Figure 1: Use of e-cigarette devices, like the one in the image above, is on the rise both in the US and globally Source: Wikimedia Commons Over the past several years, there has been a slow decrease in the number of cigarette smokers around the world. However, the number of vapers – people who use …
Vaping and Mental Fog – The Connection Between E-Cigarette Use and Mental Function Read More »
Figure 1: Guards in prisons are able to put prisoners in shackles whenever they see fit – for pregnant women giving birth, shackling can result in severe complications Source: Wikimedia Commons Pregnancy can come with several complications for the mother, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia (“common complications of pregnancy,” n.d.). In addition, …
Figure 1: A map of the Caribbean Islands from 1894 Source: Wikimedia Commons Our ancestors are always with us, especially in our genetic makeup. Looking at the DNA in human remains can help archaeologists piece together the story of migration and diversification in ancient civilizations. In recent studies, the ancient DNA of pre-contact Caribbean individuals …
Caribbean History through Genetics and Archaeology Read More »
Figure 1: The race for a vaccine is in fully swing, as biotech companies are working against the clock to produce an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine. The key question now is: who will get them? Source: Wikimedia Commons For the first time in U.S. history, not everyone who wants a vaccine, will get one. …
Who gets the Golden Ticket? Navigating the Murky Waters of COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Read More »
Figure 1: Engaging with multiple types of digital media simultaneously, known as media multitasking, has become the norm for many people due to the increasingly easier access to technology. However, a recent study found that media multitasking greatly decreases the ability of sustaining attention, consequently impairing memory. Source: Flickr In the modern era, the average …
New Study Finds that Media Multitasking Impairs Memory in Young Adults Read More »
Figure 1: A blue whale’s fluke (tail fin) sticks out of the water as the whale dives, likely foraging. Stanford researchers now believe that studying blue whale songs can contribute to research on whale foraging and migration patterns. Source: Wikimedia Commons Blue whales make annual migrations from foraging grounds in polar waters to warmer breeding …
According to New Research, Blue Whale Migrations Can Be Studied Through Song Read More »
Figure 1: Bandmates join in a group hug. The powerful bond between members of a band is one example of community making friendships stronger. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) According to a recent study, the perceived support individuals receive from family members, friends, and others correlates with how close the individual believes the supporters are with …
Strength in Numbers: How Community Enhances Perceived Support Read More »
Figure 1: Childhood experiences are widely considered to affect adult life. A new study revealed that low childhood peer status may have dire health consequences: heightened risk of adult cardiovascular disease. Source: Wikimedia Commons A recent prospective cohort study from Stockholm, Sweden indicates that social marginalization in late childhood may result in a heightened likelihood …
Childhood Unpopularity May Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Adulthood Read More »
Figure 1: A doctor drawing blood from a patient as part of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in 1932, National Archives (National Archives, 1932) Source: Wikimedia Commons Despite disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death in racial and ethnic minority groups, these vulnerable populations remain heavily underrepresented in COVID-19 clinical trials. Currently, Black, Latinx, …
COVID-19 Clinical Trials and Racial Disproportionality Read More »
Figure 1: This is an artist’s rendering of a potential Martian colony Source: Wikimedia Commons After successfully planting humans on the Moon fifty-one years ago, researchers are working tirelessly towards their next most ambitious goal: delivering human colonists to Mars in the next 20 years. Many questions must be answered before man can step foot …