Topic

Medicine, Psychology & Health

A collection of 109 issues

The Science of the Hypnic Jerk: Why We Jolt Awake Before Sleep

The sudden jolt or feeling of falling while drifting off to sleep is a hypnic jerk, a harmless phenomenon experienced by up to 70% of people. A leading theory suggests the brain misinterprets muscle relaxation as falling, causing an involuntary twitch.

The Irukandji Jellyfish: A Sting That Induces a Sense of Impending Doom

A sting from the tiny Irukandji jellyfish, found in Australian waters, induces Irukandji syndrome. Beyond severe physical pain, victims experience a profound psychological symptom: an overwhelming sense of impending doom so intense it can last for days.

The Misunderstood Mosquito: Why Only Females Are to Blame for Your Itch

Only female mosquitoes are responsible for itchy bites, as they require protein and iron from blood to develop their eggs. Male mosquitoes have a completely different diet, feeding on nectar much like bees, making them harmless to humans and other animals.

The Cellular Self-Destruct Sequence of a Sunburn

A sunburn isn't just burnt skin; it's a cellular emergency. UV radiation damages skin cell DNA, triggering a self-destruct sequence to prevent cancer. The redness and heat are signs of the body's inflammatory response to clear dead cells and repair the damage.

Your Brain's Lifelong Renewal: The Science of Adult Neurogenesis

Contrary to long-held belief, the human brain generates new neurons well into old age. This process of adult neurogenesis reveals a remarkable capacity for plasticity and self-repair, offering new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

From Sacred Springs to Soda Fountains: The Medicinal Origins of Carbonated Water

Long before it formed the basis of the modern soda industry, carbonated water was a revered medicinal tonic. Ancient cultures saw divine healing powers in natural springs, a belief that lasted until scientists like Joseph Priestley artificially created it in the 18th century.

The Cellular Immortality of the Turritopsis Dohrnii Jellyfish

The Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish achieves biological immortality through transdifferentiation, a process that reverts its adult cells to their earliest stage. This unique ability to hit a biological 'reset button' allows it to endlessly restart its life cycle.

The Fleeting Lifetimes of a Single Night's Dream

During REM sleep, our perception of time can dramatically distort, making minutes feel like hours or even years. This occurs because the brain, free from external anchors like sunlight or clocks, processes memories and constructs narratives in a non-linear fashion.