Being microscopic, germs are, quite literally, out of sight, out of mind. Because of this, most of us rely on pseudoscience to remain germ-free, like applying the five-second rule to food dropped on the floor. But surprise! The five-second rule doesn’t work. Even washing your hands after...
If you’ve ever ruminated on your own death, chances are you’ve considered a massive heart attack mid-orgasm while being ridden reverse cowgirl as a preferable way to go. But how likely is that, really? Let’s take a look at a few ways that sex affects the health...
Returning to the gym in January after the Christmas break — or maybe after a 12-month gap since the last time you tried to do this, but discovered your resolutions were as weak as your New Year’s morning stools — can cause a degree of trepidation. And it should: Your body,...
According to new research from the University of Reading and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, hyper-masculine men — defined as those who exhibit traits such as competitiveness and aggressiveness — may be more likely to take part in pain research studies. Annoyingly, this could be skewing our understanding of...
If you’ve ever done a major high intensity workout, you’ll know the feeling: Your temperature suddenly goes atomic, exhaustion grips your limbs and a wave of nausea hits your gut like a tsunami. Your trainer hears your complaints and barks back, “That’s weakness leaving your body! Keep going!”...
Here’s the least surprising thing you’ll hear over the next few weeks: “I’m on a diet.” Or: “I joined a gym.” Or: “I’m trying to lose some weight.” And for good reason: We’re a seriously out-of-shape species these days. In fact, less than 5 percent of adults...
It seems like we can’t go a month without hearing about some celebrity who dropped a bunch of weight by giving up alcohol. But for the rest of us beer-guzzling, vodka-shooting, wine-by-the-bag degenerates, is there any hope of shedding weight without having to do the unthinkable and...
It’s not uncommon to emerge from the most gluttonous time of year feeling a little puffy. Months of piling plates with holiday cuts of meat and carbs drenched in liquid fat finished off with baked sugar a la mode can distend a stomach like that.” However, your...
Working out around Christmastime sucks. Unless you live in Arizona, Florida or Hawaii, the weather is probably colder than a bucket of penguin doodoo, and even if you stay home instead of visiting family or in-laws, you’re out of your routine, feeling that sweet holiday laziness. Basically,...
There are two common ways to stay warm in winter: Bundle up until you feel like you’re wearing three sleeping bags, or just drink booze until you get your beer coat, an invisible force that miraculously keep you warm when you’re hammered. But does alcohol actually increase...
The human body: An inspiring biological work of art? Or a meaty sack of germs and fluids? Either way, there’s still a lot we don’t know about what goes on in there — and scientists are constantly attempting to find out more. Here are the most interesting things they’ve...
We were surprised to learn recently that, despite its status as a festive smooch-inducer, mistletoe is actually a highly poisonous parasite. Sexy! It also, however, has some medicinal benefits, which got us wondering about other holiday spices and trimmings. Turns out, there’s a lot more to this stuff...