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IOL News
6 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Did you know? Your child's DNA might be hanging out in your body – 5 mind-blowing facts about microchimerism
Research from the National Health Institute confirms cells from your firstborn (and any other children you have) can remain in your body for years, even decades Image: Karolina Cruz/pexels You've probably seen those health "did you know?" videos on TikTok. Here's a shocking fact for moms: Did you know, a child's DNA can linger in your body for years after childbirth? And if you're the firstborn, a bit of you may always be with your mother. It sounds like science fiction, doesn't it? Yet, it's a real phenomenon, and it's got scientists rethinking everything from autoimmunity to cancer. What is microchimerism? The name sounds intimidating, but it's fascinating. 'Micro' means small, and 'chimaera' comes from Greek mythology, a creature made of different animals. In biology, microchimerism describes having a tiny amount of someone else's DNA inside you. In this case, it's your child's. During pregnancy, some of your baby's cells slip across the placenta and settle in your body. These cells can stay there for decades, quietly mingling with your own tissues. According to Craddlewise if you're a mother, you're quite literally carrying pieces of your children with you. Image: RDNE Stock project/pexels Scientists have found that mothers can carry DNA from each of their children, sometimes even from pregnancies that didn't go to full term. How long do these cells last? Research from the National Health Institute confirms that cells from your firstborn (and any other children you have) can remain in your body for years, even decades. And yes, even if a pregnancy doesn't go to full term, some of those fetal cells can still stay behind. These cells aren't just passive stowaways; many are pluripotent, like stem cells, meaning they can transform into different types of tissue. They migrate, settle, and even help repair damage, blending in with your heart, liver, brain, and more. Why does this happen? It's a story millions of years in the making. According to Dr Amy Boddy, a geneticist at Arizona State University, this strange exchange between mother and child likely evolved as a kind of biological negotiation. The fetus tries to draw as many resources as possible, while the mother's body balances giving and protecting herself (Boddy et al., 2015). But the real twist? These leftover baby cells may affect your health long after pregnancy.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Can Selenium Help Reduce Heart Attack Risk? Here Are The Best Food Sources
You may have never heard of selenium, but this essential trace mineral is vital to your health. It plays an important role in many bodily processes, including metabolism, thyroid function, and heart health. According to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, selenium, when consumed in the right amount can help lower the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks. The study, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) also revealed that consuming too much selenium may actually reverse the benefits. Therefore, an adequate amount of selenium can help protect the heart, especially for women, younger people, and those with conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Selenium for heart: What are the food sources? You need selenium in small amounts but it plays a major role in important processes in your body. As a powerful antioxidant, selenium helps reduce oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. Some food sources of selenium include: Brazil nuts Eggs Sunflower seeds Seafoods Whole grains Dairy products Meats Do you need supplements? Not really. The study mentions that selenium is efficiently absorbed in the body and mentions the effect of dietary selenium sources, not pills. While low selenium levels can increase the risk of poor cholesterol levels, higher oxidative stress, and high triglyceride levels, too much selenium can do more harm than good. How much selenium should you consume in a day? According to the National Health Institute, adults require 55 mcg of selenium in a day. Pregnant women need 60 mcg while breastfeeding women require 70 mcg. Other health benefits of selenium 1. Improves thyroid function Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone production, which plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. 2. Supports immunity A strong immune system helps fight off infections and diseases. Selenium helps your immune system work effectively. 3. Anti-inflammatory properties Selenium may help reduce inflammation in the body, benefiting conditions such as arthritis. 4. Enhances mood Some studies suggest that adequate selenium levels may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Al Bawaba
16-04-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Man diagnosed with 'Ligma' in Washington
Published April 16th, 2025 - 09:32 GMT ALBAWABA - A man recently took the internet by storm after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder in Washington. Claiming to be the only one who was allegedly diagnosed with the rare disorder, he decided to name the disease "Ligma," which is a fake disorder that went viral on social media years back. Ligma, the fake disease which made internet meme history, first rose to fame in 2018 when it was jokingly rumored that it killed famous streamer, Richard Tyler Blevins (best known as Ninja). The meme, which is used to hide a rather crude word, is still being used by internet users to this day, despite being seven years old. 'Ligma' could potentially become a real medical condition The National Institute of Health asked a man with a rare genetic condition to name it, and he's currently considering 'Ligma' — Dexerto (@Dexerto) April 15, 2025 "Typo," the individual who suffers from the rare disorder, went on H3H3 Productions as a special guest and revealed that the National Health Institute in Washington allegedly gave him the honor of naming the disease, until they determine its scientific name. It seems "Typo" has been unfortunately sick his whole life and was only diagnosed at a hospital after falling very ill five years ago. While his condition was first ruled out to be stage four cancer, after a series of medical tests, doctors found out that "Typo" is aging differently due to suffering from an issue in the telomeres. Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences that "cap and protect the end of a chromosome like the end of a shoelace," according to The Jackson Laboratory. Doctors are still debating whether to name the rare disorder "Ligma," but it won't be officially named to anything until after a series of tests are made further to assess the disease. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
