There’s more to Winter Olympians’ diets than calories—but for some, there are also lots and lots of calories

Did you know that the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut actively influence one of the most critical numbers in your life: your blood pressure? For a long time, scientists mainly looked at genetics, diet and lifestyle as the key reasons behind high blood pressure. While these factors are important, there’s another key player … Continue reading Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?

Emerging evidence suggests that "night owls" are more likely to have poor heart health and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than "morning larks." Why is that?

Research says that our health can suffer when we don’t experience enough physical contact. Here’s how to get more.

Some of us remember having more energy in our 20s.

In Greek mythology, Queen Niobe’s pride led to her children’s death, and her endless grief turned her into stone. The human body, too, can be undone by its own devotion: A mother’s immune system may one day harden against her child. A simple genetic mismatch can trigger a dangerous immune response when a pregnant parent … Continue reading Protecting Pregnancy When Blood Types Differ

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is on February 11. While women have long been hidden from the scientific history books, influential figures—Hedy Lamarr, Katherine Johnson and Rosalind Franklin to name a few—are becoming more and more celebrated in mainstream media for their work. Yet, women and girls are still not an … Continue reading Women in Science: How Far We’ve Come and Where We Still Need to Go

Getting enough of the "sunshine vitamin" can be difficult in cold months.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. CAD affects 1 in 20 adults. When the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients (called coronary arteries) become narrowed or obstructed over time, this is referred to as coronary artery disease. The narrowing of vessels is often because … Continue reading Spotlight On: Coronary Artery Disease

Feeling under the weather? The right drink can make all the difference when you’re sick. Find out which choice health experts recommend for hydration, recovery, and comfort.

Protein is the building block for all the muscles in our body. We rely on protein to maintain structural support and aid in nearly all cellular processes. Our muscles are necessary for breathing, walking and balance, all of which allow us to maintain our normal activities. Loss of muscle mass (called sarcopenia) is part of … Continue reading Why Do You Need Protein (And How Much) In Menopause?

You've just cleaned your teeth, you're feeling minty fresh and ready to climb into bed.

Analyzing data from more than 268,000 people, researchers found that genes involved in thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism play a key role in gut motility, opening new avenues for personalized treatments of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Her tangled locks were fluttering around her face.Rosy cheeks; grin pasted in place.The wind roared in her ears as the rollercoaster plummeted down.The rush of adrenaline through her veins sent her stumbling into the past.“You have great potential; never give it up in life,” her father remarked.It was her first real oil painting at the … Continue reading The Memory Sniper: How Stress Modifies Our Brain

Grandparents who play with, read to, and look after their grandkids score better on cognitive tests.

A mouse study suggests estrogen may increase gut pain by activating specific cells, offering hints to why IBS is more common in women than in men.