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New Discovery Could Prevent Brain Cell Loss in Parkinson’s Disease

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Loss of primary cilia in striatal cells prevents them from receiving signals, halting neuroprotective factor production (Shutterstock) / Aljazeera.net Researchers from Stanford University have identified molecular inhibitors that could stop the death of brain cells in a specific type of Parkinson’s disease , raising hope for a new treatment strategy that goes beyond symptom management. This study, published in Science Signaling (July 2025), examined a form of Parkinson’s caused by a single genetic mutation. This mutation increases the activity of the enzyme leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 ( LRRK2 ), disrupting the brain’s self-protective mechanisms. Parkinson’s Disease: A Silent Degeneration Parkinson’s disease is commonly recognized by tremors at rest, but according to biochemistry professor Dr. Susan Pfeffer, early signs such as constipation , loss of smell , and REM sleep behavior disorder can appear up to 15 years before diagnosis. ...
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Diabetes Summer Guide: How to Stay Safe and Healthy in Hot Weather

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Hot weather increases the risk of low blood glucose (Getty) / Aljazeera.net This guide offers the latest scientific insights on managing diabetes in summer heat . Learn how to prevent dehydration, store insulin properly, monitor your blood sugar, and protect your diabetes gear. 1. Beware of Dehydration & High Blood Sugar Hot weather amplifies dehydration risk, concentrating blood glucose and elevating hyperglycemia risk. A 2025 Indian study confirmed that dehydration triggers a vicious cycle of high blood sugar and further fluid loss . 2. Heat Accelerates Insulin Absorption & Risk of Hypoglycemia Warm temperatures speed insulin uptake at injection sites, increasing hypoglycemia risk. CDC guidance recommends frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment during heatwaves . 3. Heat Reduces Insulin Potency – Proper Storage Is Crucial Insulin degrades above ~30 °C (86 °F). Insulin pens stored at 37 °C for 21 days showed reduced potency compared ...
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Fortified Eggs and Cholesterol: New Study Finds No Adverse Impact

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"ortified eggs do not raise cholesterol, even in high-risk adults,/ Pixels  Eggs have long been at the center of nutrition debates due to their high cholesterol content. However, a study led by Duke University , presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session , reveals that fortified eggs —those enhanced with added nutrients through hen feed— do not significantly affect blood cholesterol levels . Key Findings from the Study The research involved 140 participants over age 50 with existing heart disease or high cardiovascular risk. Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed two eggs per week, while the other consumed up to 12 eggs per week. After four months, researchers found no significant changes in LDL ("bad") or HDL ("good") cholesterol levels in either group. This randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the health impact of fortified eggs , which are known to have higher ...
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How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally Without Medication

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Eliminate trans fats completely to reduce LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and boost heart health/ Harvard Health Publishing Why diet matters more than exercise alone While exercise supports heart health, recent trials confirm that dietary changes are significantly more effective at reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol than exercise alone, though the two together maximize benefits . 1. Eliminate trans fats and limit saturated fats Trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol. Avoid foods listing "partially hydrogenated oil" on labels . Saturated fats moderately elevate LDL—even egg yolks and full-fat dairy—so consume in limited amounts  . A diet aimed at lowering LDL should keep saturated fat under 7% of total calories and dietary cholesterol under 200 mg/day, in line with guidelines . 2. Add polyunsaturated & monounsaturated fats Healthy fats—found in olive, canola, sunflower oils, nuts, seeds, avocado, soy, and fatty fish—hel...
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Intermittent Fasting: Science‑Backed Health Benefits

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Intermittent fasting triggers fat burning and boosts brain function by increasing ketone levels and BDNF production / Washington Post illustration; iStock) Intermittent fasting (IF) is gaining traction as a natural strategy to promote weight loss, metabolic health, cognitive performance, and more. This lifestyle—also known as time‑restricted eating —is supported by centuries of history and contemporary research. Historical Background Fasting for wellness dates back to Hippocrates (~5th century BCE). More recently, in 1965, Angus Barbieri fasted under medical supervision for 382 days, losing 125 kg on a liquid‑only diet. What Is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting involves scheduled periods of eating and fasting. After glycogen is depleted, the body shifts to fat-burning via “metabolic switching” and increased ketone production—the basis for many benefits. Popular Methods 16:8 Method : Eat during an 8‑hour window, fast for 16 ho...
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Salmonella Poisoning Cases Soar: What You Can Do to Stay Safe

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Salmonella is a type of bacteria and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness -/ Arzbie21  According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), non-typhoidal Salmonella infections in England rose by 17.1% from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024—the highest in over a decade 1. The leading serotypes driving this surge are Salmonella Enteritidis (up 16.8%) and Salmonella Typhimurium (up 15.2%) 2. Recent Outbreaks and Surveillance In June 2025, the FDA and CDC confirmed a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs from August Egg Company, affecting 79 people across seven U.S. states, with 21 hospitalizations  A separate Salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers was declared over by the FDA in May 2025  England also recorded a decade-high increase in Campylobacter alongside Salmonella in 2024 .  What Science Tells Us (2025 Updates) Recent studies highlight two critical trends:...
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Why Our Ancestors Stayed Lean Without Diets: 3 Secrets from Ancestral Life

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The ancestors did not follow any diet to maintain their fitness (Associated Press) 1. Energy Balance: More Than Just Calories In vs Out Our ancestors didn’t follow calorie-counting diets, yet they remained lean through high physical activity and a healthier environment. Modern science confirms that weight regulation depends not only on energy intake but also on daily energy expenditure —a concept known as energy balance . 2. The Three Pillars of Energy Expenditure NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) : Everyday movements—walking, fidgeting, standing—burn around 20% of daily calories. Sitting less and moving more helps maintain metabolic balance . BAT (Brown Adipose Tissue) : Known as “brown fat,” this tissue burns calories to generate heat. Cold exposure and certain foods (like capsinoids, capsaicin) can activate BAT . Recent discoveries show the mitochondrial protein MCJ regulates BAT thermogenesis. Removing MCJ in mic...
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First Ever Triple Heart Valve Replacement with Coronary Surgery in Turkey: A Medical Miracle

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The operation was performed under the supervision of the Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery - / Arzbie21 Izmir, Turkey – July 5, 2025. In a groundbreaking operation at Ege University Hospital, a 55‑year‑old woman underwent a 10‑hour complex cardiac surgery that replaced three heart valves and performed a bypass on a major coronary artery—the first surgery of its kind in medical history.  Patient Profile & Pre‑Op Condition The patient, Güler Turan , a mother of two from Buca, Izmir, had been diagnosed with heart failure at Ege University. She suffered from severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and impaired mobility, and her condition deteriorated despite ongoing treatment .  The Surgical Procedure Operated under the leadership of Dr. Haydar Yaşa and supported by a team of 15 specialists. Replaced the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves. Performed a coronary artery bypass on the main right coron...
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Updated Science on Weight‑Loss Injections: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & More

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GLP‑1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro can reduce body weight by up to 20%—but not without serious medical risks Weight‑loss injections like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy , and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have revolutionized obesity treatment—but are they safe long-term?  Effectiveness: Clinical Trials vs Real-World Results A head-to-head clinical trial shows Mounjaro users lost up to 20% of body weight vs 14% for Wegovy. However, a Cleveland Clinic study of 7,900 patients found average real-world weight loss to be around 6.9% due to inconsistent use and early dropouts.  New Drug: MariTide – Monthly Weight-Loss Shot A promising new medication, MariTide , offers once-a-month dosing. In a phase 2 trial, it helped participants lose ~16% of body weight in 52 weeks. Learn more via this Health.com article .  Risks and Side Effects Pancreatiti...
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Are Herbal Dietary Supplements Safe? Latest Evidence on Liver Toxicity

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Over 15 million Americans use herbal supplements that may pose liver risks, including turmeric and green tea extract / Pexels  Dietary supplements are products meant to complement the diet and contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids or other nutritional ingredients. Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements do not undergo strict pre-market evaluation for safety or effectiveness. Large-Scale Study: Botanical Supplements & Liver Risk A JAMA Network Open study (Aug 2024) analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017–2020) and estimated that 4.7% of U.S. adults (~15.6 million people) consumed at least one botanical supplement with known liver toxicity potential—namely turmeric, green tea extract, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, or red yeast rice [PubMed] . The University of Michigan’s Health Lab noted that these products often go unreported to physicians, with public awareness of liver risks being lo...
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Innovative Genetic Test Predicts Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Cancer Patients

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"Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a genomic test that predicts chemotherapy effectiveness before treatment begins./ DW-AR  Chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone in the fight against cancer. But for 20–50% of patients, standard chemotherapy treatments fail to produce the desired effects, leading to unnecessary side effects and uncertainty. In a groundbreaking advance, researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a genomic test that can predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy before treatment even begins. A Major Step Toward Personalized Cancer Treatment Each year, nearly 500,000 people in Germany alone are diagnosed with cancer. While chemotherapy remains life-saving for many, the variance in patient response calls for a more personalized approach. Published in Nature Genetics (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02233-y), and highlighted by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute , the study introduces a genome-based diagnost...
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Fasting before surgery... a medical tradition at stake

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Challenging the tradition: New research questions the need to fast before surgery) / Aljazeera A new systematic review is calling into question the decades-old medical guideline that requires patients to fast before undergoing surgery. Traditionally, patients are instructed to avoid food and drink for several hours prior to their procedure to prevent aspiration pneumonia, a complication that occurs when stomach contents enter the lungs under anesthesia. What the Study Revealed Published in the journal Surgery , the study analyzed data from 17 clinical trials involving a total of 1,791 patients—990 who fasted before surgery and 801 who did not. Surprisingly, the rate of pulmonary aspiration was nearly identical: 0.7% in the fasting group versus 0.5% in the non-fasting group. Researchers concluded there was no significant evidence to suggest that any specific type or duration of fasting provided greater protection against aspiration during s...
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Global Obesity Epidemic: Trends, Causes & Scientific Insights

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Obesity rates have doubled globally since 1990, affecting over 2.5 billion people by 2025. Adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990 , and among adolescents, it has quadrupled , according to the WHO . In 2022, roughly 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including 890 million living with obesity . Childhood obesity is rising too, with 35 million children under five overweight or obese in 2024 . 1. Current Data & Trends 5 million deaths in 2019 attributed to excess weight . The global adult obesity count is projected to exceed 1.13 billion by 2030 . In France, around 24 % of adults were clinically obese as of 2014 . Becoming obese before age 30 increases risk of premature death by ~75 % . 2. Why Calories Aren’t the Whole Story Paradoxically, average daily calorie intake in countries like the UK has not increased over 50 years—it has declined—yet obesity continues to rise, pointing to other root causes ...
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What to Do If You Suffer from Urinary Incontinence

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Exercise helps treat urinary incontinence and maintain heart health (Shutterstock)./ALJAZIRA.net Urinary incontinence—unintentional urine leakage—can severely impact daily life, especially during exercise, laughter, or sneezing. It affects up to 30% of older adults and is more common in women, though male prevalence has risen in the past decade.  Types & Causes Urge incontinence: Sudden strong urge to urinate with leakage before reaching the toilet—often linked to overactive bladder or bladder irritation by caffeine, spicy foods, or artificial sweeteners. Stress incontinence: Leakage triggered by pressure on the bladder from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, exacerbated by overweight or constipation. Mixed incontinence: Combination of urge and stress symptoms. Overflow incontinence: Incomplete bladder emptying causes dribbles due to weak muscles or blockages. Functional incontinence: Physical or cognitive impairments, such as arthriti...
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Five Daily Habits That Could Harm Your Liver Without You Noticing

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A woman suffering from abdominal pain, in a scene reflecting the impact of daily health habits on vital organs like the liver (Getty) / ALJAZIRA.net 1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption Alcohol remains a leading cause of liver damage. Chronic or heavy drinking leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Recent studies confirm even moderate intake accelerates fibrosis in those with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and there is no safe threshold for these individuals . U.S. transplant listings for alcohol‑related liver disease rose sharply—by 63% between 2007–2017 . Tip: Limit alcohol to 14 units per week max and include alcohol-free days. 2. Poor Diet & Ultra‑Processed Foods High intake of saturated fats, added sugars, and processed foods ≪significantly raises≫ risk of fatty liver (MASLD) . Studies link sugar-sweetened drinks to a 40% higher risk . What helps: A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole g...
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