Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

When Yawning Becomes A Symptom: Can A Simple Reflex Signal Something Serious?

You Yawn Every Day But Could It Be More Than Just Sleepiness? Experts Say Think Again- 3AM

Yawning, a general indication of sleepiness or boredom can actually serve as an indicator of underlying health problems. While it's easy to link yawns to late nights and early mornings, professionals now believe that excessive yawning can be a warning sign indicative of chronic sleep loss or an underlying medical problem. As per a position paper released by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), frequent indicators of daytime sleepiness need far more attention than they are usually given.

So, what do you do when a normal yawn becomes a warning sign of something more serious? 

Yawning is an ancient reflex found in all vertebrate animals from birds and reptiles to human beings. Taking between five and ten seconds, yawning consists of opening the mouth wide, a rapid deep breath, and a slow exhalation. Frequently followed by stretching the arms or head back, it is associated with promoting oxygen flow to the brain.

While apparently insignificant, yawns serve an important physiological function. Yawning is a way to cool the brain, control alertness, and perhaps even be a component of how our body maintains wakefulness.

There are several theories as to why we yawn, each presenting a different picture of this ostensibly straightforward reflex. The most recognized reason is drowsiness and sleepiness—yawning typically happens at transition points like waking up or preparing for sleep, as the body regulates its level of alertness. Another reason is boredom or not being stimulated. In intellectually unchallenging settings, yawning can help stimulate alertness through increased blood supply and oxygenation to the brain. Notably, brain cooling has also become another attractive theory; research has found that animals such as rats and parakeets have reduced brain temperatures after yawning spells, implying a thermoregulatory role. 

Furthermore, relief of ear pressure is a well-documented advantage of yawning. The law opens the eustachian tubes within the ears, helping to alleviate pressure changes, most evident on airplanes. Finally, social cues and empathy also have a role to play—contagious yawning, or yawning following observation of another yawning, is thought to be connected to mirror neurons and social bonding, though the field of study remains developing.

Excessive yawning, particularly if accompanied by an uncontrollable need to nap, cannot be dismissed. It can be a sign of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), one of the classic signs of chronic sleep deprivation and some sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, or circadian rhythm disturbances.

People tend to underestimate what happens when they're sleep-deprived. We have evidence that with chronic partial sleep deprivation, your own sense of how impaired you are gets totally out of whack. You feel like you're all right—but cognitive testing reveals otherwise.

Indeed, such overconfidence is risky. Microsleeps, which are brief periods of unconsciousness lasting several seconds, may happen unexpectedly and have potentially devastating effects, especially while driving or working with machinery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts the estimate of accidents caused by drowsy driving at around 100,000 each year in the United States.

If you're falling asleep in meetings, having trouble keeping your eyes open at the wheel, or requiring a series of cups of coffee to make it through the day, you might be fighting with something other than tiredness. These are indicators that your brain and body are not working at their highest levels. Advanced <span>sleep deprivation symptoms</span> are:

<ul><li>Droopy eyelids and slumped shoulders</li><li>Trembling hands or lightheadedness</li><li>Lack of concentration and recall</li><li>Risk-taking and impulsivity increase</li></ul>

If left untreated, chronic sleep deficiency can also result in more severe health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Worried about how sleepy you actually are? The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a standard measure employed by doctors, aids in determining your chances of falling asleep in ordinary situations—sitting in traffic, reading, or watching television. A rating above 10 is clinically relevant and requires a doctor's assessment.

<h2>What Else Might Be Triggering Your Yawns?</h2>

Sleep disorders are number one, but other possible reasons are:

<strong>Medications</strong>: Certain prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications have the side effect of drowsiness. Have your pharmacist check your medications for side effects.

<strong>Lifestyle Factors</strong>: Late-night TV, too much caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana use can all interfere with sleep quality.

Environmental Issues: Bright lights, noise, uncomfortable room temperatures, or bad bedding can interrupt your sleep cycle.

"There's a false belief that marijuana or alcohol will help you sleep," Dr. Gurubhagavatula says. "Though they may put you to sleep quicker, they interfere with sleep architecture so that you have less restorative sleep and more fatigue the following day." 

If you're yawning constantly and think sleep deprivation is catching up to your health, don't wait. Monitor your symptoms—level of fatigue, amount of sleep, use of stimulants or sedatives—and take this data with you to your healthcare provider.

"Daytime sleepiness is not merely an annoyance—it's a red flag," says Dr. Gurubhagavatula. "By finding the cause and treating it, you can significantly enhance not only your sleep, but your overall quality of life."

Yawning can be one of the most prevalent human activities, but when it gets out of hand, stop and listen to what your body is saying. From bad sleep habits to un-diagnosed medical ailments, your yawns can be the first and most obvious signs of an underlying health problem.

So the next time you catch yourself yawning for the third time before noon—don’t just reach for another cup of coffee. Instead, consider it a wake-up call to prioritize your sleep and protect your long-term health.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

excessive yawning causes

why do we yawn

yawning and sleep disorders

sleep deprivation symptoms

yawning brain cooling

signs of sleepiness

daytime drowsiness

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Yawning, a general indication of sleepiness or boredom can actually serve as an indicator of underlying health problems. While it's easy to link yawns to late nights and early mornings, professionals now believe that excessive yawning can be a warning sign indicative of chronic sleep loss or an underlying medical problem. As per a position paper released by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), frequent indicators of daytime sleepiness need far more attention than they are usually given.So, what do you do when a normal yawn becomes a warning sign of something more serious? Yawning is an ancient reflex found in all vertebrate animals from birds and reptiles to human beings. Taking between five and ten seconds, yawning consists of opening the mouth wide, a rapid deep breath, and a slow exhalation. Frequently followed by stretching the arms or head back, it is associated with promoting oxygen flow to the brain.While apparently insignificant, yawns serve an important physiological function. Yawning is a way to cool the brain, control alertness, and perhaps even be a component of how our body maintains wakefulness.Why Do We Yawn?There are several theories as to why we yawn, each presenting a different picture of this ostensibly straightforward reflex. The most recognized reason is drowsiness and sleepiness—yawning typically happens at transition points like waking up or preparing for sleep, as the body regulates its level of alertness. Another reason is boredom or not being stimulated. In intellectually unchallenging settings, yawning can help stimulate alertness through increased blood supply and oxygenation to the brain. Notably, brain cooling has also become another attractive theory; research has found that animals such as rats and parakeets have reduced brain temperatures after yawning spells, implying a thermoregulatory role. Furthermore, relief of ear pressure is a well-documented advantage of yawning. The law opens the eustachian tubes within the ears, helping to alleviate pressure changes, most evident on airplanes. Finally, social cues and empathy also have a role to play—contagious yawning, or yawning following observation of another yawning, is thought to be connected to mirror neurons and social bonding, though the field of study remains developing.When Yawning Is a Warning Sign?Excessive yawning, particularly if accompanied by an uncontrollable need to nap, cannot be dismissed. It can be a sign of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), one of the classic signs of chronic sleep deprivation and some sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, or circadian rhythm disturbances.People tend to underestimate what happens when they're sleep-deprived. We have evidence that with chronic partial sleep deprivation, your own sense of how impaired you are gets totally out of whack. You feel like you're all right—but cognitive testing reveals otherwise.Indeed, such overconfidence is risky. Microsleeps, which are brief periods of unconsciousness lasting several seconds, may happen unexpectedly and have potentially devastating effects, especially while driving or working with machinery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts the estimate of accidents caused by drowsy driving at around 100,000 each year in the United States.Risk of Common SleepinessIf you're falling asleep in meetings, having trouble keeping your eyes open at the wheel, or requiring a series of cups of coffee to make it through the day, you might be fighting with something other than tiredness. These are indicators that your brain and body are not working at their highest levels. Advanced sleep deprivation symptoms are:Droopy eyelids and slumped shouldersTrembling hands or lightheadednessLack of concentration and recallRisk-taking and impulsivity increaseIf left untreated, chronic sleep deficiency can also result in more severe health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease.How to Measure Your Sleepiness?Worried about how sleepy you actually are? The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a standard measure employed by doctors, aids in determining your chances of falling asleep in ordinary situations—sitting in traffic, reading, or watching television. A rating above 10 is clinically relevant and requires a doctor's assessment.What Else Might Be Triggering Your Yawns?Sleep disorders are number one, but other possible reasons are:Medications: Certain prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications have the side effect of drowsiness. Have your pharmacist check your medications for side effects.Lifestyle Factors: Late-night TV, too much caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana use can all interfere with sleep quality.Environmental Issues: Bright lights, noise, uncomfortable room temperatures, or bad bedding can interrupt your sleep cycle."There's a false belief that marijuana or alcohol will help you sleep," Dr. Gurubhagavatula says. "Though they may put you to sleep quicker, they interfere with sleep architecture so that you have less restorative sleep and more fatigue the following day." When to See a Doctor?If you're yawning constantly and think sleep deprivation is catching up to your health, don't wait. Monitor your symptoms—level of fatigue, amount of sleep, use of stimulants or sedatives—and take this data with you to your healthcare provider."Daytime sleepiness is not merely an annoyance—it's a red flag," says Dr. Gurubhagavatula. "By finding the cause and treating it, you can significantly enhance not only your sleep, but your overall quality of life."Yawning can be one of the most prevalent human activities, but when it gets out of hand, stop and listen to what your body is saying. From bad sleep habits to un-diagnosed medical ailments, your yawns can be the first and most obvious signs of an underlying health problem.So the next time you catch yourself yawning for the third time before noon—don’t just reach for another cup of coffee. Instead, consider it a wake-up call to prioritize your sleep and protect your long-term health.

you yawn every day but could it be more than just sleepiness? experts say think again

Aarushi Bhadury

Can You Get Cervical Cancer Without HPV?

can you get cervical cancer without hpv?

Health News

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Worried About The New And Dominant COVID Variant XEC? 3 Things You Must Know

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Human papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The <span>World Health Organization</span> explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. 

What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! 

A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer</span> </h2>

Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. 

The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. 

To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: 

<ul><li>One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.</li><li>Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.</li><li>The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.</li></ul>

The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. 

<h2>Making At-Home Tests Accessible </h2>

The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. 

Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

world health organization

At-Home HPV Testing4

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings study

At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer

health & wellbeing

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The World Health Organization explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. Why At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. How the Study Proved Its Point To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. Making At-Home Tests Accessible The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

at-home hpv testing improves cancer screenings: study

Ishita Roy

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Hay Fever Is Worse Than Ever This Year- Avoid These 3 Everyday Triggers

hay fever is worse than ever this year- avoid these 3 everyday triggers

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the <span>cataract awareness month</span>. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of <span>vision loss</span> worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. 

<h4>Why Is It Declared As The <span rel="noindex">Cataract Month</span>?</h4>

As per the International Agency for the Prevention of <span>Blindness</span> (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. 

It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. 

<h4>History Of Cataract Awareness Month </h4>

Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. 

The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. 

The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. 

<h4>How Does Cataract Affect Vision?</h4>

<ul><li>Blurred or foggy vision</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light or glare</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Colors appear faded or yellow</li><li>Frequent changes in glasses prescription</li><li>Seeing halos around lights</li></ul>

Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. 

The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

june cataract month

eye health

health and wellness

cataract awareness month

cataract month

vision loss

blindness

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the cataract awareness month. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. Why Is It Declared As The Cataract Month?As per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. What Is Cataract?It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. History Of Cataract Awareness Month Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. How Does Cataract Affect Vision?The following symptoms are:Blurred or foggy visionIncreased sensitivity to light or glareDifficulty seeing at nightColors appear faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionSeeing halos around lightsWhat Causes Cataract?Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

cataract awareness month: importance, significance, and history

Is Regrowing Human Limbs A Possibility Now?

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Nature is filled with amazing flora and fauna, all with different sets of abilities and unique features. While considered impossible for humans, there are many animals that can <span>regenerate</span> part of their bodies. Sea creatures like starfish and octopuses can regenerate their limbs in case they get hurt or have to decapitate themselves to escape from a difficult situation. Living in the wild, these creatures evolved to adapt to the harsh nature of their surroundings. 

This is not the case for humans. Many people have to live without their limbs or organs, whether it is due to being born that way or being hurt/experiencing an accident. However, taking inspiration from one such animal, researchers are looking into human limb regeneration. 

Axolotls, with their unique smiles and frilly gills, have become very popular. But these friendly salamanders are more than just cute faces. Scientists are studying them because they might help us solve a big medical mystery: Can people someday grow back lost body parts, like an arm or a leg? 

<h2>Why Did Researchers Pick Axolotls? </h2>

In a groundbreaking <span>study</span> published on June 10 in Nature Communications, Monaghan's team utilized genetically engineered axolotls that glow in the dark to better understand this astonishing process. What makes axolotls so special? They have an incredible ability to regrow any part of their body, no matter how old they are. If they lose a leg, they can grow it right back. 

Even if their heart, lungs, or brain gets hurt, they can fix themselves! This amazing ability makes them champions among animals for their extreme healing powers. One of the long-standing questions in limb regrowth has been how cells "know" precisely which part of the limb to rebuild. For instance, if an axolotl loses its upper arm, it regenerates the entire arm. However, if the injury occurs further down the limb, only the lower arm and hand regrow. 

The key to this mystery appears to be a small molecule called retinoic acid, a compound related to vitamin A and commonly found in skincare products under the name retinol. This molecule acts like a GPS, providing cells with crucial positional information, guiding them on where they are on the body and what specific part needs to be rebuilt. 

<h2>How Retinoic Acid Directs Regrowth </h2>

The study's findings were compelling. When axolotls were given a drug that prevented the breakdown of retinoic acid, their limbs regenerated incorrectly, with an upper arm forming where a lower arm should have been. In contrast, axolotls not given the drug regrew their limbs normally. This strongly suggests that retinoic acid precisely instructs cells about their location and what structure to grow. 

While we are still a long way from growing human limbs, this study is a big step in that direction. The scientists believe this research could eventually help people. We all have the same basic genetic instructions for building limbs that we used when we were developing as babies. The challenge now is to figure out how to turn those same instructions back on later in life, which axolotls can do but humans can't yet. This is one of the oldest and most exciting questions in biology. Thanks to the growing interest in axolotls, especially among kids, these unique animals are helping to advance amazing scientific discoveries. It's quite surprising how popular axolotls have become, showing up everywhere from airports to toy stores. 

Regrowing Human Limbs

regenerate

regenerating human limbs

regeneration and nature

can human limbs regenerate

Study

Nature is filled with amazing flora and fauna, all with different sets of abilities and unique features. While considered impossible for humans, there are many animals that can regenerate part of their bodies. Sea creatures like starfish and octopuses can regenerate their limbs in case they get hurt or have to decapitate themselves to escape from a difficult situation. Living in the wild, these creatures evolved to adapt to the harsh nature of their surroundings. This is not the case for humans. Many people have to live without their limbs or organs, whether it is due to being born that way or being hurt/experiencing an accident. However, taking inspiration from one such animal, researchers are looking into human limb regeneration. Axolotls, with their unique smiles and frilly gills, have become very popular. But these friendly salamanders are more than just cute faces. Scientists are studying them because they might help us solve a big medical mystery: Can people someday grow back lost body parts, like an arm or a leg? Why Did Researchers Pick Axolotls? In a groundbreaking study published on June 10 in Nature Communications, Monaghan's team utilized genetically engineered axolotls that glow in the dark to better understand this astonishing process. What makes axolotls so special? They have an incredible ability to regrow any part of their body, no matter how old they are. If they lose a leg, they can grow it right back. Even if their heart, lungs, or brain gets hurt, they can fix themselves! This amazing ability makes them champions among animals for their extreme healing powers. One of the long-standing questions in limb regrowth has been how cells "know" precisely which part of the limb to rebuild. For instance, if an axolotl loses its upper arm, it regenerates the entire arm. However, if the injury occurs further down the limb, only the lower arm and hand regrow. Body's Internal GPS The key to this mystery appears to be a small molecule called retinoic acid, a compound related to vitamin A and commonly found in skincare products under the name retinol. This molecule acts like a GPS, providing cells with crucial positional information, guiding them on where they are on the body and what specific part needs to be rebuilt. How Retinoic Acid Directs Regrowth The study's findings were compelling. When axolotls were given a drug that prevented the breakdown of retinoic acid, their limbs regenerated incorrectly, with an upper arm forming where a lower arm should have been. In contrast, axolotls not given the drug regrew their limbs normally. This strongly suggests that retinoic acid precisely instructs cells about their location and what structure to grow. Hope for Human Healing While we are still a long way from growing human limbs, this study is a big step in that direction. The scientists believe this research could eventually help people. We all have the same basic genetic instructions for building limbs that we used when we were developing as babies. The challenge now is to figure out how to turn those same instructions back on later in life, which axolotls can do but humans can't yet. This is one of the oldest and most exciting questions in biology. Thanks to the growing interest in axolotls, especially among kids, these unique animals are helping to advance amazing scientific discoveries. It's quite surprising how popular axolotls have become, showing up everywhere from airports to toy stores. 

is regrowing human limbs a possibility now? sea salamanders study could be the medical future

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When Yawning Becomes A Symptom: Can A Simple Reflex Signal Something Serious?

Quick Stories

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Is Regrowing Human Limbs A Possibility Now? Sea Salamanders Study Could Be The Medical Future

Health Conditions A-Z

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Is Regrowing Human Limbs A Possibility Now? Sea Salamanders Study Could Be The Medical Future