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Top New Popular Science Book Releases for July 2026: Must-Reads and Recommendations

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Australian Tiger Quoll – Featured in Dan Werb’s *Our Wild Familiars*, releasing this month

Shutterstock/Craig Dingle

This month in London witnesses a flurry of intellectual excitement, especially with the release of a new popular science book that delves into profound themes such as life, death, and the human experience. Amidst this exploration, artificial intelligence provokes anxiety among top forensic scientists and ethicists who contemplate its implications for the future. As I gear up to explore engaging topics like volcanology and pharmacology, those fields seem far more stable than the upheaval brought by rapid technological advancement.

<p>Can friendships with chatbots fulfill the emotional connections provided by genuine human relationships? What innate qualities differentiate human friendships from AI simulations? Valerie Tiberius, an ethicist and philosophy professor from the University of Minnesota, initiates this dialogue by characterizing ideal friendships as deep, joyful connections based on mutual concern. Her forthcoming book, *The Mirror of AI: Restoring Humanity in the Age of Machine Thinking*, promises a sophisticated discussion on the risks and opportunities of human-AI relationships.</p>

<p>Addressing a somewhat somber subject, *Timor Mortis*—meaning "fear of death"—is particularly relevant as discussions around quality end-of-life care become increasingly prominent. What constitutes a “good death,” and how do we confront our mortality in an era defined by technological excess? Richard Coker, a public health physician, examines the multifaceted nature of death from biological, psychological, moral, and historical perspectives. His diverse experience ranges from treating tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS patients to serving as a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=62675&amp;awinaffid=2884617&amp;clickref=ns-preview-julynonfic&amp;ued=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.bookshop.org%2Fp%2Fbooks%2Fvolcanoes-what-everyone-needs-to-know-tamie-j-jovanelly%2F90cc5b74f95ec9ba"><em>Volcano</em></a> by Tammy Giovanelli</h2>
<p>This book is a valuable entry in the *What Everyone Should Know* series from Oxford University Press, discussing crucial topics from gender to robotics. With over 20 years of global research experience, geology professor Tammy Giovanelli answers common questions about volcanoes—where they are, how we can predict eruptions, and their energy potential. With 1,350 active volcanoes worldwide and 50 to 70 eruptions yearly, understanding these geological phenomena is essential. Giovanelli also includes GPS coordinates for volcano locations and detailed photos of volcanic minerals and rocks, alongside an appendix of the world’s 100 most active volcanoes.</p>

<p>This book pairs nicely with Nick Barber’s *How to Take Medicine: A New Approach for Better Results and Fewer Side Effects*, which tackles the staggering 1 billion prescriptions issued annually in the UK and 5 billion in the US. This work aims to equip the public with knowledge about the medications they take, providing historical context alongside contemporary insights. Rod Flower, Emeritus Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, underscores the rapid evolution of drug use—from healing herbs to a multi-trillion-dollar global market, elucidating how drugs function and the development processes that validate their effectiveness.</p>

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            <img class="Image" alt="Ancient clay counting tablet from Uruk, Iraq - A historical look at data as power explored in Roopika Risam's latest book." width="1350" height="901" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144120/sei303708476-1.jpg?width=2006 2006w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2532808" data-caption="A clay counting tablet from ancient Uruk, Iraq, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Roopika Risam's new book explores data as power." data-credit="Osama SM Amin FRCP(Glasg)"/>
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">A clay counting tablet from Uruk, Iraq, dating from the 4th millennium BC, as featured in Roopika Risam's new book exploring data as power.</p>
                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Osama SM Amin FRCP(Glasg)</p>
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<p>Described as "groundbreaking and provocative," *Data Empire* traces the historical journey of data as power—from ancient Mesopotamia's clay tablets to modern algorithms. Examining how data has been utilized to govern populations and shape personal narratives, the book highlights the significance of multi-faceted perspectives in navigating today’s hyper-connected technological landscape. Recognized experts like Lewis Dartnell call it "breathtaking in scope," while Jaron Lanier emphasizes the urgent need to address our relationship with data in this new historical context.</p>

<p>Amidst an age of overconsumption and relentless efficiency, seeking a more fulfilling existence seems almost unconventional. In his book, *Small Things*, Ian Bogost sheds light on how modern conveniences often diminish our satisfaction and rob us of simple joys in life. By advocating for a deeper engagement with the material world, Bogost inspires readers to recognize the value of tangible experiences over sleek technological designs.</p>

<p>Fascinating creatures that thrive alongside humans—including brown rats, raccoons, and urban foxes—are termed "synanthropes." Esteemed epidemiologist Dan Wirbe explores the unique roles these animals play in our lives, emphasizing their symbolic significance as judges of Earth's future and the impact of environmental degradation on their populations. By learning to coexist with these creatures, we can foster a harmonious relationship with our environment, as new challenges arise from rapid urbanization.</p>

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            <img class="Image" alt="New Scientist - Forensic anthropologist Sue Black releases her latest book this month." width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02144342/sei303708200.jpg?width=2006 2006w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2532811" data-caption="Forensic anthropologist Sue Black has a new book out this month" data-credit="Peter Jolly/Shutterstock"/>
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Forensic Anthropologist Sue Black Releases New Book This Month</p>
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<p>The latest installment from Sue Black, a leading forensic scientist with four decades of experience, uses a landmark case to explore the intersection of science and justice. Through a detailed examination of wrongful convictions, particularly the case of Andrew Malkinson, she questions the readiness of law enforcement and legal systems to integrate AI and automation. Her insights prompt critical reflections on how we prepare for advancements in forensic technology.</p>

<p>As society grapples with the swift rise of AI, ethicist Eleanor Drage is passionate about fostering a safe and ethical technological future. Her forthcoming book calls for a new vocabulary around AI and emphasizes the importance of incorporating concepts like feminism and restorative justice in these discussions. Supported by influential thinkers, Drage’s work is a timely and necessary exploration of how we can navigate the challenges posed by AI.</p>

<p>One profound question arises: What does it mean to be alive? With a focus on the latest insights in biology and physics, researcher Melanie Challenger explores this notion, asserting the significance of our biological existence. *Alive* offers a perspective that revives discussions around agency and purpose in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and biodiversity challenges.</p>

<p><em>If you purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission.</em></p>

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Scientist’s Top Insights on the Future of Work: Expert Recommendations

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Sophia, the humanoid robot from Saudi Arabia, showcased at the Discovery Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario on April 30, 2018. (Photo credit: Yu Ruidong/China News Service/Visual China Group via Getty Images)

Mr. O’Connor remarks on the historical shift of employers desiring machine-like attributes from their staff.

Yu Ruidong/China News Service/Getty Images



We Are Not Machines



By Sarah O’Connor, published by Allen Lane (UK) and Godine (US, releasing August 11th)

Fans of translated films may have noticed a significant change in the quality of subtitles on streaming platforms. While they convey meaning, they often lack depth and richness.

“I grasp the meaning, but what about the nuance? The language feels flat,” Czech translator Petr Čermok shared with Sarah O’Connor. In We Are Not Machines, O’Connor discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping our work environments.

This decline in linguistic richness typically stems from streaming services leveraging AI for script translations, which are subsequently refined by professional translators like Čermok. Unfortunately, agencies anticipate faster turnaround, often at the expense of translators’ compensation.

This evolving landscape complicates the job for translators, as they must simultaneously review both the original text and AI-generated translations, demanding greater effort, yet diminishing job satisfaction. “The work has become tedious, bland, and lifeless,” laments Čermok.

O’Connor, in her insightful book, reveals an emerging reality: we’re progressively adapting to an AI-centric future. The prevailing narrative suggests that AI will replace human translators, yet O’Connor argues, as highlighted by the Financial Times, that the lifeless translations represent our adaptations to an AI-driven era rather than a one-sided transformation.

“
“I feel as though we’ve lost faith in ourselves,” O’Connor wrote.
“

O’Connor’s key argument is not solely about the impending takeover of jobs by AI, but rather that we are already adjusting our behaviors to conform to AI standards. This ranges from accepting inferior products such as poorly translated scripts to striving to align our capabilities with workplace AI, all while often feeling inadequate. “It feels like we’ve somehow lost faith in ourselves,” writes O’Connor.

O’Connor’s book elucidates how this form of distortion impacts multiple industries, often to bewildering extents. There are stories of employers unable to recruit talented interns due to poor performance on AI-generated assessments or copywriters witnessing a drop in their articles’ search rankings because algorithms mistakenly categorize their work as AI-generated. In such scenarios, writers may need to employ a ‘humanizer’ tool to infuse their content with a more human touch, adding intentional grammatical and semantic errors. O’Connor questions if this is truly the future we aspire to—one that “damages and distorts the essence of our communication.”

Insights on AI’s implications are missing from tech executives; O’Connor specifically opts to center the narrative around employees outside Silicon Valley. She shares stories from individuals globally, from Swedish miners to operators of self-driving trucks in the United States.

O’Connor highlights a long-standing trend where employers desire mechanistic behaviors from employees. In 1911, management consultant Frederick Winslow Taylor implemented a system that stripped factory workers of autonomy by dictating how and when tasks should be completed.

However, AI has accelerated this shift. The book features a case study of Maria, a teleworker in Costa Rica, tasked with identifying missed items in Amazon recording videos. Over a nine-hour shift, she views around 1,200 ten-second clips, where her boss demands 99.9% accuracy with a limit of three mistakes across 8,000 videos. “They expect machine-like precision, which is simply unachievable,” Maria states.

Nonetheless, not everything revolves around downside; O’Connor recounts her visit to a Swedish mine where self-driving trucks have enhanced miners’ productivity and safety. Here, the presence of a robust trade union ensured that workers had a say in how AI would be integrated into their roles. Staff opposed real-time tracking of their movements, leading to anonymization for privacy.

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“It’s not all bad – a visit to a Swedish mine revealed that autonomous trucks are making mining safer.”
“

Yet the struggle for justice remains complex. The book’s subtitle, “The Fight for the Future of Work,” often reads like intriguing feature stories rather than offering clear solutions. Perhaps, O’Connor suggests, the key lies in nurturing fundamental human values. “The real peril,” she asserts, “isn’t about creating machines in our image but subtly reshaping ourselves in theirs.”

O’Connor provides actionable recommendations for engaging in this struggle. Workers should get involved in how AI is implemented in their fields at the onset. For instance, Hollywood writers proactively discussed AI’s role in their work while still holding clout, contrasting with translators who were slower to resist. Collective efforts, such as joining unions, are also emphasized.

For a less serious reflection on AI, check out Joanna Stern’s book,
I Am Not a Robot
. Stern, a former technology columnist for the Wall Street Journal, narrates her year-long encounter with AI across various tasks, from dental care to cooking. While an insightful introduction to AI, it sometimes strays off course with humor that can undermine the seriousness of its themes, like AI’s environmental impact.

Interestingly, even after a year of AI incorporation into her life, Stern echoes O’Connor’s conclusion: we must collaborate with AI rather than fall under its authority. “The moment we let AI dominate our thoughts, we start to lose control and stagnate,” Stern warns. As we navigate this AI evolution, such insights remain critical.

Tom Knowles is a technology and business journalist based in London.

3 More Essential Reads on Artificial Intelligence


Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI
Madhumita Murgia

The AI editors of the Financial Times delve into AI’s impact on sectors like policing, welfare, justice, and health, revealing life-altering consequences often resulting from systems we barely comprehend.


The Infinity Machine
Written by Sebastian Mallaby

In-depth biography of DeepMind, AI Company acquired by Google, detailing how AI can transform fields like chemistry and biology.


Empire of AI
Karen Hao

This engaging narrative tracks OpenAI’s shift from a principled nonprofit to a commercially driven powerhouse, emphasizing its competitive impact in the AI arena and the concerning trajectory it reveals.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Long-Term Exercise Recommendations During COVID-19 May Be Detrimental

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Resistance Training: An Emerging Therapy for Long COVID Symptoms

Bailey Cooper Photography/Alamy

With millions of individuals suffering from long-term symptoms of coronavirus, researchers are exploring effective strategies to alleviate these conditions. Resistance training presents a promising, drug-free, and affordable option that could potentially expedite recovery from long COVID infections. Despite its potential benefits, skepticism remains, with some experts claiming existing studies lack robustness, reminiscent of past debates on exercise for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dr. Caroline Dalton from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, emphasizes the necessity for precision in defining exercise efficacy, warning against generalizing results to all long COVID patients.

One notable study led by Dr. Colin Berry at the University of Glasgow sought to investigate lifestyle interventions as long COVID emerged as a significant post-infection complication. Berry’s hypothesis was that exercise might serve as a viable alternative to lengthy drug development processes.

Berry’s team conducted a three-month resistance training program for participants with long COVID, assessing their performance improvements, including a notable increase of 83 meters on a timed walking test for those who completed the program compared to just 47 meters for the control group. The findings suggested resistance training could be a feasible treatment for persistent COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and mobility issues.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the study, critical voices raised concerns about its findings. The difference in distance walked by both groups fell short of clinical significance, according to David Tuller from the University of California, Berkeley. Berry acknowledged that individual benefits need consideration beyond aggregated group data.

Another major criticism of the study relates to its diverse participant group. The inclusion of individuals with varying severity of COVID-19 infections meant the results could reflect broad averages rather than specific insights. According to Todd Davenport from the University of the Pacific, this diversity risks obscuring individual outcomes.

Understanding Post-Exercise Fatigue

Crucially, the study’s approach to assessing post-exertional fatigue—a debilitating symptom of chronic COVID-was limited. This condition causes severe fatigue after exertion, which often disproportionate to the activity level. Danny Altman at Imperial College London notes that effective evaluation of post-excretion fatigue can be challenging.

Unfortunately, fatigue assessment only occurred after the study, losing sight of early responses to exercise protocols. Alarmingly, at a three-month evaluation, 67% of participants reported inadequate recovery post-activity compared to 49% in the control group, potentially indicating greater setbacks for the intervention group, as shared by Leonard Jason from DePaul University.

Emerging research has also suggested that exercise may exacerbate certain symptoms, with a 2024 study highlighting potential muscle damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in individuals suffering from long COVID-related fatigue.

While Berry’s research sparked widespread debate, other studies support the notion that exercise can yield benefits for long COVID patients. A comprehensive review of 33 randomized controlled trials asserted that exercise significantly enhances the quality of life for affected individuals; however, it did not specifically address the prevalence of post-exercise fatigue, noted by over 80% of those surveyed.

The negative impact of post-exercise fatigue on quality of life was echoed by Margaret O’Hara, who highlighted the inadequacies of studies failing to consider this critical symptom.

Similarities to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This ongoing discussion echoes sentiments from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) studies, where post-exertional fatigue plays a central role. Landmark research suggested graded exercise therapy provided some benefit but has faced scrutiny since, per critiques regarding the modified definitions of improvement throughout the trial period.

As outlined in subsequent analyses, the recovery rates reported in these trials have come under fire for failing to capture realistic improvements, reiterating the complexity and varying responses in exercise interventions for exercise-related fatigue.

As national health organizations pivot away from generally endorsing graded exercise therapy for CFS, acknowledging the necessity for tailored management strategies, experts argue a similar consideration is warranted for long COVID cases. Such insights advocate for a subtyping strategy in research, honing in on individual symptoms to gather nuanced perspectives on exercise impacts.

Assessing Risks and Benefits

Acknowledging that current guidelines do not endorse graded exercise therapy for long COVID, further inquiries into varied forms of exercise interventions remain essential. “Long COVID” encompasses a range of conditions, prompting the need to discern effective exercise practices for different patient profiles.

Factors like persistent viral presence in specific individuals or immune system overreactions post-COVID necessitate individualized investigation.

Mike Ormerod, a long COVID volunteer, stresses the importance of advocating for informed medical advice and managing the narrative surrounding exercise recommendations. “Most doctors encourage physical activity under the belief that it’s universally beneficial, yet this can lead to detrimental outcomes for those with specific fatigue profiles,” cautions Dalton.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Evolution of Vaccine Recommendations in the United States

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Nurse administering a flu shot

Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune/Getty Images

On June 26, the Advisory Committee on U.S. Vaccination Practices (ACIP) announced new recommendations regarding flu vaccinations that utilize controversial preservatives often misattributed to autism. While this change is unlikely to restrict access to vaccines, it reflects a broader U.S. governmental effort to uphold the integrity of the vaccination recommendation process.

What Changes Have Occurred with ACIP?

ACIP is an advisory body that provides expert recommendations to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccinations. Established in 1964, its members are appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, currently Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of ACIP, claiming it was necessary to eliminate conflicts of interest. “A complete overhaul is essential to restore public trust in vaccine science,” Kennedy stated in a press release.

This action faced pushback from many public health experts. “Prior to Kennedy’s actions, I had confidence in ACIP. Now, I have none,” remarked Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins University. “It’s reckless and dangerous to unilaterally dismantle an entire panel of experts,” added Tinatan, president of the American Infectious Diseases Association, in a statement.

Kennedy appointed eight new members, though one resigned before the inaugural meeting. Several of the new members have raised concerns regarding various vaccines. For instance, Robert Malone, a pioneer in mRNA vaccine technology, discussed on Joe Rogan’s Experience podcast in 2021 the potential links between Covid-19 vaccines and heart-related issues. A 2024 study found that while there was a lower heart attack and stroke rate post-vaccination among approximately 46 million adults, there was an increase in rare side effects such as myocarditis and pericarditis.

A CDC spokesperson stated, “Dr. Malone is a seasoned physician who advocates for rigorous, evidence-based evaluations rather than uncritical acceptance. He does not oppose vaccines based on flawed data or policies—noting the necessity for better information.”

Adalja expressed concerns that some new members lack significant expertise in vaccines, infectious diseases, and epidemiology, suggesting that trust in ACIP under Kennedy’s leadership is dwindling. “In reality, he effectively made ACIP an independent entity,” he stated.

What Changes Have Been Made to Vaccine Recommendations?

In May, Kennedy stated in a video on social media platform X that the CDC would halt Covid-19 vaccine recommendations for most children and pregnant individuals. This decision was taken without ACIP’s input, breaking longstanding precedent.

Subsequently, the CDC revised its Vaccination Guidelines for Children and Adolescents, indicating that decisions regarding Covid-19 vaccinations will be made in consultation with healthcare providers, based on personal preferences.

The new ACIP also voted to discontinue recommendations for flu vaccines containing Thimerosal, a preservative used in several vaccines, during its first meeting. Additionally, the panel advocated for seasonal flu vaccinations for all individuals older than six months.

What is Thimerosal? Is it Safe?

Thimerosal is a preservative used in various vaccines to prevent bacterial contamination and contains trace amounts of mercury, which the body metabolizes into a byproduct known as ethyl mercury.

Ethyl mercury is distinct from the more harmful methylmercury found in certain environmental sources, such as fish. Methylmercury is highly toxic and can accumulate in the body, while numerous studies have shown that low doses of ethyl mercury are safe. Additionally, it is typically cleared from the bloodstream within 30 days, even in infants.

Despite claims from anti-vaccine proponents, no studies have substantiated a link between thimerosal and autism. A 2014 survey of nearly 1.3 million children found no association between vaccines, including thimerosal-containing vaccines, and the development of autism.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a thorough review of thimerosal use in pediatric vaccines in 1999, identifying no side effects aside from minor allergic reactions at the injection site.

Which Vaccines Contain Thimerosal?

The utilization of thimerosal in vaccines has decreased as formulations have evolved, with a shift toward single-dose vials minimizing the risk of bacterial contamination.

Thimerosal is not included in routine childhood vaccinations except for certain flu shots, which are used infrequently. For instance, only 3% of children over the age of 65 and about 2% of adults received the flu vaccine containing thimerosal during the 2024-2025 influenza season.

How Will New U.S. Vaccine Policies Compare to Other Countries?

Other nations have continued to recommend thimerosal-containing vaccines. For instance, the UK removed thimerosal from routine vaccinations between 2003 and 2005 to mitigate mercury exposure but later found no evidence of harm. They employed several vaccinations, including those with thimerosal, during specific flu seasons targeting H1N1.

In 1999, the European Medicines Agency endorsed the use of vaccines without thimerosal even in light of no evidence of harm. In 2004, after new data re-affirmed the safety of preservatives, the agency noted that “the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh any exposure concerns, including thimerosal.” A further review of their guidelines in 2016 reaffirmed their relevance.

Can I Get the Vaccine for Myself or My Child?

Since most seasonal flu vaccinations do not contain thimerosal, it is unlikely that the ACIP’s recommendations will hinder vaccine access. Additionally, the CDC’s updated guidelines regarding Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnancies should not affect the availability of vaccines.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Is customized nutrition more effective than generic dietary recommendations?

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Even if you eat the same bread, everyone's metabolic reaction will be different.

Matthew Ashmore/Alamy

Consider two slices of bread. One is an artisanal sourdough boule and the other is an inexpensive mass-produced white bread. Which do you think is healthier?

The correct answer is “You won't know until you try.” Some people have unhealthy reactions to cheap foods, such as spikes in blood sugar levels. However, this is not the case for some people and their blood sugar levels spike after eating sourdough. Some people will see a spike in both, while others will not see much of a rise.

This article is part of a series on nutrition that delves into today's hottest trends. Click here for details.

The same goes for other foods and other nutrients, especially fats, which can dangerously spike in your bloodstream after eating. How our metabolisms react to food is highly specific, a shocking discovery that overturns decades of nutritional orthodoxy and explains what we should eat to stay healthy. It is hoped that this will finally answer the surprisingly vexing question of whether.

A rise in blood sugar and lipids after a meal is quite normal, but if they rise too quickly (called a spike) they can cause problems. Frequent spikes in glucose and a type of fat called triglycerides are associated with the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. For decades, nutrition researchers assumed that all humans responded roughly the same way to certain foods, leading to uniform increases in blood sugar and fat levels.

glycemic index

Under that premise, dietary advice was simple and uniform. Reduce your intake of foods that cause spikes. Unsurprisingly, most of them…

Source: www.newscientist.com