Novel Implications of the Neuroimmune System in Major Depressive Disorder

Sean Krivitsky, Class of 2026 Every year, three million people in the United States alone are diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is a serious form of mental illness that impacts countless facets of people’s lives, characterized by a persistently low mood and general impairment of daily routines. Interestingly, glial cells, generally known for their roles in regulation and support of neuronal networks in … Continue reading Novel Implications of the Neuroimmune System in Major Depressive Disorder

Green Tea: Fighting Dementia One Cup at a Time

Sean Krivitsky, Class of 2026 Dementia is a progressive neurological disease most prevalent in older adults that is associated with aging and significant declines in cognitive function and memory. It has been strongly correlated with general brain atrophy, including of the hippocampus, and the increased presence of lesions (areas of damage within brain tissue) in cerebral white matter. This corresponds to the symptoms observed in … Continue reading Green Tea: Fighting Dementia One Cup at a Time

Biochemical Mechanisms Behind the Sleep-Promoting Effects of Bananas and Milk

Kang Lai, Class of 2026 Sleep is an important controlling factor of many regulatory and restorative functions of the human body. However, many conditions have impacted sleep quality, the most prevalent being insomnia. A study conducted by Dr. Muteber Gizen Keser and colleagues at KTO Karatay University examined certain biochemical parameters and behavioral analyses to determine whether banana and milk lead to the improved sleep … Continue reading Biochemical Mechanisms Behind the Sleep-Promoting Effects of Bananas and Milk

Couch Potato Benefits: The Effects of COVID-19 on Nephrolithiasis Risk Factors

Kaylie Huang, Class of 2027 While the COVID-19 pandemic drastically disrupted the lifestyles of populations globally, an intriguing side effect is its notable impact on the levels of sodium in the average diet. While some have claimed that the lockdown helped improve diets due to decreased dining out and consumption of fast food, others have argued that the isolation instead encouraged snacking on salty foods … Continue reading Couch Potato Benefits: The Effects of COVID-19 on Nephrolithiasis Risk Factors

Work Smart, Eat Smarter: The Role of the Workplace in Employee Diets

Kaylie Huang, Class of 2027 The average lifestyle of an inhabitant of a developed city consists of lounging around and consuming unhealthy foods, both of which contribute to the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To find an effective method of mitigating the number of people affected by CVD, health programs developed by workplaces have sought to encourage healthier lifestyles for their workers, touching … Continue reading Work Smart, Eat Smarter: The Role of the Workplace in Employee Diets

Avoiding The Snack Aisles in Supermarkets—A Battle Against Processed Food and Western Diet

Sajia Athai, Class of 2026 With social media and YouTube beginning an era of tutorials, DIY videos, and cooking shows, it has become increasingly accessible to try new foods. From hwachae to Dubai chocolate bars, people globally try new sweets and dishes that excite their sweet tooth. It’s often easy to forget to consume these sweets in moderation. In addition, changes in meat-processing and cooking … Continue reading Avoiding The Snack Aisles in Supermarkets—A Battle Against Processed Food and Western Diet

How Do You Like Your Eggs? Poached, Sunny Side Up, or Contaminated?

Sajia Athai, Class of 2026 Eggs can be made in many distinct ways–poached, sunny side up, scrambled, fried, or boiled. With a recent frenzy of fighting for cartons of eggs in supermarkets, there have been concerns raised about the food safety of eggs amid the bird flu epidemic. From Costco recalling eggs on its shelves to increasing prices for cartons of a dozen, research about … Continue reading How Do You Like Your Eggs? Poached, Sunny Side Up, or Contaminated?

Red Meat, Fiber, and Cancer: A PAF Analysis of The Modern Italian Diet

Sajia Athai, Class of 2026 With new trends on TikTok and Instagram reels, it has become increasingly difficult for most people to avoid Wingstop mukbangs, steak preparation videos, and Chamoy Pickle kits. However, intake of high processed foods and red meat are correlated with negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Led by Paolo Boffetta, a group of researchers in Italy focused … Continue reading Red Meat, Fiber, and Cancer: A PAF Analysis of The Modern Italian Diet

Exploring the Potential and Safety of LAB-Derived Bacteriocins in the Food Industry

Eimaan Bilal, Class of 2028 Bacteriocins are activated polypeptides that mostly produce lactic acid group bacteria (LAB) molecules, which have been determined to be safe to use under the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). LAB-producing bacteriocin has a wide range of applications in the food industry, ranging from enhancing overall food quality to inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in food packaging. However there is … Continue reading Exploring the Potential and Safety of LAB-Derived Bacteriocins in the Food Industry

Harnessing Mango’s Antioxidants to Combat Insulin Resistance

Tiffany Ang, Class of 2026 Mangos, which are rich in vitamins A and C, are not only a delicious fruit, but are also known for their antioxidant properties. A study published in 2025 investigated the effects of regular mango intake on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight patients with chronic low-grade inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to insulin resistance and poor glycemic control, which … Continue reading Harnessing Mango’s Antioxidants to Combat Insulin Resistance

Can a Change in Diet Improve Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients?

Asher Agarwal, Class of 2027 Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, is caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a region important for the modulation of motor control. The classic triad of Parkinson’s symptoms is tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Recent research has been investigating the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Evidence suggests the existence … Continue reading Can a Change in Diet Improve Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients?

Flavonoids to the Rescue: Combating Age-Related Neurodegeneration

Sean Krivitsky, Class of 2026 Neurodegeneration, which is often associated with aging, leads to the development of serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, that afflict more than 50 million people worldwide. In addition to their devastating impact, neurodegenerative diseases are particularly problematic regarding their prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. One of the primary factors underlying the development of neurodegenerative diseases is mitochondrial dysfunction. This … Continue reading Flavonoids to the Rescue: Combating Age-Related Neurodegeneration