The recent decision by a panel of US health experts to vote against the use of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has sparked controversy in the medical community. PTSD is a debilitating mental health condition affecting an estimated five percent of Americans each year, stemming from traumatic events such
Science
With the recent reports of animal-to-human bird flu transmission surfacing in the United States, the potential for the virus to adapt and spread between humans is a major cause for concern among health experts. A study conducted by Virologists Flavio Faccin and Daniel Perez from the University of Georgia delves into the landscape of avian
Recently, the World Health Organization confirmed the first human case of the H5N2 variant of bird flu in Mexico. This marks a significant development in the realm of infectious diseases, as the 59-year-old individual succumbed to the illness after displaying various symptoms. Despite having no known exposure to poultry or animals, the victim had several
In a world overwhelmed by doom and gloom when it comes to the environment, it is important to recognize the positive tipping points that show we are moving in the right direction. While human activity has undeniably caused havoc on the natural world, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the future of our
The Earth’s surface was not always as dry as we imagine it to be. Recent research conducted by a group of scientists from Australia and China has revealed that the planet was actually sprinkled with fresh water over 4 billion years ago. This discovery challenges our previous understanding of Earth’s hydrological timeline, suggesting that freshwater
Rangelands cover a significant portion of Earth’s land surface and play a crucial role in sustaining billions of people worldwide. These diverse ecosystems, which include deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and tundra, provide essential resources such as meat, dairy, fiber, and other staple foods. Furthermore, rangelands are integral to Earth’s nutrient, water, and carbon cycles, highlighting their
China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe made history on Sunday by successfully landing on the far side of the Moon. This significant achievement represents the latest leap for Beijing’s decades-old space program. The probe landed in the immense South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest known impact craters in the solar system. This marks the first time
Every individual possesses a unique circadian rhythm, which influences their sleeping habits and daily routines. This study reveals that the timing of blood pressure medication intake aligned with a person’s chronotype can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks. The research, conducted on over 5,300 participants, emphasized the importance of considering individual biological cycles when
The Sun’s activity is a multifaceted phenomenon that pulses with different rhythms based on various periodicities. With many of these solar heartbeats being driven by unknown factors, recent research has reignited a connection with the planets of the Solar System. According to a team of researchers led by physicist Frank Stefani from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface, approximately 3,000 kilometers down, lies a perplexing band of material known as the D” layer. Scientists have been captivated by its uneven and thick patches for quite some time. Recent research indicates that this layer may have originated from an ancient magma ocean that enveloped the early Earth billions of