Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder linked with ancient viral DNA in our genome – new research: Hervs represent the remnants of infections from ancient viruses. james benjamin/ Shutterstock Around 8% of human DNA is made up of genetic sequences acquired from ancient viruses. These sequences, known as human endogenous retroviruses (or Hervs), date back hundreds …
The bacteria in your mouth play an important role in your health – here are four diseases linked to your oral microbiome: Another good reason to take care of your smile. evgenii mitroshin/ Shutterstock Your mouth is one of the most diverse habitats in the human body. It contains over 700 known species of bacteria, …
How food preferences are linked to cognition and brain health – and why a balanced diet is superior: shutterstock Jon Coyle/Shutterstock From the crispy crunch of fresh veggies to the creamy indulgence of decadent desserts, we all have different food preferences. Our palates develop uniquely, shaped by genetics, culture and personal experiences. Food preferences play …
Ear seeds: what are they and why have they been controversially linked to ME without scientific evidence?: Research into CFS has been chronically underfunded in the US and UK Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images When Giselle Boxer recently pitched her brand of a needle-free form of acupuncture known as “ear seeds” to the investors …
Social isolation and loneliness linked to poor health – our study could help explain why: ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Numerous studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of early death, on a scale comparable to other known risk factors such as smoking and obesity. This year, the US surgeon general …
Nanoplastics linked to Parkinson’s and some types of dementia – new study: meeboonstudio/Shutterstock Since it was first produced at the start of the 20th century, synthetic plastic – and especially plastic packaging – has been an ever-present fixture in everyday life. Yet all the convenience plastic has given us comes at a price. When plastic …
Size of brain area linked with cognitive decline – even in people with no other warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease: Previous research has shown loss of volume in the hippocampus precedes signs of cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's. Atthapon Raksthaput/ Shutterstock A small, seahorse-sized area of the brain is responsible for most of our …
Armistice Day counter-protests: how government rhetoric and police failings could be linked to far-right violence: On Armistice Day 2023, a pro-Palestine march was held in London for the fifth time since the beginning of the Israel-Palestine war. As well as demonstrators looking to join the protest, around 2,000 far-right activists and football hooligans descended on …
Shouting at children linked to depression – but defining what counts as verbal abuse is what will help prevent harmful parenting: fasphotographic/Shutterstock A recent research paper has found that verbal abuse of children, including shouting at them and calling them names, is linked to low mood, drug abuse and delinquency (antisocial behaviour). The authors of …
Brush your teeth! Bad oral hygiene linked to cancer, heart attacks and renal failure: It’s normal to have bacteria in your mouth. But harmful bacteria have been linked to a host of health problems. Medical scientist Glenda Davison and microbiologist Yvonne Prince, who have researched the oral cavity, explain why it’s so important to practise …
Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality: Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has said that a Labour government would not raises taxes on wealth, capital gains or higher incomes. She does not, she says, see “the way to prosperity as being through …
Air pollution linked with global rise in antibiotic resistance: Air pollution is linked with many health problems. Saurav022/ Shutterstock Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global health. In 2019, it caused over 1.27 million deaths worldwide – and it’s projected that antimicrobial resistance (which includes bacterial resistance to antibiotics) may contribute to ten million …
Exercising during a hospital stay linked with faster recovery – new research: As little as 25 minutes of walking a day had benefits. Photo_imagery/ Shutterstock When a person is admitted to hospital for any reason – whether due to illness or to undergo surgery – it’s expected they will spend the duration of their stay …
Poverty is linked to poorer brain development – but reading can help counteract it: Jeanette Virginia Goh/Shutterstock Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, which is important for boosting cognition and mental wellbeing. Good brain health at this age is directly linked to better mental heath, cognition and educational attainment in adolescence and …
Heavy drinking linked to lower muscle mass – here’s what you need to know: Avoiding excess alcohol consumption in middle-age may help you preserve important muscle as you get older. Lokicon/ Shutterstock Heavy drinking has long been associated with various health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and heart disease. But our latest study …
Slowing deep Southern Ocean current may be linked to natural climate cycle – but that’s no reason to stop worrying about melting Antarctic ice: The Weddell Sea helps power the great ocean conveyor, which moves heat, carbon dioxide and nutrients around Earth's ocean basins. Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock Our new research in the Antarctic suggests that the …
Breastfeeding linked to higher GCSE results: how to understand the nuance behind the numbers – and the lack of support for parents: kryzhov/Shutterstock Recently published research has found a link between breastfeeding for longer and higher GCSE grades. We know from previous research that across a whole population, breastfeeding can help support health and development. …
Flavanols are linked to better memory and heart health – here’s what foods you can eat to get these benefits: Two-and-a-half cups of green tea contain the recommended daily amount of flavanols. granata68/ Shutterstock There are plenty of good reasons to make sure you’re eating enough fruit and vegetables each day. Not only do fruit …