Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is officially classified as a human condition. However, many dog owners have observed similar traits, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and a tendency to become easily distracted in their canine companions.
Research indicates that approximately 20 percent of dogs display ADHD-like behaviors. These dogs often skip training classes, captivated instead by the instructor’s shoelaces or engaged in rambunctious parkour.
While these lovable rogues are delightful, their behavior can make training challenging. Common signs of ADHD-like behavior in dogs include excessive barking, biting, chasing, and stealing.
If these symptoms hinder your dog’s daily activities—such as learning new commands or interacting positively with you—it may indicate an ADHD-like disorder.
A recent study reveals that different dogs experience ADHD-like traits variably. Higher instances of hyperactivity and inattention are particularly common in young male dogs that spend extended periods alone at home.
It’s essential to remember that different dog breeds exhibit varying behavioral traits. For instance, breeds like Cairn Terriers, Jack Russells, and German Shepherds display more impulsive behaviors, whereas Chihuahuas, Rough Collies, and Chinese Crested Dogs are less likely to show these traits.
If you find yourself dealing with a challenging dog, understand that their behavior is not intentional. Much like individuals with ADHD, dogs process their environment differently due to various genetic and environmental factors.
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to help manage these behaviors. Professional behavior therapy can be beneficial, but often, increased exercise and engagement can lead to significant improvements.
Short, frequent training sessions that utilize positive reinforcement (i.e., treats) to reward good behavior can yield excellent results. Additionally, calming enrichment activities like lick mats or puzzle toys can provide much-needed stimulation.
This article addresses the query from Rhys Brooks via email: “Does my dog have ADHD?”
For further questions, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram(please include your name and location).
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High cholesterol is often termed a “silent killer” and ranks as one of the most significant health challenges globally. As reported by the CDC, approximately 86 million adults in the United States suffer from elevated cholesterol levels, which heightens their risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.
The issue isn’t cholesterol itself; this fatty, waxy substance is mainly produced in the liver and is essential for various bodily functions, such as building cells, hormone production, and aiding digestion.
The problem arises when there’s an excess of “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Genetic predispositions combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices—like a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking—can elevate LDL levels, leading to cholesterol accumulation in artery walls.
Over time, this can lead to the formation of hard fatty plaques that narrow and harden blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain, significantly raising the risk of heart disease, which can be life-threatening.
One of the most effective treatments for high cholesterol involves medications known as statins, which decrease cholesterol production by the liver.
High doses of statins can lower LDL cholesterol by approximately 50%. For individuals with very high cholesterol, these drugs can reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes by up to 40 to 50%.
Yet, despite their life-saving potential, statins have been surrounded by misconceptions, fear, and uncertainty regarding possible side effects, leading many to avoid them.
In this article, we will debunk five common myths about statins to clarify the facts.
Cholesterol buildup can restrict blood flow – Credit: Getty
Myth 1: Muscle pain is a common side effect
Muscle pain is frequently reported by patients using statins. However, new studies suggest this might be a manifestation of the “nocebo effect,” where individuals anticipating side effects are more likely to perceive them.
This was illustrated in a major randomized trial led by Professor Peter Thurber from Imperial College London. During the initial phase when participants were unaware if they were taking a statin or a placebo, both groups reported similar muscle pain levels.
In the second phase, those informed they were on statins reported muscle pain symptoms increase by up to 41%.
“These symptoms are genuine. However, our findings indicate the drug isn’t the cause, with actual muscle-related side effects from statins being quite rare,” Professor Thurber explains.
This conclusion was backed by comprehensive research. A meta-analysis from the Cholesterol Treatment Trial List Collaboration found similar rates of muscle symptoms in both statin (27.1%) and placebo (26.6%) groups, with over 90% of reported muscle symptoms not caused by statins.
Only about 5 percent of people taking statins experience muscle pain due to statins – Credit: Getty
Dr. Christina Reese, Associate Professor at Oxford Population Health and co-author of the study states:
“Randomized controlled trials provide more reliable data because participants randomly receive either a statin or placebo, allowing a clear comparison to ascertain if the drug is genuinely responsible for the symptoms,” she explains.
Myth 2: Statins cause diabetes
Another prevalent fear regarding statins is their potential to induce diabetes. While there’s some validity to this concern, it’s often oversimplified.
Statins do not abruptly cause diabetes in otherwise healthy individuals. They can incrementally raise blood sugar levels, hence accelerating the diabetes diagnosis for those already predisposed.
Naveed Sattar, Professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, clarifies that statins lead to slight increases in blood sugar levels.
Doctors often monitor blood sugar levels when initiating statin therapy – Credit: Getty
“A diabetes diagnosis typically occurs at blood sugar levels of 48 mmol/mol or higher,” Sattar states. “Most individuals remain well below this threshold, therefore the minor increase isn’t concerning. However, for those nearing diagnostic criteria, it might result in an earlier diagnosis.”
He further emphasizes that potential increases in blood sugar can be effectively managed with small, sustainable lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity, weight loss, and improved dietary habits.
The communication surrounding diabetes risk may create unnecessary alarm; for example, a 2024 large-scale analysis revealed that low-intensity statins have a 10% higher relative diabetes risk compared to placebo, while higher-intensity statins show a 36% increased relative risk.
“Though these numbers might seem concerning,” she adds, “it’s essential to consider the absolute risk change. In low-intensity trials, there was about a 0.12% annual increase in new diabetes cases, or just over 1 case per 1,000 individuals.”
“In higher-intensity trials, the absolute increase was 1.27% per year, equating to approximately 13 additional cases per 1,000 annually.”
Both Reith and Sattar underline that concerns about diabetes risk should not deter statin use, emphasizing that the substantial reduction in heart attacks and strokes associated with statin therapy far outweighs these risks.
Read more:
Myth 3: Statins cause memory loss
Memory is a crucial aspect of our identity, making the mention of memory loss as a potential statin side effect understandably worrisome.
Like all medications, statins carry a lengthy list of potential side effects, including memory loss, depression, and sleep disorders.
Memory loss can affect one’s sense of self, but it’s not generally linked to statins – Credit: Getty
However, how critical are these side effects in practice? Findings suggest they are not as severe as often portrayed.
In February 2026, Reese and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review, revealing that most listed side effects are not genuinely attributable to statins.
The study analyzed data from the Cholesterol Treatment Trialist Collaboration involving 23 large randomized trials and over 150,000 participants.
Researchers discovered similar side effect reports in both statin and placebo groups. Specifically, 2 in 1,000 individuals report cognitive or memory issues yearly, regardless of whether they are on statins or a placebo.
In summary, although some individuals may experience forgetfulness during treatment, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between statins and memory loss.
“Statins save lives, and our study reassures that benefits far exceed the risks for the majority of patients,” asserts Rees.
Myth 4: Liver damage is a significant risk
Similar to diabetes concerns, worries that statins may cause liver damage are not entirely baseless.
In a small fraction of cases, blood tests may reveal mild elevations in liver enzymes such as transaminases, indicating inflammation.
Liver damage from statins is exceedingly rare – Credit: Getty
“Typically, these elevations are minor, symptom-free, and often resolve independently. In some cases, your doctor might advise lowering the dosage or temporarily discontinuing the statin,” explains Reese.
Consequently, doctors frequently assess liver function prior to starting treatment and perform follow-up tests in the initial months to monitor any complications.
However, severe issues are uncommon. A 2026 review by Reith et al. revealed that abnormal liver transaminases were present in 0.30% of statin patients compared to 0.22% in placebo groups, which translates to fewer than one additional case per 1,000 individuals annually.
“Importantly, these mild changes did not result in permanent damage, nor did they correlate with severe liver symptoms like hepatitis, liver failure, or jaundice,” Reese adds.
Myth 5: Taking statins alone is enough
Regrettably, statins are not a panacea. They are very effective for reducing cholesterol, but their maximum benefits are realized when paired with lifestyle changes aimed at enhancing overall health.
In one notable observation study, involving 265,209 high-risk adults, those who combined statin use with a healthy lifestyle—such as proper diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption—had a lifespan approximately six years longer than those with unhealthy habits who didn’t take statins.
Combining statins with a healthy diet and exercise amplifies their effects – Credit: Getty
Crucially, individuals who took statins but persisted in unhealthy lifestyle choices did not experience a significant reduction in mortality risk, compared to those who did not use statins but led unhealthy lives.
“Starting statin therapy does not grant a free pass to neglect healthy habits,” Sattar emphasizes. “In fact, it serves as motivation to cultivate healthier lifestyle choices, thereby boosting their benefits.”
“This involves enhancing your diet with more fiber, fruits, and vegetables, opting for healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, and reducing saturated fats and sugary beverages. Additionally, increasing physical activity, minimizing alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and managing weight are crucial. Even slight weight loss or just 10 minutes of daily walking can yield significant benefits.”
When someone states they are “probably” having pasta for dinner but later opts for pizza, do you find it surprising or consider them dishonest? On a more critical note, what does it imply when the United Nations asserts it is “very likely” that global temperatures will rise by over 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next decade, as reported last year? The translation between the nuances of language and the intricacies of mathematical probability can often seem challenging, yet we can discover scientific clarity through careful analysis.
Two fundamental points about probability are widely accepted: Something labeled “impossible” has a 0% chance of occurrence, while a “certain” event carries a 100% likelihood. However, confusion arises in between these extremes. Ancient Greeks, including Aristotle, differentiated between terms such as Eikos, meaning the most likely, and Pitanon, which signifies plausible. This presents challenges: persuasive rhetoric may not always align with likelihood. Additionally, both terms were translated by Cicero into the modern term probability.
The concept of a measurable mathematical approach to probability emerged significantly later, primarily in the mid-17th century during the Enlightenment. Mathematicians began to address gambling dilemmas, such as equitable distribution of winnings during interruptions. Concurrently, philosophers probed whether it was feasible to quantify varying levels of belief.
For instance, in 1690, John Locke categorized degrees of probability on a spectrum from complete certainty to confidence based on personal experience, down to testimony affected by repetition. This classification remains vital in legal contexts, both historically and presently.
The interplay between law and probability persisted among philosophers. In his writings of the mid-19th century, Jeremy Bentham criticized the inadequacy of common language in expressing evidence strength. He proposed a numerical ranking system to gauge belief strength, but ultimately deemed its subjectivity as impractical for justice.
A century later, economist John Maynard Keynes rejected Bentham’s certainty measure in favor of relational approaches. He argued that it was more effective to discuss how one probability might exceed another, focusing on the knowledge base for these estimations, thus establishing a hierarchy without offering systematic communication methods for terms such as “may” or “likely.”
Interestingly, the first systematic resolution to this challenge did not arise from mathematicians or philosophers but from a CIA intelligence analyst named Sherman Kent. In 1964, he introduced the idea of estimating probability with specific terminology for National Intelligence Estimates designed to guide policymakers. He articulated the dilemma faced by “poets,” who articulate meaning through words, versus “mathematicians,” who advocate for exact figures. Kent initiated the idea that specific words correspond to precise probabilities, designating “virtually certain” as a 93% probability, but also allowing some leeway to accommodate differing interpretations.
This framework for understanding probability transitioned from the intelligence sector to scientific applications. A review of recent research dating back to 1989 explored how both patients and medical professionals interpret terms like “may” in medical scenarios. The findings showed some alignment with Kent’s framework, although with distinctions.
Returning to the original question about the meaning of “very likely” regarding climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers clarity with explicit definitions. According to their guidance, “very likely” signifies a 90% to 100% probability of an event’s occurrence. Alarmingly, many climate scientists now assert that temperatures have already surpassed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
However, situations are rarely straightforward. Logically, the statements “Event A is likely to occur” and “Event A is unlikely to be avoided” should correlate, albeit research published last year reveals that labeling a climate forecast as “unlikely” diminishes perceived evidence strength and consensus among scientists compared to stating it’s “likely.” This cognitive bias might stem from a preference for positive framing over negative alternatives. A classic example includes a community of 600 individuals facing a health crisis; when presented with two treatment options, most favor one that saves 200 lives over one that saves 400, even if both are statistically similar.
So, what lessons can we draw from this exploration? Firstly, quantifiable data effectively enhances communication of uncertainty. If numerical specificity isn’t available, stating, “75% of the time, I plan to have pasta for dinner,” may raise eyebrows. In such instances, ensure shared understanding of terminology, even in the absence of a formalized framework like Kent’s. Lastly, accentuating the positive tends to foster acceptance of predictions. How likely is that? Well, that’s hard to quantify.
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Artificial Intelligence: How much further can AI evolve, or has it already reached its peak?
Q&A: I have addressed your queries. This month features a thrilling topic: Are psychopaths born or made? What’s the most chilling experiment we’ve conducted? Which organs can we live without? Can animals detect death? What is the foulest smell in existence? Can you get a phone signal on the moon? Should I store my car keys in a Faraday box? Am I alexithymic? Should I start using rosemary scents? Plus more…
Issue 425 Releases on Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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Recent news about King Charles’ prostate issues and subsequent cancer diagnosis has raised awareness of such health issues nationwide. Although the king is not diagnosed with prostate cancer, his efforts to raise awareness among older men have been widely appreciated.
The charity Prostate UK is using billboards to encourage men across the country to assess their cancer risk and consult their GP if they experience symptoms like frequent or difficult urination. However, prostate cancer is a complex and subtle condition.
The prostate, located below the bladder, tends to enlarge with age. The urethra, the tube draining urine from the bladder to the outside, passes through it. When the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra, causing symptoms like dribbling and increased frequency of urination. This condition is quite common.
Similarly, prostate cancer is also common. Autopsy studies show that 36% of whites and 51% of African Americans develop prostate cancer in their 70s. There are even cases of prostate cancer found in 5% of men under 30 in autopsy studies. However, not all forms of prostate cancer are equally dangerous, with some being harmless and others potentially fatal.
How dangerous is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer accounts for around 4% of male deaths in the UK, with approximately 12,000 people dying from it each year. The challenge lies in finding treatments that do not cause further harm, as treatments like surgery and radiation therapy can lead to side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
The lack of an accurate way to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive tumors is a major problem. The PSA test, developed in the 90s, was introduced to monitor men’s response to prostate cancer treatment. However, the increasing number of diagnoses did not correspond to a reduction in mortality rates.
In the US, the Preventive Services Task Force has offered recommendations for or against PSA screening. While screening may slightly reduce prostate cancer deaths, it can also lead to unnecessary testing and treatments for non-fatal conditions.
To avoid unnecessary treatment, the “watchful waiting” approach has been effective in managing localized prostate cancer with low mortality rates. In the UK, the National Screening Committee does not recommend PSA screening for prostate cancer.
Research suggests that identifying harmful cancers through prostate screening MRI scans may be a viable solution, although more evidence is needed to assess its impact on reducing deaths without overtreatment.
byOperations Research and Management Science InstituteDecember 25, 2023
New research reveals that work experience has a significant impact on how employees interact with AI. Employees with more experience with a particular task will benefit more from AI, but senior employees will be less likely to trust her AI due to concerns about its imperfections. The findings highlight the need for customized strategies when integrating AI into the workplace to enhance human-AI teamwork.
New research sheds light on the complex aspects of human-AI interaction and reveals some surprising trends. Artificial intelligence systems tend to benefit younger employees, but not for the reasons you might expect.
New research published in INFORMS journal Business Administration provides valuable insights to business leaders about the impact of work experience on employees’ interactions with artificial intelligence.
In this study, two main forms of human work experience—narrow experience defined by the amount of specific tasks and broad experience characterized by overall seniority—were used to examine the dynamics within human-AI teams. We are investigating the impact on
Surprising findings from medical record coding research
“We developed an AI solution for medical record coding at a publicly traded company and conducted field research with knowledge workers,” says Weiguang Wang of the University of Rochester. “We were surprised by what we found in our research: Different dimensions of work experience clearly interact with AI and play a unique role in human-AI teaming.”
“While some might think that less experienced workers should benefit more from the help of AI, we find the opposite, that AI benefits workers with more task-based experience. At the same time, even though senior employees have more experience, they gain less from AI than junior employees,” said Guodong (Gordon) Gao, Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. says.
Seniority and AI trust dilemma
Further research revealed that the relatively low productivity gains from AI were not the result of seniority per se, but rather a high sensitivity to imperfections in AI, which led to a decline in trust in AI. .
“This finding presents a dilemma: Experienced employees are well-positioned to leverage AI for productivity, but senior employees who take on greater responsibility and care about their organization They tend to avoid AI because they are aware of the risks of relying on it.” Aid. As a result, they are not using AI effectively,” said study co-author Ritu Agarwal of the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.
The researchers urge employers to carefully consider the types and levels of experience of different workers when implementing AI into jobs. New employees with little work experience are at a disadvantage when it comes to utilizing her AI. On the other hand, senior employees with more experience in an organization may be concerned about the potential risks posed by AI. Addressing these unique challenges is key to productive human-AI teaming.
Reference: “Friend or enemy? Artificial Intelligence and Teaming Workers with Different Experiences” Weiguang Wang, Guodong (Gordon) Gao, Ritu Agarwal, October 11, 2023. Business Administration. DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2021.00588
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