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SleepSleep is far more than just a period of rest—it’s a complex, active process during which the brain cycles through distinct stages, each marked by unique patterns of brain activity.
While scientists still debate sleep’s true purpose, research has proven it to be essential for survival. Both humans and animals suffer severe consequences without sleep, including cognitive decline, emotional instability, and eventual death. More than a third of adults regularly experience poor sleep, leading to increased risks of heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor vehicle accidents.
During both wake and sleep states, the brain generates electrical rhythms called brainwaves, which represent oscillating patterns of brain cells (known as neurons) working together. Different brainwaves are associated with specific states of consciousness. For example, high-frequency beta waves dominate during alertness, while sleep features primarily theta and delta waves.Explore Sleep
What we've found
Artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut healthSome research suggests that certain sweeteners can throw off the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and shift the composition of the microbiome. Such changes, depending on an individual's specific gut flora and levels of sweetener consumption, could potentially affect metabolism and glucose tolerance or lead to bloating and diarrhea. News-Medical.Net'Sloth fever' is an emerging health threat, especially to pregnant womenThis disease, caused by the Oropouche virus, is found in animals including sloths, primates, and birds. It primarily spreads through the bite of midges—insects commonly called "no-see-ums." It's endemic to the Amazon region, but US travelers are increasingly contracting it internationally. University of Florida Emerging Pathogens InstitutePrivate equity's expansion into healthcare has been criticized for raising patient medical costsBetween 2000 and 2018, PE's total investment in healthcare ballooned from $5B to $100B. While healthcare systems originally began consolidating as a solution to navigating complex regulations (and to make working with insurance companies easier), research suggests that private equity has both increased patient costs and decreased the quality of care in hospitals and doctors' offices. The Wall Street JournalWorld health experts expect more than 240 million global cases of AMD in 2030The World Health Organization estimated in 2019 that by 2020 there would be roughly 195.6 million cases of age-related macular degeneration and projected that the number would continue to grow. (Some users may experience a paywall.) StatistaExplore the differences between healthy and cancerous cells using a DNA microarrayIn this simulation, you will learn how scientists use microarrays to experiment on thousands of genes at the same time. By determining which genes are on or off, users can identify those that contribute to cancer formation. University of Utah Genetic Science Learning CenterThe health food industry grew significantly in the early 1990sBy 1996, there were over 6,000 health food stores in the US, which generated over $9B in sales. That was still a small number compared to traditional supermarkets, but it was a 17% improvement in annual growth over the previous five years, highlighting a rapidly growing industry. Delicious LivingHealth food broke into the mainstream by the 1980sA 1984 New York Times story noted that Americans were eating less red meat than a decade prior, and that, in general, the country was “talking, thinking and worrying about what they eat to a degree unique in the nation's history.” The feature then details foods that were then considered bizarre: whole-grain muffins, hummus, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. (Some readers may experience a paywall.) The New York TimesCandida auris spreads easily in healthcare facilities and causes high death ratesThis fungus has spread rapidly in healthcare settings since the first US case was reported in 2016, and it has grown increasingly resistant to echinocandins, the antifungal medicine most commonly used to treat it. Often, it’s resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, contributing to its high death toll. It can most readily infect those with invasive medical devices like intravenous catheters and those with frequent or long-duration stays in healthcare facilities. US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDegrees in business, law, and health are among the most common US master’s degreesWhile popular worldwide, these degrees aren’t necessarily the most popular in every country. In Japan, for instance, engineering is the most popular subject for master’s degrees. This data visualization ranks the most popular master’s degrees in dozens of countries around the world. Visual CapitalistHousing 'starts'— new constructions—signal the health and future of real estateThe Federal Reserve Economic Data, or FRED, tracks monthly “housing starts,” the number of new residential construction projects being built. Some argue this data can serve as an economic barometer. Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisKey milestones in the history of the World Health Organization The World Health Organization, a UN agency founded in 1948, was first proposed at the 1945 UN Conference to coordinate global health efforts. This interactive timeline marks the WHO’s 75th anniversary with major public health milestones. World Heath OrganizationFantasy sports can have adverse health effects Experts warn that fantasy sports, including fantasy football, can encourage obsessive use because they offer hits of dopamine. Daily fantasy games, which function more like gambling, are especially problematic. www.heart.orgHealth officials recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per weekThis official guideline from the CDC defines the baseline recommendation for healthy adult activity. These recommendations also emphasize that any movement is better than no movement, and that even short bursts of activity spread throughout the week benefit the mind and body. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMake America Healthy Again (HHS Report, 2025)Read the full 69-page report from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., detailing the agency's view on the cause of a wide range of chronic childhood conditions and diseases. Department of Health and Human ServicesHow to maintain a healthy gut Approximately 40 trillion microbes reside in the human gut, forming a unique microbiome, containing hundreds of millions of neurons in what is often called a "mini-brain". A healthy gut is characterized by an effective mucus-lined barrier that prevents unwanted substances from entering the bloodstream. So how do you attain such an ideal gut? This guide outlines a healthy approach to protecting your gut. PsycheRisks of GLP-1s include health side effects, counterfeit drugs, and moreThis episode interviews researchers and patients who have used semaglutide to explore some of the potential risks associated with using the drug to lose weight. These include insurance challenges, health scares related to counterfeit versions of these drugs, and some users lose their ability to enjoy food. CNNHow menopause affects mental healthMenopause, a natural biological process, occurs in three stages: perimenopause (hormone fluctuations), menopause (end of menstrual cycles), and postmenopause (12 months without menstruation). Hormonal shifts during this time can affect neurotransmitters, increasing the risk of mood disorders. 1440Coffee is, generally, good for your healthWhile overconsumption certainly has its drawbacks—hello, not sleeping until the sun rises—on the whole, coffee is fine, even beneficial, for your health. It can even help prevent serious health conditions, like heart attacks and liver cancer. Mayo ClinicThe health benefits of matcha teaMatcha tea has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Very likely due to its bright green color, which is conducive to social media post aesthetics. The tea is a powdered form of green tea, and its benefits are touted everywhere. This article examines the evidence for such health claims, finding the tea's key nutrients of theanine, chlorophyll, and caffeine did have small observable effects on study participants. Learn more here. The ConversationBiohacking: The effort to optimize health and extend life through technologyBiohacking seeks to optimize human health and performance through everything from simple lifestyle adjustments to more radical interventions like body modifications and experimental technology. At its core, biohacking covers a wide spectrum—ranging from improving sleep and focus to implanting devices that integrate technology with the human body. 1440Are cats good for our health?Being a cat lover can have a profound effect on your life. This article in The Conversation presents a fascinating collection of findings related to the benefits and consequences of cat ownership. Discover compelling research about the positive heart health and mental health outcomes cats can bring, along with potential risks. The ConversationSome argue that investment banking could be a health hazardBack in 2012, a University of Southern California researcher published a decade-long study in which she observed investment bankers’ health. The results weren’t exactly stellar. Every individual the researcher observed developed a stress-related physical or emotional ailment within several years of working in investment banking. Wall Street JournalHow monitoring animal health can predict outbreaksListen to Tracey McNamara, former chief pathologist at the Bronx Zoo, detail her surprising late 1990s discovery establishing the West Nile virus is spread by birds. McNamara stresses how asking thorny questions about animal disease patterns, and financing such studies, can save human lives. Gaps in surveillance, she says, mean missed opportunities to discover diseases before they jump between species. TEDHealth span: The number of years one is active and disease-freeAs scientific advances continue to extend the average human lifespan, many are now turning their attention toward extending "health span." The ultimate goal would be to extend one's health span to match one's lifespan, which would necessitate a shift in focus toward the pursuit of healthy aging. (Some users may experience a paywall.) National GeographicDoctors shift focus from extending lifespan to lengthening health spanAs scientific advances extend the average human lifespan, many are turning their attention toward extending "health span." Health span refers to the number of years one is active and disease-free. The ultimate goal is to extend one’s health span to match one’s lifespan. The GuardianWhat constitutes a 'healthy' diet?A natural diet, typically high in plant-based foods and low in processed foods, appears to be the main contributor to a healthy, diverse gut microbiome. Cambridge University PressFake sugars may disrupt metabolic healthAlternative sweeteners such as stevia and sucralose are 100 times sweeter than common table sugar. New research suggests these "high-intensity" sweeteners significantly disrupt the composition of the gut microbiome, affecting overall health. (Some users may encounter a paywall.) The Washington PostHow to think yourself into healthCan the right thoughts lead to a stronger immune system? Neuroimmunologists like Hai Qi study how drugs targeting the brain, as well as thought exercises, can prompt stronger immune responses to infection. This six-minute video investigates the radical claims. YouTubeHow meal timing factors into health outcomesThe world is trending toward weight gain, a development that comes with a corresponding rise in risk for health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. This article explores how meal timing has become a factor in nutrition and weight maintenance. Knowable MagazineMental health applications of psychedelicsScientists are investigating psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA (also known as ecstasy) as potential treatments for mental health issues. These drugs enable an altered state of consciousness, which can have beneficial or harmful impacts depending on the nature of the experience. Research suggests these drugs can be effective in treating substance use disorders, mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. New York TimesWomen's health research continues to be underfundedHealth conditions that affect women more than men get less research funding. This interactive collection of graphs details the gendered gap in health research funding.
Of the conditions that affect one sex more than another, those that create the... NatureHow the microbiome affects your healthThe gut microbiome is so influential to overall human health that some researchers consider it a separate organ. Its conditions, influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors such as medication and exercise, contribute to immunity, metabolism, inflammation, medical treatment efficacy, brain development and function, and the development of disorders and diseases, including asthma, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's. University of ChicagoSmall ways to improve your health today: an animated guideWhat are some ways that you could start making a positive impact on your health today? This animated gallery overviews several health topics, including sleep and hydration, and offers ways to improve that aspect of your life.
Clicking on the... CNNCould drones revolutionize healthcare delivery?Drones are revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Uruguay, bridging the gap between urban facilities and remote communities. This UNICEF article highlights how Dronfies Labs, with support from the UNICEF Venture Fund, is using this technology to transport medical supplies—potentially setting a new global standard for healthcare accessibility. In a revolutionary Latin American initiative, Dronfies Labs is using drones to transport medical essentials, such as medicines and blood samples, from Tacuarembó Hospital to rural communities within a flight range of 100 kilometers. Sebastián Macías, CEO of Dronfies Labs, believes their drone delivery system, powered by their advanced airspace management platform, could serve as a worldwide model to improve healthcare access in remote regions. The pilot program's success has spurred plans to extend the drones' flight routes. The initiative also aims to implement smart weather stations, which would provide real-time weather data and ensure efficient and safe medical deliveries. This innovative delivery system, which merges technology with healthcare, has the potential to redefine how medical services are delivered globally. With backing from entities like the UNICEF Venture Fund, the horizon looks promising for expanding these drone-based health interventions beyond Uruguay in order to tackle global health challenges. UNICEFDigital healthcare is helping emerging economiesIn a world that is rapidly becoming more digitized, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are trailblazing a path to cohesive digital healthcare ecosystems. This article from McKinsey & Company analyzes the different digital healthcare strategies... McKinsey & CompanyModernizing health data privacy: A call for comprehensive reformDespite the advancements in medical technology and data collection, securing personal health data remains a pressing issue in the 21st century. This Forbes article analyzes the state of health data privacy, sheds light on the current shortcomings,... ForbesHealth and population surveys from 90 countriesThe Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on population, health, HIV, and nutrition. The site compiles data through more than 400 surveys in over 90 countries around the world. Explore demographic... The DHS ProgramHidden sugar can affect your healthSugar is likely found in more foods and beverages than you think, which could be silently and negatively affecting your health. While it's easy to spot sugars in soft drinks, candy, and ice cream, its varied names (like evaporated cane juice, for example) can make it difficult to identify on food labels. The USDA doesn't currently have a daily recommendation for sugar, but the World Health Organization advises limiting sugar to 25 grams a day. Watch this four-minute video to learn more about where sugar is hiding and how it can affect your body. TED-EdRanking America's healthiest and unhealthiest citiesCompiling data from the 180 most populated cities in the US, WalletHub evaluated which of those metros are the healthiest using 43 health indicators, from the average cost of a medical visit to total vaccination rates. WalletHubHow to form lasting, healthier habitsJames Clear's "Atomic Habits" is a bestselling book about making small, realistic changes to create healthier habits. This brief piece breaks down three key lessons from the book as well as four simple steps toward adopting its approach. James ClearWhat is vaccination? The World Health Org explainsRead up on the basics of vaccinations with this 101 from the World Health Organization, the public health arm of the United Nations. World Health OrganizationHow healthy is lab-grown meat?While meat-less meat options like Beyond and Impossible burgers are known for being the environmentally-friendly alternative to real meat, it’s important to also consider their impact on human health. Health benefits of these meat alternatives... Bon AppétitHow VR could streamline healthcare trainingAn overview of how virtual simulation and immersive virtual reality are redefining nursing training. UbiSimHow 5G will revolutionize healthcareA two-minute video showing how doctors and hospitals are experimenting with 5G applications, including in telemedicine and remote surgery. YouTubeIs 5G harmful for your health?This 15-minute video explains why scientific consensus says 5G is safe and will not harm humans. YouTubeCan microdosing improve mental health?Animal studies involving microdoses of psilocybin, the psychoactive component in magic mushrooms and ketamine, found it helped to alleviate anxiety and inflammation, an immune response that can cause damage when chronically active. Human studies are ongoing. In at least one double-blind study, where researchers and patients don't know who got a placebo versus the real thing, about half of the participants incorrectly guessed they had been given placebos. Harvard UniversityHow psilocybin could transform mental health treatmentHow magical are magic mushrooms, at least where depression is concerned? Some 24 volunteers participated in a study to evaluate the efficacy of using psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy to treat individuals suffering from depression. While some controversies remain about its use—psilocybin is known to cause psychosis sometimes—some scientists think the benefits outweigh the risks. NewsweekSuper-agers: seniors 80 and above with the memory ability of people in their 50sStudies show the number one indicator of whether someone is a "super-ager" is not diet or genetics, but the extent of their social relationships. Moreover, scans reveal noticeable physical differences in certain parts of the brain in patients with extensive social networks. Plain EnglishOne-third of early- and mid-career workers have considered quitting due to stressIn 2024, around half of all full-time employees polled by the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported experiencing burnout at their jobs. Around a third of all employees ages 18 to 49 had considered quitting their jobs due to workplace stress. National Alliance on Mental IllnessThe WHO defines burnout as an occupational phenomenonWhile it’s not a medical condition, the World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and considers it separate from general stress. World Health Organization
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