Leucine is one of the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. In general terms, you use the amino acids -- leucine included -- to provide your cells with energy and to build new cellular proteins. They can also be used to make...
The familiar term blood sugar is actually a reference to a specific chemical compound known to scientists as glucose. There are many types of sugars, but of these, glucose is the most common. It's found either on its own or incorporated into...
Keeping eyes healthy to preserve vision and prevent age-related macular disorders is of ever-increasing importance as you age. Though certain medications exist for the eye, taking supplements is another option. While any supplement choice should...
The pituitary gland is located at the base of your brain between your optic nerves. It regulates your body temperature, thyroid activity, hormone production, fertility and growth by releasing chemicals, also called hormones, into your bloodstream....
In addition to filtering the blood and removing waste products, the kidneys also regulate blood pressure, keep potassium and phosphorus levels in a healthy range and aid in the maturation of red blood cells. Given the many functions of the...
Dextrose and sodium chloride both form white crystals. They both dissolve easily in water and are staples in most households. But the similarities end there. Sodium chloride is an inorganic salt while dextrose is an organic hydrocarbon....
Optical, or ocular, migraines can affect your vision by causing blind spots, flashing spots, stars or other distortions. Also called migraines with aura, they can occur right before a painful headache or happen alone. Optical migraines can impact...
Non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, according to MedlinePlus, is the most common form of lung cancer. Squamous cell is one of the three types of NSCLC and often occurs in the middle of the lung near a large airway, or bronchus. The College of...
Western Massachusetts is largely a rural area dotted with farmland, sloping hills, lakes and streams. This region of the state presents a wide variety of activity options that can be both educational and entertaining for families with small...
Tuberculosis, or TB, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, one-third of the world's population has TB. In...
Swelling of the optic nerve can be caused by increased pressure inside the head. This type of swelling caused by increased pressure is called papilledema, and when found during an eye examination, an immediate search for the cause is necessitated....
