William Sheppard

Researched sleep and cognition in a university lab before moving to science writing. Covers rest, focus, and habits.

Articles by William Sheppard

Latest Posts

Science

Religion Decline Fueled Deaths of Despair Pre-Opioids

A recent investigation reveals that the decreasing involvement in organized religion among middle-aged white Americans with limited education could be a key factor behind the surge in what experts term “deaths of despair.” These tragic outcomes encompass deaths resulting from drug overdoses, suicides, and alcoholic liver disease. The study uncovered a distinct correlation at the […]

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Science

Inverted Holy Land Map in 1525 Bible Shaped Global Borders

Precisely 500 years ago, the inaugural Bible featuring a map of the Holy Land emerged in 1525. This pioneering map contained a significant mistake: it was oriented incorrectly, depicting the Mediterranean Sea positioned to the east of Palestine. Nevertheless, a recent analysis from the University of Cambridge reveals how this flawed cartographic inclusion propelled concepts […]

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Nutrition

Wild Blueberries Boost Heart and Gut Health: New Review

A recently released scientific review consolidates years of research exploring the potential impacts of wild blueberries on cardiometabolic health. This vital domain encompasses essential indicators like blood vessel performance, blood pressure levels, blood lipid profiles including cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as glucose regulation in the blood. Published in the esteemed journal Critical Reviews in […]

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Nutrition

Sesame Allergy: Crushed Seeds, Tahini Outperform Whole Seeds in Challenges

A recent retrospective analysis indicates that utilizing crushed sesame seeds or tahini in oral food challenges could provide more precise assessments of sesame sensitivity compared to employing whole seeds. Key Findings on Challenge Forms and Reaction Severity In pediatric patients who underwent anaphylaxis during challenges with crushed seeds, the median cumulative dose was markedly and […]

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Fitness

Bent-Over Barbell Row Setup Guide: Strong Back, No Pain

Strength enthusiasts are eager to achieve rapid muscle growth, yet they frequently overlook a crucial element of the exercise: the initial setup. This phase is essential for positioning yourself correctly for optimal performance, but many fail to give it the attention it deserves. While skimping on setup might be tolerable for isolation movements like bicep […]

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Nutrition

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars: Easy Graham Crust Recipe

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars: A Simpler Treat These delightful vegan pumpkin pie bars offer all the flavors of your beloved pumpkin pie in a hassle-free format, perfect for anyone seeking a straightforward dessert option. They boast a flavorful spiced pumpkin filling blended with vegan cream cheese atop a simple press-in graham cracker base. Prepared […]

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Mindfulness

Chinese Gongs: Transforming Mental Health Through Healing Sound

In the realm of alternative wellness practices, few instruments carry the profound mystique and therapeutic potential of the Chinese gong. These ancient metal discs, with their expansive resonant tones, have captivated cultures for millennia, offering a unique pathway to mental rejuvenation. As modern life bombards us with stressors, the deep, vibrating sounds produced by Chinese […]

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Science

RSV Bronchiolitis Boosts Asthma Risk in Kids with Family History

A significant portion of full-term healthy babies, ranging from one-quarter to one-half, encounter respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection during their first year of life. Among these, approximately 2% to 3% develop small airway bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections severe enough to necessitate hospital admission. Research drawn from large-scale population studies, bolstered by experimental evidence […]

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Science

Research Reveals Poorer Dialysis Access in Disadvantaged Areas

A recent study highlights a troubling disparity in healthcare access, showing that as the level of socioeconomic disadvantage in communities rises, the availability of dialysis facilities significantly diminishes. This finding comes from a research letter released online on February 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine. The investigation was spearheaded by Yu-Chu Shen, Ph.D., who serves in […]

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