Weight Loss Medication

 By: Ariana Walker 

Losing weight is a journey that many individuals embark on the improve their health. The decision to lose weight often stems from various motivations, such as improving overall well-being and preventing chronic diseases. when it comes to losing weight it can be hard for some and easy for others.

Because it can be hard sometimes for some people they may go to the doctor and get extra help to lose weight. The two top brands that are on the market right now are Ozempic and Mounjaro which both are shots. Both of these weekly injections also play a pivotal role in diabetes management.

“I prescribe both of these medicines pretty much every day I have done obesity medicine for almost over twenty years now as a nurse practitioner,” Jodi Hannah said. Both of these medicines were only for people with diabetes doctors saw patients losing weight. And wanted to try it out for weight loss.

Both of the medicines were approved by the Food and Drug Administration to have higher doses and wanting to use it for obesity. Mounjaro has a very significant effect on weight loss more than Ozempic does. With both medications, patients have to give themselves a shot once a week in the stomach to inject the medicine. When taking both of the medications it will curve the patient’s appetite. 

The question that gets asked the most is will the weight come back if patients stop using the medicine. Most of the time the answer will be yes unless patients can maintain the eating habits they had before getting off of the medicine. They can’t just go back to eating McDonald's and Wendy's every day. Because there was medicine to help curve your appetite now it’s just back to normal. Most doctors will let patients stay on the medicine just so they can maintain their weight even if they stop losing weight at a fast pace.

When it comes to the prices for these medications it depends on the patient’s insurance. Some patients are blessed to where their insurance will cover the whole cost of the medication.

Others will have to come out of pocket of their own money to receive the product. For some people who pay out of pocket, Mounjaro can cost at least $1,000.

Some people will have side effects from the medications but it won't last long because it only when you are begin to just start taking the medicine. The most common one will be feeling nausea and loss of appetite. Some other ones would be tiredness and vomiting.

“My Experience with Ozempic has been great so far I have lost 40 pounds and it has really help me curve my appetite as a patient that takes the medication,” Babara Colman said.

 Throughout this journey, individuals learn to make healthier choices, both in terms of nutrition and physical activity and develop a deeper understanding of their bodies. Both Medicines are great medicines for weight loss patients should see them if they are thinking about taking them.

The science behind Medical Marijuana

 By Kamryn Gibson

Graph by Kamryn Gibson

Medical marijuana, derived from the Cannabis plant, has gained increasing recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits. The plant contains numerous chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with two primary players, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), holding particular interest for their impact on the human body. "THC is also the form of cannabis that's approved by the FDA and has been since the 1980s," stated Edward Bednarczyk, a medical marijuana expert.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric "high" associated with marijuana use. It binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain and central nervous system, influencing mood, perception, and appetite.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors (CB2) found in the immune system, influencing inflammation and immune responses.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is central to the science behind medical marijuana, a complex cell-signaling system in the body. The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body), and enzymes that regulate their production and degradation. When cannabinoids from medical marijuana interact with the ECS, they can modulate various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune responses.

Therapeutic Effects include pain management, anti-inflammatory properties, nausea and vomiting, neurological disorders, and mental health. For pain management, THC and CBD have analgesic properties that may alleviate chronic pain by interacting with CB1 receptors in the nervous system. Medical marijuana is increasingly prescribed for conditions like neuropathic pain and arthritis.

For anti-inflammatory properties, CBD's interaction with CB2 receptors contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects. Medical marijuana shows promise in conditions with inflammatory components, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. With nausea and vomiting, THC has antiemetic properties that can help manage nausea and vomiting, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Medical marijuana has been an effective alternative for those resistant to traditional antiemetic medications.

Neurological disorders, CBD's impact on neurotransmitter systems makes it a potential candidate for neurological disorders. Studies suggest its potential in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Andrew Hathway, who is a Sociologist, stated, "I've talked to people who, you know, senior citizens who find eating like a cannabis cookie as a useful way to control, like, their seizures from Parkinson's or something, and within their social circle, their retirement home or whatever, they're getting like, uh, stigmatized for that choice, right? Like the people who just don't understand, um, that medical marijuana has these benefits." Mental Health, while THC may exacerbate anxiety in some individuals, CBD's anxiolytic properties show promise in anxiety disorders. Medical marijuana is being explored as a complementary therapy for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Despite the potential therapeutic benefits, challenges persist in the field of medical marijuana research. Regulatory restrictions, varying legal statuses, and limited access to research-grade marijuana hinder comprehensive investigations. Standardized dosing and precise formulations also pose challenges in ensuring consistent therapeutic effects. Bednarczyk also stated, "So what you have to do is separate this kind of co-mingling of use of the cannabis plant versus using the ingredients that are present in the cannabis plant for, uh, for going through the rigor of the FDA process so we can correctly define the right dose. And, you know, maybe it's not just the dose, maybe it's you need a blend of cannabinoids that are in there."

In conclusion, the science behind medical marijuana is an intricate interplay between cannabinoids and the body's Endocannabinoid System. Research continues to unravel the potential therapeutic benefits of this complex plant, offering hope for patients with various medical conditions. As the scientific community navigates the regulatory landscape, it is essential to prioritize rigorous research to maximize the therapeutic potential while addressing challenges in dosage precision and accessibility. Medical marijuana represents a promising frontier in healthcare, beckoning further exploration and unlocking new avenues for patient well-being.

Rethinking the Joro Spider

By: Mya Taylor

Female Joro Spider Photo Courtesy of Dr. David R. Coyle

You walk into your backyard, and to your surprise, a spider is sitting in a web. The arachnid is as big as the palm of your hand. However, you have never seen one like this before.  

You have just been introduced to the Trichonephlia clavata, more commonly known as the joro spider. Joro spiders are large, invasive orb weavers. The spiders were first seen in Georgia in 2013 and it is believed they were brought there on a shipping container from China. 

 Male and female joro spiders have different physical characteristics. Female spiders are hard to miss. They can grow to be inches long, have black legs, with yellow and silver stripes on their abdomen. Male spiders are small, and dull brown in color.  

Emerging in the spring, the young spiders continue to grow until they reach full development in the fall. The spiders first seek a suitable location, and then mark their territory with golden wheels of woven silk that can stretch across several feet. They can be spotted in the forests, the countryside, cities, and living on the edge of roadsides and wooded areas.

Alan Harvey is a Professor at Georgia Southern University who studies field biology, evolutionary ecology, plant ecology and invasive species. As an expert in invasive species, Harvey believes that it is important to be observant of anything out of the ordinary. Researchers must also be careful when handling invasive species.

"We would generally prefer invasive species to sort of stay where they belong, not in their new invasive range, so you don't want to do things where you would accidentally be spreading it out to places where it wasn't before," Harvey said.

Dr. David R. Coyle is an assistant professor at Clemson State University, studying forest health and invasive species. Coyle and other scientists conducted an experiment in which they used iNaturalist and other datasets to predict the future growth of the invasive spider population. 

The scientists first used the datasets to observe 20 factors in China, the native region of the spiders. They then marked those same factors in North America. The scientists used those markings to construct species distribution models. The computerized models are used to predict the spread of a species in different environments.

However, using datasets like iNaturalist can be tricky being that there are more datapoints in higher human populated areas.  The accuracy of species distribution models are also put into question because they are based on predictions made by other scientists.

While the fuel behind the population growth of the spiders remains a mystery, the scientists noticed a difference in environments where they thrive.

“But we’ve been collecting some data, for the past couple of 3 years and we definitely see that where there’s a lot of joro spiders, you don’t have a lot of native spiders,” Coyle said. “So I think they it seems like they sort of crowd them out.”  

University of Georgia Research Scientist Andrew Davis conducted an experiment in which he tested the response times of the spiders. For the experiment, they collected fully developed female joro and golden silk spiders. They also collected datasets detailing the startle responses of other species of spiders to compare to joro spiders.

Each spider was placed in a plastic container, where there were two puff of air blown on them with a turkey baster.  

Reviewers did not believe the experiment was natural. While Davis agreed with this critique, he felt that it was better to conduct the experiment away from disturbances in nature.  

From their observations, they found that joro spiders remained frozen longer than any of the other species of spiders. Their shyness is a response to potential disruptions in the environment. However, Davis believes that their shyness also may be essential in their survival in highly human populated areas. 

According to Davis, joro spiders are spreading to the cool temperatures in the North, similar to those in their native region. While the spiders have established themselves in the South, they favor Northern temperatures. This will pose a problem in the future, as they will continue to spread throughout the United States.   

Joro spiders are still a mystery to scientists. While spider personalities are still unknown, Davis believes that learning them will be the key to figuring out the future population growth of the spiders. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, "about 3% to 15% of the population has arachnophobia." The spiders can also be learning lessons on facing this fear. While their appearance may be intimidating, they exhibit timid behavior.   

Just like any other species of spiders, joro spiders only bite humans when they are physically restricted and feel threatened.  

When someone sees a spider on their property, their first instinct is to exterminate it. This process often involves the use of toxins. However, what they don’t realize is that those toxins will also harm other organisms that live there.  

Instead of fearing the joro, Davis suggests naming it. 

“And it’s harder to kill something that you’ve named,” Davis said. 

Resources:

Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders). Cleveland Clinic. 2021.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21852-arachnophobia-fear-of-spiders

Kinesiology Taping: where is the science?

 Pictured is Georgia Southern athletic trainer, Brandi Boston,

holding what is known as "KT" tape in the athletic training room.  

By: Emily Potter 

Serena Williams, Lance Armstrong, and David Beckham all have something in common, besides the fact that they are professional athletes. Each of these famous athletes are all known to wear kinesiology tape; a flexible and sometimes colorful tape worn for its benefits in the athletes performance and recovery. 

Kinesiology tape (KT tape) has been around for decades, however, it has become more increasingly popular in the last 10 years. It has been seen stretching and spiraling in interesting designs on athletes in the Olympics, professional sports, collegiate sports, and even in high school recreational sports. 

With the increase of the use of KT tape, many wonder if this tape is actually beneficial to its user and ask where is the scientific evidence proving so. 

KT tape is unique compared to other sport tapes that are used by athletes and their trainers. KT tape adheres to the skin and is applied with various degrees of stretch based on the desired outcome by the athlete. The tape is warmed before application to ensure proper adherence. If applied correctly, there will be a tension created on the skin, which promotes improved circulation and neurological feedback through sensory receptors in the skin. 

"With improved circulation, KT tape can benefit anyone who suffers an injury and experiences swelling," Dr. Jessica Mutchler, associate professor of athletic training at Georgia Southern University, said. "Pain after injury is often associated with inflammation and the inflammatory process. If individuals can move quicker through this process, then the time spent experiencing inflammatory pain is minimized." 

Reagan Ward, a member of the Georgia Southern University Dance Team, was an athlete who used KT tape and relied on it to help alleviate inflammatory pain after a severe ankle injury from dancing. 

"I had a fully torn ligament in my ankle from dancing, but before my surgery, I used KT tape to help with the pain. The cool thing about the tape is that it relieved my pain from all my other muscles overcompensating for my fully torn ligament. It was also thin and flexible enough that I could still have full control and feeling of my ankle," Ward said. "KT tape was the only thing that help with my ankle pain before my surgery." 

Ward's testimony of the tape is an example of why several other athletes are such fans of using it. 

KT tape is also known to be a beneficial tool to add into an athlete's care when teaching them how to correctly use their muscles. Brandi Boston, assistant athletic trainer for men's basketball at Georgia Southern, has experience working with athletes and using KT tape for posture control.

"In my experience with athletes at Georgia Southern, I personally use KT tape for swelling and inflammation around bruised body parts, and use it for posture control," Boston said. 

Using KT tape for posture control acts as a reminder to the user that feeling the tape on their muscles to activate them and use them properly. 

"For example, a baseball player who is trying to keep the correct from and posture in his pitch can use KT on his shoulder and back as a reminder to use the correct muscles and activate them when taking that pitch," Boston said.  

Although there seems to be several benefits of using KT tape, there is virtually no scientific evidence proving that the tape works. This is more than likely due to the fact that research the effects of KT tape is hard to conduct because it is always in collaboration with something else according to Boston. 

"There is evidence to support improved circulation with KT tape, and this is also why it is contraindicated in individuals with cancer or blood clotting disorders," Mutchler said. "KT tape as a supportive tape or to hold a joint in place or “correct” a deviation is not supported."  

So why do athletes still wear the tape if there is no proof of it actually working? Well the simple answer is that it looks cool and is trendy. 

There is also concerns if the tape acts as a placebo. For many users and physicians, they feel that the tape acts in a placebo way. This meaning that the tape is doing nothing for the user, but instead the user is experiencing physical change due to psychological feedback. Boston an Mutchler both agree that any taping can be seen as a placebo, however, they both agree that they would never steer away an athlete who wants to wear tape because it can help with the confidence of that athlete without doing any physical harm. "The psychological aspect of using this tape should not be disregarded" Mutchler said. 

Although the science behind KT tape is still muddy, there is still evidence provided by trainers and athletes that using KT tape methods can make a difference for the athlete, and it is not something to be thrown out. 

KT tape is a beneficial tool, but the tape does not replace the need for rest, nutrition, strengthening, and mobility work., but when used in collaboration an athlete can feel more confident in their recovery and performance. 

Apple Enters the Spatial Computing World With the Vision Pro

By: Hannah Clay

Apple released their newest product on the marker earlier this month, the Apple Vision Pro. 

The Vision Pro is a spatial computer headset that combines augmented and virtual reality. 
 
According to the Harvard Business Review, “spatial computing is an evolving form of computing that blends our physical world and virtual experiences using a wide range of technologies, thus enabling humans to interact and communicate in new ways with each other and with machines, as well as giving machines the capabilities to navigate and understand our physical environment in new ways.”
 
By improving users' sensory experience and facilitating more natural interactions, spatial computing enables people to view and interact with digital content in three dimensions. Users can unleash a plethora of opportunities across multiple industries by using Apple’s Vision Pro to overlay digital information onto their actual surroundings.
 
Although Apple is not the first company to use spatial computing as it is also seen in headsets like the Meta Quest Pro and Microsoft HoloLens, it is their first product in the spatial computing world. 
 
The augmented reality capabilities of the Vision Pro is one of the many key features. The device can map and comprehend the user’s environment in real-time with accuracy thanks to a combination of sensors and Apple’s exclusive software algorithms. 
 
This makes it possible for digital items to blend in seamlessly with the user’s environment, including virtual displays, interactive apps, and spatially aware games. 
 
“Though virtual reality submerges the user in an entirely simulated digital environment, augmented reality enhances the user's perspective by overlapping digital information over the real world,” said Chase Miller, a software engineer.
 
Furthermore, Vision Pro provides customers with unmatched virtual reality experiences, immersing them in incredibly realistic digital worlds. 
 
Users can immerse themselves in a wide range of virtual experiences with unmatched realism and comfort, whether they are traveling to far-off planets, working remotely with coworkers in virtual workspaces, or enjoying interactive entertainment.
 
“It’s more than just virtual reality, it’s a computer you can use for things like if you wanted to work on documents, if you wanted to expand your computer screen, watch movies, and even meditation,” said Lea Adams an Apple specialist. 
 
The Vision Pro could be ideal for people like Alisa Wheeler, who spends most their day working on a computer. 
 
“When I got to try the Vision Pro, I was immediately impressed. It was crazy how I was able to do work on a computer and walk around performing different tasks at the same time,” said Wheeler. 
 
The Apple Vision Pro is priced at approximately $3,500 which is significantly higher than other virtual reality headsets on the market, the question that many consumers are wanting to know is, is it worth it?

Sauna usage and health: what’s understood

 By: Tyra Redmond

Dry heat from sauna bathing is prone to alleviate discomfort and promote muscle relaxation but experts believe it isn’t ideal for everyone. Relying on the sauna after physical activity or just for leisure gained widespread popularity during the 20th century. Notably, the sauna changes core temperatures while releasing endorphins.  Yet, concerns about dehydration and athletic performance appear to peak curiosity from regular use.

Today, fitness centers such as La Fitness offer saunas to enhance their amenities and add to the gym's value and experience for others.

“Around 80% of our fitness members utilize the sauna,  therefore we make it our top priority to keep the rules and safety precautions posted throughout our facility,” LA fitness Sales counselor, Honour Olulu, said.

“If someone has mental health concerns, theoretically any type of self-care that involves relaxing would be helpful,” Georgia Southern Professor of Athletic Training, Tamerah Hunt, said. "A sauna helps down-regulate the physiological responses."
 
However, she doesn’t encourage athletes to use a sauna due to hydration loss. 
 
“The sauna could be a key advantage for athletes mentally but it’s an expectation to potentially be dehydrated,” Hunt said. 

“Yes, the sauna is excellent for raising body temperature, especially after a fitness warmup,” Olulu said. "Although, you’re losing electrolytes from sweating  and releasing nutrients needed.”

Experts believe the average person could lose at least one pint of fluid during a sauna session that exceeds 15 minutes. Which ultimately leads to shedding 5 pounds of water weight.

“You never want to do anything too many times,” Chiropractor Dr. Uwem Udofia said. "You may think you’re doing  the  body good by going to the sauna every day for 30 minutes, but you must give breaks, so the body isn’t  relying on that way of detoxifying.” 

Dr. Udofia encourages anything that influences blood flow throughout the body. Yet, he firmly thinks moderation is key.

“I always say just go to the machines. Motion is lotion for the body and movement is the medication,” Dr.Udofia said.

 Dr. Udofia believes as the human body gets older muscle starts to atrophy and weaken. Thus, he strives to inform his patients about the importance of working every muscle with good form to prevent straining.

From Hunt’s experience of traveling with teams, she notices coaches prohibit sauna usage and offer other types of physical therapy instead such as swimming.

“Hydration directly influences performance,” Hunt said. "If you consistently use a sauna, it’ll keep you dehydrated because it’s profusely pulling water from the body.”
 
Olulu recommends gym members leave the sauna following the 15-minute mark to replenish themselves and discourages a 30-minute or longer stay due to the possibility of extended dehydration and dizziness.

Urine coloration accurately indicates if a person is well hydrated. Experts typically advise 12-15 cups of water consumption daily and at least 2-4 after the sauna. Hence, diuretics aren’t recommended before or after sauna usage: alcohol, caffeine, and teas. 
 
Hunt recommends high-performance athletes implement more water into their daily consumption to regain what’s lost. Even more, she encourages electrolyte water to decrease the risk of hyponatremia. 
 
“If you steadily drink a certain amount of ounces of water for a week, eventually the body will catch up and refuse to get rid of excessive amounts of water weight and remain hydrated for longer periods,” Hunt said. 

"What's My Bait?"

 By: Zoey Pittman 

"What's My Bait?" 

By Zoey Pittman

February 25, 2024

It’s a warm, breezy afternoon on the water. You’ve been fishing since the crack of dawn and nothing has been biting. Contemplating calling it a day, you finally feel a bite, quickly reel it in  and realize you have no idea what you just caught. 

“What’s My Bait?” is a project that schools UGA and Coastal Georgia have been partnering to develop a platform that identifies fish breeds in Georgia’s coastal estuaries.

The project is funded through from the National Estuary Research Survey System Science Collaborative Transfer Grant and mainly takes place on Sapelo Island.

This idea came about when researcher, Rachel Lane, noticed that there was not an easy, accessible place for people to identify their fish and what stage of life it is in. 

 “I would have to go through 6 or 7 sources just to find a guide on the fish I was holding,” said Lane.

In Lane’s post graduate work, she studied desert pupfish and that is what got her interested in climate change effects on the fish. 

From there, she went to UGA to work on research of juvenile fish in estuaries, looking at things like habitat and sea level changes. 

This project is intended to create a platform that scientists, researchers or local fishermen can refer to when they have a question about a fish they caught. 

The website, “What’s My Bait?” will have the ability to help people determine where the fish is at the stage of its life or if it has responded to habitat changes. 

Estuaries play a major role in the health of Georgia’s coast. It provides a habitat for many fish populations, supports healthy water systems, protects the land from storms and much more, said Lane. 

“Seafood is the last wild caught animal that we still commercially sell, so protecting their habitat is critical for protecting the species,” said Lane.

There are 11 stations that are mainly along Sapelo Island, and at each station a team of researchers check water quality, collect data about general weather or water conditions and examine any fish caught. 

Whenever a team goes out in the field, they throw a small net, similar to the ones used for shrimp fishing, let the net set for five minutes and then bring it back into the boat. 

Once the net is retrieved, the team sorts through all the fish and takes note of their size. They use the size of the fish to figure out if the fish is a juvenile or not. 

“We associate the size of the fish with their habitat,” said Lane.

Fish utilize different parts of the estuaries based on the physical and nutritional needs. For instance, younger fish have smaller mouths and are weaker swimmers, therefore their environment would have to accommodate the fish. 

“Not only are we hoping that the data can be used on how things are changing in the environment, but it's also going to be a resource for people to go and learn about estuaries in Georgia,” said Bryan Fluech, who is a part of the boat crew and hires students. 

This project has also been an opportunity for students going to college at UGA and  College of Coastal Georgia. 

Part of the goal for this was to give students the opportunity to gain experience in a science field and also learn the process of doing research. 

“Right now we don’t have any major trends but one of the goals is giving training opportunities for students,” said Fluech. 

Megan Mathis, majoring in biology with a concentration in marine biology at College of Coastal Georgia, had the opportunity to be involved with “What’s My Bait?” over the summer of 2023. 

During Mathis’s time working with the program, she was able to go out into the field and collect data.

Being a data collector for the team, it gave her a good idea for what field research is like on the water, said Mathis.

“It was valuable working with a team who is more knowledgeable on something and then you can gain from that and take it with you,” said Mathis.

The project started in October of 2023 and will end in September 2024. The website will also go live once the project has been completed.

“What’s My Bait?” is a long-term project, so as more species changes are discovered, the website will be updated. Scientists, students, and even local fishermen will benefit from having a central place to learn about the fish in their estuaries.