Revisions Log

A log of revisions to articles and news stories.

Jun 10 2025 - This revision introduces a detailed anatomical breakdown of the hypothalamic regions, anterior, middle, and posterior, highlighting specific nuclei within each area. The explanation of hypothalamic connectivity has been expanded, with particular emphasis on afferent and efferent pathways such as the hypothalamic-neurohypophysial tract and its connections to the pituitary gland. Hormonal functions are now described with greater precision, including dopamine’s inhibitory effect on prolactin release and its role in motor and reward systems. A dedicated section on satiety regulation has been added, covering key hormones such as GLP-1, PYY, and leptin. The section on thermoregulation has been expanded to emphasize the homeostatic mechanism of body temperature comparison. A new section details how the hypothalamus translates emotions into physiological responses, with discussion of the HPA axis and cortisol production during stress. The sleep regulation section has been updated to include the light-cycle pathway via the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the mechanisms of melatonin inhibition and activation. Additional subsections address the regulation of sexual behavior, reproduction, and thirst. The coverage of hypothalamic dysfunction has been improved with the inclusion of genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi and Kallmann syndromes, with specific symptomatology. Corrections have been made to technical terminology and phrasing, such as clarifying dopamine’s site and mechanism of action, and refining the physiological pathways involved in hormone release and sleep regulation. Reference materials have been updated to include recent sources from StatPearls (2023–2025) and a 2024 journal article on satiety, ensuring the scientific accuracy and relevance of the content.

What is the Hypothalamus?

Jun 6 2025 - The article was updated to include a clear explanation of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as non-invasive screening tools for detecting occult blood in stool, as well as their role in colorectal cancer screening. The article now incorporates current terminology, expands on risk factors, and details clinical implications of positive test results, including recommended follow-up procedures such as colonoscopy. Minor clarifications were made to improve accuracy regarding common and uncommon causes, stool color changes, and pediatric considerations, in line with contemporary clinical guidance and evidence-based practice. The article title was changed from "Causes of Blood in Stool" to "Blood In Stool: What It Means And Why You Should Act" to emphasize the clinical significance and the need for timely recognition and action, underscoring that early evaluation can be critical for optimal outcomes.

Blood In Stool: What It Means And Why You Should Act

May 30 2025 - In response to a user's comment, this article was reviewed and amended. The article was edited to accurately describe monellin and brazzein as recombinant, naturally occurring protein-based sweeteners, clarifying their origins in tropical plants and method of recombinant production. All references to “artificial small-molecule sweeteners” were corrected accordingly. The concept of “equivalent dose” (ED) was clarified throughout, with the introduction and consistent use of the proper scientific notation ED₍guinea pig₎ and ED₍rat₎. The rationale for using sweetness-equivalent, rather than weight-equivalent, dosing was explained for scientific clarity. Further methodological precision was added by specifying the 150-day chronic toxicity testing period in rats. The explanation of weight gain differences was revised to attribute reduced gain to satiety effects and lower feed intake, not toxicity. Additional detail was included regarding minor, statistically significant increases in diuresis at high doses in male rats, specifying that these changes were not considered harmful. The summary of biochemical findings was clarified to note that all observed changes remained within physiological ranges and showed no clinical significance. All changes are explained for editorial transparency and scientific accuracy. The user's comment can be found near the bottom of this page.

Brazzein and monellin: Safe alternatives to sugar, new research confirms

May 28 2025 - In response to a comment by Bertus Buizer, an agricultural engineer, which offered valid criticism, "I have read it with great interest. However, I have one remark. The first sentence under the heading "Background" starts with "Pesticides are necessary for animal and plant control". As an agricultural advisor with many years of experience in agriculture and agricultural extension, I would like to point out that pesticides or chemical pesticides are not necessary for an adequate food supply. Even without pesticides, our food grows and there is enough for everyone. I would therefore like to propose that you change the first sentence in your article to "Pesticides are widely used to control harmful animals and plants." The sentence "Pesticides are necessary for animal and plant control" was changed to the suggested, "Pesticides are widely used to control harmful animals and plants."

Researchers find the effect of pesticides on increased cancer risk is comparable to smoking for some cancers

May 19 2025 - Reorganized structure into clearer sections: production, physiological roles, and supplementation. Expanded on melatonin synthesis, including specific enzymes and biochemical steps. Added details on melatonin regulation via light signals to the SCN in the brain. Included precise serum levels and timing of melatonin secretion. Explained receptor mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways. Broadened physiological functions to include immunity, reproduction, retinal health, and cardiovascular roles. Detailed antioxidant actions, including enzyme activation and mitochondrial protection. Discussed melatonin’s role in metabolism and bone health. Listed melatonin-rich foods (fruits and vegetables).

What is Melatonin?

May 14 2025 - This article revision incorporates updated scientific details on allergy pathophysiology, including the roles of Th2 cells and cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 in IgE production. It adds explanations of the late-phase allergic response and clarifies that contact dermatitis involves T-cell-mediated (Type IV) hypersensitivity. The revised version includes a more accurate distinction between lactose intolerance and true allergies, and introduces the influence of psychological stress on allergic disease, as supported by psychoneuroimmunology research. Additional treatment information was added, including the role and limitations of allergen immunotherapy and the use of epinephrine in anaphylaxis. Several nuanced clarifications were made to improve alignment with current immunology literature.

What are Allergies?

May 2 2025 - Correction made to article in response to a user's comment, "Since when does a female have a prostate biopsy?" Change Note: "A TRUS biopsy may also leave the patient feeling dizzy, especially if he/she is in the fasting state." changed to "A TRUS biopsy may also leave men feeling dizzy, especially if they are in the fasting state". Other general improvements to readability.

Side Effects of a TRUS Biopsy

Apr 30 2025 - Title changed from "Study shows increase in premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods" to "Study links ultraprocessed foods to higher risk of premature deaths, modeling shows" as the term “attributable” could imply causality, especially to a lay audience. The paper models associations, not direct causation. The phrasing "increase in premature deaths attributable to consumption" overstates the certainty of the findings.

Study links ultraprocessed foods to higher risk of premature deaths, modeling shows

Apr 25 2025 - Main article image replaced in response to a user's comment and subsequent verification, "The image in this article is of a Grey Long-Eared Bat, which is a European species in the family Vespertilionidae. The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is in the family Molossidae. This is now the first image displayed by Google when you search "Mexican free-tailed bat". Please consider updating it to show the correct species."

Are Mexican free-tailed bats a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir?

Apr 23 2025 - The article was revised to correct factual inaccuracies and improve clarity in response to a user comment. The most significant correction was the inaccurate comparison of gene counts, which originally stated that humans have only 2,200 genes; this was corrected to reflect current genomic data showing approximately 19,433 protein-coding genes in humans and about 13,986 in Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, a confusing sentence about ethical considerations was clarified to more accurately contrast the lower ethical concerns surrounding invertebrate models like Drosophila with those associated with mammals. Minor phrasing improvements were also made to enhance readability and scientific precision.

Drosophila as a Model Organism

Apr 18 2025 - This article has been updated for clarity, accuracy, and improved readability. Revisions include refined grammar and sentence structure and enhanced descriptions. Terminology has been standardized, typographical errors corrected, and content reorganized slightly to improve flow.

Staphylococcus Aureus Virulence Factors

Apr 3 2025 - The author and editor for this article has been updated. The revised article on vaccine production reflects significant updates to improve clarity, depth, and scientific accuracy. The structure was reorganized with clearly defined sections to enhance readability and logical flow. Content was expanded to include modern vaccine technologies such as mRNA, viral vectors, and plant-based systems, while also addressing real-world challenges like cold chain logistics and manufacturing capacity. Technical explanations were deepened, especially around antigen production, purification methods, and the role of adjuvants, stabilizers, and preservatives. The language was refined for a more formal and academic tone, and reputable, peer-reviewed references were added throughout to substantiate key points and improve credibility.

Vaccine Production

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