A team of scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and McGill University have identified three genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies, a rare complication that occurs when a non-viable pregnancy with no embryo implants in the uterus. The results of this study could have important implications, since until now […]
Adrenal cancer: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
In this article, learn about the symptoms of adrenal cancer, as well as the possible risk factors and treatment options. What is adrenal cancer? Adrenal cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells form tumors on the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small glands that sit on top of each kidney. They play an […]
Pneumococcal disease: Causes, how it spreads, and symptoms
The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), which is also known as pneumococcus, causes pneumococcal disease. Invasive pneumococcal disease is a life-threatening condition that is fatal in 10 percent of cases. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions have a higher risk than others of serious complications. Regular vaccinations can prevent many types of pneumococcal […]
Freckles: Causes, identification, and risks
Some people are more likely to get freckles than others, depending on their genes and skin type. If a person is genetically more likely to develop freckles, exposure to sunlight can make them appear. Freckles are common in children and may disappear or become less noticeable as they grow up. In this article, we look […]
Heartbreak can kill you: Grief causes deadly inflammation, study says
Heartbreak can kill you: Grief from losing a loved one causes deadly inflammation, study reveals Researchers at Rice University interviewed 99 people who had lost a spouse in the last two weeks, and took blood samples The most distraught had the most elevated inflammation The grief of losing a loved one can cause life-threatening inflammation, […]
Diabetes fatigue: Causes, management, and when to see a doctor
Fatigue is different from being tired. When a person is merely tired, they usually feel better with rest. When a person has persistent fatigue, rest may not relieve their feelings of exhaustion and lethargy. According to the American Diabetes Association, research shows that 61 percent of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes report fatigue […]
Flushed skin: Causes and when to see a doctor
Flushed skin occurs when the hundreds of tiny blood vessels just beneath the skin dilate, or widen. When these blood vessels expand, they rapidly fill with more blood, which can make the skin appear red or pink. This effect is more noticeable in regions of the body where the blood vessels are closest to the […]
Newborn chapped lips: Treatment and causes
It is common for a newborn’s lips to appear more dry and red than an older baby’s, but this is unlikely to cause any signs of pain or discomfort. It may occasionally seem that chapped lips are uncomfortable for a newborn, but this symptom is not usually a cause for concern. If a baby has […]
What causes asthma? What we know, don’t know and suspect
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs where the airways become so obstructed the sufferer struggles to breathe. It’s vastly more prevalent in Western societies, and usually develops in childhood. But what do we know about what causes it? Given asthma is about five times more common in Western societies, this suggests lifestyle […]
Chancroid: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. It is rare in North America and Europe. Having chancroid also increases the risk of developing other STIs because the sores compromise the skin barrier and immune system. People with chancroid should seek medical treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Anyone […]