A type of neuron in the hypothalamus that regulates transitions between sleep and wakefulness becomes "hyperexcitable" with age, lowering the threshold that triggers it to fire and rouse the rest of the brain, a study in mice shows. In older animals, hypocretin neurons - which secrete neuropeptides, known as hypocretins or orexins, that promote wakefulness - were diminished in number and often in a partly active state, requiring less stimulation to fire, researchers found in a series of experiments.

The risk for childhood wheeze is greatly reduced when babies collect the right bugs in their microbiome early in life, new research from two studies shows. The microbes established in a baby's first months of life from the mother are important. The type of community that develops in a baby's gut and skin affects not only asthma, but the whole immune system

Hello, How to manage fullness of ear after taking bath? I have excessive ear wax. I often feel pain also due to this. What should I do? Please help me with your suggestions.

@mainak Acetaminophen-containing products, like Tylenol, can inaccurately raise the glucose levels reported by a CGM. The level of inaccuracy depends on how much acetaminophen is active in your body. So, the more acetaminophen in your body – the more inaccurate your reading will be. If you’re ever concerned about acetaminophen interfering with your CGM readings, be sure to speak with your doctor. Other commonly prescribed medications that may affect your CGM include lisinopril, albuterol, and atenolol. Red wine has also been shown to interfere with CGM readings. If you ever feel as though a medication you are taking has interfered with your CGM reading make sure to perform a fingerstick when determining whether or not a treatment decision, such as administering insulin, is necessary.

Hello, recently I have encountered that I have smelly urine, what should I do? Smelly urine can be a sign of an infection, however, so if the smell does not go away on its own, or if additional symptoms develop, do I need to see a doctor?

@nilabjo Toenails are naturally white in color. Sometimes discolorations can occur from nail polish, nutritional deficiencies, infection, or trauma. Black toenails are attributed to a variety of causes, some of which resolve on their own. If your nail doesn’t get better, you’ll need to see your doctor to rule out a more serious cause of black toenail. A black toenail may be caused by:
An underlying medical condition: This may include anemia, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
Fungal infections: While these often look white or yellow, fungal infections can sometimes cause black toenails from debris buildup. Your toenails are especially vulnerable to fungal infections because they thrive on moist and warm environments.
Melanoma: This is the most serious type of skin cancer, which often appears as a dark brown misshapen spot. Such spots can also occur underneath nail beds.
Trauma: Usually caused by an injury, trauma to the toenail can cause the blood vessels beneath a nail to break. The resulting bleeding underneath the nail appears black.

@sahana Calcium is classically associated with dairy products; milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of calcium, providing the major share of calcium from foods in the general diet in the United States and Canada. In the United States, an estimated 72 percent of calcium comes from milk, cheese and yogurt and from foods to which dairy products have been added (e.g., pizza, lasagna, dairy desserts). The remaining calcium comes from vegetables (7 percent); grains (5 percent); legumes (4 percent); fruit (3 percent); meat, poultry, and fish (3 percent); eggs (2 percent); and miscellaneous foods (3 percent).