Health & Wellbeing
On these pages you'll find everything from devices designed to give you a better night's sleep to the latest work being done to tackle the obesity epidemic. Live long and prosper!
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Color blindness-correcting contacts inspired by antique glass
While there are glasses that help compensate for red-green color blindness, the lenses often can't be shaped to users' prescriptions. That's why scientists are developing a new type of corrective contact lens, inspired by old gold-containing glass. -
US COVID-19 blood plasma trial halted by NIH
A clinical trial run by the NIH exploring the efficacy of convalescent plasma in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 patients has been halted. In a similar conclusion to prior trials, the once-promising treatment was deemed unlikely to be of any benefit. -
First-of-its-kind trial finds psychedelic microdosing is equal to placebo
A landmark "self-blinded" trial testing the effect of psychedelic microdosing has found the practice may be an example of a strong placebo effect. The research suggests there is little difference in reported benefits between a microdose and a placebo. -
New studies explore how gut microbiome affects Alzheimer’s and diabetes
Two studies are offering new evidence the microbiome is intertwined with our metabolic and brain health. One shows a link between gut bacteria and cognitive changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, while another suggests microbial biomarkers could predict the progression of diabetes. -
First single-shot, "fridge stable" COVID-19 vaccine approved in US
The FDA has approved a third COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States. Unlike the first two vaccines approved for use, this one is proven effective after only a single dose, and it can be safely distributed in standard refrigerator temperatures. -
Can’t stand the cold? Blame this genetic mutation
New research has found one in five people have a genetic mutation that confers greater resilience to cold temperatures. The study shows people with a deficiency generating a skeletal muscle protein shiver less and hold higher core temperatures in the cold. -
NIH study confirms SARS-CoV-2 reinfections are relatively rare
A new study, from the NIH, examining data from more than three million people suggests reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is still quite rare. However, it is unclear how long this natural protection may last. -
Pfizer reduces ultra-cold requirements for its COVID-19 vaccine
New data submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is stable for two weeks in freezers around -15 °C (5 °F), allowing for significantly more flexibility in shipping and storage methods. -
MDMA proves a promising alcoholism treatment in world-first trial
A new, small open-label trial is the first to test MDMA therapy as a treatment for addiction and the results suggest it is safe, well-tolerated and significantly more effective than any current treatment for alcoholism. -
California bill proposes lawful use and sharing of psychedelic drugs
A broad reform bill has been proposed in California that would see the possession and use of a number of psychedelic drugs decriminalized. The bill proposes to expunge all psychedelic-related criminal convictions and allow “social sharing” of the drugs. -
UK ethics body approves COVID-19 trial to infect healthy subjects with virus
A controversial world-first human challenge trial is set to commence in weeks following approval by a UK ethics committee. The research aims to test vaccine efficacy, but the first step will investigate the lowest dose of virus that leads to COVID-19. -
Landmark study finds link between playing video games and well-being
A first-of-its-kind study from Oxford University has investigated the relationship between well-being and time spent playing video games. The surprising findings revealed a small correlation between longer play-times and positive well-being.
