Staying Healthy

Vitamin B12 can be found naturally in various foods, especially those rich in animal products.Pixabay/ Image Pexels  Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is an essential nutrient crucial for red blood cell production, nerve health, DNA synthesis, and brain function. Many people — especially older adults and those on plant-based diets — don’t get enough. This updated guide explores B12 benefits , food sources, deficiency risks, absorption issues , and new scientific studies .  Natural Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12 Oysters : ~99 µg per 100 g Sardines : 150 g provides ~200 % of RDA Beef : ~6.2 µg per 100 g Tuna : ~9.4 µg per 100 g Trout : ~7.5 µg per 100 g Plant-based eaters should check fortified milks (e.g., soy milk: ~2.6 µg/240 mL) and dairy like yogurt and cheese. Animal products remain the most reliable natural sources.  Proven Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 supports: ...

Scientific labs in Japan, the U.S., and the U.K. are on the brink of transforming infertility care through in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) . This innovative approach reprograms somatic cells—like skin or blood—into mature human gametes (eggs or sperm), offering hope to infertile individuals, same-sex couples, and older adults.  What Is IVG? IVG involves converting adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) , then differentiating them into primordial germ cells, which are matured within artificial ovary/testis organoids. In mice, this method has successfully produced functional eggs and sperm 0.  Cutting‑Edge Research & Timelines Katsuhiko Hayashi (Osaka University), pioneer of mouse IVG, predicts that fully functional human lab‑grown sperm could be ready in ~7 years . The UK's HFEA confirms IVG is nearing viability within a decade and calls for updated fertility laws . California's startup Concep...

  In someone with type 2 diabetes, this system doesn’t function correctly. Either your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or your cells become resistant to it .(Getty)/ Aljazeera Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin production or insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood glucose. In people with type 2 diabetes , the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or its cells stop responding properly. This disruption can damage organs, nerves, and blood vessels over time.  What Happens in the Body? Normally, your pancreas releases insulin in response to rising glucose from food. Insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, this system breaks down: insulin production decreases and/or cells become resistant. Recent research identifies inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fat deposition as key pathways leading to insulin resistance and β‑cell dysfunction . ...

Aging begins at the cellular level, and with age, senescent cells accumulate in the body (Getty). 1. Aging at the Cellular Level Cellular aging begins when senescent ("zombie") cells accumulate in tissues, driving chronic inflammation and age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes , and osteoarthritis. These cells cease to divide but remain metabolically active, releasing inflammatory cytokines and disrupting tissue function. 2. Limitations of Conventional Senescence Detection Current methods rely on chemical labeling—like β‑galactosidase staining or p16 INK4a immunofluorescence—which are labor-intensive, invasive, and sometimes alter cellular behavior, limiting longitudinal studies. 3. Introducing FM‑DEP: A Label‑Free Dielectrophoresis Technique On June 11, 2025, researchers led by Assistant Prof. Ippei Yagi at Tokyo Metropolitan University described frequency‑modulated ...

Billions of people globally remain deficient in essential micronutrients , according to a large-scale study in The Lancet Global Health (Aug 29, 2024) and supported by follow-up research in 2025.  Key Findings from 2024–2025 Studies More than 5 billion people remain deficient in iodine (68%), vitamin E (67%), and calcium (66%) based on dietary intake data of 185 countries 0. Over 4 billion people also do not consume enough iron (65%), riboflavin (55%), folate (54%), and vitamin C (53%) . Additional research highlights emerging deficiencies in vitamin D and magnesium, especially among populations with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes (~60% low vitamin D; ~42% low magnesium) . Gender & Regional Disparities Women are significantly more likely to be deficient in iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium; men often fall short on magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin . ...

A single gene therapy injection enables liver cells to continuously produce exenatide—an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic hormone—for months. / Pexels  Researchers at Osaka University have developed a groundbreaking once‑off gene therapy that reprograms the liver to produce exenatide , a GLP‑1 receptor agonist used in weight‑loss and diabetes treatments. Tests in diet‑induced obese and pre‑diabetic mice demonstrate long‑term appetite suppression, reduced weight gain, improved blood sugar control, and sustained exenatide production—all from a single injection  . How It Works Genome editing with HITI : Instead of correcting defective genes, researchers used homology‑independent targeted integration (HITI) via CRISPR‑Cas9 to insert a secretable exenatide gene into the albumin locus of liver cells  . Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) delivery : These carry plasmids encoding Cas9, guide...

Plant-based proteins provide all 9 essential amino acids and reduce the risk of chronic diseases Plant-based proteins —from legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains—are increasingly linked to lower mortality , reduced risk of chronic diseases , and overall improved longevity . Dr. Neal D. Barnard highlights these benefits, supported by recent global research. What Are Proteins & Why They Matter Proteins are essential macronutrients made of amino acids—nine of which are essential and must come from food. While animal proteins are “complete,” recent research shows that varied plant proteins also provide all essential amino acids . Protein supports tissue repair, enzyme and hormone production, immune health, and muscle maintenance. Groundbreaking 2024–25 Research on Plant-Based Proteins Dr. Neal Barnard’s NEJM Letter (Aug 1, 2024) In New England Journal of Medicine , Dr. Barnard confirms that all plant foods provide the nine essential amino...

70% of the immune system resides in the gut—fiber is crucial for both gut and immune health./ Pexels  Living a long life isn’t about spending millions—recent science shows that four key habits can harness your immune system and support health span well into your 80s.  1. Exercise: Don’t Just Move—Strengthen Regular physical activity not only combats age-related decline—it can add years of healthy living. A major 2025 review finds combining strength training with aerobic activity best preserves muscle, bones, and cognition deep into old age . Studies show that active older adults maintain a younger immune profile and longer telomeres—key markers of longevity . Guidelines recommend at least 150–300 min moderate or 75–150 min vigorous exercise weekly , plus strength training twice a week .  2. Master Eating Patterns: Timing & Calories Chronic, low-grade inflammation (“inflammaging”) is a major driver of age-related disea...

1. Mediterranean Diet and Longevity The Mass General Brigham press release reports that in over 25,000 women followed for 25 years, adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a 23% lower risk of mortality . Each additional component (fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, nuts, fish) decreased long-term death risk by ~5% . This diet reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports heart and cancer prevention. 2. Trigger Foods and Digestive Health Dr. Kyle Staller at Mass General notes that gastrointestinal symptoms often stem from the enteric nervous system , not just individual foods. Rather than eliminating specific triggers, a more effective strategy is addressing underlying neuromuscular responses in the gut . 3. Blueberries and Eye Health A study of nearly 40,000 women found eating ≥1 serving of blueberries per week resulted in a 28% reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration . Anthocyanins in blueberries have pote...

A healthy diet helps improve the psychological state /Aljazeera  Growing evidence shows that a healthy diet —particularly a ketogenic diet —can play a key role in managing mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and more. These diets support brain metabolism, reduce inflammation, and stabilize neurotransmitter systems. Why Diet Matters in Mental Health Leading researchers like Christopher Palmer (Harvard) argue mental illness often stems from metabolic dysfunction rather than purely neurotransmitter imbalance—citing effects on brain energy, oxidative stress, and inflammation  Historically, Hippocrates linked fasting to reduced epilepsy seizures, and in 1921, Russell Wilder showed that a low‑carb ketogenic diet mimicked fasted metabolic states to control epilepsy . Recent Findings  Stanford pilot trial : 21 ...

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor known for its poor diagnosis and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (Shutterstock)/Aljazeera.net   A groundbreaking study published in Genes & Diseases reveals that the gene XPR1 plays a key role in increasing ovarian cancer aggressiveness by suppressing autophagy and enabling immune evasion. This finding suggests new therapeutic targets to enhance immunotherapy outcomes.  Key Findings High XPR1 expression is found in ovarian tumors versus normal tissues and correlates with advanced stage, decreased overall survival (OS), and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) . XPR1 silencing via CRISPR‐Cas9 or RNA interference inhibits proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells; overexpression has opposite effect . Mechanism: autophagy suppression —XPR1 interacts with lysosomal protein LAMP1 and activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, decreasing autophagic flux . ...

Heartburn can mimic a heart attack — always seek urgent care if chest pain is sudden, intense, or radiates to the arm or jaw. Heartburn is often a harmless digestive response, but in some cases, it may indicate an underlying health issue. So, what exactly is heartburn? And when should you consider it a warning sign? What Is Heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest caused by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, known as acid reflux. According to Dr. Matthew Long, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Leicester Hospital in the UK: "Heartburn—also referred to as reflux—is characterized by a burning sensation behind the breastbone. It may radiate to the throat and usually occurs after meals or while lying down. Common symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, hoarseness, or a chronic cough." What Typically Causes Heartburn? While occasional heartburn is common and may not have a clear caus...

Losing 2 pounds per week is safe with a mix of calorie control, strength training, and cardio./ Pexels  Safe, Sustainable Weight Loss Women can safely lose 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg) per week through a combination of calorie deficit and exercise—a rate proven to be effective and sustainable . Scientific consensus recommends gradual weight loss of 5 % of initial body weight for long-term health benefits . Exercise Guidelines: Cardio + Strength Blend cardio (e.g., HIIT, brisk walking, boxing) with full-body strength workouts 2–3x weekly. Aim for 60–90 minutes of activity daily. This preserves muscle, boosts metabolism, and supports steady fat loss . Calorie Deficit & Metabolic Considerations To achieve ~2 lbs/week, aim to reduce ~500 kcal via diet and burn ~500 kcal through exercise daily, using equations like Mifflin‑St Jeor for personalized calorie targets . Never drop below ~1,200 kcal/day without medical supervision . Be aware m...