Cancer develops when cells in the body grow and divide uncontrollably, due to mutations (mistakes) in cell DNA. Recent insights into the causes of cancer and how cancer cells develop in the body indicate that the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells results from different factors and an accumulation of abnormalities
If you have heard of creatine, it is likely that it is associated with steroids and other supplements used by bodybuilders to bulk up on muscle. You may also have heard that creatine supplements may damage your liver and kidneys and contribute to body fat and hair loss. Are these
Since ancient times people have tried to solve the puzzle of hair turning grey as one gets older. Clay tablets from the ancient Assyrian Empire from 7th century B.C. have included medical texts, written in cuneiform, which describes how to darken prematurely grey hair by applying various mixtures of ingredients
Tobacco smoke has hundreds of harmful chemicals in it and its effects on human health are well documented. Tobacco smoke is synonymous with nicotine, one of the chemicals in tobacco plants, which begs the question: Is it the nicotine component of tobacco smoke that is so extremely harmful? What is
Through the ages parents have argued about their children’s intelligence – has it been inherited from the mother or the father? In recent decades, some older studies have suggested that genes related to intelligence are passed down from the mother to the child, as women have two X chromosomes compare
Humans are versatile mammals with adaptive capabilities to withstand a diverse range of conditions in their environment, such as exposure to extreme hot or cold climates. Since ancient times, cultures all around the world have exposed the body to cold temperatures as a form of health intervention. In recent times
Tattooing has increased in popularity over the last three decades and is now seen on individuals from a broad range of social classes and in nearly every country in the world. As getting tattoos becomes more common, for example one in three Americans have at least one tattoo, potential risks
Just like South Africans depend on Eskom, our bodies also depend on a consistent power supply to function properly. In Eskom’s case, power is generated by huge power stations, but in the case of our bodies by microscopically small power stations in the cells. Virtually all the cells in the
An enlarged prostate, known in medical circles as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a health issue for many men over the age of 50. A prostate increasing in size becomes more common with age. By age 60 about 50% of men will have some signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia and by
Gluten can be a benefit or harmful to the body, depending on the individual. Negative media attention on wheat and gluten has cast some doubt on its place in a heathy diet. Public perception is that a gluten-free diet is more healthful and may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, as some people
