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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Mask safety: Study finds some materials may cause more harm than good
Scientists have tested how effectively different face mask materials reduce the spread of respiratory droplets during speech. The research suggests some alternative face mask options offer little protection, and could be more harmful than wearing no mask at all. -
Imaging study offers clue to how obesity can increase Alzheimer’s risk
New data has found an association between increased body weight and decreased cerebral blood flow. The research offers insight into the links between Alzheimer’s and obesity, suggesting maintaining a healthy weight can reduce one’s risk of dementia. -
New cancer diagnoses in US halved in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
A analysis has found new cancer diagnoses in the United States dropped by nearly 50 percent across the months of March and April. Experts warn these delayed diagnoses could lead to a spike in avoidable cancer deaths over the coming years. -
Large clinical trial affirms vitamin D does not prevent depression
The results of the largest clinical trial ever conducted into the relationship between vitamin D and depression suggest the vitamin does not improve mood or prevent depression. The trial did not investigate subjects with pre-existing vitamin D deficiencies. -
Canada grants first legal exemptions for psilocybin use in 50 years
Four terminally ill cancer patients in Canada have been granted a special exemption to legally possess and consume psilocybin. They are the first in the country, outside a clinical trial, allowed to do so since the psychedelic was made illegal in 1974. -
Childhood trauma found to accelerate biological signs of aging
New research suggests violent or traumatic experiences in childhood can accelerate biological signs of aging. Early puberty, rapid cellular aging, and structural brain changes could all be linked to violent childhood trauma, but not poverty or neglect. -
Study detects heart damage in majority of recovered COVID-19 patients
A pair of new studies highlight the potential for long-term heart complications in recovered COVID-19 patients. The research suggests the virus can damage cardiovascular muscles with inflammation detectable months after recovery, even in mild cases. -
World-first clinical trial finds CBD can help treat cannabis addiction
Positive results from the world’s first clinical trial testing the potential for cannabidiol (CBD) to treat cannabis addiction suggest daily use of medical-grade CBD is both safe and effective at reducing problematic cannabis consumption. -
No evidence wearing face masks creates a false sense of security
A newly published review has concluded there is no evidence to suggest wearing a face mask to protect against COVID-19 transmission leads to lower levels of compliance with other hygiene measures such as social distancing and hand washing. -
Low suicide rates linked to microdoses of lithium in drinking water
A new systematic review of more than a dozen studies from around the world has confirmed an association between geographical areas with naturally high levels of lithium in the water supply and low rates of suicide. -
New evidence linking high iron levels with shorter lifespan
Hot on the heels of a recently published genomic study correlating blood iron levels with healthy aging, more research is suggesting high systemic iron levels can be linked with reduced life expectancy. -
Spring-loaded wearable gets stroke victims' feet off the ground
When someone has suffered a stroke, they may have difficulty regaining a proper walking gait. An experimental new device could help, though, by springing up their heel with each step.
