Cats and Microbes
2 February 2023
Cats have accompanied us for roughly the last 10,000 years. They helped our ancestors fight rodents and purred very softly. Purring and catching rats, cats spread around the world. By the way, our domestic cats are descendants of Viking cats that were brought here. Currently, roughly one in four households has cats. An interesting genetics fact about cats: only females can be tortoiseshell (calico), males cannot.What a Beast Kefir Is?
28 July 2020
Kefir is a popular, tasty, and healthy product in our diet. Visually, and sometimes in taste, it resembles other fermented dairy drinks in some aspects. But from a microbiological point of view, kefir is truly a unique product without exaggeration. All because in kefir production nearly fifty different types of microorganisms are involved, while for example, yogurt production relies on only a thermophilic streptococcus and a Bulgarian bacillus.Conversations about Stress: Control, Use, and Toughening Up!
17 June 2020
We know that stress is unpleasant, harmful, and exhausting. However, according to definitions, stress is, first and foremost, not about the action of an unwanted factor on the body, but about the body's reaction to that factor. It is incredibly interesting that in stress responses, both humans and plants, and even bacteria, involve similar mechanisms. We spoke about such different kinds of stress with Maria Radchenko, Candidate of Biological Sciences, plant physiologist.Hookah: Coronavirus, Infections, Environment
4 June 2020
Hookah smoking has gained significant popularity in virtually every country around the world. Therefore, questions about their safety, impact on health, the environment, and air quality on our streets are highly relevant. Today, the international community also considers hookahs a potential infectious threat, as they are excellent reservoirs for storing and transmitting SARS-CoV-2.The Subtle Chemistry of Coffee
7 May 2020
Reason to meet or a light drug? Brain stimulant or pleasure for the taste receptors? With milk or without? What are the substances in that coffee that many of us cannot imagine our morning without? The chemistry of coffee was explained to us by chemist Hlib Repich and barista Mariia Korol.About Sneaky Snacks
17 April 2020
"Should I eat often in small portions," or allow myself to "feel hungry," and then "the real taste of the food"? On the one hand, it is believed that regular main meals and snacks prevent excessive fluctuations in hormone levels responsible for hunger and satiety, ensuring moderate food intake with a long-lasting sense of fullness. On the other hand, by indulging in snacks, we add extra calories to our diet, and we do not "give our digestive system a break."Coronavirus: What’s Next?
28 February 2020
A virus “with a crown” – such an association arose among researchers as soon as they saw the viral particles under the microscope. It is this morphological feature of the viral capsid that gave the name to this group of viruses, which were discovered in the sixties and until recently did not attract much attention from society.Biological Threats: Where to Expect Them?
14 February 2020
Microbes not only live in tasty yogurts and help us digest our food. There are also those who, so to speak, are on the dark side. At least, our interest in the others is much higher than in a glass of kefir. It’s not surprising: good things often go unnoticed, while evil things instantly generate hype. Are they really that evil—the pathogens of infectious diseases—and what makes them so fierce?Working in the Office: Cozy Yet Not Easy
7 February 2020
Working in a cozy office is what previous generations might have dreamed of when work was mostly physical and hard. Warm, cozy, calm, and within reach for practically any age. However, over time it became clear that replacing one set of problems simply gave rise to others. Who would have thought two hundred years ago that in a well-fed, comfortable society the use of stairs when an elevator is available would become popular, and that mobile apps reminding people to change their body position would be used.About Mold at Home
16 January 2020
There are quite a few myths and unresolved questions about mold. Can it be dangerous to us? Why is it sometimes so hard to get rid of it? Is it dangerous to eat bread if a small mold spot has appeared on it? What about cheese with mold? These and other questions about mold were discussed with a mycologist, junior researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Yulia Pysmennaya.Spices and Microbes
10 January 2020
It is hard to say what was the primary trigger for humans to start using spices—gourmet preferences or the simple desire not to poison themselves with meat of some mammoth that had already been slaughtered months earlier. A few hundred years ago, spices were almost like one of the currencies. They were not cheap, they tasted refined, and many of them also helped protect foods from spoilage.About Drinking Water — Important Clarifications
3 January 2020
Everyone agrees that we need to drink a sufficient amount of water—our treating physician, thought leaders in healthy living, and even any personal growth coach will tell us the same. We will not argue with that. However, we will provide some useful clarifications and tips from gastroenterologist and dietitian Yevgeniya Korzhyevskaya.How to Successfully Go to the Sauna?
27 December 2019
One of the ways of traditional winter leisure is undoubtedly a trip to the sauna. To warm up, to relax, or to chat – the purposes can be different. However, a positive effect on the vessels, smooth fresh skin, and a good sleep are guaranteed for you. If you don’t do anything stupid.Manicure and Hygiene
19 December 2019
What should our nails be like? Thought leaders in beauty and fashion often persuade us that they should be perfect and vibrant. Putting aside fashion and beauty opinions, let's focus on hygiene issues, which are especially relevant for healthcare workers.Soreness: Pain and Happiness
5 December 2019
When it comes to soreness, each of us has something to recall in one way or another. Mostly these are pleasant and even humorous memories, because any workout is inevitably a “hormonal cocktail of happiness,” and even hellish muscle pain cannot spoil that. We talked about the pain and joy of training with Dr. Alexander Skorokhadod.Air Pollution: Impacts and Prospects
28 November 2019
Every day we take 25,000 breaths. Air enters our lungs, oxygen from it enters the blood and then to all the cells of our body. But not only oxygen. According to WHO data, more than 90% of the global population lives in areas with air quality that does not meet standards.5 questions about diphtheria
8 November 2019
Diphtheria – one of the most dangerous diseases that never goes away and continues to claim human lives. What makes it so insidious, why is antitoxin not the best option compared to a vaccine, and what to do if revaccination has been missed?Formula of Happiness
31 October 2019
The pursuit of happiness is a grand philosophical question. And anyone who sees happiness in something of their own will inevitably be right! The search for happiness concerns not only bearded and not-so-philosophical people, but scientists as well. Here is a brief overview of how to scientifically justify trying to be a little happier. Without using prohibited substances.How to Brush Your Teeth Without Going Crazy
24 October 2019
Today, dental care is no longer just about grabbing a brush and cleaning teeth, but a wide spectrum of diverse approaches, tools, and innovations. Where there is necessity, and where marketing tactics, as well as about some myths concerning dental hygiene, were told to us by Dr. of Medical Sciences (Dentistry) Oleksandr Tsyhanok.Fruits, Juices, and Fructose
11 October 2019
Can you really gain weight easily from fruits? How many can you eat? Are fruit juices healthy and should you be happy about fructose syrup on the label?Not so sweet about sweeteners: sugar substitutes
4 October 2019
The consumption of sugar substitutes has gained wide popularity and was received with a bit of euphoria—here it is, happiness, you eat something sweet and you have nothing to pay for it. Let’s try to sort out all those scary names a bit and think about possible pitfalls of sweeteners.The Magic Pill: What You Need to Know About Using Antibiotics?
27 September 2019
We can hardly imagine modern medicine without antibiotics. But today antibiotic resistance is talked about as much as the antibiotics themselves. Not so long ago, when prescribing antibiotics, patients worried about potential harm, and now they rightfully worry whether they will work.Everything Will Be Honey: The Light and Dark Sides of Honey
18 September 2019
Honey. When is it useful, and when is it not so much? What exactly is its benefit and in which cases is its effect truly effective? Who should not consume honey at all and why? Can honey be poisonous or toxic? To preemptively answer: yes, it can, but not at all when we add it to hot tea.Animal testing: cannot be conducted, must be banned
11 September 2019
Testing on animals is a fairly controversial and emotional topic. We invited leading Ukrainian scientists for interviews, whose work is in some way connected with experimental research, including involvement of animals. These studies bring us closer to new effective diagnostic systems, medicines, and treatment regimens. It should be said that all the scientists we interviewed also love animals. For them, performing experiments on animals is a necessity in order to ensure that using certain developed drugs or test systems is safe.Daily physical activity: why, how, and where to find time?
5 September 2019
It's no secret that how much we move influences our jeans size and our ability to catch a bus. Our body was perfectly crafted by evolution for agile fleeing from predators, obtaining food, and seeking a partner. Now practically all of these tasks can be successfully performed with our big and small gadgets, and we can calmly sit or lie down, feet crossed. However, for such comfort we have to pay a price—and for our legs, too.Moldy Cheese: About Taste and Safety
30 August 2019
Mold gives us rather unpleasant associations. But only if it’s not a piece of good Roquefort with a glass of good wine. How is this mold different from the one on the cellar wall, can a piece of cheese like that be used as an antibiotic (penicillins after all!), how to understand that cheese with mold has already spoiled, and when is moldy cheese better not eaten at all?"Bónuses" of Snoring
21 August 2019
Snoring is a somewhat delicate topic, since poor souls who snore quite disrupt the lives of those who sleep nearby (or try to fall asleep), and, inconveniently, sometimes they themselves do not realize the commotion they cause while they sleep. But besides a significant impact on social and personal life, snoring can also have substantial health consequences.About the "nagging issue": what you should know about migraines?
16 August 2019
For one in five women and for one in ten men, the word migraine is not a hollow sound, but a certain verdict that forces you to adjust the rhythm of your life to certain conditions and rituals. Migraine is very versatile — the head can hurt in many ways, it can hurt differently, the reasons and triggers that cause it are myriad, and there are no drugs yet that remove the underlying causes.Non-boring Conversations with an Orthodontist
8 August 2019
The bite issue concerns not only aesthetics but also important health aspects – from headaches to deformities of the musculoskeletal system! Many factors influence bite, including our diet and habits. We spoke about the beauty of a smile and more with orthodontist-dentist Olha Karaban.Alcohol and the Microbiota
2 August 2019
We hope you already know that alcohol is harmful to our health and that there are no safe doses. As well as the fact that it increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, headaches, and certain types of cancer. But how does our microbiota respond to such a factor?Smoke and skin health
25 July 2019
Thousands of harmful compounds from cigarette smoke penetrate the lungs. Some of them settle as soot on the delicate epithelium, which struggles to get rid of this misfortune by increasing its secretory activity and producing mucus. As a result, smokers are constantly forced to cough it up and spit it out. Another portion, including nicotine, is carried by the blood to all internal organs and tissues, including the skin. This is roughly how we imagine the long journey of a cigarette’s contents to our dark circles under the eyes. But we rarely consider that a lion’s share of tobacco smoke’s content settles on our skin immediately with the smoke. And this happens constantly, while someone’s cigarette is smoking around you—regardless of the number of puffs.About the “beginnings of beginnings”: the development of the gut microbiome in children
19 July 2019
For a long time it was believed that we are born sterile and that during birth our star is contaminated by microorganisms living in the maternal birth canal. However the latest studies indicate that amniotic fluid and the placenta already contain a small amount of bacteria! These bacteria are non-pathogenic and very diverse – representatives of Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria.Microbiome and Body Mass Index: Who Depends on Whom?
11 July 2019
The intestinal microbiota participates in numerous metabolic processes, including those related to gaining or losing body weight. Intriguing experiments on transplanting microbiota into laboratory animals openly reveal a truly significant role of our gut microorganisms in this matter. For example, when mice were given microbiota from fatter people, the rodents began to gain weight. There is also already substantial knowledge today about the differences in the microbiota of people with different body mass indices. What possibilities do these findings give us, and what can we expect to achieve with their help?Radioactivity: Not Just About Chernobyl
4 July 2019
The topic of radioactivity and radiological safety, unfortunately, is not new or unfamiliar to us. The release of the series Chernobyl, which shattered all ratings, left no one indifferent. We spoke with senior research associates of the Department of RadioBiology and Radioecology at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine — кандидати наук (PhD) in Radiobiology Olena Pareniuk and kandidaty nauk (PhD) in Genetics Kateryna Shavanova, who study the soil microbiome in areas contaminated with radionuclides and have repeatedly visited both exclusion zones (Chernobyl and Fukushima) to conduct their own research.Herbicides: Scary and Not So Much
27 June 2019
We spoke about herbicides with the research fellow of the Department of Herbicide Mode of Action Physiology at the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Candidate of Biological Sciences Maria Radchenko. About dangers, prospects, and trends in the world of herbicides and modern agriculture.About Ice Cream: Safety Tips
13 June 2019
Is it even possible to find a person who doesn’t love ice cream! Although tastes may vary: someone likes chocolate, someone strawberry, or pistachio. And someone – “plain vanilla” or even frozen fruit juice. People say you can’t argue about tastes. But when it comes to quality and safety – that’s a sacred matter. So right now – life hacks for choosing ice cream. Thanks to the head of Public Organization "Consumer Trust" Oleny Kulykova for the interesting discussion!Are Probiotic Supplements Effective?
7 June 2019
Do they change our microbiome? What can they cure, and what – for now – cannot? Do all drugs undergo the same studies? What is the mechanism of action of probiotics? What should we expect in this field over the next decade? How to choose an effective probiotic product? About this here and now.Dairy: about home and not so much
31 May 2019
Choosing a food supplier, and especially a dairy one, is a frightening responsibility! Because milk, from a microbiological standpoint, is an extremely fertile food, and not a single even the laziest microbe will miss the chance to make a living there. In addition, dairy products, unfortunately, are quite often falsified.Scent of the Body: Secrets and Small Secrets
23 May 2019
Why do we smell differently? Or not always exactly smell the same. It's influenced by yesterday's dinner, hormones, feelings of stress, genetics, the types of bacteria living on our skin, and the products on the shelf in the bathroom.Yogurts: Alive or Not Quite?
17 May 2019
Why do yogurts have different shelf lives and do they really "have no live bacteria"? After all, the DSTU says 14 days! Indeed – why do yogurts come with different shelf lives, what does it depend on, and what does it mean for us as consumers?About Microbes: A Tourist’s Guide
8 May 2019
Traveling to another country is always a new adventure, a plunge into a different society and a different … biocenosis. You will have to bargain not only with border guards but also with the local microbiota. It’s also important to understand that the rapid development of transportation networks fosters the rapid exchange of microbial pathogens of various diseases between the most distant parts of the world.Why Fiber in the Diet Is Really Important?
3 May 2019
We’ve all heard that vegetables-fruits-whole grains are “healthy, because they contain fiber,” and that it “cleans the gut.” What exactly do we need fiber for, what is it anyway, and does it really clean something somewhere—let’s figure it out now.Gut Microbiota: The Butterflies in the Stomach Recipe
26 April 2019
The lion’s share of our microbiome is concentrated in our gut—there it is warm, cozy, and always fresh tasty food. Heaven on earth. The area of our digestive tract spans 250-400 m2, which is two orders of magnitude larger than the surface of our skin. In fact, this entire area is covered by a biofilm of microorganisms and serves as the field of interaction between our body and microbes. For a long time it was believed (and is still encountered) that the number of microbial cells inhabiting our body is 10 times larger than the number of our body’s own cells. Recent estimates say that this ratio is somewhat smaller and amounts to 3:1 or even 1:1. The highest microbial density is observed in the colon—one gram of its contents contains 1012 tiny microbes.Religion and the Brain
17 April 2019
About religion from a scientific perspective we spoke with neurophysiologist PhD, Dmitry Isaev, who for many years has been closely studying the features of the functioning of the most enigmatic organ that “gives us the ability to think.” There are many prejudices about the influence of religion on the human brain. Does it really happen?Running as a lifestyle: run, smile, win!
12 April 2019
Why do people run? What makes them leave a warm bed or a soft couch to challenge the trail, to eagerly gasp for air, and to catch the eye of passersby? The pursuit of a good body? The desire to attract attention? Weight loss? Preparation for competitions? Saving on antidepressants? We discuss this with molecular biologist, ultramarathoner, кандидат біологічних наук (PhD) Oleksandr Skorokhod, who has not only run thousands of kilometers but also justifies such a hobby from a scientific perspective.Dirty and Happy - Your Skin
5 April 2019
Clean freak or slob? To wash or not to wash? And how often? With soap or without soap? These questions a few years ago seemed silly with obvious answers. But with the dawn of the microbiome era, everything changed. It turns out that the microbes on our body and inside it don’t have to be killed! Moreover, if we kill them, they will kill us back not only because they are significantly more evolved than we are in evolutionary terms. But also because we cannot do without them. And here’s why.Teach Me CRISPR!
28 March 2019
Still skeptical about the likelihood of events described in the next sci-fi film? Our colleague, candidate of biological sciences, molecular geneticist, and staff member of the International Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology in Warsaw, Oksana Palchevskaya, has a wonderful opportunity to talk with one of the developers and authors of the CRISPR technology patent – Christopher Chilinsky. At our request, she kindly told us about it.How to Find Your "Own" Dentist - Check List
22 March 2019
Hitting upon a good doctor is a great blessing. Here, the choice of clinic, the doctor’s experience, and how well this doctor fits you personally matter, because that will influence the effectiveness of your interaction. Dental treatment is a special branch of medicine, and dentist PhD Olexander Tsyhanok (Oleksandr Tsyhanok) explains what to rely on when choosing your own dentist.Microbial Saga: Secrets of Power Superpowers
11 March 2019
Besides some stereotypes about microbes as something tiny and insignificant, there are also beliefs that we need to fight them and get rid of them by all possible means. Last time we already told why it makes no sense to be rid of them and what cool titans they are, carrying the entire biosphere and us along with it on their microscopic shoulders. And besides that, we simply have no real chance to get rid of them, and right now we will briefly explain why.Microbial Saga: Secrets of Superpower
11 March 2019
Besides some stereotypes about microbes as something tiny and insignificant, there are also beliefs that we must fight them and get rid of them by all possible means. Last time we already explained why it makes no sense to be rid of them, and how cool they are, holding the biosphere and us along with it on their microscopic shoulders. And besides that, we simply have no chance to get rid of them, and right now we will briefly explain why.Lady Mary Montagu: Adventures, Love, Vaccination
6 March 2019
In the XVIII century in Europe, hundreds of thousands of people died from smallpox every year, and a third of the survivors became blind. Five European monarchs were killed by smallpox within just one and the same century, including the Russian Emperor Peter II. As we already know, the true vaccine against this terrifying disease appeared only in 1796 thanks to the British physician Edward Jenner. All the textbooks authoritatively tell us this. But there were no less interesting and captivating events preceding it, related to delicate feminine fingers, an intelligent mind, intrigues and adventures, which microbiologist Olga Yaneva tells us about.Microbial Saga. Who, Where, and Why?
1 March 2019
For many of us, the idea of microbes sits somewhere between “you should wash your hands” and “we learned about amoebas in school.” Often we don’t think about microorganisms in a particularly noble or important light. It’s also funny to admit that many stereotypes about microbes were formed under the influence of not always successful advertising. Therefore, apart from amoebas, we also know about the scary villains that sit under the toilet rim or on our teeth. And, of course, everyone remembers that there are good bacteria in yogurt. So, let’s catch up :)Symptoms and Diagnoses — How Not to Google for Too Much?
20 February 2019
Last time with candidate of medical sciences Oleksandr Tsyhankom we already discussed a language about evidence-based medicine and why a modern doctor must understand the latest medical advancements. And now let's talk about the modern patient. Should you google your diagnosis? And how do doctors perceive patients who have already diagnosed themselves with “smallpox” after reading everything under the sun on the Internet.My Sense of Smell — My Wealth
15 February 2019
Smell – one could say the oldest way living organisms perceive their surroundings. Its precursor is various types of chemical analyzers, which, for example, allow bacteria to move toward a gradient of chemical substances. Smell plays an important role in animals, while comfortable existence in social conditions leads us not to attach key significance to this sense, and, for instance, not to include smell checks in a routine medical examination. Nevertheless, according to statistics cited by American researchers (where would we be without them? We don’t count such things yet), smell loss is observed in 3.2% of people after the age of 40, and after 60 this figure reaches 14-22%. Nevertheless, our sense of smell is sometimes more important to us than we think.Vaccination: A Communication Crisis
7 February 2019
We will not list arguments for why “we should.” We tried to talk a little about why “arguments don’t always achieve the goal.” After speaking with representatives of different viewpoints and sides, we present points that, in our humble opinion, could improve collaboration.Don’t Be Dried Up
31 January 2019
Winter and the heating season, both literally and figuratively, are in full swing. We spend a lot of time indoors and often hardly open the windows. The fact of working heating is something to be glad about, even despite its cost. However, with dry air and insufficient ventilation, a number of uncomfortable phenomena are associated.Household Cleaning and Disinfecting Products: Where Is the Compromise Between Cleanliness and Health?
24 January 2019
With cleanliness comes the association of a advertising “shiny surface” and a “fresh scent.” We know that we need to wash our hands and tidy up the home. We know that dirt is unattractive and there are many microbes there… And so what?Evidence-Based Medicine for Dummies – What Do We Get from It?
17 January 2019
Everyone has heard about evidence-based medicine, but the truth about what it actually is is far from known to many. And how deeply do we, patients, need to dive into it? This is explained to us in a simple and engaging way by Candidate of Medical Sciences, Oleksandr Tsyhanok.With fluoride or without fluoride?
10 January 2019
At first – a few dull lines about how fluorine is a trace element that performs some important functions, such as being one of the factors contributing to the strength of bones. But this element is most noticeable to us in the matter of teeth. Fluorine is one of the key factors in the resistance of our enamel to the development of caries. Too little fluorine makes us more susceptible to tooth decay. On the other hand, an excess of fluorine is toxic. So which toothpaste to choose - with fluoride or without, and does fluoride from toothpaste get absorbed?How Not to Age from Candies, Fried Meat, and Cigarettes
3 January 2019
We do not promise a magical elixir against aging, but we will reveal on one hand one of the key mechanisms of aging that we can influence, and, as usual – a few tips on how to slow this mechanism down. So, let's go.10 Commandments of the Holiday Feast: How Not to Overeat?
27 December 2018
On the verge of holidays. And by our traditions, this is also a substantial feast marathon. We will not dwell now on whether it is good or bad; instead, as always, we will discuss the practical aspects of this issue. Why do we overeat? What happens to our guts? And 10 effective tips - how to emerge victorious in this battleground. We were helped to understand this challenging matter for the conscience and the stomach by gastroenterologist Alexander Stetsenko.Sauerkraut: Pro Hacks from the Pros
21 December 2018
If the inhabitants of Olympus had not happened to have a lighter in their time, and Prometheus had stolen it from them and brought people not fire, but a barrel of sauerkraut, we are sure that the hero's fame would have been no less! After all, a method to provide fresh vegetables for the whole year, and even more – enriched with all sorts of beneficial substances that kindle a sincere desire to eat without overeating – is, without exaggeration, one of our superpowers! ...Or, as people nowadays like to say for style – superfood :) About what a properly fermented cabbage should be like, how to achieve it, and what chakras it opens for us, we speak with microbiologist, PhD Olha Vasiliuk. Ms. Olha is not only a professional in this delicate matter, but also has devoted her scientific path to studying the processes that occur during sauerkraut fermentation, researching the bacteria involved, and developing probiotic ferments for vegetable fermentation.What About Eggs?
14 December 2018
A high school biology course should be enough to understand how eggs appear in the world. Therefore, it is quite logical and expected that their surface hosts Escherichia coli and various spore-forming microorganisms. And not infrequently there are also Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and other often antibiotic-resistant lifeforms with which we would rather not have to deal.5 Intriguing Facts About Your Appendix
6 December 2018
What do we know about the appendix? The idea is that “somewhere on the lower right side of the abdomen there can start hurting, and you need to operate quickly to avoid dying from peritonitis.” That’s where our interest and knowledge about this interesting organ typically end. Undoubtedly, this knowledge, from the point of view of our survival as a species, is more important than any other curiosities. But what we’re going to tell you about the appendix now won’t make you bored either. So, here we go.Mythology of Butter
30 November 2018
Butter is the fattiest dairy product. And in terms of myths about it—as well. What goes into butter, how to tell butter from margarine, and why sometimes consumption of this tasty treat is worth restricting—we asked three wonderful people directly: a technologist, a chemist, and a cardiologist.Milk and Cancer: Myths and Reality
16 November 2018
The topic of cancer is always painful, exciting, and speculative. This applies to food as well. What to eat to avoid illness? What not to eat to avoid illness? There are many questions and myths about dairy product consumption. The probable risks of oncogenesis constitute a large portion of the questions. A brief review of scientific publications from recent years on this topic may provide part of the answers.What’s scary about yogurts?
13 November 2018
Yogurt is one of the most popular fermented dairy products and primarily represents milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria. We consume yogurts as a standalone meal or snack, and inventive producers readily offer new and new gastronomic varieties. Advertising often interprets dietary recommendations in its own way, offering products… that sometimes raise doubts for us.Are Dairy Products “Natural” for Us?
2 November 2018
There are many questions, biases, and myths about dairy products and milk in particular. Why does it sometimes digest poorly, and in general, can dairy products be considered our “natural” food?Shelf-stable milk: to drink or not to drink?
25 October 2018
When your grandmother cans apple juice for the winter, no one wonders why it can sit for a year or two—without souring or spoiling—no one suspects grandma of adding antibiotics. Funny, but there are many preconceptions about milk in this regard. Both juice and milk undergo heat treatment and are placed in sterile containers for storage. And it is precisely the carefulness of the heat treatment and adherence to sterility in the process that determines how long milk can be stored.Early swimming - benefit or fashion?
25 October 2018
Each era brings its own trends that touch every aspect of life—from how to tie a scarf to consuming different types of products and ways to spend leisure time. When talking about fashion in the field of sports and health, there are plenty of examples. And early swimming is one of them. After describing the phenomenon of the so-called diving reflex in infants, a common belief in society is that children are born as “natural swimmers.”Halloween – a Day of Honoring People with Some Rare Diseases
25 October 2018
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire” – they say. Or, “every rumor contains a grain of truth.” We won’t delve into the history of this, uh, holiday; instead, let’s ponder the reality of the existence of certain phenomena and beings traditionally mentioned on Halloween.How to Eat Tasty and Fatty Things While Staying in Shape – Results of Successful Experiments
25 October 2018
Our convenient and full world has become acquainted with the problem of excess weight ever since it became so convenient and full. And if you are also a permanent author of "I am prone to overweight" — then you are almost doomed to clothing for the "big guys" and a self-soothing worldview that "a good person should have a lot." Or not?"Healing by a Photograph" - modern technologies help check a mole for safety
25 October 2018
If you have ever watched a mole with worry and thought "please let there be nothing scary," this information could be exactly useful to you! The world of information technology is increasingly integrating into all areas of our lives, from shopping and travel to calorie counting and choosing clothing styles. It’s nice to read about our compatriots who have also worked on a topic that is exciting for many people: early melanoma diagnosis. In the future, it could be a simple-to-use mobile app that will either reassure you or, on the contrary, prompt you to book an appointment with a doctor.Who Really Needs Sourdough Bread (Yeast-Free Bread)
21 October 2018
There probably aren’t many people in the post-Soviet space who haven’t heard the scare story that "yeast causes cancer and many other diseases." Any information related to cancer is often spread without critically examining it – due to the multifactorial nature of this terrible disease. But now about the good news – there is absolutely no reason to fear yeast for this reason, and now we’ll quickly explain why.Microbiologist’s Lifehacks - How Not to Get Sick
21 October 2018
We will attempt to present the principles of surviving in a megacity during times of respiratory illnesses as concisely and strategically as possible. About where the infection comes from, what it clings to us, how we most often pick it up, and how to spread it quickly when we’re just starting to get sick.Germs on the Phone and When a Doctor Becomes Dangerous for a Patient
9 October 2018
Since childhood we know about “germs under the rim of the toilet,” but almost no one thinks about the zoo on the surface of a mobile phone. It’s not surprising – we turn the alarm on and off while lying in bed, then we cook, sit at the dining and work desks, use transport and the toilet, work out in the gym, and all of this often with the phone in our hands. Mom taught us to wash our hands when we get home, before and after meals, after stroking the cat, or after using the toilet. But does all of this make sense if you don’t clean your phone?Why are products acidic dairy, and bacteria lactic?
16 September 2018
Someone is confused, while others think there is no difference. In reality, there is. Everything is very logical, and here is why:Homemade Curdled Milk from Store Milk – Why It Shouldn’t Be Used
16 September 2018
This is truly important information that can prevent someone from food poisoning. For those who care only about the fact—the store-bought milk that spoiled on its own—should never be consumed, under any circumstances! And making pancakes with it is also not worth it. Now let’s figure out why.How Not to Overdraw Your Skin (or: How Not to Take Too Much)
16 September 2018
The beach season is over. But there are ways to extend it. How to do it as pleasantly and safely as possible? Gyms, spa centers, and other recreational establishments offer their pools, jacuzzis, and saunas for our attention and wallets. About “microbes living there” but “chlorine knocks them out” everyone already knows, and the owners of the “water resources” additionally assure that “water undergoes thorough filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet sanitation,” so there is nothing to fear. Come and splash around! Even a health certificate is not required everywhere. Swimming is, of course, beneficial, and we by no means try to persuade you to forego it. So more facts and minimum commentary.