Herpes Simplex by Nick Ferrugia
Herpes simplex is a viral disease that infects the mouth region (including the lips and gums, and sometimes even the eyes), as well as the genital region (which may also include the rectum). When activated during an “outbreak” painful red blisters appear, that later break open and leak. They eventually get yellow and crusty and […]
Galactosemia by Maureen Schleeper
Galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down the simple sugar galactose. Galactose is unable to be broken down due to mutations in three specific genes: GALE, GALK1, and GALT. These genes prevent the body from producing the enzymes needed to metabolize galactose into glucose for energy production. Although […]
Down Syndrome By Stephanie Addison
Down syndrome is a trait that occurs from troubles with genetic information in an unborn child. This lifelong condition causes delays in the way which a child develops, mentally and physically. Children with Down syndrome take on similar physical characteristics, such as a flattened face, an upward slant in the eyes and smaller ears. Mentally, […]
Mumps by Taisiya Redka
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. The parotid glands are most affected by mumps. Also, other salivary glands in and around the face may get infected. Symptoms of mumps are: high fever, headache, loss of appetite, swelling of parotid/ salivary glands or under the tongue, aches, stiff neck, nausea, […]
Human Papillomavirus By Kiley Vujnich
Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common form of sexually transmitted infection and at least 50% of the sexually active population will be infected at some point in their lives. Of these people, many never know they’ve had it because oftentimes they show no symptoms and the infection tends to clear up on its […]
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate by Bridget Lucchesi
Two birth defects that can occur in the first three months of pregnancy are cleft lip and cleft palate. These disorders can occur alone or accompanied with the other. Cleft lip happens when part of the skin directly above the lip does not fuse together. Cleft palate happens when part of the oral palate, more […]
Type 1 Diabetes by Anne Kazanas
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the pancreas does not produce the hormone called insulin that regulates blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels. The lack of insulin production causes abnormally elevated glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes has also been referred to as an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, […]
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by Nick Ferrugia
MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium resistant to methicillin. In the United States, MRSA is the 10th leading cause of death in humans. It can cause wound infections, cellulitis, sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, etc. S. aureus is a prevalent bacteria commonly carried in the nose or on the […]
Spinal Stenosis by Maureen Schleeper
Pain, to some degree, is a part of everyday life for many people. Although pain can radiate from all parts of the body, one area that can cause a great deal of discomfort is the back. There are many causes of back pain, but one common cause is known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is […]
Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Tumors By Brianna Wensler
There are many types of brain tumors. Some are cancerous while others are benign. Some have treatments and cures. Others do not. A Glioblastoma Multiforme is an extremely serious type of brain tumor. Glioblastoma Multiforme is a fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor. It is a type of astrocytoma, which is a glioma that has star-shaped cells. […]