A man immersed in an ice bath relaxes with eyes closed, embracing the chill for rejuvenation and recovery. The first few seconds of a cold plunge are anything but relaxing. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing are signs that your body recognizes cold water as a stressor. Your nervous system immediately responds by increasing alertness, changing blood flow, and releasing stress hormones to adapt to the cold environment. So why are people intentionally creating this response? Fo

A man eagerly prepares to enjoy a delicious burger loaded with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, accompanied by a side of crispy fries. Have you ever gotten ticked off at your friend for slightly grazing your arm, or wanted to lash out at a slow driver? Minor inconveniences suddenly enrage you, and amidst your growing anger, you realize you've skipped your meal and haven't eaten for the past eight hours. Ah! Now it makes sense. You're not an evil person. You were just hangry! But i

A pregnant woman who is gently cradling her belly. Towards the end of 2015, Kim Kardashian announced that after the birth of her son, she had been taking medication that greatly improved her mood and prevented postpartum depression (Mechlin, 2015). The magic behind this medication? Participation in autocannibalism, in the form of eating her placenta that was dried and blended into a pill. The placenta is an organ formed in the womb to help filter waste and provide nutrients t

A group of college students share a joyful moment and laugh together on campus steps, celebrating friendship and unity. College life often feels like walking a tightrope between intense study sessions and the desire to enjoy new experiences. Many students struggle to find a balance that allows them to excel academically while still having fun and making lasting memories. Striking this balance is not only possible but essential for long-term success and well-being. The trick i

Applying to medical school is a demanding process that requires careful planning, dedication, and attention to detail. Many students dream of becoming doctors, but the path to acceptance is challenging for most students. Understanding the common mistakes applicants make can help you avoid pitfalls and improve your chances of success. I have had over 80 former undergraduate students in my labortaory that when to medical school and have written over 700 reference letters for st

Women practicing yoga together in a bright, modern studio, focusing on their form and relaxation. Cycle syncing has become an increasingly popular wellness trend on social media. Influencers on different platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, are encouraging women to align their exercise routines, diets, and daily habits with the different phases of their menstrual cycles. Many of those partaking in this trend claim that cycle syncing can improve energy levels, reduce menst

Pouring fresh milk into a glass. Have you ever recovered from a nasty stomach bug, only to find that your next bowl of ice cream suddenly betrays your stomach? What if the sudden inability to digest ice cream wasn't a lifelong sentence, but just the lingering aftermath of a viral infection? Let's talk about the surprising link between rotavirus and lactose intolerance. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance affects around 68% of the world's population, and it’s due to somet

A tender moment as a young girl kisses her pregnant mother's belly, welcoming the new addition to the family with love. If you’re thinking about stopping birth control because you want to become pregnant, it’s fair to say you are not alone in wondering how long it will take for reproductive function to return to baseline. One of the many common misconceptions is that birth control can cause infertility, especially after prolonged use of the contraceptive. Current research res

A group of four women standing closely together, smiling warmly, showcasing natural beauty and friendship. Have you ever wondered if there are subtle hormonal and physical shifts during ovulation that are detectable to others? During the menstrual cycle, women go through many changes, not only physical but also hormonal. One day you are feeling moody, and your face is full of redness and blemishes, the next you wake up with clear skin and feeling great. Though this is not the

A bathroom hand dryer Pathogens are everywhere in public restrooms, so sanitary practices such as handwashing must be utilized to prevent the spread of disease (Gião & Vardoulakis, 2022). When drying one’s hands in a public restroom, people often face a simple choice: paper towels or hand dryers. While this choice may appear benign at first, there is more to it than most people think. More specifically, bathroom hand dryers have the potential to disperse aerosol droplets thro