Mariah Hawthorn

Registered nurse, health journalist, and multidisciplinary writer exploring health, nature and meaningful living.

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Science

6 Ways to Rewire Your Brain: Backed by Science

Your brain is not fixed; it continues to adapt throughout life. Focus, mistakes, sleep, novelty, exercise and repetition can all support neuroplasticity, helping your brain strengthen and reorganise neural connections. The key message: what you repeatedly learn, practise and experience can shape your brain over time.

Health

Menopause May Change Almost Every System in the Body, Study of 300 Million Lab Tests Suggests

An analysis of 300 million lab tests from over 1 million women suggests menopause may affect many body systems, not just reproductive hormones. Changes were observed in areas including bone, liver, cholesterol, kidney, muscle, blood cells, inflammation, and metabolism, with some changes beginning years before the final menstrual period. However, the study is a preprint based on existing medical records, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Further research and peer review are needed to confirm the findings.

Health

As of 2026, HIV Can Be Treated So Effectively That It Cannot Be Sexually Transmitted

Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live healthy lives. Under the principle U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), people who maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV. However, ART does not cure HIV, so treatment must be continued to maintain viral suppression.

Health

Dark Chocolate Is More Than Just an Antioxidant: Cocoa Flavanols Modestly Improve Blood Pressure and Endothelial Function in Clinical Trials

Research suggests that cocoa flavan-3-ols, particularly epicatechin, may benefit cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function and supporting nitric oxide signalling, which helps blood vessels relax and widen. A 2019 review found a modest improvement in flow-mediated dilation, while a larger 2025 meta-analysis of 145 trials involving 5,205 participants reported improved endothelial function and a small reduction in blood pressure.

Health

Honeybee Venom and Melittin Rapidly Kill Up To 100% of Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells in Laboratory Study

A 2020 lab study found that honeybee venom and its main component, melittin, rapidly killed breast-cancer cells including aggressive triple-negative and HER2-positive cells. In laboratory experiments, cancer-cell membranes were destroyed within about 60 minutes. However, this was preclinical research (cells/lab experiments), not a proven treatment in humans. Bee venom can also be dangerous, so it should not be used as a cancer treatment outside clinical research.