The smell of freshly baked bread lingering in the kitchen adds to the delight from the first bite. The delight does not only come from our tastebuds, but mainly from a pleasure and reward function in the brain, which helps us to feel happy and even euphoric at times when
The traditional view has been, and to a large extent still is, that cancer is a genetic disease, with its origin and treatment based on damaged “hardware”, implying the genetic material inside the human cell. However, research over the past decade has indicated that cancer may well be a “software”
Cells in the body need a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are supplied via the blood circulatory system. The body’s tissues are full of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which carry blood very close to the cells of the tissues to exchange dissolved gases, nutrients, and waste products.
“To function at its best, your brain needs neuron- and synapse-supporting factors, including certain hormones, trophic factors, and nutrients.” Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role among these synapse-strengthening and neuron-boosting compounds says Dr. Dale Bredesen, well known for his role in Alzheimer’s research. Obviously BDNF plays an important
The brain is regarded as the most complex structure in our universe, and much is still unknown about this extraordinary organ. Conventional thinking amongst neuroscientists used to be that the brain cells you were born with were fixed and incapable of regeneration, being the sum of brain cells for the
Serotonin is a small molecule that functions both as a neurotransmitter in the CNS (Central Nervous System) and as a hormone in the periphery. Serotonin is generally known as the “feel good” hormone, as low levels are associated with depression. Apart from the connection with mood, serotonin is an important
Severe cases of COVID-19 are generally associated with older people and people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. However, it was unclear why so many young and seemingly healthy people were also hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Innovative new ways of doing research have now shed some
The brain is not only an extraordinary system, but also immensely flexible and adaptable. The way in which cells in the brain and other parts of the nervous system can adapt to change serves important functions in the brain, such as learning, the forming and retrieving of memory, or responding
A healthy colon is a smooth tube-like structure that is internally lined by a layer of epithelial (surface) cells. The walls of the colon contain muscles, along with many small penetrating arteries that pass through the muscular wall of the colon to carry blood to the inner layer of epithelial
While high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the latest research findings also highlight the negative effects of high blood pressure on cognitive function in the brain, as well as the importance of accurate blood pressure measurements. Higher than normal blood pressure, also known as hypertension,
