A new meta-study suggests that having a cat as a pet could double a person’s risk of schizophrenia-related disorders. Australian researchers have conducted an analysis of 17 studies published over the past 44 years. “We found a link between cat ownership and a greater chance of developing schizophrenia-related disorders,” to write psychiatrist John McGrath and … Read more
Astronomers have discovered a giant planet that, according to current knowledge, should be too big for its home star. Yet it orbits around her. The exoplanet is thirteen times larger than Earth, which according to scientists is remarkable in itself, but what is really interesting is its combination with a very cold red dwarf, nine … Read more
Prostate cancer is an old man’s thing. So as we get older, more and more men will develop prostate cancer before they die. Normally a prostate is not much bigger than a walnut. The most spectacular prostate that Professor Steven Joniau (UZ Leuven) ever dealt with weighed 1.5 kilograms. “Without a prostate, a man would … Read more
In his songs, he drew on literature, mythology and the Bible. Irish singer and songwriter Shane MacGowan, leader of the band The Pogues, who combined traditional Irish music with sharp punk rock, has died at the age of 65. The frontman paved the way for groups like Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys, but he was … Read more
Anyone who feels bad or sniffles at this time of year thinks they have ‘the flu’. Nonsense, says Belgian virologist Marc van Ranst. The flu is a serious disease that kills people. He explains how to notice the difference. “You cannot say when a cold started. Suddenly you’re sniffling and you notice that runny nose. … Read more
It is a very distasteful sight, but almost everyone (secretly) picks their nose sometimes. It seems like an innocent activity, but there are several reasons why it is better to stop this nagging. Nosebleeds, infections and boils… can they even give you Alzheimer’s? Bloody nose Picking your nose irritates and damages the mucous membrane, which … Read more
It is expected that imports amounting to approximately five billion euros will be restricted, as well as the list of sanctioned persons will be expanded to include 120 individuals and legal entities, The Wall Street Journal reports. The list of natural persons will be supplemented with 47 people, among them relatives of the highest Russian … Read more
Two astronauts from the ISS took a spacewalk around their space station. They accidentally released a tool bag. It is now floating through space. And the great thing: you can see it with simple binoculars. It was astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara who left the bag behind during their trip through space. It is … Read more
Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, a new study warns. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have discovered a link between obesity and insulin resistance in the brain. The team found that a diet high in sugar leads to insulin resistance in the brain, … Read more
Enjoy your cup of comfort, because coffee is healthy. Dutch researchers now also have this demonstrated. And you don’t even have to stick to one cup. No, more is better. Until about four cups then. Scientists from Wageningen University and UMC Groningen examined more than 80,000 test subjects, most of whom liked a coffee. They … Read more