Category: Health
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Health: Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease that affects the prostate gland, a small gland in males located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate plays a critical role in producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer can range from slow-growing tumors that may never cause symptoms or require treatment, to highly aggressive…
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Imaging: Carbon-13
Hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (HP ^13C MRI) is an advanced imaging modality that significantly enhances the magnetic resonance signal of ^13C-labeled compounds, enabling real-time visualization of metabolic processes in vivo. This technique has profound implications for diagnosing and monitoring various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and inflammatory disorders.Wiley Online Library+4PubMed+4PMC+4Analytical Science Journals+2PMC+2braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu+2 Dynamic Nuclear…
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Imaging: Xenon MRI
Please note – this, like nearly all posts on this site, is generated by a large language model. While it may state many correct things, a healthy skepticism is warranted. What Is Xenon MRI? Xenon MRI refers to a specialized imaging technique that uses hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas as a contrast agent in MRI scans. Unlike…
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Health: Every breath you take (of fungus)
Every day, with each breath, humans inhale a diverse collection of microscopic life. Far from being just a mix of gases, the air we breathe carries a vast array of biological particles, collectively referred to as bioaerosols. These include bacteria, fungi (especially spores), viruses, pollen, and fragments of microbial cells. While many of these particles…
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Health: Supernumerary teeth
Supernumerary teeth, often referred to as hyperdontia, are additional teeth that develop beyond the standard set of 32 permanent adult teeth. These extra teeth can appear in various regions of the mouth and may present in diverse shapes and sizes, ranging from fully formed teeth to malformed structures. Hyperdontia is a relatively uncommon dental anomaly,…
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Health: Asthma and COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma are two prevalent respiratory conditions that affect millions of people globally, including a significant portion of the population in the UK. While they may present with overlapping symptoms—such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing—they are fundamentally distinct diseases with unique biological mechanisms, causes, risk factors, diagnostic approaches,…
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Health: Intervertebral Disk Regeneration
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) stands as a formidable adversary in the realm of musculoskeletal health, recognized as a primary driver of chronic low back pain—a condition that ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide. To appreciate the significance of the therapeutic approach under discussion, it’s essential to first understand the anatomy and function of…
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Science: Inflammation
The immune system represents a sophisticated and multifaceted network of organs, cells, and proteins dedicated to defending the body against a constant barrage of infectious agents while meticulously safeguarding the integrity of the body’s own cells 1. This intricate defense mechanism possesses a remarkable ability to not only neutralize immediate threats but also to retain…
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Health: Viruses
Viruses have developed an astonishing array of strategies to evade immune detection and response, allowing them to persist, replicate, and spread within their hosts. These mechanisms are highly sophisticated and have evolved over millions of years, reflecting the dynamic evolutionary arms race between pathogens and the immune system. Understanding these tactics not only sheds light…
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Health: Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) has long been one of humanity’s most formidable infectious diseases, persisting throughout history despite medical advancements. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs, including the brain, kidneys, and spine. While often associated with the past—particularly the 19th and early 20th centuries—TB remains a…