/oss/taxonomy/term/1490/all en /oss/article/medical-student-contributors/navigating-twisted-world-varicose-veins <p>Varicose veins, also known as varicosities, are swollen, twisted veins that lie just beneath the surface of the skin. They’re usually found in the legs but can also form in other parts of the body. Varicose veins appear as blue or purple squiggles. They’re nature’s roadmap, reminding us that life’s journey sometimes takes a more twisted path than expected.</p> Fri, 10 May 2024 13:47:12 +0000 Hosna Akhgary 9943 at /oss /oss/article/drugs-health-toxicity/poisons-can-be-drugs <p>Why do snakes make venom? Essentially to bring down prey for food, but snakes will also bite to defend themselves. Chemically, the poisons are very complex and are generally composed of numerous compounds, although these fall into two general categories. They either affect the nervous system or the circulatory system. Components can prevent the transmission of messages from one nerve cell to another, they can destroy red blood cells, prevent or enhance blood clotting, or directly affect the heart.</p> Tue, 11 Feb 2014 08:04:44 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2093 at /oss