Rwanda operates a health system that reaches over 90% of its population and has long been a leader in implementing new medical technology. But for years it had a major problem: blood delivery. Most people in the East African country live in rural areas, meaning blood had to travel by road — a long journey […]
Some of the hobbies that you enjoy doing in your free time could be of greater benefit to your overall well-being than you realize. A new study by Penn State University found that when people engage in meaningful activities that require concentration and skill, they enter a state of “flow,” which researchers say can reduce […]
Drones are widely used to record beautiful landscapes from up above, capturing bird’s-eye views of land, seas, and skies for humans to explore. Looking to the future, they could also revolutionize how medical personnel respond to emergencies around the world — and in turn, how many lives are saved as a result. On December 9, […]
Exercise’s impact on mental health is well-documented, and a new study suggests making fitness a team effort bolsters the benefits for children and teens. The research, published in the journal PLOS One, found children who participated in team sports were 10% less anxious/depressed and 19% less withdrawn/depressed than those who did not participate in any […]
Time spent in nature has long been lauded as a tonic for the mind and soul. And a recent study published by Environment International suggests that living within 300 meters (roughly 984 feet) of public urban green spaces, like parks and wooded areas, is better for your body, too. According to the research, being in […]
A 4-month-old baby giraffe has a new lease on life at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, thanks to a brace devised by doctors specializing in human medicine. Msituni, which means “in the forest” in Swahili, was born on February 1 with a life-threatening abnormality. A hyperextension of the carpi (similar in […]
When Ronald Braunstein takes the podium, baton in hand, he isn’t merely conducting an orchestra — he’s creating an inclusive space where musicians with mental illness are both seen and heard. Braunstein, an award-winning conductor, is the founder of Me2/, the world’s only classical music organization that was created for people with mental illnesses and […]
In a major achievement in the world of anti-aging science, researchers recently figured out a way to make human skin cells act three decades younger in a lab through genetic rejuvenation. The discovery could lead to serious advancements in wound recovery and other medical realms, including the treatment of genetic diseases. A key inspiration for […]
Hit the gym or press play — new findings suggest pumping up the jams could be as powerful for your mental state as pumping iron. Any music lover may tell you that bopping along to your favorite song is a surefire way to feel better, but a scientific review published in JAMA concludes that music’s […]
Scientists have created a blood test that can predict people’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, or death related to those conditions over a four-year period. The test could save lives and prevent serious medical emergencies by helping doctors see if current drugs are working and whether patients might need additional or alternative […]
It can track workouts, improve sleep, and provide easy access to all your favorite phone apps. And now, Apple’s smartwatch can also help you accurately monitor and manage atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that increases the risk for stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems. The AFib History feature is included in the watchOS 9 […]
Blood pressure is one of medicine’s most important measurements, not just as a diagnostic tool to predict cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, but also to monitor issues like kidney disease and diabetes. Inside the doctor’s office, restrictive blow-up arm cuffs do the job fine, but in more natural settings, measuring blood pressure is tricky. Fitbits […]