health Archives – Page 3 of 5

The Hidden History of the Maltese Genome

By reading someone’s DNA one can tell how likely they are to develop a disease or whether they are related to the person sitting next to them. By reading a nation’s DNA one can understand why a population is more likely to develop a disease or how a population came to exist. Scott Wilcockson talks to Prof. Alex Felice, Dr Joseph Borg, and Clint Mizzi (University of Malta) about their latest project that aims to sequence the Maltese genome and what it might reveal about the origins and health of the Maltese people.

Heartbreakers

Every person possesses the same genes within every cell. Their DNA provides the information to first create an entire functioning body and then keep it running. While all humans share more than 99.9% of their DNA, it is the subtle differences in our DNA that ensure individuality. Many differences are superficial effects, like hair colour, but some can have disastrous health effects. Scott Wilcockson talks to Dr Stephanie Bezzina-Wettinger (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta) about her research on these subtle differences and how they can contribute to heart attacks.

#research #science 2016 broken heart dna Dr Ritienne Attard Dr Roseanne Farrugia Dr Stephanie Bezzina-Wettinger drugs Faculty of Health Sciences genes genetics health heart attack IAAMI malta Malta council of science and technology Maltese Genome mater dei hospital medicine NGS population scott wilcockson sequencing study university of malta

Marijuana for Epilepsy

Over the last few decades researchers have been unravelling the truth behind marijuana. Prof. Giuseppe Di Giovanni tells us more about its use in medical research.

#research #science 2016 anti-epileptic brain Cannabis chemistry drugs Epilepsy health human malta Malta Neuroscience Network Marijuana MNN neurobiology Pharmaceutical pharmacy plant Prof. Giuseppe Di Giovanni seizure temporal lobe epilepsy THC TLE treatment

Fly power for neurodegeneration

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes motor neurons to deteriorate. These nerves are required for voluntary muscle activity control. Neuronal loss leads to progressive muscle weakness that makes it difficult for one to move and function normally. These devastating consequences make SMA the leading genetic killer of infants, who succumb to the effects of the condition within a few years.Continue reading

#research 2015 brain drosophila melanogaster ESF european union Faculty of Medicine & Surgery fruit fly health neurodegenerative rebecca borg ruben j. cauchi SMA SMN spinal muscular atrophy spliceosome STEPS Survival of Motor Neuron think Think Magazine Think Website UM University

Nicotine stresses you out!

By Caitlin Davies

Every day in Malta, one person will die from a smoking-related illness. People usually begin smoking tobacco in their adolescence and addiction quickly follows. Quitting is hard and the majority are unsuccessful. Nicotine, with its crippling withdrawal symptoms, is to blame. Research suggests this component of tobacco can be more addictive than heroin. Smokers say that nicotine is pleasurable and enables them to concentrate and reduce their anxiety. Scientists think the opposite.Continue reading

#research #science 2015 addiction anxiety biomedical sciences brain caitlin davies cardiff university dopamine Faculty of Medicine & Surgery Giuseppe Di Giovanni health lateral habenula nicotine rat smoking-related illness think Think Magazine UM University university of malta

Should we eat less meat?

Our insatiable, carnivorous appetite persists in driving an increase in the global demand and production of meat. This continues to fuel controversy over the meat industries impact on the environment and its effects on our own health. To continue the discussion, S-Cubed, the Science Student Society has recently held a debate to discuss our meat eating habits. Words by Scott Wilcockson.