Health Problems

The Gender Gap in Mental Health

According to research, socially constructed differences in roles and responsibilities, status, and power between men and women contribute to differences in mental health, health-seeking behavior of those affected, and responses of the health sector and society as a whole. Mental health. Image Credit: SewCream/Shutterstock.com When analyzing the conducted research, it is vital to keep in mind […]

Health Problems

What is Bloom Syndrome?

Bloom syndrome (BSyn), also known as Bloom-Torre-Machacek syndrome or Congenital Telangiectatic Erythema, is a rare, inherited genetic disorder. It is characterized by photosensitive skin, short stature, a red rash that appears primarily on the nose and cheeks, mild immune deficiency with increased sensitivity to insulin resistance similar to type 2 diabetes, and a significantly increased […]

Health Problems

Plant-Based Drugs and Medicines

Plants have been used as the source of drugs for long ages, and as of today, approximately 70,000 species have been screened for their potential utility as medicines. In recent decades, several antitumor drugs have been derived from plants, including paclitaxel (from Taxus brevifolia) and camptothecin, using fractionation techniques based on bioactivity. At present, about […]

Health Problems

What Are the Health Effects of Air Conditioning?

In response to global warming, human beings have been forced to adapt in response to the long-term warming trend. Long-term warming is concomitant with severe weather events such as heatwaves, cold spells, extreme rainfalls, or storms. One adaptation to extreme heat events is the installation of air conditioning (along with heating and ventilation) in homes […]

Health Problems

Why are Spillover Diseases Increasing?

A long, dark history of spillover events During the 14th century, the population of Europe was ravaged by a cryptic infection that induced symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, fever, and the development of unusual tumor-like growths named buboes. A shocking 80% of those infected died within 8 days of the symptoms first manifesting. This “Bubonic […]

Health Problems

What is a Germicide?

A germicide is a substance that kills bacteria and microorganisms. Germicides also fall into the category of bacteriostatic agents that do not directly kill bacteria but hinder their development. Germicides are also used as chemicals used to combat pests and pathogens of plants, weeds, as well as parasites and vectors of dangerous diseases of humans […]

Health Problems

Podcast: Vaccines approved for younger kids

A new episode of our podcast, “Show Me the Science,” has been posted. At present, these podcast episodes are highlighting research and patient care on the Washington University Medical Campus as our scientists and clinicians confront the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has killed more than 5 million people around the world, with more than 740,000 dead […]

Health Problems

$6.2 million grant to fund Center for Perioperative Mental Health

The average person will undergo nine surgical procedures in his or her lifetime, and the periods before, during and after surgery are considered high risk regarding mental health, particularly among older adults. Depression and anxiety are especially common in older surgery patients; past research has demonstrated that about 40% of older surgical patients have mental […]