Ed Cara
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This Sea Creature Could Fight Cancer, Looks Like a Turd
Great things can come in small, slightly repulsive packages. Scientists in the Philippines have detailed the molecular secrets of Stichopus cf. horrens, a sea cucumber species that bears more than a passing resemblance to something else. Their findings indicate that these animals contain several compounds that could have potential medical benefits in humans, including anti-cancer…
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Magnesium Supplements Could Protect Your Liver From Acetaminophen, New Research Suggests
Magnesium supplements might be able to blunt a well-known side effect of the painkiller acetaminophen, new research suggests. The study found evidence in lab animals that oral magnesium can prevent acetaminophen-related liver damage by affecting the gut microbiome. More research will be needed to confirm this potential protective benefit, however. Acetaminophen, either taken alone or…
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Man Claims His Big Toe Was Infested With Spider Eggs, but Experts Are Skeptical
Just in case you needed a new fear to keep you awake at night, here’s this possibly fanciful tale of arachnid infestation. A UK man claims to have gotten a gnarly swollen toe while on a cruise from having a wolf spider lay eggs inside it. Though the toe injury appears to be real enough,…
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Say Goodbye to Those Absurd Side-Effects Readouts in American Drug Commercials
Drug commercials in the U.S. are set to become more intelligible. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration updated its regulations regarding prescription drug ads that air on TV or radio. The change will specifically mandate that a drug’s side effects and other potential dangers “must be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner.”…