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Showing posts from August, 2026

Sleep Apnoea: Signs You Should Not Ignore, Even If You Sleep All Night

  By LEADNG | Health Education Writer Last updated: 14 October 2026 You went to bed early, slept for several hours and woke up expecting to feel refreshed. Instead, you have a headache, your body feels heavy, and you struggle to stay alert during the day. You might blame your workload, the weather, stress or simply not getting enough rest. But what if you are spending enough time in bed and still not getting good-quality sleep? One possible explanation is sleep apnoea , a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Some people with sleep apnoea snore loudly or gasp for air at night. Others mainly notice daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating or waking up feeling unrefreshed. These symptoms do not automatically mean you have sleep apnoea. However, recognising the pattern can help you know when to seek medical advice. What exactly is sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a sleep-related breathing disorder. The most common type is obstructive sleep aponia, whic...

Students develop cancer technology

  A group of OU researchers tucked away inside the Stephenson Research and Technology Center is developing new technologies to detect certain cancers at earlier stages. “We build toys,” team leader Hong Liu said. These toys are the equipment that Liu, chair of Biomedical Engineering and his team have developed to make cancer detection a more streamlined and efficient process. The researcher is focusing on phase-contrast imaging and how it can be used for earlier and less invasive treatment of breast cancer. Normal X-ray imaging relies on how much radiation objects absorb, according to the OU Biotechnology website. These differences create contrasting images. However, in phase contrast X-ray imaging, the X-ray beams collect information as they pass through the body. This creates a better picture because it picks up weakly absorbing areas as well and exposes patients to less radiation, according to the website. The current process to detect breast cancer is slow and painful, research...

OU Scientists' Experimental Research Aims to Treat Metastatic Cancer

  Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are testing an experimental treatment for metastatic cancer focusing on pancreatic cancer. Metastasis, the condition when cancer cells spread beyond the original tumor, is the “worst enemy” of cancer patients, said Wei R. Chen , Ph.D., the Stephenson Chair and Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the Gallogly College of Engineering. “It is the metastasis of cancer that kills about 90% of cancer patients,” Chen said. “Pancreatic cancer is the worst of all because it metastasizes so fast. At the time of diagnosis, 80% of patients would either have local advancement or distance metastasis – where cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The five-year survival rate of the patients with distance metastatic pancreatic cancer is only about 3%.” The five-year study is funded by an approximately $2.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute and is led by Chen and Min Li, Ph.D., a George Lynn Cross Research Professor of Medicine, Sur...

Balanced Diet

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  A balanced diet is a way of eating that allows you to consume all the nutrients your body needs from a wide range of foods. Maintaining a balanced diet is important to your health – your body's tissues and organs require proper nutrition to work and function effectively. Without an adequate diet, you may be at a higher risk for a variety of chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. As our lives become busier, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet may be difficult. The 5 food groups The best way to eat for health is to choose a variety of foods from each of the 5 food groups every day: vegetables and legumes (beans) fruit grains and cereals lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans) tofu, nuts, seeds milk, cheese yoghurt or alternatives. Each food group has important nutrients. The amount of each food you need will vary during your life, depending on factors such as how active you are and whether or not you are growing, pregnant, breastfeeding and more. V...

Vegan mushroom rolls

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  Method Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper. Peel and finely chop the onion, then trim and finely chop the celery. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, then add the chopped veg. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Meanwhile, finely chop the mushrooms. Peel and crush in the garlic, then add the chopped mushrooms. Cook for a further 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms start to soften. Add the mustard and wine, season with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until all the liquid has boiled and bubbled away. Set aside to cool. Add the cooled mushroom mixture and breadcrumbs to a large bowl. Pick, finely chop and add the parsley leaves, then pick in the thyme leaves. Stir well to combine, then season to taste. Cut the sheets of puff pastry in half lengthways so you have four equal-sized pieces. Spoon a quarter of the mushroom mixture along the middle ...

Food as Medicine: How What You Eat Today Can Shape Your Health Tomorrow

 Imagine visiting your doctor for a routine check-up. Instead of immediately talking about medication, the conversation begins with a simple question: "What does a typical day of eating look like for you?" A few years ago, that question might have seemed surprising. Today, it's becoming one of the most important questions in healthcare. Researchers are discovering that the food we eat doesn't just satisfy hunger. It influences our heart, brain, immune system, digestive tract, and even our mood. That's why you've probably heard the phrase "Food is medicine." But what does it really mean? Does it mean healthy food can replace medical treatment? Not exactly. It means that the foods we eat every day can either support our long-term health or gradually increase our risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. What Does "Food as Medicine" Really Mean? Think of your body like a house. Ever...

Who Invented Semaglutide? The Story Behind Ozempic and Wegovy

Today, Ozempic and Wegovy are among the most talked-about medicines in the world. Celebrities mention them. Doctors prescribe them. Millions of people living with diabetes or obesity have heard about them. But have you ever wondered who actually invented these medications? The answer isn't one scientist working alone in a laboratory. Instead, it is the result of decades of research by hundreds of scientists who wanted to solve one important problem: how to help people manage type 2 diabetes more effectively. Ironically, one of the world's most famous weight-loss medicines wasn't originally created for weight loss at all. It All Started With a Natural Hormone The story begins long before Ozempic existed. Scientists discovered that after we eat, our intestines release hormones that help regulate blood sugar. One of these hormones is called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). GLP-1 naturally: Helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises. Reduces the re...

GLP-1 Weight Loss: What You Should Know Before Trying Ozempic or Wegovy

 Scroll through social media today, and you'll probably come across someone talking about Ozempic , Wegovy , or another GLP-1 medication. Some people describe dramatic weight loss. Others talk about unpleasant side effects. Meanwhile, headlines often make these medicines sound like miracle solutions. So what's the truth? Can these medications really help people lose weight? Are they safe? And if they work, does that mean healthy eating and exercise no longer matter? Let's separate the facts from the hype. What Is GLP-1? GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 , a hormone your body naturally produces after you eat. Think of it as your body's "I'm satisfied" signal. It helps: Slow how quickly food leaves your stomach. Reduce feelings of hunger. Increase feelings of fullness. Help regulate blood sugar by supporting insulin release. Scientists developed medications that mimic this natural hormone. These medicines include semaglutide , which...