The brain, often described as having the texture of soft-set blancmange, is encased in the skull and protected by three membranes known as meninges. These membranes provide stability, prevent the brain from sloshing around, and create compartments within the skull. The first of these membranes, called the dura, is tough, while the second membrane, the
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Aquagenic urticaria, commonly referred to as “water allergy”, is a rare medical condition that elicits both fascination and concern among the medical community. Individuals like 22-year-old Loren Montefusco from South Carolina, US, experience the distressing symptoms of this peculiar affliction, which transforms the simple act of water contact into a tormenting ordeal. The condition leads
After surgery, many individuals experience cognitive decline that can last for weeks to months. This decline in brain function has been linked to inflammation, and recent research suggests that consuming fatty foods prior to surgery may exacerbate this issue. Research conducted at Ohio State University on rats showed that feeding them a high-fat diet for
Recent research has shed light on a fascinating connection between brain cells and our eating habits. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), certain clusters of cells in the brain can trigger the urge to eat, even when we are not hungry. These cells, located in a
The development of a cancer vaccine for dogs has been a breakthrough in the field of veterinary oncology. Clinical trials that began in 2016 have shown promising results, with over 300 dogs treated with the vaccine to date. The twelve-month survival rate for canines with certain cancers has increased from 35 percent to 60 percent,
Australia’s ambitious reforestation project in the desert Outback was supposed to be a shining example of environmental conservation. However, new research has revealed that this project has fallen short of its goals. The vast expanses of land designated for native forest regeneration have not lived up to expectations. In fact, the forest growth in almost
The melting of polar ice caps due to global warming is not only causing rising sea levels and climate change, but it is also affecting Earth’s rotation. A recent study has found that the redistribution of mass from melting polar ice caps is altering the planet’s rotation rate. Geophysicist Duncan Agnew from the University of
The process of bearing and delivering a child has long been understood to have significant physical and emotional implications for mothers. The toll that pregnancy takes on the body is undeniable, with stress affecting nearly every aspect of a woman’s health. Despite this well-known fact, there has been a lack of standardized methods for quantifying
Metal detecting has long been a popular hobby in England, with enthusiasts scouring the countryside in search of valuable treasures and historical artifacts. One such detectorist, Richard Brock, recently made headlines when he unearthed what is believed to be the biggest gold nugget ever found in the country. Despite arriving late to the organized expedition
Frogs, despite being a hairless species, have provided scientists with valuable insights into the origins of mammalian hair. A recent study conducted by Ghent University molecular biologist Marjolein Carron and her team focused on the tropical clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) to understand the genetic similarities between frog claws and mammalian hair. While frogs do not