The Consensus blog

Interesting science news from around the world. This month, we discover how poor eyesight may be a risk factor for dementia, how the largest moon in our solar system was shaped by an asteroid collision, and how an ancient rock bridge allowed scientists to date when humans arrived on a Mediterranean island for the first […]

Interesting science news from around the world. This month, we discover dark oxygen, learn about CRISPR-Cas9 and how it can be used for gene-editing therapies, and see the impact of water quality on the Olympics. BY DR. EVA HAMRUD: I am a bioinformatician with a primary research interest in stem cell biology. I am also passionate […]

Hello! Welcome to Consensus Digest. This month we summarise recent research on anti-obesity drugs, discover an underground cave on the moon and learn about the last universal common ancestor. BY DR. EVA HAMRUD: I am a bioinformatician with a primary research interest in stem cell biology. I am also passionate about all areas of scientific research […]

Interesting science news from around the world. This month, we learn about the creation of a robotic thumb, celebrate a major breakthrough in IBD research, and consider the potential uses of graphene, the next ‘wonder material’. BY DR. EVA HAMRUD: I am a bioinformatician with a primary research interest in stem cell biology. I am also […]

We’ll cover the latest scientific news in technology, the environment, and the life sciences. This month, we enjoyed spectacular auroras, celebrated a successful gene therapy, and explored the capabilities of a new OpenAI model. BY DR. EVA HAMRUD: I am a bioinformatician with a primary research interest in stem cell biology. I am also passionate about […]

How to Improve Focus and Attention: Mechanisms of Action This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine. Improving focus and attention is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Various mechanisms and techniques have been identified that can significantly enhance these cognitive functions. This article explores different strategies, backed by scientific evidence, to help you […]

Enhancing Sleep Quality: The Role of Supplements and Their Mechanisms of Action This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine. A good night’s sleep is vital for overall health, and many individuals turn to dietary and herbal supplements to improve sleep quality. This article delves into the effectiveness of various supplements and their mechanisms […]

Effective Stress Management: Techniques and Their Mechanisms This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine. In today’s fast-paced world, stress management is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. Various techniques have been scientifically proven to help manage stress effectively. This article explores these techniques and their underlying mechanisms. Understanding Stress and Its Impact […]

INTRODUCTION Life is full of contradictions, don’t you think? Calling our planet Earth despite the fact almost three quarters of it are under water is an obvious one. Blue planet, we would argue, is more like it. This vast body of water is not just a natural frontier that caps the expansion of our cities […]

INTRODUCTION ‘It’s just like the flu.’ You’ve probably heard this from many who dismiss the seriousness of Omicron, the COVID-19 variant. Well, it isn’t true. But even if it was, the flu too can be deadly. We are exposed to lots of viruses, the majority don’t make us sick, but some certainly do. The flu, like […]

INTRODUCTION Women make up more than half of the population (~50.5%) in countries like the USA or UK. While living longer than men, women have unique health issues that men do not, from reproduction to certain cancers. Women also experience marked biological changes in their lives, from their first period to living with menopause. And […]

INTRODUCTION Climate changes are long-term shifts in climate patterns indicative from things like temperature and rainfall. Historically, these changes have been naturally triggered by volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts or wobbles in Earths orbit. Yet after a stable climate for about five thousand years, the earth has warmed around 1ºC just in the last 150 years […]

INTRODUCTION For some, artificial intelligence (AI) may just exist in futuristic worlds like Matrix or in evil androids such as HAL 9000 or Terminator. But actually, AI is in your pocket. It filters your spam, helps you choose what to watch on Netflix and may answer if you say “Siri” or “Alexa” out loud. AI […]

INTRODUCTION Humans have eaten eggs for millions of years, initially from wild birds including pigeons and fowl, and later from domesticated birds like chickens. We have been raising chickens since 7000 BC, and their eggs are a major component of diets around the world. Eggs are one of the most versatile cooking ingredients we have – […]

TOPIC INTRO Why Alzheimer’s? Imagine cleaning your kitchen and you place a frying pan in the refrigerator. This happened to Fiona, the lead character in the 2006 film “Away From Her”. In isolation, it would be an absent-minded mistake. In the film, it’s an ominous revelation: Fiona has early-onset Alzheimer’s. That means she will lose […]

INTRODUCTION Forests are commonly understood as groups of trees. Or to be more specific, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), they are a patch of land of at least 0.5 hectares covered by trees that are larger than 5 meters high. That’s a rather plain and laconic definition, but reality tells us […]

INTRODUCTION Chances are that you have some sort of supplement in your kitchen cupboards. Depending on the product that could be tablets, pills or even drops. There are a whole range of substances on offer as well, and they all promise to help our health in some way or another. Vitamin C supplements claim to […]

INTRODUCTION Learning is fundamental to human progress. Babies for example, are constantly absorbing the sights and sounds around them – taking queues from their environment. Children begin to communicate without their parents teaching them – they just seem to spontaneously start. Teenagers then engage in formal learning programs at schools and universities. As adults, we […]

INTRODUCTION Plastic is one of humanities great inventions. Arguably the most versatile, durable and useful material to help our lives. It can be used to make things as diverse as a keyboard, a chair or bubble wrap. Plastic has become indispensable to make syringes, test tubes or to keeping food stay fresh for longer to […]

INTRODUCTION Not that feeling again. You drop your pen and look away from the computer screen only to close your eyes, put your hands around your forehead and lay your head on the desk. You can feel the pain in and around your eye. Or at the back of your head. Or right in front […]