The coronavirus pandemic triggered a wave of paranoia that left the public susceptible to a variety of health-related propaganda. These myths likely did more harm than good, as people prioritized toilet paper over the physical distancing and protection protocols that we are more accustomed to now. Many widespread myths were dispelled by the World Health […]
The myth of vitamin C Read More »
Where physical health concerns spread, a mental health pandemic followed. There is no question that COVID-19 has shaken most of the world, pausing life as people know it in the face of an uncertain future. The new quarantined reality quickly revealed the psychological impacts of self-isolation and disruption of routine. Mental health has become increasingly
Self-care and skincare: The importance of routine Read More »
With an estimated 50 million people living with dementia around the world, the recent connection between dementia and meditation shows promise for using mindfulness as an effective practice to delay brain and cognitive changes. Current studies are exploring the benefits of instilling this practice for patients with an early form of dementia called mild cognitive
A promising connection between dementia and meditation Read More »
Isolation reveals the human mind at its best … and its worst. Free from some of the distractions and stressors that harangue them, our minds have the time and space to wander a bit. We might find ourselves lost in thought or daydreaming more often. By lifting that which constrains our cognitive processes to the
The psychology of isolation: A double-edged sword Read More »
The race to develop a vaccine for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic spans across the world as the virus continues to take thousands of lives every day. Unfortunately, the fastest vaccines typically take at least five years to fully develop; this includes multiple failed attempts before commercializing an effective vaccine that successfully passes all clinical trials
Vaccine development: From the lab bench to the doctor’s office Read More »
With cases surpassing two million nationwide, hospitals and healthcare systems across the country have stepped up to meet the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers courageously serve those weakest while risking it all — reusing personal protective equipment (PPE), taking up additional shifts, and often living in hotels or garages in
Why are hospitals losing money during a pandemic? Read More »
Animals have long provided assistance to humans in times of great need. Countless heroic animals have saved human lives — dogs can undergo training to track missing persons, detect an oncoming seizure, or alert humans to mines underground. During the COVID-19 pandemic, animals continue to impact human lives (beyond interrupting Zoom calls). As knowledge about
The body is a well-designed system with a variety of barriers to keep invaders out. These range from the physical barriers of the skin to the biological protection of the immune system. However, the structures of the face such as the eyes, nose, and mouth represent major vulnerabilities. The nose and mouth are an interconnected
The role of mucins in disease transmission Read More »
Boston takes pride in being one of the scientific research capitals of the world. With some of the most prestigious universities funneling students and professors alike into small start-ups in Kendall Square and Seaport, Bostonian biotechnology has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry. At Northeastern University, the biotech industry has provided thousands of cooperative education
Two sides of the coin: Boston biotech’s role in COVID-19 Read More »