Every time your body heals a wound, your immune system chases a bacteria, or an embryo develops, cells are on the move. They don’t swim or roll. They crawl. This crawling is powered by two specific structures that extend from the cell’s edge: lamellipodia and filopodia. Simply put, lamellipodia are broad, sheet-like protrusions that pull … Read more

Your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a number that tells your doctor how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It is one of the most important measures of kidney health. To increase your GFR, the most effective steps are managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes, staying well-hydrated, and … Read more

Armpit pimples are usually blocked hair follicles, not true acne. The skin under your arms is warm, moist, and constantly rubbed by clothing and deodorant. That combination traps sweat, oil, and dead skin cells inside the follicle opening, which leads to a raised, sometimes tender bump. Most of the time these bumps are harmless and … Read more

Testing for gonorrhea usually means a urine test or a swab, depending on your sex and symptoms. For men, a urine test is the standard and most accurate method. For women, a vaginal swab (which you can often do yourself) is preferred, though a urine test is also an option. Results typically come back within … Read more

Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tangy taste and a long list of reported health benefits. Most healthy adults can drink about 1 to 2 cups (8 to 16 ounces) of kefir per day. This amount provides a meaningful dose of probiotics without the digestive discomfort that larger servings can cause for some … Read more

A portable fundus camera is a handheld device that takes detailed pictures of the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. It works by shining light through the pupil and capturing the reflection with a built-in digital sensor. These devices allow eye doctors and primary care providers to examine the … Read more

A Chinese finger trap is a simple puzzle that works on a basic principle: when you push your fingers in, the weave loosens, but when you pull, it tightens around them. You can make a working version at home with just a sheet of paper. The classic design uses a tight cylindrical weave, but a … Read more

Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs for hundreds of daily tasks. It helps turn food into energy, keeps your muscles and nerves working, and supports strong bones. Most of the magnesium in your body sits inside your bones, with the rest in your muscles, soft tissues, and blood. What Does Magnesium Do In … Read more

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is the hormone a pregnancy test detects. In a normal pregnancy, levels rise quickly in the first trimester, often doubling every 48 to 72 hours. High hCG levels mean the number is above the expected range for your gestational age. The most common cause is simply a miscalculated due date, … Read more