Dr T.E Hlalele

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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Are large areolas normal?

Areolas can be large or small, and they come in many different shapes and colors. They can also change over time, for example, with age or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Learn more about areola size and reduction options here.
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Signs and symptoms of colon cancer in men

Many symptoms can indicate colon cancer in men, including bowel changes, weight loss, cramps, and bloody stool. However, these symptoms can also be due to other causes. Learn more about colon cancer symptoms and when to see a doctor 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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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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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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Breast cancer: Estrogen byproducts may predict outlook

New research finds an association between the ratio of two estrogen metabolites and the risk of all-cause mortality among women with breast cancer.
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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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What does the color of period blood mean?

Period blood can vary in color and relays important information about a person’s health. Normal period blood typically varies from bright red to dark brown or black. Blood or discharge that is orange or grey may indicate an infection. Learn more about what the different colors can mean here.
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What causes bloody urine in men?

Seeing blood in the urine is a symptom of many underlying problems in males, including infections, an enlarged prostate, and kidney stones. Learn about the causes and their treatments here.
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Can you get pregnant on your period?

A person can get pregnant at any point in their menstrual cycle, but it is much less likely during their period. In this article, we look at the factors affecting whether someone can get pregnant before, during, and after their period.
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How can you make your period come faster?

People have tried many methods to induce periods using traditional and modern medicine. In this article, we look at the evidence behind various ways to make a period come faster, risks, and methods that have no scientific backing.
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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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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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Can changes in brain energy pathways cause depression?

Scientists repurposed an accessible bioinformatics tool to find DNA mutations, some of which occur at high levels in people with major depressive disorder.
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What really happens in the brain during a hallucination?

A new study reveals a surprising brain mechanism tied to the experience of drug-induced hallucinations. These findings may even have wider implications.
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The effects of going more than 24 hours without sleep

It is not clear how long a person can go without sleep, but in a famous 1964 experiment, a person managed to stay awake for 264 hours. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect energy levels, mood, and cognitive functioning. In the long term, it can increase a person's risk of several chronic conditions. Learn more here.
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