MediWeek

Sleep patterns are increasingly recognized as important determinants of cardiometabolic health. While sleep duration has been widely studied, the impact of sleep regularity and variability on long-term cardiovascular outcomes remains less clearly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that inconsistent sleep schedules may disrupt circadian rhythms, contributing to adverse metabolic and cardiovascular effects. However, large-scale prospective data […]

Physical exercise is widely known to improve cognitive function and memory, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In particular, hippocampal sharp-wave ripples—the key neurophysiological markers of memory processing—are thought to play a central role in learning and memory consolidation. Recent evidence suggests that interactions between the hippocampus and cortical networks, especially the default

Dementia significantly affects the quality of life in older adults, with global cases projected to reach nearly 150 million by 2050. Early prevention through modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly diet, has gained increasing attention. While unhealthy dietary habits such as high intake of red and processed meat have been linked to poorer cognitive outcomes, healthier diets

Sleep duration plays a critical role in metabolic health, particularly in regulating insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic risk. Both insufficient and excessive sleep have been linked to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. However, association between weekday sleep duration and insulin sensitivity remains unclear. Understanding how sleep patterns influence metabolic markers such as estimated glucose disposal rate

Childhood obesity is increasing at alarming rates, with approximately 12.7% of children aged 2–5 years classified as overweight. This has significant implications for both immediate and long-term health outcomes. Although parental stress and obesity are recognized risk factors for early childhood obesity, effective strategies to mitigate this risk remain insufficiently defined. Most parent-focused early childhood

Engaging in leisure time physical activity is a key lifestyle recommendation for improving health. Long-term physical activity is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, better mental health, and improved longevity. Emerging evidence suggests that different types of physical activity may have distinct physiological effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic profile, and bone strength.

Dementia is a progressive, degenerative condition affecting memory, thinking, and daily functioning, and it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. More than 55 million people worldwide currently live with dementia. The global burden is projected to rise dramatically to about 153 million cases by 2050, making dementia a critical public health challenge. With limited

Adipogenesis is the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes that plays a central role in the development of obesity and related complications. This process is regulated by transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs), which regulate adipogenesis and lipid accumulation.  Nigella sativa (black cumin), traditionally used in Unani, Ayurveda, and

Metabolic syndrome (MetS)—characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and dysglycemia—is a growing global public health challenge, affecting nearly one-third of the world’s population. It is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modification, particularly dietary fiber intake, plays a central role in MetS management. Oats has long

Food additives are a diverse group of substances added to foods for various purposes, such as colorants, preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. Preservatives, commonly identified by European codes within the E200s and E300s ranges, are widely used to extend shelf life by protecting foods against microbial deterioration and oxidation-related changes, such as fat rancidity and color