Are microglia the hero or the villain in Alzheimer’s disease?

by Gizem Terzioglufigures by MJ Park Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and despite years of research efforts, there is still no cure. However, recent studies have highlighted the crucial roles of microglia, the resident immune cells of our brain, in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But the question remains: do microglia defend our brain against … Continue reading Are microglia the hero or the villain in Alzheimer’s disease?

Keto – It’s Probably Not Right for You

by Ya’el Courtney In 2022, the majority of Americans (52%) followed a particular diet or eating pattern, primarily motivated by two things: a desire to protect long-term health and a desire to lose weight. According to data from the International Food Information Council, 23 million Americans chose to follow a ketogenic, or “keto”, diet last year to work towards these goals. This number has more … Continue reading Keto – It’s Probably Not Right for You

My Doctor Told Me I Have High Cholesterol, Now What?

by Isabella Del Priorefigures by Carlos Morales We’ve all heard it before: high cholesterol is bad and can increase your risk for heart disease. Though there is a direct association between cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, there exists controversy and confusion over treatment options. What counts as “high” cholesterol, do I really need to cut out eggs, and which one is the “bad” one again?  … Continue reading My Doctor Told Me I Have High Cholesterol, Now What?

Leveraging Circadian Rhythm for Medical Advancement

by Benyapa Khowpinitchaifigures with Carlos Morales When your medication becomes less effective, the first thought you may have is to increase the dosage. But what if there was a way to increase the efficacy of the drug without needing to increase the amount? What if you could simply change when you took the drug? Indeed, the answer may lie in your biological clock. Biological clock … Continue reading Leveraging Circadian Rhythm for Medical Advancement

Brain Hijackers: How cancer manipulates the brain to help it grow

by Hannah Farnsworthfigures with Xiaomeng Han Most people know someone in their life who has been impacted by cancer, and a staggering 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetimes. Despite the prevalence of cancer in the general population, there are many types of cancer that still lack effective treatments. One such form of cancer is a type of brain tumor called … Continue reading Brain Hijackers: How cancer manipulates the brain to help it grow

Home Decor and the Hippocampus: How environmental enrichment can enhance brain function  

by Ariel Hairstonfigures by MacKenzie Mauger Our lives are stuffed with opportunities for excitement and stimulation. You might wake up in the morning and find yourself staring at your modest collection of succulents, or that small oil painting you bought at a flea market. The first moments of your day might be spent taking a walk around the block, the smell of tree bark hanging … Continue reading Home Decor and the Hippocampus: How environmental enrichment can enhance brain function