4 Reasons Why You’re Not Sleeping Well

4 Reasons Why You’re Not Sleeping Well

4 Reasons Why You’re Not Sleeping Well

Getting enough sleep at night is more important than you probably realize. You need to prioritize getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night, even Father George Rutler agrees with this. There are a lot of reasons why you might not be sleeping well at night, but let’s talk about the 4 most common reasons why people don’t get enough sleep at night. These are so common, and most people don’t even realize that this could be contributing to why they’re unable to sleep well at night.

Too Much Caffeine

Yes, there is such a thing as too much caffeine. I know, wild right? Everyone loves their caffeine. Drinking sodas, coffee, energy drinks, late enough in the afternoon can affect how you sleep at night. Drinking too much caffeine in one day in general can affect your sleep cycle. Did you know this? Maybe already expect this? Too much caffeine can keep your brain active and going, even though your body is tired. It makes it harder to fall asleep, and stay asleep. Keep this in mind when you are drinking caffeinated beverages late in the afternoons. Try to limit how much caffeine you drink in a day, and not drink any after a certain time in the afternoon.

Are You Too Stressed?

Being too stressed can affect your sleep as well. If you are feeling a lot of stress it can cause you to not sleep well, which is overall not great for you. You need sleep. Getting less sleep, or a bad sleep, from constantly waking up, or trouble falling asleep, means that you are setting yourself up for not being in top notch shape for the next day. If stress is interrupting your sleep, and causing you to not get enough sleep, then it is for sure promising you a rough day for the next day when you get up. Work on what’s stressing you, so that it won’t be affecting your sleep anymore.

What’s The Temperature Of The Room?

The temperature of your bedroom does affect how well you sleep. If you’re too cold, or too hot, then you’re not going to be able to sleep well. There is no magic number here though. Everyone is different on what they like best. Some prefer warmer rooms, while some like it to feel like Alaska while they sleep. It’s all about personal preference. Find what’s best for you so you can get a great sleep.

Alcohol Before Bed?

Drinking alcohol before going to sleep affects how well you sleep as well. It might “help you fall asleep”, but it doesn’t keep you asleep. You might find that you sleep worse on nights that you consume a couple alcoholic beverages, so keep this in mind when having a nightcap, or a couple drinks before bed. A hangover might not be the only thing to worry about.
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for you, and should be a top priority on your list. Even Father George Rutler wants you to get a great sleep at night.

Best Chocolate Collagen Supplement Powders

Best Chocolate Collagen Supplement Powders

Collagen is one of the most important proteins found in the body. It’s also the most abundant. It is a major building block of several of the body’s components including skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and teeth. It can be thought of as the glue that holds it all together.

As we age, collagen levels in the body decrease making it necessary to find it from other sources. Fortunately, there are many collagen supplements available on the market including those that can be taken in pill and powder form.

One of the most delicious ways to take collagen is in a chocolate collagen shake. Powders are available in many health food stores and they can be mixed up for a tasty breakfast or snack that really packs a punch. Read on to find out why chocolate collagen is all the rage.

Benefits of Collagen

Collagen plays an essential role in the body, but it has added benefits when taken in supplemental form. Here are some reasons why you may want to add it to your diet.

Increases Muscle Mass: A 2019 study showed that men that took collagen peptide supplements and strength trained, increased muscle mass and strength, more so than participants taking a placebo.

Reduces Arthritis Symptoms: A 2017 animal study researched the effects of giving collagen supplements to mice with post traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). It was revealed that the supplements were effective in slowing down the disease’s progression.

Boosts Skin Elasticity: Another 2019 study showed that women who took collagen in topical form saw an improvement in the appearance and elasticity of their skin and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Chocolate

Although chocolate has been thought of as junk food in the past, more recent studies are showing that it may have benefits beyond its delicious taste. Here are some examples.

Boosts Mood: Chocolate is a natural mood enhancer. This makes it a great way to start the day and an ideal mid-afternoon pick me up.

Dark Chocolate is Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Therefore, it is effective in boosting heart health, balancing the immune system, improving brain function, increasing athletic performance, combating diabetes, and reducing stress.

What is the Best Chocolate Collagen Powder?

Both collagen and chocolate have their share of health benefits making chocolate collagen powder a great addition to any diet. If you are looking to add this supplement to your routine, Bone Broth Collagen by Ancient Nutrition is the way to go.

Ancient Nutrition is a brand that combines the theories of traditional medicine with the technology and research of modern times. Their Bone Broth Collagen is made from whole food sources and is designed to support digestive health, promote healthy looking hair, skin and nails, and support the immune system. It is paleo-friendly and comes in vanilla, chocolate, and unflavored varieties.

If you need a healthy boost, chocolate collagen is the way to go. The delicious and mood boosting chocolate combines with the essential properties of collagen to improve wellness and revitalize you for the day ahead. How do you integrate collagen in your diet?

How To Look Your Best When Getting Back Into Dating

How To Look Your Best When Getting Back Into Dating

Getting back into dating can be tough for nearly anyone depending on their situation. Those that are getting out of a long-term relationship likely haven’t gone on a first date in years. The dating world has changed immensely over the last decade with dating apps and websites taking over. Looking your best can help you attract more people on these dating apps and through traditional methods. Caring about how you look can be immensely important as the opposite sex usually finds it attractive that a person care about their health and looks. The following are tips to look your best when getting back into dating. 

Focus On Your Oral Health

A great smile can attract a person but hiding your teeth due to poor oral hygiene can be unattractive. Taking a few extra minutes per day to spend brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can make the difference you want. Quitting smoking is the most important thing that you can do as oral cancer is directly related to smoking cigarettes. Try to avoid eating too much sugar or consuming too many drinks that stain the teeth. Seeing a dentist in Fuquay-Varina, NC or other part of the Triangle can allow you to get tips to improve your smile.  

Exercise Daily

Exercising daily is a great way to cope with being single and can improve your mental health. The fact that you will feel and look better are just other reasons to exercise regularly. Find a form of exercise that you actually enjoy which might take some time. If you are competitive, joining an adult sports league can be a great way to meet new people while feeding your competitive hunger. You might even find a significant other that you can exercise with and who shares the same interests. 

Start Eating Right 

Eating right can do so much for your look besides losing weight. Your body composition can improve with just a few tweaks in your daily diet. Cutting out excessive amounts of soda and alcohol are things you can do that will make an immediate difference. Meal prepping can allow you to eat in a healthier way as time crunches usually result in poor dietary choices. Meet with a nutritionist if you want to build a meal plan that aligns with your goals and food preferences. 

Get Adequate Sleep 

Getting enough sleep is not only good for your mental health but physical health as well. You look better when you get enough sleep as it helps reduce bags under the eyes. Anxiety levels can increase when you haven’t gotten enough sleep and try to push through using large amounts of caffeine. Avoid using alcohol to fall asleep as this reduces the amount of quality sleep that a person gets. Getting into a routine is important right before bed so your body releases hormones that help you fall asleep at the same time each night. 

Looking your best when you start dating again can help improve your confidence. Knowing you are looking good on a first date can give you the confidence you need to show a great version of yourself.

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Getting enough sleep is vital for good health. It is, in truth, just as essential as eating well and working out. Sadly, several factors might disrupt typical sleep cycles. Individuals are now sleeping less than they used to, and the quality of their sleep has declined.

Whether or not one is presently experiencing sleep difficulties, it is beneficial to consider what healthy sleep looks like. So, they do not pressure themselves to rest in a way that is neither typical nor acceptable.

Sleep, How Much is Really Needed?

No one really knows where the idea that people should aim to get eight hours of sleep nightly originated from. According to one explanation, it may have formed from the concept that a day should be divided into fractions. Thus, a third of the time will be spent working, another third on leisure, and the remainder is spent sleeping. According to German research, the average person sleeps roughly seven hours nightly at the age of forty. Nonetheless, everyone has a unique sleep demand. Some may require five hours of sleep. Many may require six. Most definitely, some people need eight hours of sleep, but they might be an exception.

Few persons have built a résumé as polished and outstanding as the one of Alexander Djerassi at a relatively early age. A quick perusal of his biography and notable accomplishments reveals his incredible flexibility. Although sleep is important to survival, Djerassi high achieving lifestyle may not require the same amount of sleep as an individual that may have less on their daily to-do list.

Is Having a Sleep Schedule Truly Important?

A lack of sleep is a major contributor to obesity. People who get enough sleep eat fewer calories than those who don’t. Hunger hormones are disrupted by sleep loss, and it is thought to be the cause of poor appetite control and weight gain.

A good night’s sleep can improve problem-solving abilities and memorization. Conversely, brain activity has been found to be affected by insufficient sleep. Many areas of athletic and physical performance have been proven to improve with more sleep.

-A lack of adequate sleep each night has been related to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

-In general, poor sleep patterns are significantly connected to adverse effects on blood sugar.

-Sleep disturbances are closely connected to depression, especially in individuals who have a sleeping problem.

-Getting adequate sleep each night can boost your immune system and aid in the battle against the common cold.

-Lacking sleep might lower your social abilities and your capacity to perceive the emotions of others.

In conclusion, maintaining a consistent sleep routine might make it easier to fall asleep and to awake. Furthermore, by establishing a pleasant atmosphere and indulging in calming activities before night, minor modifications can drastically enhance one’s sleep and improve overall well-being.
Normal sleep schedules and habits alter with time, so people usually get less sleep as they age. Furthermore, if an individual wakes up feeling refreshed and can go through the day without becoming drowsy or overly exhausted, they are likely obtaining adequate sleep. Alexander Djerassi believes that good sleep is one of the cornerstones of health, alongside nutrition and exercise. People certainly cannot attain ideal health unless they pay attention to their sleeping habits.

Harmful Chemicals in Make-Up You Should Be Aware Of

Harmful Chemicals in Make-Up You Should Be Aware Of

Harmful Chemicals in Make-Up You Should Be Aware Of

Many people think that makeup is safe and will be used to help a person enhance their beauty. Helen Lee Schifter knows that this is not true. She knows a lot about the makeup industry and the harmful ingredients that go into these products. Schifter has done some research and wants people to be aware of the harmful ingredients that are being put into makeup.

Phthalates

These chemicals can interrupt the ability of the body to produce hormones. They can lead to nerve damage as well as issues with the reproductive system. These chemicals can mimic the chemicals that are found in the body. They are used in makeup products to make them more flexible and to be able to hold in color and scent. They have been found in everything from deodorant to lip balm and nail polish. They are often listed on the label under fragrance so it is best to avoid products with just this word listed.

Lead

Lead has been banned for some time but it is still showing up in makeup products. Lead has been linked to fertility problems. There was lead found in over 33 top lipstick brands. Lead is not added to the makeup but enters it through contamination. Color additives such as those in lipstick are found to contain lead.

Quaternium 15

This compound in makeup can release dangerous formaldehyde. It can lead to cancer in the human body. These chemicals are often used in maraca and pressed powders. In addition to cancer, this chemical can lead to skin irritation. It is often listed on the label under quats and has been used as a preservative and conditioning agent.

PEG Compounds

These compounds are petroleum based and can be used to make the makeup softer and thicker. They are often found in creams including foundations. These compounds can release toxins that have been known to cause damage to the nervous system. They are also releasing these chemicals into the environment.

Butylated Compounds

People may have heard of these in the form of BHT or BHA. They are put into the makeup so that they have a longer shelf life. These chemicals may lead to allergies and they have been known to damage organs including the organs of the productive system. These items should be avoided. Since they are commonly a person is at a higher risk if these compounds are in their makeup.

Parabens

These are often used as a preservative and they can easily get into the skin. These chemicals mess with the hormones in the body and they can mimic estrogen. This has been linked to an increase in breast cancer. These chemicals also impact the nervous system and the immune system. There have been several warnings issued for parabens so it is best to avoid products that contain them. These are some of the harmful things found in makeup that Helen Lee Schifter wants readers to be aware of. When a person is shopping for makeup it is best to look for those that are all-natural.

How Wigs Can Update Your Look Without Major Change

How Wigs Can Update Your Look Without Major Change

To wig or not to wig? Umm, YES! Not only do wigs provide a protective solution for your tresses in harsh weather, but their versatility adds a new level of flavor quickly to any look.

Today, wigs are gaining in popularity, thanks to popular culture and mainstream artists who promote them. Long gone is the idea that wigs are outdated or make you look aged. With the help of some modern techniques, today’s wigs cover an entire spectrum from fun and funky to sleek and sophisticated. Short, long, medium, blonde, brown, red, black… the options are limitless! Whatever your mood, when you’re ready to change your style, a wig can be a simple, effective solution.

Let’s say you’re ready to switch up your look. The traditional route means booking a hair appointment, finding the color and style to show to the stylist, carving out time for the appointment (and, we’re talking hours), and hoping the outcome is what you had hoped. If you have a great stylist, chances are you will love the final look, but it’s a gamble. Sometimes a style we think we will like might not quite compliment us the way we had hoped. So, then you’re stuck with it until you want to do something new. You could run home and cry over the wasted money, or you can join the in-crowd the next time and go wig shopping!

A wig is such a great alternative to changing your look because all you have to do is slip it on. Wigs come with different closures, so they look natural on the hairline. No one even has to know you’re wearing one!

You can also choose the type of hair of the wig, synthetic or human hair. Synthetic wigs can be more cost-friendly and easier to maintain. Human hair wigs are generally more expensive and require extra care to keep them looking their best. Do note, though, just because a wig is synthetic does not mean it will not look natural. How often you plan to wear the wig, the time you can put into maintaining it, and your intention for getting the wig are some primary factors to consider.

Wig care is also far more manageable than updating your natural mane. Now that we know the harmful effects of over-bleaching and over-processing our hair, we can be more gentle with it and make better hair maintenance choices. Insert: Wig. Getting the perfect strawberry blond color has never been easier!

With a wig, you know precisely the look you’re getting and if you’re in love with it without altering your natural hair. You never need to worry about hair damage from stripping your hair follicles continuously again. Then, when you’re back home and ready to kick back and relax, slide the wig off and store it properly for the next wear. That’s it!

Your friendly wig professional can guide you in finding the right wig for you and instruct you on how to best care for it. So if you want to be brunette for the office, but blond on the weekend, no judgment here! You can add an entirely new character to your style without going through much trouble.

This is What Wheelchair Seat Pads Can Do For Your Back

This is What Wheelchair Seat Pads Can Do For Your Back

Does your grandmother always complain about how her wheelchair seat is extremely uncomfortable? Do the rims always hurt her back, and the seat gets moist real quick? 

Well, she isn’t the only one. 

For several wheelchair users, it is difficult to stay erect and not experience the constant feeling of sliding. Further, many are affected by pressure sores, which culminate into serious infections. On hot days, non-breathable seats will cause sweating within no time, making it impossible to have a pleasant sitting experience. 

In such scenarios, changing the wheelchair from time to time can be an expensive affair. However, wheelchair seat pads are a quick and effective solution that can do wonders for one’s back and prevent discomfort issues. 

Let’s understand in detail:

How Does A Wheel Chair Seat Pad Help Your Back? 

Confused about what a wheelchair seat pad is? It is nothing but a cushion placed on your wheelchair to make sitting comforting and sustainable. These seat pads are found in a variety of materials like foam, gel, foam/gel combination, ROHO (air-filled), and memory foam. For back support, hygienic sitting, and posture improvement, memory foam wheelchair seat pads are widely preferred. 

Here is how they keep your back safe and pressure-free on a wheelchair:

Equal Distribution Of Pressure

One of the biggest contributions to back pain is when pressure gets focused on a singular point along the spine. A traditional wheelchair induces strain only on the hips, pelvis, and thighs. This can cause fatigue and cramps in these areas leading to conditions like pressure sores, arthritis, and osteoporosis. 

A wheelchair seat pad tackles the problem effectively. It ensures that all the body weight is evenly redistributed. This removes the strain from a particular area and allows smooth circulation of blood. You feel more relaxed and energized, and prevent circulatory issues from arising – a common problem for wheelchair-bound people.

Maintains Better Posture

A flimsy wheelchair can make you slouch for relief and ruin your posture. Once you slide down, it’s difficult to sit back firmly. A bad posture messes with your spine alignment and has deep-rooted implications for your long-term joint health.

A wheelchair seat pad ensures that you sit erect in your chair for the entire time. It is not slippery and has good friction to hold you together. The cushions adapt to the curvature of your body, support your hips and help you keep up with healthy sitting postures. 

Affordable Treatment For Your Back

Well, certain medical costs of treating chronic back pain and spine disorders are skyrocketing. It takes a prolonged time to completely relieve you and comes with side effects. Although chronic conditions require medical assistance, a wheelchair seat pad is recommended by several doctors as a precautionary measure. 

How does it help? Your wheelchair seat pad is an affordable long-term investment to improve posture, relieve pressure, and help circulation. It is easy to maintain, and lightweight to carry around. 

Keep A Check On Temperature And Moisture

It can be tiresome to sit on a regular wheelchair when the surface is constantly sticking to your body. The lack of ventilation aggravates your pressure sores. Further, the temperature is constantly building up to add to your discomfort. All you want to do is to be showered with something cold for your back. 

Well, to save your skin (quite literally)  wheelchair seat pads perform this task within no time. It facilitates a soothing experience. The gel technology can divert heat away, while ventilation holes allow for airflow and prevent moisture buildup on your skin.

A wheelchair seat pad is resistant to your body heat and channels the energy to adjust to the shape of your body. This provides immediate assistance to your sore back while letting your skin breathe freely.

Why Is A Memory Foam Wheelchair Seat Pad A Perfect Buy?

Since the 1960s, memory foam has been the top pick for several mattress and pillow manufacturers. Here is why you should buy it for your wheelchair as well.

  • Memory foam wheelchair seat pads have exceptional adaptability to your body size.
  • It keeps a check on the temperature and provides relief to the pain-afflicted areas. 
  • The material restricts unwanted movement for your body to feel comforted and focus on healing. 
  • Being allergy-free, it does not attract any kind of dust mites or harmful components. 

Final Thoughts

It’s time to close doors to uncomfortable sitting and infection-prone wheelchairs. Your wheelchair seat pad will be your one-stop solution to all your back aches, uneasy slouching, and sweaty sensations. 

It is the best thing you can treat your back with over any kind of expensive surgery or medications. So don’t indulge in any further thinking. Remember that your back deserves to be protected and kept healthy at all costs.

5 Advantages for Using Laser Therapy to Improve Neuropathy

5 Advantages for Using Laser Therapy to Improve Neuropathy

Peripheral nerves are the nerves found outside your brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves connect body organs to the Central Nervous System (CNS) and pass communication between the CNS to the body organs. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves malfunction due to damage or destruction. Malfunctioning nerves send pain signals when there are no offending stimuli or fail to send pain signals when you are in harm’s way.

There exists many types of neuropathies each with a unique presentation and treatment options. Neuropathies can be classified according to the type of nerve damage involved and may be mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy. A mononeuropathy will suggest that a single nerve is damaged whereas a polyneuropathy occurs when more than one nerve is damaged. Neuropathies may be due to:

  • Generalized diseases such as diabetes
  • Injury
  • Alcohol and toxins
  • Infections and autoimmune disorders
  • Medications

Laser Therapy

Whereas medicines are used mainly to treat neuropathy, low-level laser therapy proves to be quite efficient in improving neuropathy symptoms. Laser therapy does not cause tissue destruction or burning since the laser used is of low intensity.

Neuropathic pain utilizes cold laser treatment. The laser treatment stimulates blood circulation in the affected parts, allowing damaged nerve fibers to receive oxygen supply and nutrition. The nerves are then able to repair themselves, leading to reduced pain and discomfort.

The laser treatment lasts for 5 to 15 minutes and is painless. It helps relieve inflammation and facilitates wound healing. Depending on the severity of your complications, you might require multiple laser treatments weekly. Laser therapy has many advantages such as:

1- Reduced Pain in Patients

Patients who use cold laser treatment have reduced pain and improved functionality of the body parts under treatment. Cold laser treatment reduces pain and inflammation in the applied area by improving blood circulation and helping nerves repair themselves. The reduction in pain may also be due to the production of endorphins which are natural chemicals that reduce pain.

2- The Procedure has Minimal Risks

Cold laser therapy, when done correctly, does not lead to tissue injury or burning. The procedure is easy and short and therefore does not require that you are put under anesthesia. The latter eliminates risks associated with surgery, such as infection, tissue damage, or scarring.

3- The Procedure can be Performed at Home

There are a variety of low-level lasers that you can purchase to treat neuropathic pain from home. You may have to consider the level of power output you will need from your device. You may decide to buy a class 1 to a class 4 laser device to help alleviate your pain at the comfort of your home.

4- Laser Therapy can be Done on an Out-patient Basis

Owing to the simplicity of the procedure, you might not have to spend the night in a hospital setting. Cold laser therapy takes a short time, and even if anesthesia is required, it is for a shorter period than traditional surgery. Laser therapy guarantees that you get to spend more time in the area you are more comfortable, home.

5- Patients Heal Faster

Due to the non-invasive nature of cold laser therapy, you experience less pain, minimal scarring, and slight swelling than conventional surgery. Therefore, you are in a position to have improved symptoms faster and go back to performing your daily activities more quickly and with more ease.

Laser therapy is highly convenient when dealing with neuropathic pain. Some clinics can optimize your treatment according to your age and the severity of your condition and guarantee positive outcomes. Feel free to try out laser therapy as a non-invasive way to deal with your neuropathic pain.

How Often Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?

How Often Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?

Owning a dog requires a lot of patience, unconditional love, and responsibility. It can also require more money than you may think. Aside from dog food, serving bowls, collars, leashes, brushes, flea treatments, treats, and toys, you will have to factor in the cost of regular veterinary visits. When bringing a new furry friend into your home, it is important you consider all of the time and money it will take to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Young puppies need vaccinations and de-worming treatment as soon as they are a few weeks old. Like human children, puppies will receive a series of vaccinations over the first year of their lives. Viruses such as parvo are highly contagious and can quickly kill a very young dog. It’s important to be on time for all vaccinations if you don’t want to run the risk of losing your new companion to a preventable illness. Depending on where you get your puppy from, they may have some or all of their shots before you bring them home. Be sure to get their vaccination records from the breeder or shelter you are getting the puppy from so you know what they have received and when. This information will also be important to give to the puppy’s new veterinarian.

Whether you bring home a young or older dog, you should set up a veterinary visit as soon as possible for them. Not only can you make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations, but the vet can give them a wellness check and make sure they don’t have any surprise diseases or conditions you need to be aware of. Some dogs get very nervous in the vet’s office, so taking them early on and then maintaining a regular schedule of visits can keep them from getting too upset when they have to go in for an illness or emergency.

Aside from necessary vaccinations and the initial vet visit, it is a good idea to take your dog in for a wellness check at least once a year. The veterinarian can make sure teeth, gums, skin, fur, hair, and weight are healthy. They can also check for any illnesses or issues that may not be obviously apparent to you. There are also preventative care services that your dog can receive. Many veterinary offices provide teeth cleaning services which, while expensive, can keep you from having to deal with broken teeth and an infected mouth later on.

Once you set up with a regular vet, they will usually send out reminders throughout the year when it is time to bring your dog back in. The reminders should include what purpose the visit will be for. This will help you keep track of when your dog needs to be seen. It is also a good idea to keep all paperwork in a safe place so you can confirm when they have gone in the past, what services they received, and when they may need to see the veterinarian again.

A Look At What Next-Generation Sequencing Is

A Look At What Next-Generation Sequencing Is

The scientific community continually searches for ways of detecting potentially serious illnesses before they strike and precipitate significant illness or even death. One specific action gaining traction is known as next-generation sequencing.

What is Next-Generation Sequencing?

Next-generation sequencing is a form of technology enabling scientists to study genetic components or entire genetic structures like DNA and RNA.

The Process

Next-generation sequencing is completed over a multi-step process including:

Library Construction

The operation’s first phase involves the creation of a sequencing library from the collection of genetic material to be explored. Once the sample has been obtained, said material is divided into sections called fragments. Fragments are then placed in the appropriate sequence. A grouping of sequenced fragments is formerly known as a library.

Clonal Amplification

In order to improve the genetic material’s signal during the sequencing process, aforementioned samples must undergo clonal amplification. Completing this procedure requires each individual library fragment be bound to a solid surface. This enables scientists to create cloned replicas of each fragment.

Library Sequencing

This process is executed using specialized tools and involves stages beginning with the creation of a single strand of genetic material, the detection of a solid base, and concluding with the removal of reactants that could adversely impact said substances or interfere with clinical investigations.

Data Analysis

Next-generation sequencing undertakings result in the accumulation of significant amounts of complex data. The analysis process is divided into three phases, primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary analysis is derived from the signals genetic materials give off, which are then processed by specialized equipment and formulated into digital data. Secondary analysis is the stage in which collected information is read, sorted through, and filtered. The final or tertiary leg is where researchers interpret results and offer hypotheses or assertions based on their findings.

Associated Benefits

Since its inception in 2007, next-generation sequencing, which is sometimes abbreviated as NGS, has been highly touted because it provides numerous benefits.

Studying genetic material had been performed prior to NGS. However, such endeavors enabled scientists to only examine small quantities of genetic material at one time. NGS’s advent allows said medical professionals to study and sequence many millions of genetic fragments during the same period.

Such capabilities save the scientific industry time and a great deal of money. The Human Genome Project, which was the first endeavor involving any type of human genetic sequencing lasted for a decade and cost an astonishing $3 billion. NGS allows a single genome to be sequenced in a single day at less than $5,000.

From a practical standpoint, many researchers maintain that NGS will prove revolutionary in finding better treatments and potentially cures to serious, potentially fatal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Moreover, said scientific endeavor might also help the medical community find more suitable therapeutics for pathogenic diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.

Who Performs NGS?

Typically, NGS is executed by highly trained scientists like geneticists and bioiformatic specialists. Fortunately, developing technology enables this work to be performed in locations like hospital laboratories and research institutions.