Dr. Gerhard Niemann

Can scientists 'hack' memory?

Is it possible to manipulate memory formation and consolidation? And why would we want to do it? We explore these questions in this Spotlight feature.
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What to know about female sex hormones

Summary description Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play crucial roles in sexual development, sexual desire, and reproduction. They also influence body weight and hair, bone, and muscle growth. Learn more about the types and roles of these hormones here.
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Scientists quash claims about single 'depression genes'

After reviewing data on 620,000-plus people, scientists quash claims that a single or handful of genes can have a strong influence on risk of depression.
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How use of digital devices may influence obesity risk

People who tend to frequently switch between digital media devices appear to have a greater risk of obesity, according to the findings of a new study.
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Is it safe to use coconut oil for vaginal dryness?

Some people prefer a more natural approach to relieving vaginal dryness. Pure coconut oil is free from additives, and studies suggest that it is generally safe to use on the skin. Learn more here.
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Is blue balls a real condition?

Blue balls is the informal term for epididymal hypertension, which causes uncomfortable or aching testicles if a person is aroused but does not ejaculate. Learn more about the myths and facts here.
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Dementia: Amyloid PET scans can improve diagnosis and care

Using brain scans that can detect hallmarks of Alzheimer's could improve diagnosis and clinical care of people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
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What causes a low libido?

It is common for a person's libido to fluctuate throughout their life and according to their mood. However, a significant change in libido may be due to an underlying cause. Learn about low libido causes and how to treat them here.
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Mental health can impact memory decades later

A new longitudinal cohort study has confirmed a link between experiencing mental health problems throughout adulthood and having poorer memory in midlife.
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Can CBD help treat depression?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. It is gaining popularity as a natural treatment for many mental health conditions, including depression. Learn more about CBD for depression here.
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Scientists locate brain circuit that curbs overeating

Scientists have identified a group of memory-related neurons in the hippocampus whose activation can cause mice to reduce their food intake.
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How to stop getting sick

Some people find that they keep getting sick. Potential causes of frequent sickness include stress and lack of sleep. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of a person becoming ill. Learn more about why some people keep getting sick and what to do about it here.
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Wishing others well may boost your own well-being

New research has found a simple psychological technique that could reduce stress and anxiety and make people happier in just 12 minutes.
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Music may enhance the effect of pain relievers

Can music soothe pain? A new study in mice finds that listening to Mozart alongside taking standard pain medication works better than drugs alone.
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What does herpes look like?

Herpes is a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. People may notice herpes symptoms across the body, including in the mouth, on the genitals, or in the eyes. This article discusses what herpes looks like, describes the symptoms, and provides pictures to help identify herpes.
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What does science say about the effects of meditation?

In this Spotlight feature, we look at the benefits of practicing meditation or mindfulness, and we weigh up some of the potential unwanted effects.
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This drug failed to treat cancer, but it could improve dementia

Scientists have found that an experimental drug that failed against cancer may treat dementia instead. However, can they test it in clinical trials?
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Normal sperm count: Everything you need to know

A sperm count is part of a larger test called semen analysis. A doctor may test a person’s sperm count if they have fertility concerns. Learn about average, low, and high sperm counts here.
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Why do I wake up hungry?

A person may wake up hungry because they did not eat enough or exercised heavily the day before. There are several other possible reasons. Here, learn more about waking up hungry and how to prevent it.
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Letter from the Editor: Looking to the future

This month, MNT attended the Future Healthcare 2019 Conference and Exhibition. Managing Editor Honor Whiteman discusses some exciting new technologies.
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