Weighted blankets: The many benefits of the modern Hug Machine

Using a weighted blanket overnight not only improves insomnia but mood as well, in addition to reducing the use of sleep medications, a review of existing studies has found. It’s an effective, non-drug way of improving sleep to ensure better overall he… Continue reading Weighted blankets: The many benefits of the modern Hug Machine

Your “DNA-shedder” status could be crucial in crime scene investigations

If you’ve ever watched CSI, you’ll know that suspects frequently leave incriminating traces of their DNA behind at crime scenes. According to a recent study, however, the telltale amount of that genetic material could also point to a person’s guilt or … Continue reading Your “DNA-shedder” status could be crucial in crime scene investigations

A dash of gallium may make for stabler hip and knee implants

While titanium hip and knee implants do restore mobility to a great many people, they’re still subject to failure. A new alloy could help change that, simply by adding a smidge of bendy, bacteria-killing gallium to the mix.Continue ReadingCategory: Med… Continue reading A dash of gallium may make for stabler hip and knee implants

Gauze from first aid kits can be used to ID human-attacking sharks

In the event of a shark attack, it’s very important to determine which shark species was responsible, so authorities can take the appropriate measures. A new study indicates that readily available medical gauze can be used by first responders to obtain… Continue reading Gauze from first aid kits can be used to ID human-attacking sharks

Late-night light raises your type 2 diabetes risk by up to 67%

In a massive study of 85,000 people, scientists at Flinders University have found that night-time exposure to light increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, independent of daytime activities.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Flin… Continue reading Late-night light raises your type 2 diabetes risk by up to 67%

Colossal skull discovery shows that “thunder bird” was a giant goose

Geese have a reputation for being aggressive, unpleasant birds, so imagine one that’s more than 2 m (6.6 ft) tall and weighs about 230 kg (507 lb). That’s Genyornis newtoni, an Ice Age “thunder bird” from Australia, for which scientists have now found … Continue reading Colossal skull discovery shows that “thunder bird” was a giant goose

Air conditioners may help catch criminals, by snagging their DNA

Even if a criminal wears gloves, their cast-off DNA may still be present in a room’s air after they leave. A new study suggests that if such telltale material gets sucked up by an air conditioner, it could let forensic investigators know if a suspect h… Continue reading Air conditioners may help catch criminals, by snagging their DNA

First sleep apnea drug reduces severity in 70% of trial cases

Sleep apnea can negatively impact health and well-being, but treatment is limited to poorly tolerated positive pressure masks (CPAP) and, in the worst cases, surgery. However, in a recent trial, a nasal spray showed promise as a treatment for the most … Continue reading First sleep apnea drug reduces severity in 70% of trial cases

Sound makes soil fungi bloom & could restore damaged ecosystems

A study has found that playing a soundscape to a common, plant-promoting fungus found in soil caused it to grow more rapidly than fungi that weren’t exposed to sound. The novel ‘eco-acoustic’ approach has the potential to restore damaged ecosystems.Con… Continue reading Sound makes soil fungi bloom & could restore damaged ecosystems

60-year-old drug can resensitize treatment-resistant brain cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that cerebrospinal fluid, the brain’s shock absorber, contributes to treatment resistance in people with brain cancer. But their study also identified a more-than-sixty-year-old antipsychotic medication that can be repurpose… Continue reading 60-year-old drug can resensitize treatment-resistant brain cancer cells