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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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. -
Coffee found to boost aerobic capacity and fat-burning during exercise
Scientists in Spain have published a paper examining the fat-burning potential of coffee when consumed before aerobic exercise, and found that the effects are a lot more profound later in the afternoon than in the morning. -
Caffeine consumption found to alter brain structure
A new study has found caffeine consumption can reduce the volume of gray matter in the human brain. The researchers stress these findings do not imply caffeine negatively impacts the brain but the drug may induce a kind of temporary neural plasticity.
