The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines and our daily lives for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week, our Medical Myths series marked World Alzheimer’s Day by challenging 11 misconceptions people may have about dementia. We also reported on a long-term study that supports the use of testosterone therapy to reduce obesity in people who might otherwise undergo bariatric surgery.

As part of a series of articles on health issues in the 2020 presidential election, we published a story on how voting and wider participation in politics may bring mental health benefits. Look out for more articles on health and the election in the coming weeks.

We round off this week’s selection with a collection of healthful recipes for weight loss, an inspiring personal story from a sickle cell anemia survivor, and our pick of the best aromatherapy candles to relieve stress safely and fragrantly.

Below are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. Medical myths: All about dementia

The latest installment in our Medical Myths series tackles 11 myths about dementia. Tim Newman, MNT‘s Senior News Editor, wrote this article to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

The feature answers several crucial questions: Are Alzheimer’s disease and dementia the same thing? Is dementia an inevitable part of the aging process? Does dementia only affect older adults? And do vitamins and supplements have any role to play in preventing it?

Learn more here.

2. Testosterone as a possible alternative to weight loss surgery

Our most popular news article this week reported on an 11-year study into the effects of testosterone on men with obesity who had clinically low levels of the hormone.

The results were striking, with males who received testosterone losing an average of 23 kilograms (kg), equivalent to 20% of their body weight. Those who did not receive treatment gained an average of 6 kg.

Those receiving treatment were also free of major cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes, while 28% of those who did not receive testosterone therapy had a heart attack, and 20% developed diabetes.

Learn more here.

3. How could voting benefit mental health?

In a recent Recovery Room, we featured Medical News Today‘s investigation into how health influences voting behavior. This week, we look at how voting and civic engagement may benefit mental health and overall well-being.

Both articles are part of Medical News Today‘s ongoing coverage in the weeks leading up to the presidential vote, including the latest Letter from the Editor on the role that health will play in the 2020 election.

Learn more here.

4. Can we ease motion sickness through mental training?

Our readers spent an average of nearly 6 minutes each reading this article on a new technique for preventing motion sickness. It’s an unpleasant condition with symptoms that include nausea and vomiting, while people may also experience sweating, dizziness, hyperventilation, headaches, restlessness, and drowsiness.

Motion sickness can occur in cars, buses, trains, airplanes, boats, and theme park rides. It can also develop while using virtual reality headsets.

Now, a new study suggests that 14 days of simple, pen-and-paper visuospatial training may help reduce motion sickness, broadening transport options in people who would otherwise suffer from it.

Learn more here.

5. Reading in company might enhance linguistic creativity

What role does social context play in influencing people’s ability to process language? This was the question researchers in Spain set out to investigate in a recent study, covered in MNT this week.

The research finds that our brains behave differently when we read alone compared with when we read in company. The presence of another may boost creativity, but there are other, more systematic tasks where reading alone may be beneficial.

Learn more here.

6. Immune system may trigger anxiety in response to infection

A recent study in mice adds to evidence suggesting that, aside from attacking pathogens, the immune system might influence mood and anxiety. One of the immune signaling molecules, or cytokines, that mediates these links is called interleukin-17a (IL-17a).

In the study, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville found that IL-17a causes anxiety-like behavior in mice. The team now plans to investigate whether too much or too little IL-17a could affect anxiety in people.

Learn more here.

7. Less sleep reduces our ability to maintain positivity

Last month, MNT launched a collection of articles on the science of sleep that covered topics such as dreaming, sleep disorders, and how to get a good night’s rest.

This week, we reported on a new study investigating how getting enough shut-eye helps people maintain emotional equilibrium and allows them to enjoy the good things in life.

“When people experience something positive, such as getting a hug or spending time in nature, they typically feel happier that day. But we found that when a person sleeps less than their usual amount, they don’t have as much of a boost in positive emotions from their positive events,” says lead author Nancy Sin.

Learn more here.

8. Healthful recipes for weight loss

As well as reporting on the latest medical and science news, and how health intersects with politics and inequality, MNT‘s editors also produce articles that help with the everyday practice of healthful living.

This new feature presents healthful eating tips and recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to help people kickstart their weight loss journey. We also look at the basic principles of weight loss and how the microbiome plays an important role.

Learn more here.

9. Through my eyes: ‘Living my best life’ with sickle cell anemia

Through my eyes is a regular MNT feature where we invite contributions from people who have had personal experience with a health condition. Recent articles have shared the stories of those who have survived COVID-19, encephalitis, and misdiagnosed endometriosis.

This week, our contributor is Vanetta Morrison. Vanetta was born with a chronic illness and given a short life expectancy. Now, she helps people live their best lives from the inside out, and this is her story.

Learn more here.

10. Aromatherapy candles: 3 options for stress relief

Mind, body, and nose – MNT have every aspect of your health and mental well-being covered this week, with this assessment of aromatherapy candles.

Aromatherapy candles contain essential oils, some of which may relieve stress. We look at the potential benefits, safety, and risks of using these products in your home.

Learn more here.

We hope these provide a taste of the stories we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of news stories and features every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• Is there a link between thunderstorms and increased ER visits?
• Video gaming as a child related to improvements in memory
• Electoral psychology: Why people vote…or not

September 18 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines and our daily lives for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week, we’re very pleased to unwrap the first installment of our Curiosities of Medicine series, which is all about how human remains have played a part in medicine down the ages. For both this series and our Medical Myths series, MNT will continue to cover the darker and more unexpected side of medicine.

We also take another look at the central role of vitamin D in human health — this week, in older males. As we reported this week, you might also increase your chances of enjoying old age by cutting out ultra-processed foods, reducing your calorie intake, or taking a drug that mimics calorie restriction.

Finally, we round off this week’s Recovery Room with news of a possible treatment for muscular dystrophy and an explanation of why a baby’s smile may not mean that they’re happy.

Below are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. ‘Mumia’: The strange history of human remains… as medicine

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This week, MNT published the first article in a new series examining medical curiosities. In this Special Feature, author Maria Cohut, Ph.D., takes a look at the macabre practice of medical cannibalism, focusing on the preparation and ingestion of mumia, or mummy powder.

Mumia featured in European medicine for hundreds of years as a treatment for pain, inflammation, and coughing. People also used it for wound healing, blood thinning, and many other purposes.

However, there were constant worries about whether or not mumia had actually been sourced from local and recent donors rather than real Ancient Egyptian mummies.

The article is a fascinating exploration of a dark and unusual chapter of medical history. We eagerly await the next in the series.

Learn more here.

2. Vitamin D levels may predict future health risks, death in older men

This report on a breakthrough in the measurement of free metabolites of vitamin D and their role in predicting future health quickly emerged as our most popular article this week.

Experts have long known vitamin D to play a central role in human health. They have linked low levels to an increased risk of osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. This new research uses a novel measure of two types of vitamin D to forecast the risk of death rather than to establish an association after the fact.

Learn more here.

3. Common drugs linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s

Our report on the link between anticholinergic medications and mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia, was also very widely read this week. The article has attracted more than 42,000 page views on the MNT website since Wednesday.

Researchers describe the effects of these drugs as a “double hit” on people who are already genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more here.

4. Ultra-processed foods may accelerate biological aging

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are tasty, inexpensive, and widely available. They’re also nutritionally poor and contain high levels of additives, sugar, fat, and salt. Research links UPFs to serious conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and some types of cancer.

A newly published study shows that a diet high in UPFs may contribute to biological aging processes at the cellular level. The researchers found a clear correlation between the level of UPF consumption and reduced telomere length. Eating more foods high in UPFs also had links to depression, hypertension, and all-cause mortality.

Learn more here.

5. ‘Body clock’ rhythms, not sleep, control brain waste disposal

MNT recently published an investigation into the science of sleep, featuring articles on dreaming, sleep disorders, and how to get a good night’s rest. This week, we reported on how sleep might have a less significant role than previously thought when it comes to clearing metabolic waste products from the brain.

The glymphatic system takes out the brain’s trash, but new research highlights the role of the “body clock” in controlling this system. People who are not able to sleep at a regular time or who sleep during the day because of shift work may be at additional risk of developing neurological conditions as a result.

Learn more here.

6. Can a drug mimic the life extending effects of calorie restriction?

Research shows that laboratory animals eating a calorie restricted diet live longer and are less likely to suffer diseases of older age, such as cancer and heart disease. It seems likely that humans would also benefit in this way from eating fewer calories, but it is very difficult for most people to stick to such a diet over a lifetime.

This week, we reported on research that used artificial intelligence to identify which new drugs could effectively mimic calorie restriction without the need for a person to maintain a significantly calorie restricted diet.

Learn more here.

7. Scientists discover key brain enzyme controlling sexual desire in males

Sexual desire in males is not all about testosterone. A recent mouse study investigating the role of aromatase in the brain found that the enzyme plays an important role in sexual activity in males.

In mice that had no aromatase in their brains, sexual activity reduced by half, despite these mice having higher levels of testosterone than those in the control group. Mice that could not produce aromatase anywhere in their body showed no sexual activity at all.

Learn more here.

8. Anxiety disorders are linked to inflamed thyroid glands

Are antianxiety medications targeting the wrong system? Most anxiety treatments work on the nervous system but do not offer permanent relief from symptoms. This week, MNT reported on a small-scale study linking anxiety disorders to inflamed thyroid glands, which are part of the endocrine system.

If further investigation confirms this discovery, new treatment options may become available for the estimated 264 million people around the world who suffer from anxiety disorders. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which the researchers used in this study, are cheap and widely available.

Learn more here.

9. Potential treatment strategy found for muscular dystrophy

There is currently no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disease that reduces life expectancy to an average of 26 years. However, this week, MNT reported on a potential new treatment.

Researchers at Yale University screened more than 160,000 compounds to find a molecule that blocks an enzyme, MKP5, which is known to destroy muscle tissue in people with DMD.

Scientists had considered MKP5 “undruggable,” but the new compound potently and selectively inhibits the enzyme. The compound may also be a candidate drug for other conditions that involve tissue scarring, including chronic liver disease.

Learn more here.

10. When do babies start smiling?

As well as covering the latest medical news and research, MNT‘s editorial team works tirelessly to answer thousands of questions that people may have about their health and that of their family members. We published a classic example this week — our article on babies and their smiles.

A baby’s earliest smiles are reflex smiles. They will usually develop real smiles, signaling contentment, between 6 and 12 weeks of age. This article looks at why and when babies start to smile. It also explains when to see a doctor.

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• Training your brain to prevent motion sickness
• How could voting benefit mental health?
• How does the immune system influence the mind and body?

September 4 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines and our daily lives for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week, we launched a comprehensive collection of resources about the science of sleep, reported on worrying levels of microplastic pollution in our seafood, and revealed that placebos may work even when a patient knows exactly what they’re getting.

We also reported on a new way to fight superbugs using electricity and why Black patients may experience less pain when receiving care from Black doctors.

Finally, we look at the effects of sleeping too little on a person’s mood and ability to enjoy pleasurable feelings, and we explore the intense euphoria you might feel if you exercise enough to experience a runner’s high.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. The science of sleep

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Last weekend saw the launch of our major new resource on the science of sleep, where you can learn about common misconceptions, dreams and lucid dreaming, sleep disorders, and even products that will help promote a better night’s rest.

We’ve gathered dozens of articles in one place, so if you’re interested in the activity that takes up around a third of our lives, MNT have you covered.

Learn more here.

2. Study found plastic in every seafood sample it analyzed

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It’s worse than many of us might have thought: In a recent study assessing the microplastic content of seafood, the researchers were surprised to find plastic in every sample they tested. This means that every meal that contains fish or shellfish is likely to include a side helping of plastic.

“Considering an average serving, a seafood eater could be exposed to approximately 0.7 milligrams (mg) of plastic when ingesting an average serving of oysters or squid, and up to 30 mg of plastic when eating sardines,” says the lead author of the study.

Learn more here.

3. Study finds link between low fungi diversity in lungs and severity of ARDS

MNT have reported on the microbiome in depth, and this week we covered a new study that reveals how it affects every part of the body. Most microbiome research focuses on the gut, but the lungs are also home to a population of microorganisms.

It now appears that the more diverse this lung microbiome is, the better — researchers have found a link between the diversity of fungi in the lungs of people with acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, and the severity of the condition.

Learn more here.

4. Gut health experts define ‘synbiotic’ supplements

Still on the subject of the microbiome, a clear definition of “synbiotics” has been published for the first time, MNT reported this week.

This new definition means that more thorough formulation and testing of complementary synbiotics, in which probiotics and prebiotics work separately, and synergistic synbiotics, in which they work together, is required before manufacturers can claim that their product is synbiotic. In either case, there must be an overall health benefit.

Learn more here.

5. Placebos may have benefits, even when people know they are taking them

What happens if people are informed that they have been given a placebo? New research reported by MNT this week suggests that a placebo can still have a physiological effect.

Our report explains how the placebo was administered and how the researchers informed the participants that what they would receive contained no active ingredients. The researchers think the use of such “nondeceptive” placebos may be useful in relieving COVID-19-related stress.

Learn more here.

6. Weak electric currents could help combat superbugs

MNT often report on the latest research in the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs. In a new article published this week, we reported on how researchers have used electric currents — that are too weak to harm humans but powerful enough to disrupt bacterial membranes — to sterilize surfaces.

This has the potential to be a highly practical and effective method that could sterilize objects that people frequently touch, such as doorknobs and buttons in elevators.

Learn more here.

7. Rare individuals can ‘block and lock’ HIV in their chromosomes

Researchers have long known that around 0.5% of people with HIV have undetectable levels of the virus, even without taking targeted treatment.

New research suggests that this rare group of people — known as elite controllers — are able to confine the intact viral genetic sequences within inactive regions of their own DNA. This means that HIV is not able to create new copies of itself.

In one elite controller who participated, there was apparently no trace of the HIV genome left in their cells at all.

Learn more here.

8. Black patients experience less pain with Black doctors

This week, we reported on a recent study indicating that Black patients report lower levels of pain when they receive medical attention from Black doctors.

The researchers arranged a simulated visit to a doctor’s office and paired Black patients with Black, white, or Hispanic doctors. They found that “Black patients paired with Black doctors reported experiencing less pain across several types of measures than Black patients paired with Hispanic or white doctors.”

Learn more here.

9. What to know about runner’s high

If you’ve ever experienced an intense boost to your mood after a lengthy period of exercise, you’ve probably enjoyed a runner’s high. Cycling, swimming, rowing, and other high-impact aerobic exercises can produce a similar effect.

In this article, we look at the causes, the wider benefits, and how to exercise safely.

Learn more here.

10. Not getting enough sleep stifles positive emotions

Finally this week, an article on the importance of sleep has emerged as one that our readers have spent the most time with — an average of over 15 minutes each.

Researchers asked the 52 participants in their study to go bed 2 hours later than usual for 3 out of 10 nights and found that they had become more prone to mistakes and impulsive behavior after having less sleep. They also experienced pleasurable feelings less intensely.

With around one-third of adults in the United States reporting less than 6 hours of sleep each night, the implications of this study could be far-reaching.

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interests:

• Honeybee venom kills aggressive breast cancer cells
• How ultra-processed food may accelerate aging
• Why a ketogenic diet might reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease

August 13 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines, and our daily lives, for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week’s most popular article looked at a potential treatment for memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease. We also looked at how and why you might want to increase your serotonin levels, plus a promising development that may help some of us hang on to our hair.

MNT have also delved deep into the science of sleep this week, with new articles on sleep myths and the best techniques for encouraging lucid dreaming. Finally, we’ve looked at whether drinking coffee raises blood pressure and found that the evidence is somewhat conflicting.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. Promising new drug candidate may reverse Alzheimer’s-like memory loss

Our most popular news story over the past week was a report on new research that may help treat one of the most pernicious symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: the loss of memory.

Researchers at the Salk Institute investigating the flavonoid fisetin found that a version of it, called CMC121, improves memory and behavior in mice with symptoms resembling those of Alzheimer’s disease. The success of this study means that the researchers now plan to pursue clinical trials in humans.

Learn more here.

2. Four scientifically proven ways to increase serotonin

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Serotonin is a chemical messenger that affects many functions of the brain and the rest of the body. A low level of serotonin is likely a factor that leads to depression. In this article, we look at four ways to boost serotonin levels.

Medication, exercise, and a diet containing sufficient tryptophan are vital, but exposure to bright light may also be important. This article, which emerged as one of the most popular on MNT over the past 7 days, also considers the risk of increasing serotonin too much.

Learn more here.

3. Medical myths: The mystery of sleep

We spend around one-third of our lives asleep, but many mysteries still surround this phenomenon. In this article, we look at five persistent sleep myths, including the effects of alcohol, the role of cheese in nightmares, sleepwalking, and what it means if you remember dreaming.

This Special Feature has already emerged as one of MNT‘s most popular articles of the week, as well as one that people have spent the most time reading. 

Learn more here.

4. Lucid dreaming study explains how to take control of our dreams

We featured an article on lucid dreaming in last week’s Recovery Room. This week, we reported on a new study that investigated techniques for achieving it. Two methods, known by the acronyms MILD and SSILD, emerged as the most effective.

The researchers also looked into the possible benefits and uses of lucid dreaming. Future research into what makes MILD and SSILD work may refine these techniques further.

Learn more here.

5. New way for gut neurons to communicate with the brain

In addition to the central nervous system, humans have an enteric nervous system (ENS) made up of 500 million neurons in the gut wall that can communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve. This week, we reported on a new study that has uncovered more information about how this communication happens.

There is increasing evidence that neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and stroke, are associated with changes in the gut. Discovering how the ENS links with the wider nervous system may lead to more effective treatments in the future.

Learn more here.

6. Hair regrowth: Could microRNA lead the way?

A recent study has identified microRNA that could help reverse hair loss. The findings could lead to treatments that are more effective than current drugs and less difficult and time-consuming than transplantation.

Now, if only a similar mechanism for reversing graying hair could be identified.

Learn more here.

7. New blood thinner without bleeding risk

Bleeding is a common, and sometimes life threatening, side effect of blood-thinning treatments. Now — according to a recent study reported in MNT this week — scientists in Switzerland have designed a blood-thinning compound that can prevent blood clots without causing a major risk of bleeding.

Experts already knew that people who naturally lack coagulation factor XII (FXII) have a lower risk of blood clots but do not bleed more than normal. The researchers behind the recent study were able to target FXII with a carefully modified inhibitor, which has the potential to provide a more viable new treatment.

Learn more here.

8. Updated report pinpoints 12 factors that could help prevent dementia

In 2017, The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care issued a list of nine factors that a person could modify to delay dementia. This week, we reported on an update from the commission, which has added a further three factors: head injuries, alcohol consumption, and exposure to pollution.

Taken together, the researchers estimate that these factors account for up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide. They also urge an increase in physical activity and social interaction as ways to decrease the risk.

Learn more here.

9. What are the effects of solitary confinement on health?

Defined as the physical isolation of individuals confined to their cells for at least 22.5 hours per day, solitary confinement is associated with significant increases in anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and physical health conditions such as vision loss.

In this new article, we look at the evidence of psychological harm, as well as the physical effects, and why prisons in the U.S and elsewhere continue to use solitary confinement.

Learn more here.

10. Does coffee raise blood pressure?

Coffee can impact blood pressure in different ways, and scientific analyses have arrived at conflicting results. This week, we weighed the evidence of coffee’s effects on blood pressure and whether people should be drinking it regularly.

We also looked at symptoms to indicate that people should stop drinking coffee, how best to reduce consumption, and some caffeine-free beverages to try.

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interests:

• Hallucinations: What explains these tricks of the mind?
• People in blue states live longer, says a new study
• West Nile virus in the US: A case study on climate change and health

August 7 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines, and our daily lives, for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has unmasked.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week’s most popular article looked at the reasons why a person may experience bloating and nausea. Another article on how high blood sugar levels may diminish the benefit of exercise was hot on its heels.

We also offered advice on topics as varied as hand exercises for people with arthritis, lucid dreaming, and stretching before going to bed. If you have ever wondered whether human brains are better connected than those of other mammals, we have news on that, too.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. What causes a bloated stomach, nausea, and tiredness?

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When are a bloated stomach and feeling sick symptoms of overeating, and when are they a sign of an underlying health condition? That was the question that Medical News Today answered in the most popular new article over the past week, with nearly 25,000 readers and counting.

We look at the symptoms and possible causes, as well as the remedies that you can prepare at home. However, if bloating persists for 2 weeks or more, or it occurs alongside severe pain, blood in the urine or stool, loss of appetite, or other changes, you should see your doctor.

Learn more here.

2. High blood sugar may limit aerobic exercise capacity

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Could having high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) make it more difficult to build up your capacity for aerobic exercise? That was the suggestion in a new study that we reported on this week.

The researchers carried out the study in both mice and humans, finding that blood sugar, rather than obesity or the effects of insulin, is responsible for this diminishing return from exercise. Our article covering this study is on track to be the most popular story published so far this month.

Learn more here.

3. How does the respiratory system work?

Click on the interactive Bodymap below to move around the model and read more about the respiratory system.

Readers spent an average of nearly 10 minutes learning more about the respiratory system. This article covers how it works, what it looks like, and some diseases and conditions that can affect it.

In common with our recent articles on how the intestines work and the location of the human heart, we’ve illustrated this topic with an interactive BodyMap diagram. It appears that many readers enjoyed spending their time zooming in and out, flying around the body, and finding out more about specific parts of each organ system.

Learn more here.

4. Researchers map anxiety in the brain

What does anxiety look like in the brain? This is the question that new research at the University of Trento in Italy tackled, which MNT covered.

The study found that people with chronic anxiety do exhibit changes in their brain activity relating to an area called the default mode network. The researchers, who distinguish between short-term “state anxiety” and more persistent “trait anxiety,” identified an area of the brain with permanent anatomical differences in those with the more persistent type.

Learn more here.

5. 8 hand exercises for arthritis with pictures

In this article, we recommend eight hand exercises for arthritis, complete with instructions and animations that demonstrate each technique.

Our data indicate that many readers have returned to this article a number of times, so it looks set to become a valuable resource for people experiencing pain and stiffness in their hands due to arthritis.

Learn more here.

6. What to know about sleep deprivation

Here in the United Kingdom, we’re experiencing something of a heat wave, and it’s making sleeping difficult for many people. For most people, normal sleep patterns resume as the temperature falls, but for others, a chronic lack of sleep can harm mental and physical health.

In this article — one of our five most popular this week — we look at how much sleep is necessary, the effects of getting too little, and tips for better sleep (such as those in our next article).

Learn more here.

7. 10 stretches to try before bed

If you’re having difficulty falling asleep, you may find our new article on stretching techniques to try before bed useful. It includes animated step-by-step instructions for 10 exercises that may help you drift off.

We also look at other forms of light exercise that research has shown to improve sleep quality. Our next article looks at an interesting phenomenon that you might have experienced while sleeping.

Learn more here.

8. Lucid dreaming: Controlling the stories of sleep

In this Discover article, we explore lucid dreaming, which is the phenomenon of being aware that you are dreaming while you are doing so. It’s not as uncommon as you might think: One survey in Brazil indicated that as many as 77% of the 3,427 participants had experienced it at least once.

We explain what it is, what to do to achieve it, and whether or not it has any risks.

Learn more here.

9. Human brain is not more efficient than other mammals’ brains

It has long been believed that the human brain is uniquely complex and has greater connectivity between its regions than the brains of other species. However, recent research that MNT reported on this week suggests that this is not, in fact, the case.

Researchers mapped the brain connectivity of 123 mammalian species, including rodents, monkeys, and dolphins. They concluded that the degree of connectivity is equal across mammal brains, regardless of size.

Learn more here.

10. Novel neurotransmitters effectively cross the blood-brain barrier

MNT are always looking out for breakthroughs on the frontiers of medical science. This week, we reported on a technique for modifying drugs to allow them to cross the blood-brain barrier — something that is usually very difficult to accomplish safely. Existing techniques rely on creating physical pathways — essentially, holes — in the barrier to deliver drugs, but these methods can damage the brain.

So, we were excited to report the results from a new study using mouse models. The researchers used a class of “door-opening” neurotransmitters to carry drugs selectively across the blood-brain barrier into the brain. One of the paper’s authors, Qiaobing Xu, says: “The power of our method is that it is extremely versatile and relatively nondisruptive.”

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• Naps and cardiovascular health: The pros and cons
• How do cannabinoids affect the activity of other drugs?
• What happens to our immune system as we age?

July 31 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines, and our daily lives, for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has unmasked.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week, our article on the best foods containing vitamin B12 proved to be very popular. Readers also flocked to our articles on how to lower diastolic blood pressure and how to fall asleep within minutes.

We also reported on how oxytocin, the “love hormone,” may play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and how having a job that involves sitting behind a desk may lower the risk of cognitive decline.

We also looked at the Mandela effect and shared the latest Letter from the Editor, which focused on racial disparities in mental healthcare.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. Best vitamin B12 foods: Supplements and RDA

This article emerged not only as the most read this week, but also as the most read over the past 2 months, with over 160,000 views since its publication last Sunday.

In it, we look at how the body uses vitamin B12 and the symptoms of consuming too little. The article also lists the best foods containing vitamin B12, including plant-based alternatives, plus some foods and beverages that can interfere with vitamin B12 intake.

Learn more here.

2. What can people do to lower diastolic blood pressure?

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Our second most read article over the past week looked at some steps people can take to lower their blood pressure.

In this article, we offer 17 natural and medical tips, including lifestyle and dietary changes. We also list the complications that may occur if a person does not seek treatment or try lifestyle changes for high blood pressure.

Learn more here.

3. Molecule in blood linked to cognitive decline in old age

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is important. Although there is currently no cure, scientists are working on several treatments that aim to slow its progression, as MNT recently reported.

According to one new study, a molecule called asymmetric dimethylarginine may be a helpful early predictor of cognitive decline, sometimes years or even decades before symptoms appear.

However, further research is necessary to confirm this, as the recent study involved only 93 participants.

Learn more here.

4. How to fall asleep fast: Methods to try

Knowing how to fall asleep fast can help a person manage sleep quality. This article presents several methods and techniques that can help people fall asleep quickly (or within just 2 minutes, with the military method we look at first).

We noticed that our readers did spend less time than usual with this article, so presumably, it had the desired effect.

Learn more here.

5. All you need to know about melatonin

Sticking with the theme of sleep, we recently published this deep dive into every aspect of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate daily body rhythms. It also has many other roles and boasts a wealth of potential medical uses.

Produced naturally by the pineal gland in the brain, it is also available as a supplement. Our recent article looks at the risks and possible side effects of taking it.

Learn more here.

6. Can the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin treat Alzheimer’s?

Oxytocin is best known as the hormone that helps facilitate romantic attachment and social bonding, earning it its reputation as the “love hormone.”

This week, we reported on new research that suggests that oxytocin can restore brain cells’ plasticity, which is key for memory and learning. Therefore, oxytocin may also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more here.

7. 6 pressure points that alleviate anxiety

MNT also published this article on acupressure techniques this week. Several thousand readers have already spent an average of more than 5 minutes learning about how to massage the six pressure points that may relieve anxiety.

The article also looks at the evidence that supports the use of this alternative therapy to treat this condition.

Learn more here.

8. A desk-based job may lower the risk of cognitive decline

Given the warnings from experts about the potential dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, our report on this new research may seem surprising.

The study, from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, suggests that there is a link between sedentary, desk-based jobs and better cognitive functioning later in life. Make yourself comfortable and read why this might be the case.

Learn more here.

9. What is the Mandela effect?

“The Mandela effect” describes a situation in which a person or a group of people have a false memory of an event. Our new article on this phenomenon looks at the potential causes of false memories, including the possibility that they are interactions with parallel universes.

We look at some famous examples and suggest how to verify whether or not an event actually happened.

Learn more here.

10. Letter from the Editor: Highlighting racial disparities in mental healthcare

July is BIPOC Mental Health month, and in our latest Letter from the Editor, Editorial Director Honor Whiteman focuses on disparities in access to mental healthcare among Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Honor’s Letter closes with a call to our readers of color for suggestions about health topics that we should cover on MNT. She writes, “We’re here for you, and we want to do more.”

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• The neuroscience of sleep
• MicroRNA treatment may restore hair growth
• How the second brain in your gut communicates

July 24 — The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines, and our daily lives, for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has unmasked.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

This week, we explore whether sugar really does make children hyperactive, which bacterium is 15 times more common in the gut of centenarians, and consider the risk to your health of using Bluetooth devices.

We also give advice on how to help someone experiencing a panic attack, why pickled capers could be good for your heart, and what to make of someone sticking their tongue out at you.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. Medical myths: Does sugar make children hyperactive?

In our new Medical Myths series, MNT will inspect some common medical myths and ask whether science supports them or bats them away.

The first feature in this series investigates whether sugar truly makes kids hyperactive. Most parents are convinced that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. Surprisingly, scientific evidence does not back up this theory.

Learn more here.

2. BMI for women: Calculator, chart, and pros and cons

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The most popular article over the past week was our new body mass index (BMI) calculator for women. We take a closer look at the reliability of BMI, how it can help someone understand their weight and what it means for the risk of certain illnesses.

Learn more here.

3. How to help someone who is having a panic attack and when to get help

A panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of fear and anxiety that, in some cases, can leave a person feeling as though they are dying. This helpful guide explains what to do when someone is having a panic attack. We also discuss what to avoid, how to help someone breathe, and when to get help. It was one of our most widely read articles this week.

Learn more here.

4. DNA ‘remembers’ poor blood glucose control in diabetes

A person’s DNA sequence is not the only thing that determines the behavior of their genes. Scientists have found that other factors play an important role in gene expression.

This week, we reported on a new study that looks at one such factor: blood sugar control. The first large scale research into this area found that DNA may ‘remember’ poor blood sugar regulation, increasing the risk of complications in people with type 1 diabetes.

Learn more here.

5. Gut bug may help prevent heart disease and promote longevity

MNT recently presented a wide range of articles for World Microbiome Day, and scientists are reporting discoveries almost daily. This week, we reported on new research that found people who live for 100 years or longer have, on average, 15 times more of the bacterium Eubacterium limosum in their gut.

Whether or not this bacterium has therapeutic potential will require more research, including clinical trials in volunteers who do not have high natural levels of this bacterium.

Learn more here.

6. How to feel more energetic in the morning

How can you get more energy in the morning? This article provides 11 tips, from drinking more water and smelling essential oils, to taking a cold shower and stretching, that may help you feel more energized in the morning and ready to take on the day.

Learn more here.

7. Sticking tongue out: What it means, the psychology, and conditions

Why do some people stick out their tongue compulsively? Why do babies stick their tongues out? How does the meaning vary across cultures? This new MNT article looks at one of humanity’s universal behaviors, its cultural significance — and when it might mean you should contact a doctor.

Learn more here.

8. Compound in pickled capers could benefit the heart and brain

It’s always satisfying when modern medicine offers a scientific explanation for practices that folk medicine has long recommended. New research confirms ancient wisdom and suggests that pickled capers activate the potassium channels that regulate the activity of the heart and brain. The compound responsible for this effect is quercetin, and pickled capers are its richest natural source, though not the only one.

Learn more here.

9. Best stretches for lower back flexibility and pain relief

Poor posture and sitting still for long periods can cause lower back pain and tightness. Unfortunately, this is a very common ailment, with millions of us experiencing it at some time in our lives. But growing evidence supports the use of stretching as a way of treating pain and improving flexibility.

In this article, we present eight of the best lower back stretches for flexibility and pain relief. We illustrate each with an animation and clear instructions to guide you through the exercise.

Learn more here.

10. Are bluetooth headphones safe?

This year has seen concerns and full-blown conspiracies surrounding 5G electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Bluetooth devices also emit nonionizing EMR at a low level, which does not typically harm people.

In this article, we take a look at both ionizing and nonionizing radiation, examine why people might be concerned about it, and assess the safety of regularly using Bluetooth devices.

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT.

We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• Does fasting help breast cancer therapy?
• The molecule in blood linked to cognitive decline in old age.
• How a balance of REM and nonREM sleep assists learning.

The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines, and our daily lives, for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has unmasked.

However, this has not stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

Here are 10 recent stories that people may have missed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

1. How much weight can you lose in a month? Safety and tips

Though only published on Monday this week, our new article on losing weight safely has already emerged as our most popular this month. How much weight a person can lose depends on their level of physical activity and dietary habits, but a safe amount is between 4 and 8 pounds in a month. The article looks at what to eat, how to exercise, and when rapid weight loss is concerning.

Learn more here.

2. Swelling: Is it serious? Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Our next most popular article over the past week was our deep dive into swelling. We look at the symptoms at locations around the body, the tests your doctor may use to diagnose the cause of swelling, and what treatments are available. We also advise on when unexplained, long-lasting, or treatment-resistant swelling means you should seek medical help.

Learn more here.

3. 5 foods to avoid with arthritis to reduce pain

Our guide to changing diet to alleviate arthritis symptoms also proved very popular this week. Certain fats may increase inflammation across the body, and people should limit them. We also identify vegetables from the nightshade family, including potatoes and tomatoes, that may trigger pain in some people with arthritis.

As well as advising readers on what not to eat, this article also recommends a range of healthful, anti-inflammatory foods and lifestyle changes that may help someone manage their arthritis symptoms.

Learn more here.

4. Gut bacteria could help diagnose diabetes

MNT recently presented a wide range of articles for World Microbiome Day, and scientists are reporting discoveries almost daily.

This week, we reported on a new study that found gut bacteria populations fluctuate throughout the day and that this occurs to a lesser extent in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that 13 types of bacteria did not follow the normal day-night rhythm in people with diabetes. Doctors could potentially use these patterns as a novel way to predict and diagnose the condition.

Learn more here.

5. How to take apple cider vinegar: Dose, methods, and side effects

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar (ACV) may have potential health benefits when people consume it medicinally. But how much is safe, and what are the possible side effects of consuming too much or too often?

These questions are clearly on our readers’ minds as thousands of people visited MNT this week to learn about the science behind the claimed benefits for weight loss, blood glucose control, and other conditions. We look at how to take ACV, the possible side effects, drug interactions, and recommend a safe daily dosage.

Learn more here.

6. Probiotics may reduce symptoms of depression

Nutrition stories feature strongly in this week’s round up. We reported on a new review of existing evidence that suggests that probiotic bacteria on their own or in combination with prebiotics, may relieve symptoms of depression. Yet more evidence on the relationship between the gut and the brain is likely to prove valuable.

Interestingly, prebiotics did not have a significant effect on depression on their own, and neither probiotics nor prebiotics improved anxiety symptoms, either on their own or in combination.

Learn more here.

7. Mesomorph body type: Definition, diet, and working out

This popular article focuses on the strong, athletic mesomorph body type. It also offers background on the ectomorph and endomorph body types and how to identify them. Mesomorphs tend to gain weight easily, so we discuss the best diet and exercise routines for their fitness goals.

Learn more here.

8. Raw milk may harbor antibiotic-resistant germs

Before you rush to your local farm shop to buy a carton of unpasteurized milk, consider this new research. A recent analysis of raw milk detected potentially dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which increased when left at room temperature.

It is important to weigh up the scant evidence that raw milk is beneficial for the immune system and digestion against the risk of exposing yourself to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If you do decide to try raw milk, at the very least, store it in the fridge.

Learn more here.

9. 6 natural antidepressants: What they are? Learn more here

Our article on natural antidepressants was one of the most popular stories that our readers spent the most time with this week.

We looked at SAM-e, St John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, lavender, 5-HTP, and DHEA, and some unstudied herbal antidepressants. The main takeaway from this article is that people suffering from depression should speak to their doctor before trying any of these treatments, though they may offer some relief.

Learn more here.

10. MNT investigates: What has science uncovered about the causes of MS and how to treat it?

Previous MNT investigations looked at the role of gut bacteria in ulcerative colitis and a new psoriasis treatment. Yesterday, we published an article taking a closer look at the causes and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

What is it that causes the immune system to malfunction and attack the body’s nervous system? Are there lifestyle or environmental risk factors? What role do genes play? How do doctors decide which treatments to prescribe?

Learn more here.

We hope that this has provided a taste of the range of stories that we cover at MNT. We will be back with a new selection next week.

Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder

We publish hundreds of new articles every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:

• Pickled capers contain a compound that’s important for heart and brain health
• Why your desk job may be good for cognition in later life
• How ‘friendly’ E. coli bacteria may protect the gut from their deadly cousin