The Cortege

Hypersexual disorder can be defined as a pattern of excessive sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges, and behaviors that interfere with an individual's daily life and cause distress.  Image source : Women's Health Interactive The American Psychiatric Association (APA) debated including hypersexual disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it was ultimately excluded due to concerns regarding its classification and the risk of pathologizing normal sexual behaviors. However, the disorder remains an area of interest in clinical psychology, and many professionals use criteria similar to those of addiction disorders to diagnose hypersexuality. According to proposed diagnostic criteria, hypersexual disorder involves the following core elements: Excessive sexual urges, fantasies, and behaviors : These are persistent and recurrent, with individuals engaging in sexual activity more frequently than is considered typical. Lack of control : Individuals m...

Monkeypox, recently rebranded as Mpox, is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus responsible for smallpox.  Image source : AI generated  First identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970, monkeypox primarily occurs in Central and West African countries. However, the virus has gained global attention due to recent outbreaks in non-endemic regions. Transmission and Symptoms Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals. The virus can be transmitted via direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials like bedding. While human-to-human transmission is significant, the virus can also spread from animals to humans, with rodents and primates being primary reservoirs. Symptoms typically manifest within 5 to 21 days of exposure and can last between 2 to 4 weeks. The disease presents with fever, inte...

In recent years, conversations surrounding mental health have gained momentum, yet the mental health of men remains an often-overlooked topic. Cultural expectations and societal norms have long contributed to the stigmatization of mental health issues among men, leading to a culture of silence. This blog delves into the challenges men face regarding mental health, the impact of these challenges, and steps toward fostering a more supportive environment. Image source : SKOOC The Silent Struggle Men are frequently socialized to adopt a stoic persona—one that emphasizes strength, independence, and emotional restraint. Phrases like "man up" or "boys don't cry" reinforce the idea that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This conditioning can result in men suppressing their emotions, leading to long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Understanding the Impact The impact of untreated mental health issues in men ...

In the modern world, where information is just a click away, our reliance on the internet for quick answers has become a double-edged sword. One of the most intriguing and concerning phenomena to arise from this is "cyberchondria." A term that combines "cyber," relating to the internet, and "chondria," derived from hypochondria—a condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with one's health—cyberchondria refers to the anxiety that can result from excessive online health research.  Image source : AI generated  What is Cyberchondria? Cyberchondria is defined as the excessive and compulsive search for medical information online, leading to increased health anxiety.  The Vicious Cycle of Cyberchondria One of the most challenging aspects of cyberchondria is the cyclical nature of the condition. Here's how the cycle typically unfolds: Symptom Onset: It starts with the experience of a symptom—anything from a mild headache to a persistent cough....

The University of Belgrade's Institute for Multidisciplinary Research has developed an urban photo-bioreactor called Liquid 3, which serves as a bench and cleans the air in Belgrade city centre. Serbia has one of the highest air pollution death rates in Europe, and Liquid 3 was created in response to an appeal from the Development Program of the United Nations to tackle air pollution.  Image source: liquid3 The device uses microalgae to bind carbon dioxide while also serving as an urban design feature. It was installed in September 2021 in front of the Municipality of Stari Grad in Belgrade.  Air pollution is a major problem in Serbia, with at least 75% of Serbian citizens breathing air polluted by particular airborne matter (PM) throughout the year.  Belgrade was ranked as the world's fifth most polluted major city by Swiss air quality database IQ Air in early November 2021, and thousands of people protested against the massive air pollution in the city two weeks later. ...

In a groundbreaking development, Neuralink, the brainchild of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, received FDA approval for its first human clinical trial back in May. This pivotal moment represents a giant leap forward in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Neuralink's mission to merge technology with the human brain has garnered immense attention, and this approval signifies a major step towards making this vision a reality. Image source : Jagran Josh Unlocking the Potential: Neuralink's Vision Neuralink's ambitious goal is to enhance human capabilities by creating a direct connection between the human brain and computers. At the core of this technology is the N1 implant, a device powered by a wireless-charging battery. This implant comprises 64 flexible threads, finer than a human hair, strategically placed in the part of the brain responsible for "movement intention." These threads enable the recording and wireless transmission of brain signals to an app, ...

The placenta, often overlooked in the realm of human biology, is a vital organ that plays a significant role not only during pregnancy but also in determining lifelong health outcomes. This organ, unique to mammals, is the lifeline that connects the mother and the fetus, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products. Image source : Pregnancy, Birth and Baby The placenta's role during pregnancy is well-known, but recent research suggests that its influence extends far beyond the gestational period. It has a profound impact on the health of both the mother and the child, potentially influencing their susceptibility to various diseases later in life. The placenta is a dynamic organ that adapts to the mother's health and environmental conditions. It can modify its structure and function in response to stressors such as maternal malnutrition, obesity, or exposure to toxins. These adaptations can affect fetal development and have long-term health implications. For...

Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide, has long been a subject of extensive research. A recent study, as reported by New Scientist, has shed new light on the potential benefits of exercise in combating this disease.  Image source : Wikipedia  The study suggests that regular physical activity may prevent the degradation of neurons crucial for controlling movement, a common issue in Parkinson's disease. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize the way we approach Parkinson's disease management and prevention. Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating movement and emotional responses. As these neurons degrade, patients experience symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, invol...

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that typically emerges in early adulthood. While the exact causes of schizophrenia are still not fully understood, researchers have long recognized the role of both genetic and environmental factors in its development. A recent study published in the journal Cell Genomics sheds new light on the genetic aspect of schizophrenia, specifically highlighting the potential impact of rare embryo mutations on the risk of developing this disorder. Image source : Health The study, conducted by Eduardo A. Maury and colleagues, focused on somatic copy-number variants (sCNVs), a type of mutation that occurs early in embryonic development. Unlike inherited mutations, which are present in all cells of the body, somatic mutations are only present in a fraction of cells based on when and where the mutation occurred. The researchers analyzed data from 12,834 schizophrenia cases and identified recurrent disruptions in two genes: NRXN1 and ABCB11. NRXN1, a ge...

In recent years, the field of cancer research has witnessed a groundbreaking development that holds immense potential for revolutionizing cancer treatment. Scientists have discovered a remarkable phenomenon involving the presence of microbes within tumors, opening up a new avenue for targeted therapies. This article explores the fascinating world of tumor-dwelling microbes and their implications for cancer treatment. Image source : nature reviews cancer Unveiling the Microbial Landscape:    - Researchers have identified a diverse range of microbes residing within tumors, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.    - These microbes form complex communities known as the tumor microbiome, which interact with cancer cells and the immune system.    - The composition of the tumor microbiome varies across different types of cancer, offering insights into disease progression and treatment response. Microbes as Potential Allies in Cancer Treatment:    - Stu...

In a groundbreaking study published in the New Scientist, researchers have discovered a fascinating new way to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of what a person is looking at, simply by analyzing the reflections in their eyeballs. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize fields such as virtual reality, eye-tracking technology, and even forensic investigations. Let's delve into the details of this remarkable breakthrough. Image source : Lifehacker The human eye is a complex organ that not only allows us to see the world around us but also holds valuable information about our visual perception. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have harnessed this potential by developing a method to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of a scene based solely on the reflections in a person's eyes. Using a combination of machine learning algorithms and computer vision techniques, the researchers were able to analyze the unique patterns of light reflec...

Exercise is often touted as a way to improve physical health, but did you know that it can also have a significant impact on your mental well-being? In this article, we'll explore the science behind how exercise can help you feel better and think clearer, and provide practical tips for incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Image source : Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health: Research has shown that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health in several ways. First, exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Second, exercise can increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function and memory. Finally, exercise can promote the growth of new brain cells, which can help protect against age-related cognitive decline. Practical Tips for Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine: Now that we understand the science behind exer...

Botox has become a household name in the world of cosmetic treatments, with millions of people opting for the procedure to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. But have you ever wondered how Botox actually works? In a recent study published in the journal Science, researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind how Botox enters neurons and paralyzes muscles. Illustration of Clostridium botulinum, bacteria that produce botulinum neurotoxin Shutterstock/MZinchenko Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the skin, it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This results in a temporary paralysis of the muscles, which smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. But how does Botox actually enter neurons to block the release of acetylcholine? The study found that Botox binds to a protein called SV2, which is found on the surface of neurons. SV2 is involved in the release of neurotran...

Making decisions is a fundamental aspect of human life, and we make countless decisions every day. Some decisions are simple, while others are complex and have significant consequences. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience distress or anxiety when making important decisions. Decision distress is the emotional discomfort or anxiety that an individual experiences when making a decision. This distress can arise from several factors, including the complexity of the decision, the consequences of the decision, and the individual's level of confidence in their ability to make the right decision. Image source : Economic Times Brand Equity The distress can manifest in various ways, such as indecisiveness, procrastination, anxiety, and stress. It can also lead to decision paralysis, where an individual is unable to make any decision at all, or decision regret, where an individual experiences negative emotions after making a decision. Causes of Decision Distress 1. The complexity ...

Candida auris is a fungus that can cause serious infections in humans. It was first identified in 2009 in Japan and has since emerged as a global health threat. Image source : Wikipedia  Characteristics of Candida auris Candida auris is a type of yeast that belongs to the Candida family. It is a multidrug-resistant organism that can cause invasive infections in humans. It can survive on surfaces for weeks, making it difficult to eradicate from hospital environments. Symptoms of Candida auris Infection The symptoms of Candida auris infection vary depending on the location of the infection. Infections can occur in the bloodstream, urinary tract, respiratory tract, or wounds. Symptoms of bloodstream infections can include fever, chills, low blood pressure, and organ failure. Urinary tract infections can cause pain, burning, and frequent urination. Respiratory tract infections can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Wound infections can cause redness, swelling, an...