020 and 2021, as published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The...
First Republic Bank has been in the news recently due to concerns raised by customers and investors after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The bank's share price has collapsed over the last seven days, and it has been frantically trying to shore up its balance sheet with facilities. To address these concerns, a consortium of 11 U.S. banks has provided a deposit facility of $30 billion to First Republic Bank, an unprecedented and highly...
I am a skeptic and a dreamer in the same time. As a skeptic, it's hard to believe that even a single dose of psychedelics can result in lasting changes in beliefs related to the supernatural or non-physical world. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests otherwise. The study found that even for those who had used psychedelics in the past, a single dose could lead to significant changes in beliefs related to...
Albert Einstein is one of the most well-known and celebrated scientists of all time. Known for his groundbreaking work in physics, he also had an interesting life outside of science. In this article, we’ll explore some fun facts about Albert Einstein that you might not have known. Einstein was a late talker It might be surprising to learn that Einstein did not speak until he was almost four years old. His parents were concerned about his...
As our lives become increasingly digital, we find ourselves navigating a world that is increasingly mediated by technology. Our interactions, our work, and even our social lives now take place in the digital universe. But what does this mean for our understanding of the world, our place in it, and our sense of self? In this article, we will explore some of the philosophical implications of us living in a digital universe. The Nature of Reality...
When it comes to physical traits, it's easy to assume that they are inherited equally from both parents. However, there are certain traits that are more likely to be passed down from the father. So, if you're wondering what physical traits you might have inherited from dear old dad, read on! Height and Body Type First and foremost, height is one of the most obvious physical traits that tends to be inherited from the father. This is because...
Let's face it, we are living interesting times. The idea of being able to instantly transport oneself from one place to another without the need for traditional transportation methods such as cars, planes or trains is an enticing one. So, we can conclude that teleportation is a concept that has been popularized by science fiction and has captured the imaginations of people for many years. However, one question that often arises when discussing...
