The hottest Health Science Substack posts right now

Neuroscientist claims both presidential candidates show signs of shrinking prefrontal cortexes due to age-related cognitive decline.
There is ongoing debate about the cognitive health of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, reflecting concerns about their ability to lead.
Science suggests that aging impacts cognitive abilities, including executive functions, which are crucial for effective leadership roles.

Metabolism is more complex than simply burning calories. It’s affected by what we eat, how active we are, and even our age.
The advice to 'eat less and exercise more' doesn’t work for many people and can lead to feelings of guilt. Our bodies just don’t function that way.
Physical activity is still very important for health but doesn’t burn as many calories as commonly believed. Understanding how our metabolism operates can help us use exercise better.

Cells can help solve big problems like hunger and climate change by using chemistry and physics to rearrange atoms into useful materials. They are like natural tools that can be engineered to do tasks we need.
Engineering biology has a successful history, like when Norman Borlaug improved wheat crops in Mexico. These achievements show that one innovative solution can make a huge difference over time.
Now is a great time to work in biotechnology because tools for studying and changing genes are getting cheaper and easier to use. This means more people, from different backgrounds, can contribute to solving biological challenges.

Require five-year follow-up with mandatory publication to improve accuracy and information in weight loss studies
Mandate essential information in bold print at the beginning of weight loss studies to ensure transparency and accessibility
Implement a weight-neutral comparator group in weight loss studies to distinguish impacts of behavior changes from weight loss, reducing health risks

The Kirsch Scientific Dispute Resolution Protocol (KSDRP) is a new way to settle scientific disagreements logically and fairly.
It involves choosing judges, using real data, and letting chatbots help analyze the information before judges make a final decision.
This method can help answer tough questions, like the impact of COVID vaccines, by measuring outcomes from different groups.

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Eating a lot of potatoes may help you lose weight because they can reduce your appetite and cravings. This might be similar to how some weight-loss medications work.
Potatoes might also increase your body temperature and metabolism, making you burn more calories just by being active. The effects can vary from person to person depending on their unique body and genetics.
A mostly potato diet is low in fat and iron, which may also contribute to weight loss. This combination can change how your body feels about food and potentially help you eat less.