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Does Limiting Social Media Use Benefit Teens? New Evidence Revealed

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Teens in social media trial

Teens in Trial to Limit Social Media Use: A Shift Towards Real-life Interaction

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A groundbreaking study is exploring the effects of reduced social media usage on teens’ mental health and well-being. While results are not expected until mid-2027, ongoing discussions suggest that some governments might institute bans on social media for teenagers before the outcomes are known.

The merit of such a ban is still up for debate in the courts. Despite limited evidence, Australia has introduced regulations for minors under 16, and the UK government is considering similar measures.

This trial prioritizes young people’s voices by involving them in the planning process. Historically, children and adolescents have been excluded from critical discussions concerning social media design and management.

“Involving kids is crucial,” states Pete Etchells from Bath Spa University, UK, who is not directly involved in the study.

“There is ample evidence pointing to the potential harms of social media on young users, some of which can be severe,” notes Amy Orben, co-leader of the trial, emphasizing the uncertainty regarding the broader impact of social media time.

To obtain clearer answers, large-scale studies are necessary. The IRL trial takes place in Bradford, England, aiming to recruit around 4,000 participants aged 12 to 15 across 10 schools. A bespoke app will be used to monitor social media engagement.

Half of the participants will face specific time limits on certain apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with no restrictions on messaging apps like WhatsApp. “Total usage will be capped at one hour a day, with a curfew from 9 PM to 7 AM,” explains Dan Lewar from the Bradford Health Data Science Center, who co-leads the trial. This is significant, considering that the average social media usage for this age group is about three hours daily.

Importantly, participants will be randomized by grade level, allowing 8th graders to serve as the control group while 9th graders undergo restrictions. The aim is to create similar circumstances for both groups. “If a child’s social media is restricted, but their friends are active online post-curfew, they may feel excluded,” Orben explains.

Lewar emphasizes that the trial was designed collaboratively with teens. “They opposed a blanket ban,” he notes.

The comprehensive study will span six weeks around October, with preliminary results anticipated in mid-2027.

Orben emphasizes that this trial will yield more precise data on teenage social media habits through app monitoring rather than relying on self-reported information. The team will also gather data on anxiety, sleep quality, socializing, happiness, body image, school absenteeism, and experiences of bullying.

Etchells asserts the necessity of understanding whether restrictions or bans are beneficial or detrimental to youth. “The honest answer is we don’t know. That’s why research like this is critical.”

This initiative is welcomed due to the absence of high-quality studies in this area. A recent report from the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology highlighted the need for quality causal evidence linking young people’s mental health to digital technology use, especially concerning social media, smartphones, and AI chatbots.

As stated by Margarita Panayiotou from the University of Manchester, engaging with youth is essential in social media research. Her findings show that teens often find ways to circumvent outright bans, making testing restrictions a more viable option. This approach may also be more ethical, as the harm caused by a ban is not yet understood.

“Teens view social media as a space for self-discovery,” says Panayiotou, highlighting concerns about platform distrust, feelings of loss of control, and unintentional overuse. They also report struggles with online judgment, body comparisons, and cyberbullying.

According to Etchells and Panayiotou, the primary challenge for governments is to compel tech companies to ensure safer social media environments for youth.

The Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA) mandates that technology firms like TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram (owned by Meta), as well as Google (which owns YouTube), enhance user safety. “Effective enforcement of OSA could address many existing issues,” asserts Etchells.

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  • Mental Health/
  • Social Media

Source: www.newscientist.com

Does Playing Music Benefit Plants? Exploring the Evidence.

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“Plants lack ears and brains, so they can’t experience music like we do…”

Credit: Michele Cornelius/Alamy

Do you serenade your plants? As a botanist passionate about houseplants, I often get asked this. The idea of playing music for plants gained traction in the 1960s, alongside the rise of “music for plants” albums, and it’s making a comeback online. But what does current research reveal about this enduring topic?

Clearly, plants lack ears or brains, so they cannot enjoy music in the way humans do. However, recent studies, including one study, indicate that they can detect vibrations in their environment and adapt their behavior accordingly. For instance, mouse worms exposed to the sound of caterpillar chewing produced high levels of a defensive bitter toxin. Astonishingly, plants can differentiate between the vibrations caused by munching insects and those from wind or mating calls, activating their defenses only when threatened.

Moreover, plants react to the sounds of opportunity. Certain flowers, like tomatoes, blueberries, and kiwis, ignore the buzzing of non-pollinating bees and release pollen only when stimulated by the vibrations of specific pollinators. This response can be rapid; for example, evening primrose flowers show changes in nectar composition within three minutes of being played sounds of bees in flight: Rich in sweet rewards. Researchers even reported pea plants can shift their root growth toward the sound of flowing water.

Nonetheless, as anyone who’s heard a seven-year-old on a recorder can attest, there’s a significant distinction between noise and “music.” Experiments aimed at assessing music’s impact on plant growth yielded mixed results. A recent study found certain music tracks enhanced lettuce growth significantly, while alfalfa showed no improvement.

Another investigation into background noise discovered that sage and marigold plants exposed to 16 hours of continuous traffic noise daily exhibited notably reduced growth. Could this continual noise be obstructing plants’ ability to perceive vital sound cues? At this stage, that remains uncertain.

The takeaway? Recent studies reveal that plants are not entirely oblivious to sound; in fact, they are significantly impacted by it. Yet, much about the specifics remains unclear, so we can’t definitively predict which sounds, at what frequencies or volumes, will yield desired results. So before you consider blasting Katy Perry for your plants’ benefit, remember that they might not appreciate it—and neither will your neighbors.

These articles will be posted weekly at:
newscientist.com/maker

James Wong is a botanist and science writer focused on food crops, conservation, and environmental issues. Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he personally owns over 500 houseplants in his compact apartment. Follow him on X and Instagram @botanygeek.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Will Pay-Per-Mile Fees Benefit Mr. Reeves or Deter Electric Car Adoption?

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3p: The cost per mile for an electric vehicle is minimal, yet it represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach.

Ministers have historically opposed any type of road pricing due to its potential political fallout. This stance might change next week. Rachel Reeves, likely accustomed to facing criticism over fundraising schemes, is expected to propose charges specifically based on the mileage of EVs.

The Treasury has nearly confirmed that some financial measures will be revealed in next week’s budget, though no specifics have been disclosed. As reported first by the Telegraph, starting in 2028, EV users will be able to pay an additional fee atop their yearly road tax or vehicle excise duty (VED) according to the miles driven that year. This could involve a self-reported distance estimate or an odometer check during an MOT.

The uptake of battery electric vehicles, which are cheaper to operate compared to petrol cars, is increasing. By 2024, these vehicles are projected to be driven an average of about 8,900 miles, based on statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT). At a rate of 3p per mile, the current 1.4 million EVs on the roads could generate £267 per vehicle, amounting to around £375 million annually.


The Treasury has effectively confirmed that a form of fee for EVs will be announced when Rachel Reeves presents her Budget. Photo: Carlos Jasso/AFP/Getty Images

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander had difficulty dismissing a national road pricing scheme during Thursday’s Commons questioning, but a later “clarification” indicated that pay-per-mile for EVs remains a possibility.

Looking ahead, a worrying deficit in vehicle tax revenue is anticipated as the transition to EVs diminishes fuel tax revenue. While petrol and diesel vehicles contribute taxes based on fuel consumption, the shift to electric will alter this dynamic.

Latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility indicate that a fuel tax of 52.95p per liter (roughly 5p per mile for the average car) will yield £24.4 billion this year, but billions of this income will decline starting in 2030 when sales of new petrol and diesel cars are phased out.

The key challenge lies in identifying fair alternatives to an unsustainable tax structure, particularly as there is enduring opposition from the right to all types of road pricing, which has become entangled in a culture war over London’s Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and low-traffic areas, arguing for increased surveillance and reduced freedoms.


Last year, London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, abandoned a review of pricing after being overwhelmed by anti-ULEZ sentiment. Photo: PA Images/Alamy

Some economists are in favor of time- and congestion-based road pricing, which may serve as a fairer method for managing road usage, although it also raises concerns about additional tracking.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, asserts that any plan should prioritize simplicity. However, regarding privacy, he notes, “The volume of data generated by modern vehicles is substantial. If the DfT or DVLA began monitoring Fahrzeugen, people might feel closely scrutinized. Yet Elon Musk has a different view: [Musk] – They don’t seem to mind.”

A broader issue is that pay-per-mile may deter drivers from switching to electric vehicles, which is vital for reducing carbon emissions. Manufacturers, businesses, and motoring organizations like Ford, Autotrader, and the AA have expressed concerns about the timing of introducing new charges amid this transition. Under the UK’s ZEV obligation, car manufacturers are required to ensure that one in three cars sold next year is a zero-emission vehicle, escalating to 80% by 2030 (the remaining 20% can be hybrids).

Current grants for new electric cars can be as high as £3,750, making running costs more reasonable for some consumers; however, several discounts and tax exemptions have ceased. Transport for London recently confirmed that EVs will have to pay the capital’s congestion charge starting next year, with zero-emission vehicles also subject to VED from April onward.

New Zealand is raising alarms, according to a report from the Social Market Foundation (SMF). Electric vehicles became liable for road tolls last year, a system previously reserved for diesel cars, where drivers purchased permits in increments of 1,000 km (621 miles). This change, alongside the cessation of buyer incentives and tax exceptions, resulted in a dramatic drop in new EV sales, with market share plummeting from a peak of 19% to just 4%.


Electric car at a charging station in Auckland, New Zealand. Last year, EVs were made responsible for road user charges. Photo: Michael Craig/AP

The SMF noted that Iceland also implemented a pay-per-mile system for EVs last year, but maintained incentives and pricing differentials, resulting in a much less pronounced decline in market share.

Advocates of this emerging technology proceed with caution. The Electric Vehicle Association England, representing motorists, expressed to the Prime Minister that consumer confidence in EVs remains tepid.

For many individuals, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods or those reliant on public charging without driveways, operational costs no longer present the same appeal. Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, an EV review platform, stated: “For numerous people, the expense of running an EV could exceed that of a gasoline vehicle if they lack access to affordable home charging and depend on public networks.”

Graham Parkhurst, a professor of sustainable mobility at the University of the West of England, highlighted that the stark disparity between home chargers and public charging stations (which are subject to a 20% VAT surcharge) represents a “political time bomb,” further dividing socio-economic classes.

Even longstanding advocates for pay-per-mile, like Parkhurst, caution that such systems require careful consideration. “Charging based on mileage makes sense, similar to how fuel taxes function. However, we need time to devise how to integrate this into a broader transport taxation framework. If you need a vehicle, an electric car is undoubtedly the smarter choice,” he asserted.


Proponents of pay-per-mile warn that they need to be cautious in moving forward. Photo: nrqemi/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The think tank Resolution Foundation suggests that any mileage and weight-based charges should apply only to future EV sales.

Tanya Sinclair, chief executive of UK Electric Vehicle, agrees on the need for fundamental reform of car taxation, but emphasizes that the government must convey a clear intent to encourage the shift to electric vehicles. “Any actions that create confusion, like providing subsidies while also launching pay-per-mile charges, blur the message for consumers,” she notes.

A government spokesperson stated the administration would “consider further support” for EVs but emphasized: “While fuel tax applies to petrol and diesel, an equivalent for electric vehicles is lacking. We are aiming for a fairer system for all drivers, while facilitating the transition to electric vehicles.”

“The best time to integrate road pricing would have been in the past, but the political landscape is complicated,” noted Gooding. The cross-party Transport Select Committee advocated for urgent road pricing implementation in 2022 to replace all vehicle taxation for every vehicle type. Yet, no minister has shown enthusiasm for this. Mayor Sadiq Khan of London was compelled to reject the possibility of pricing last year due to overwhelming anti-ULEZ sentiment, despite earlier indicating it was a viable option.

According to Mr. Gooding, introducing new policies is “most effectively undertaken with the minimum number of vehicles involved, and limiting it to EVs could be more manageable than developing complex charges for the 34 million vehicles already in circulation.”

For some, including Buckley and the Transport Improvement Campaign, a controversial yet clear solution remains: terminate the 15-year freeze on fuel taxes and the temporary 5p reduction currently in effect since 2022.

The SMF reported that had the levy remained consistent in real terms, nearly £150 billion would have been accumulated in public funds. Regardless of how the pay-per-mile model evolves, Reeves stated, “We must ensure that taxes on EVs for businesses remain lower than those on petrol.” “The simplest method of preserving this variance is by increasing fuel taxes.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Embracing the Complexities of the Female Body: A Benefit for Everyone

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Women are not simply “smaller men.” For many years, medical research has primarily focused on male rodents, which lack the intricate hormonal cycles found in females, subsequently applying these findings to women as if they were the same. Fortunately, recent decades have seen a growing understanding that this oversight is detrimental to women’s health, often leading to treatments that are less effective for them than for men.

Recent studies on how sex chromosomes influence immune systems reveal another layer to this narrative. Overlooking the intricacies of women’s bodies impacts everyone, not solely women (see “Women’s Immune Systems Are Stronger – Now We Know Why”).

A significant part of the issue arises from averaging effects. While statistical methods can help clarify fluctuations and unveil impactful insights, excessive reliance on them can obscure critical signals. Women generally possess more robust and responsive immune systems compared to the average man, showing longer-lasting responses to vaccines and a lower likelihood of mortality from infections in older age.

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Neglecting the complexity of women’s bodies affects everyone, not just women.
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However, by combining male and female participants in medical research trials, distinct sex differences in reactions to antiviral medications and vaccines, although better than excluding women entirely, may still be obscured. This could result in men receiving inadequate dosages for effective treatment and women receiving excessive amounts. Furthermore, minimal attention has been given to how these differences impact transgender individuals.

Ultimately, researchers are uncovering how the X chromosome and hormones contribute to these sex-based differences. Insights from this research should help in refining treatments for a variety of conditions, from long COVID-19 to cancer, benefiting everyone. Embracing the complexity of our bodies rather than viewing women as “smaller men” is crucial.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Some Viruses Favor Cheats—And This Might Benefit Our Health

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Some influenza viruses are freeloaders

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Viruses occasionally contend with parasites resembling sponges. These so-called cheats could be more prevalent and significant than previously recognized by biologists. In influenza cases, such viruses can outnumber typical ones in almost a third of instances, potentially lessening the infection’s severity.

The virus compels infected cells to reproduce copies of itself. While they leverage the cell’s existing machinery, several proteins specified by the viral genome are crucial for this process.

However, mutations may eliminate the viral genes responsible for these critical proteins, leading to defective viruses that can invade cells but fail to replicate. A different virus might also infect the same cell, supplying the missing protein or proteins.

The cells combine both viral copies. In fact, they may produce more defective or incomplete viruses since these have a reduced genome size. Consequently, these less complete viruses equate to a virus that avoids paying its share at a pub, thereby slowing the infection process.

The existence of these deceptive interfering viruses, often referred to as defective interfering viruses, was confirmed back in 1970 by Usher Leak at the University of British Columbia, Canada. “But this raises an important question: Are they fundamentally significant?”

His team is striving to answer this query. Previous studies have shown that these fraudulent viruses exist in nature, but their prevalence remains uncertain, as establishing this requires sequencing numerous viruses from infected individuals. Given the risks associated with H5N1 avian influenza, the USDA is currently sequencing for different purposes, and the raw data has become publicly accessible.

The dataset comprises various influenza species, states Leeks. “We’ve got ostriches, cattle, cows, poultry, waterfowl, and raptors.”

Based on preliminary estimates from USDA sequencing, which are not yet published, his team’s findings indicate a notable prevalence of these con artist viruses. “Roughly one in three infected individuals carries at least one viral cheat sequence. This implies that during influenza infections, about one-third of the time, these non-functional viruses dominate the population.”

“Their presence is not unexpected,” he states. “It’s remarkable how abundant they are, and intriguing that they are found across various host species and influenza subtypes.”

Evidence suggests that high levels of con artist viruses diminish infection severity, so their presence could serve as a predictor for disease severity.

Other researchers are exploring whether these fraudulent viruses could potentially be utilized to treat infectious diseases. In fact, human trials are set to begin soon for HIV, following successful outcomes in monkeys.

“I don’t design therapeutics, but our findings aim to provide insights regarding their safety and efficacy,” remarks Leeks.

Raphael Saint-Juan from the University of Valencia in Spain notes that specific findings cannot be discussed until complete results are available. However, there is generally a possibility of application to influenza, as opposed to other viruses.

“Some viruses tend to generate more ‘con artists’ than others,” states Sanjuan. “Influenza viruses, in particular, are known to be extremely prolific in this regard.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Conch Shell Blowing May Benefit Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Recent studies have indicated significant enhancements in daytime alertness, overall sleep quality, and reductions in apnea paralysis index, suggesting that respiratory muscle training using blown shanks (conch) could become a novel approach for alleviating obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in the future.

Upper airway muscle training through shank blowing enhances subjective assessments of daytime drowsiness and sleep quality by improving objective indicators of obstructive sleep apnea severity. Image credit: Sharma et al., doi: 10.1183/23120541.00258-2025.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to airway obstructions.

This condition leads to excessive snoring, disrupted sleep patterns, and daytime fatigue, while also heightening the chances of hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and strokes.

Blowing the shell of a conch or shank has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries.

Recent research revealed that individuals with moderate OSA who engaged in shank blowing experienced improved sleep quality, greater daytime alertness, and fewer nighttime breathing disturbances.

Dr. Krishna Sharma, a researcher at the Eternal Heart Care Center and Research Institute in Jaipur, stated:

“The standard treatment for OSA involves a continuous airway pressure machine (CPAP), which keeps the airways open by delivering airflow through a face mask throughout the night.”

“While effective, many patients find it uncomfortable and struggle to adhere to its use.”

“In my clinical practice, several patients reported feeling more refreshed and experiencing fewer symptoms after regularly practicing shank blowing, a traditional yoga breathing technique that involves expelling air through the conch shell.”

“These insights prompted us to design scientific research to rigorously evaluate whether this ancient technique serves as a substantial treatment for those suffering from OSA.”

The study included 30 participants aged 19-65 diagnosed with moderate OSA, who were evaluated at the Eternal Heart Care Center and labs between May 2022 and January 2024.

Polysonography was utilized for assessment, where participants were monitored during sleep and questioned about their sleep quality and daytime alertness.

They were randomly assigned to either practice blowing conch shells (16 patients) or engage in deep breathing exercises (14 patients).

Participants were provided with traditional shanks used in yoga and received in-person training from the research team before commencing home practice.

They were encouraged to practice at home for at least 15 minutes, five days a week. After six months, participants were re-evaluated.

Those practicing shank blowing exhibited a 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness compared to those doing deep breathing exercises.

Additionally, they recorded higher blood oxygen levels during sleep.

“The technique of blowing the shank is distinct,” Dr. Sharma explained.

“It incorporates deep inhalation followed by a powerful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips.”

“This method generates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which can fortify the upper airway muscles, such as the throat and soft palate.

“The unique spiral design of the shanks may also create acoustic and mechanical effects that assist in stimulating and regulating these muscles.”

“For individuals living with OSA, particularly those who find CPAP uncomfortable, costly, or inaccessible, our findings present a promising alternative.”

“Shank blowing is a simple, low-cost breathing technique that can enhance sleep and mitigate symptoms without reliance on machines or medicine.”

study Published in ERJ Open Research.

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Krishna K. Sharma et al. 2025. Effectiveness of shank blowing on moderate sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. ERJ Open Research 00258-2025; doi:10.1183/23120541.00258-2025

Source: www.sci.news

Smartphones can benefit children if they steer clear of social media

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Smartphones help kids socialize

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A study of over 1,500 children suggests that smartphones are beneficial for mental and social well-being unless they begin using social media.

Justin Martin The University of South Florida surveys state children ages 11 to 13. 25 years of national research To explore the link between digital media and happiness.

The researchers found that 78% of the 1,510 children surveyed owned smartphones, and 21% of these reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Children with phones were also more likely to report spending time in person with friends.

“We thought ownership of a smartphone was related to negative outcomes or negative measures,” Martin says. “But it wasn’t.”

The researchers found that children with low-income parents are more likely to own smartphones than children with rich parents. The highest prevalence of 87% smartphone ownership was found in children living in households collected between $50,000 and $90,000, while only 67% of children in households who own smartphones over $150,000 have a smartphone.

Martin suggests that this may reflect the school policies that children attended, in response to a greater awareness of negative headlines about the supposed risks of social media affecting their mental health.

But such a ban — Florida was the first US state to introduce in 2023 — could be in a volatile scientific position, Martin says. “We were careful to emphasize associations rather than causality, but children with smartphones probably use them for social purposes and like many adults,” he says.

However, not all smartphone use is a benefit of dirt. The researchers also found that children who said they were often posted on social media were twice as likely to report sleep problems or symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to people who never use these platforms. That said, the study failed to determine whether increased use of social media has led to mental health and sleep problems, or whether the opposite is true, says Martin.

“We recommend that parents and adults consider protecting their children from the social platforms that their children post frequently, or try to avoid posting on social platforms,” ​​says Martin. “Of course, it’s hard to tell your kids. ‘You can use Instagram. You can use Tiktok, but don’t post it.” ”

Children surveyed are evenly divided on the merits of social media, with 34% agreeing that social media is more harmful than good, 33% disagreeing, and the rest are undecided about the issue.

“This is an attractive study that makes an important distinction, especially between smartphones and social media,” he says. Jess Maddox At the University of Alabama. “These two are synonyms for each other, but this study shows that they are not actually the same.”

“These are truly subtle findings and we hope that parents, educators and politicians will not be banned, but will encourage them to think more about their children’s education on smartphones and social media,” she says.

David Ellis At Bath University in the UK, this work confirms similar findings from previous studies, but understanding more work to understand what the data is directing us before deciding what to do about children’s smartphone use is that “the lack of analysis will strengthen conclusions that are more difficult to justify policy changes.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Oura Gen 3: Will the Smart Ring Famous Celebrities and Athletes Wear Actually Benefit You?

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SSmart rings are gaining popularity, with Oura being spotted on the fingers of celebrities and elite athletes. It offers all the health-tracking features of a smartwatch in a smaller, less technical device focused on sleep, recovery, and resilience. Can the average person use it?

Now in its third generation, the Oura Gen 3 is the most popular smart ring on the market. It comes in various colors, metals, and sizes, resembling an attractive piece of jewelry, priced starting at £299 (€329/$299), plus a £6 monthly subscription. Following the trends of celebrities doesn’t come cheap.

The sleek titanium rings are available in different colors, finishes, and two shapes: flat top and fully circular. An inner layer of clear plastic reveals components, sensors, and contacts that read metrics like heart rate using three prongs touching the underside of your finger.

How does it feel to wear?

The smooth titanium finish shines in different light and is available in many other colors and finishes, including classic silver and gold. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Unlike other fitness trackers, Oura has no screen, sound, or visible alerts other than occasional lights from its sensors. All interactions happen through a smartphone app. Wearing it on the index finger is recommended for accurate data, but it can be cumbersome when using a smartphone.

The Oura ring, while twice as thick as a traditional wedding band, fits snugly but may be uncomfortable between fingers. It requires careful sizing and removal for regular cleaning and charging.

Oura has a consistent thickness all around, so it fits snugly against adjacent fingers better than other larger rings. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sleep, sleep, and more sleep

The Oura app syncs data and settings via Bluetooth and displays the information in an easy-to-understand way. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Oura emphasizes thorough sleep analysis and daily recovery. It offers suggestions for improving health long-term. During the day, it tracks activity, compiles an Activity Score from steps, calories, heart rate, and stress levels. It also recognizes activities like walking and cycling.

At night, the ring tracks sleep efficiency, cycles, heart rate, variability, and blood oxygen to calculate a sleep score. It provides trend analysis and insights on readiness and resilience based on biometric data.

The app displays health data clearly with graphs and reports, offering suggestions for improvement. It also includes women’s health tracking, fertility insights, and partnered apps for extended functionality.

Sustainability

Oura will eventually become disposable, as the batteries in the ring will wear out, at which point they can’t be replaced. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Oura Gen 3 is not repairable, and the battery is not replaceable. Sustainability features are lacking, with no recycled materials, environmental impact reports, or recycling programs available.

Price

Prices for the Oura Gen 3 start from £299 (€329/$299), with a range of designs and finishes. A one-month free trial is offered, with a monthly subscription at £5.99 (€5.99 / $5.99). Membership registration is required.

Compared to other similar products, the Oura ring is competitively priced but comes with additional subscription costs.

Verdict

The Oura ring 3 is an excellent option for those wanting to track sleep and overall health without a screen on their wrist. It offers comprehensive data analysis and insightful recommendations for health improvement.

Although the ring has some drawbacks, including cost, subscription fees, and tracking limitations, it provides valuable insights into health trends and data analysis.

Overall, the Oura ring offers a unique approach to health tracking with detailed data and user-friendly features, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing sleep and recovery.

Strong Points: Jewelry-like design, comprehensive sleep & health tracking, smart trend analysis & helpful advice, easy to understand, 5-day battery life, 100m water resistance, an effective health alternative to a smartwatch.

Cons: Expensive, monthly subscription, thick for a ring, limited tracking capabilities.

The Oura ring is packed with sensors and technology. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com