Benefits of being an early riser vs. a night owl

EXETER, U.K./BOSTON — A large-scale genomic analysis has revealed some of the inner workings of the body clock, shedding new light on how it links to mental health and disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that being genetically programmed to rise early may lead to greater well-being and a lower risk of schizophrenia and… Read More »

How to tell if contractions are real

Real contractions follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions vary in duration and frequency. Braxton-Hicks contractions also tend to be less painful and usually only cause discomfort in the front of the abdomen. Braxton-Hicks contractions simulate real contractions to prepare the body for labor. However, they do not lead to labor. Real contractions only occur… Read More »

Alzheimer's bacterial link reiterates the importance of our microbiome

A bacterium seems to cause Alzheimer’s as well as gum disease, hinting that our microbial denizens may be involved in many diseases we thought weren’t infectious A. Dowsett, Public Health England/Science Photo Library THE suggestion that a bacterium behind gum disease could be the long-elusive cause of Alzheimer’s is an early contender for most astounding… Read More »