The speed and complexity of handwriting may serve as indicators of brain health, according to findings from recent research by a leading research institute.
This revelation emerged when scientists observed a group of older adults completing a variety of writing tasks with differing levels of difficulty.
In the most intricate task—writing from dictation—scientists found a significant correlation between handwriting speed and style and the presence of cognitive impairment.
“Writing transcends mere motor skill; it acts as a window into cognitive processes,” states Dr. Ana Rita Mathias, an Assistant Professor at the University of Évora, Portugal.
“Our research revealed that older adults with cognitive impairments exhibited distinct patterns in the timing and organization of their handwriting movements.”
Handwriting encompasses various cognitive functions, such as motor control, sensory interpretation—whether auditory or visual—and spatial organization on paper.
Given its cognitive demands, experts like Mathias propose that handwriting may serve as a valuable marker for age-related cognitive decline.
Handwriting may act as a crucial window into brain health, potentially enabling early detection of cognitive decline – Credit: Getty
“The timing and structure of handwriting strokes are closely tied to brain functions like action planning and execution, which depend on working memory and executive control,” added Mathias.
“As these cognitive abilities decline, handwriting tends to become slower, more fragmented, and less coordinated.”
The study included 58 care home residents aged between 62 and 92, with 38 participants diagnosed with some degree of cognitive impairment.
Participants performed two distinct tasks using a digital pen and tablet: a simple pen control task involving 20 seconds to draw ten horizontal lines or dots, which revealed minimal correlation with cognitive impairment due to their simplistic nature.
However, a noticeable difference emerged during tasks that required copying sentences and writing more complex sentences dictated to them.
In the analysis, three key factors stood out: the vertical size of the letters, the initiation of writing, and the time taken to complete the tasks.
“Dictation tasks are particularly intricate as they require simultaneous cognitive functions like listening, language processing, converting speech into text, and coordinating movements,” explained Mathias.
Additionally, the complexity of what participants were writing mattered. Mathias noted, “Long, unpredictable, or linguistically demanding sentences impose greater strain on cognitive resources.”
The research team aspires for these writing tasks to become a practical, economical, and non-invasive approach for detecting cognitive decline.
Nonetheless, further studies are necessary, especially long-term investigations involving larger, diverse populations, before implementation in clinical practice.
A significant ocean current system that plays a crucial role in regulating the climate across the Northern Hemisphere is projected to weaken more dramatically by the end of this century than previously anticipated, according to a new study published in Scientific Progress.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an extensive ocean current system transporting warm water north from the tropics, releasing heat into the atmosphere before descending and returning south.
“This system essentially forms a loop that transports heat from the equator to the North Atlantic,” stated Dr. Valentin Portman, the lead author of the study from France’s Bordeaux Southwest Research Center, during an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“Warm, salty water flows north, releasing heat, thickening, sinking, and then traveling south through deep ocean currents.”
Research indicates a projected 51% slowdown by 2100, a figure approximately 60% higher than average projections derived from conventional climate models, with significantly lower uncertainty.
The weakening of AMOC could lead to severe consequences. Sea levels along the northeastern U.S. coast are already rising faster than the global average, partially due to a weakening AMOC.
Globally, the tropical rain belt is expected to weaken and shift southward, jeopardizing the monsoons on which millions in West Africa and South Asia depend for agriculture.
In Europe, these changes could result in harsher, colder winters as the conveyor belt of warm water to the continent decelerates.
Worryingly, each additional weakening increases the system’s proximity to a tipping point where complete collapse becomes more probable, posing potentially catastrophic risks.
The AMOC extends across the Atlantic Ocean, forming a part of a vast network of ocean currents – Photo credit: Getty
Understanding a Complex System
Predicting the future of AMOC as the Earth warms is notoriously challenging due to the system’s vast complexity and influence from both local and global factors.
Previous forecasts about AMOC’s future varied significantly based on the employed climate prediction models. While most agree the system is weakening, the degree of potential collapse ranges from minimal to complete failure.
The new study identified two systematic errors prevalent in much of the prevailing modeling: underestimating salinity in the South Atlantic and overestimating coldness in the North Atlantic.
These biases cause models to underestimate how dense, saline water sinks and maintains current flow across the system.
By correcting these variables using a statistical approach called ridge-normalized linear regression, seldom applied in climate research, the expected weakening escalated to 51%, significantly lowering uncertainty surrounding the results.
“Typically, only one variable is used in studies, such as a singular observation of AMOC’s strength in the past,” Portman explained.
“This study aimed to incorporate more information by leveraging multiple variables simultaneously, which is vital due to AMOC’s complexity and dependence on various processes.”
The current strength of AMOC is already notably weak. Recent observations suggest a decline of 10% to 20% since the mid-2000s, equating to hundreds of millions of gallons of water no longer flowing north each second.
A 2025 study disclosed that the recent weakening of currents has contributed to nearly 50% of flooding along the northeastern U.S. coast since 2005.
However, attributing this decline to human-induced climate change rather than natural fluctuations remains a challenge. Experts state that it may take until 2033 (with 29 years of data) to confidently distinguish between the two.
Not a Complete Collapse—But It’s Worrisome
Results from this recent study are concerning, but researchers emphasize clarity regarding what they do and do not illustrate. In the 6th assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed confidence that AMOC would diminish throughout this century, albeit with “moderate confidence” that it would not collapse by 2100.
Yet, such assurances may offer little comfort given the extensive changes that collapse could entail, whether prior to or following this century’s conclusion.
For instance, a 2025 study in Geophysical Research Letters predicted that under such circumstances, temperatures in London could plummet to -20°C (-4°F) and -48°C (-54°F) in Oslo, despite global warming driven by greenhouse gases.
Moreover, a weakening AMOC risks crossing an unknown tipping point threshold. A study suggests that the AMOC may hold two stable “on” or “off” states, with reversals potentially taking thousands of years to rectify.
The exact location of this threshold remains uncertain. Extending existing models beyond the typical 2100 cutoff, a 2025 study in Environmental Research Letters indicated AMOC shutdowns could occur in 67% of high-emission scenarios and 30% under moderate conditions.
“We don’t definitively know where the threshold lies or if this situation truly applies,” Portman noted. “We can speculate that this decline, even more significant than predicted, may be approaching a tipping point.”
Critical Action Window
Portman’s team tested four distinct emissions scenarios. Three (ranging from moderate to very high) consistently yielded results of approximately 50% weakening, suggesting that many impacts of human-induced climate change could become irreversible beyond a certain threshold.
“We are introducing considerable heat into the ocean, which will persist for centuries,” Portman stated.
However, the most optimistic scenario, marked by robust and sustained emissions reductions, resulted in only about a 20% decline.
“There are two perspectives here. One is that it may be a bit too late, given significant CO2 emissions leading to long-term effects,” Portman explained.
“Conversely, if we dramatically lower CO2 emissions prior to hitting the tipping point, we can avert a serious decline.”
While Portman expresses confidence in his research’s projections for this important ocean system, he acknowledges that other significant processes may still need to be considered.
“This necessitates prudence regarding the findings,” he emphasized. “Substantial uncertainty remains in climate models concerning AMOC’s future. Addressing this issue is vital.”
Recent research indicates that beans are not only tasty but also beneficial for heart health, according to a comprehensive study conducted in England and Norway.
Researchers discovered that a higher consumption of legumes—including beans, peas, lentils—and soy foods like tofu, edamame, and miso is linked to a decreased risk of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, impacts approximately 1.4 billion adults worldwide. If not treated, it can lead to severe health issues, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes, particularly in individuals aged 30 to 79.
Notably, the research suggests that consuming just 170 grams (6 oz) of beans or about 70 grams (2.5 oz) of soy daily could significantly mitigate the risk of developing hypertension.
“These findings are crucial, as elevated blood pressure is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases,” stated the lead author, Dr. Dagfin Ohne, a researcher at Imperial College London and an associate professor at the University of Oslo. BBC Science Focus.
“Focusing on plant-based proteins like legumes and soy offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to lowering hypertension risk and the related diseases,” he added.
The research team analyzed data from 300,000 adults across 12 distinct studies to investigate the correlation between high blood pressure and legume or soy intake.
Among the included studies, five were from the United States, while others came from China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom, featuring participant sizes ranging from 1,000 to 90,000 individuals.
In this study, participants were categorized based on their legume and soybean consumption, and their risk of high blood pressure was assessed.
The findings revealed that higher intakes of soy and legumes correlated with a reduced risk of hypertension, with optimal consumption levels being 170g of legumes and 60-80g of soy daily. Individuals adhering to these intake levels were about 30% less likely to develop hypertension compared to those with no beans or soy in their diet.
Additionally, those in the high-intake group showed a 16% lower risk of hypertension for legumes and a 19% reduction for soybeans, compared to low-intake participants.
Legumes include beans, chickpeas, peas, and lentils, while soy products encompass tofu, soy milk, edamame, tempeh, and miso – Credit: Getty
“We hope to encourage individuals to include more legumes and soy in their diets,” Ohne expressed.
While the study is based on observational data, the correlation so compellingly suggests a causal relationship. Previous research indicates that legumes and soybeans contain heart-healthy nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, fiber, and isoflavones (antioxidants), which may collectively protect blood vessels.
Deforestation Driven by Cattle Ranching in the Amazon Rainforest
Credit: Paralaxis/Alamy
The ongoing destruction of the Amazon rainforest, primarily for cattle ranching, poses a significant threat to this vital ecosystem, increasing its vulnerability to irreversible collapse within decades if deforestation persists.
An alarming study from 2022 revealed that global warming surpassing 3.5 degrees Celsius—or even 2 degrees Celsius—could trigger widespread dieback across the Amazon. Current projections indicate the Earth may warm by approximately 2.6°C to 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. Notably, this study did not factor in deforestation, which has already resulted in at least a 15% loss of the Amazon.
Researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, including Nico Wandering, are analyzing scenarios for the Amazon’s future, considering the combined impacts of global warming and severe deforestation by 2050. Their findings suggest that if total forest loss reaches 22%, widespread dieback may occur even with just 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. Since the world has already warmed by approximately 1.3°C to 1.4°C, we could reach 1.5°C by the end of this decade.
While deforestation rates slowed last year, a resurgence could see the Amazon cross its critical tipping point as soon as 2031. The potential timing and scale of deforestation hinges on human carbon dioxide emissions; rates between 22% to 28% could transform 62% to 77% of the Amazon biome into grassland, savannah, or shrubland.
“We discovered that factoring in deforestation reduces the threshold for global warming by about 2 degrees,” says Wandering. “This is primarily because deforestation disrupts the crucial recycling of atmospheric moisture.”
The Amazon’s dense network of trees plays an essential role in maintaining regional moisture levels, with up to 50% of precipitation being recycled within the forests. However, deforestation hampers this process, which can result in a cascading loss of forest areas.
Despite the serious implications of these findings, they are grounded in high deforestation rates threatening currently protected areas. As pointed out by David Armstrong McKay, who contributed to the Tipping Point study at the University of Sussex, Brazil is projected to lose over 28,000 square kilometers of primary forest by 2024. However, projections suggest that by 2025, that figure will nearly halve. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has committed to ending deforestation in the Amazon by 2030; if successful, this could prevent crossing the tipping point even under continued global warming.
While completely halting all deforestation may seem optimistic, Armstrong-McKay notes that even continued deforestation is unlikely to match the worst-case scenarios outlined in current research.
Nonetheless, Brazil is still expected to lose around 0.5% of its primary forest by 2025. In recent years, wildfires have contributed to two-thirds of deforestation, often starting when farmers burn vegetation and then flee into adjacent forest areas.
Once rare, wildfires have become more commonplace as conditions in rainforests grow hotter and drier, a trend likely to worsen with expected El Niño conditions later this year. As a result, the study may be underestimating the Amazon’s vulnerability, according to Dominique Spracklen from the University of Leeds.
“We are observing increasingly large fires,” he states. “Transitioning into this new regime raises significant concerns.”
The Amazon has already transitioned from being a carbon sink to a carbon source; widespread dieback may release enough carbon to increase global temperatures by up to 0.2 degrees Celsius, alongside potentially devastating impacts on terrestrial biodiversity.
“It’s imperative that we divert away from this threshold rather than inch closer to it,” urges Spracklen.
Scanning Electron Micrograph of Bacteria on Human Tongue
Credit: Science Photo Library/Alamy
Our dietary habits significantly impact our health, and the microorganisms residing in our mouths are equally crucial. A groundbreaking study investigating the relationship between the oral microbiome and metabolic health indicates that these findings could eventually help identify risks for obesity, prediabetes, and fatty liver disease.
“This represents one of the most ambitious efforts to correlate the oral microbiome with metabolic health across various organ systems,” noted Lindsay Edwards from King’s College London, who was not involved in the research.
The oral microbiome, the second largest microbial ecosystem in the body after the gut, has been linked to various health conditions. Previous research mainly focused on limited participants or single conditions, utilizing 16S ribosomal RNA profiling. While this method identifies broad microbial groups, it cannot specify bacterial strains or the genes they may carry.
In contrast, Imran Razak and his colleagues at the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence analyzed oral swabs from 9,431 participants using whole metagenomic sequencing, allowing for a comprehensive examination of all microbial DNA present. They paired this microbiome data with liver ultrasound scans, continuous blood glucose monitoring, and body composition analysis to create a robust statistical atlas. This atlas relates specific oral bacteria and their genes to 44 metabolic traits, such as liver fat, blood sugar fluctuations, and visceral fat, all relevant to conditions like high blood pressure, prediabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
Many bacteria identified in this study have appeared in previous research. For instance, in early 2023, Ashish Jha from New York University Abu Dhabi reported that Streptococcus parasanguinis and Oribacterium sinus were more prevalent in obese individuals. Razak’s study corroborates these findings, linking these bacteria to increased BMI and body fat.
Additionally, new research has provided insights into microbial functions that may influence disease processes. For example, polyamine biosynthesis, associated with worse liver health and blood sugar control, as well as microbial pathways related to ceramide breakdown (lipids known to contribute to insulin resistance), were linked to adverse glycemic control.
Although the study does not definitively state that these bacteria cause health issues, Razak emphasizes that “bacteria serve as reliable indicators for future mechanistic studies.” The researchers hypothesize that the oral microbiome might not merely be a passive marker but may actively influence metabolic diseases.
Jha discusses potential pathways through which oral microbes might affect metabolic health, including the translocation of bacterial products into the bloodstream through inflamed gums, which can cause further inflammation. Oral microbes can also alter gut microbiota ecology and secrete chemicals that impact processes like blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health.
Overall, the prevailing hypothesis suggests that it is not individual oral bacteria that lead to obesity or metabolic disorders, but rather “dysbiosis” of the oral microbiome, contributing to chronic inflammation and metabolic burdens through repeated microbial exposure, oral-gut transit, immune activation, and microbial metabolite production, as noted by Jha.
A puzzling aspect of this research is understanding why some individuals harbor potentially harmful microorganisms. Razak suggests that factors such as gum health, age, gender, smoking, and diet may all play a role. Notably, many associations persisted even when considering common oral health issues like periodontal disease.
Future studies that confirm these findings could enable the use of microbial signatures in the oral cavity as metrics for assessing metabolic risk. The prospect of a simple oral swab offering early warnings for conditions like fatty liver disease and blood sugar imbalances is particularly compelling, especially given the rising prevalence of metabolic disorders and the urgent need for non-invasive diagnostic tools, as highlighted by Edwards.
Adjusting the balance of these microorganisms may eventually become a viable therapeutic approach, Razak suggests.
While further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these associations and validate them across diverse populations, this study marks a significant advancement in microbiome research at a population level. It reinforces the growing recognition that the oral cavity is not only a reflection of oral health but may also act as a sentinel of systemic physiology, according to Edwards.
NASA, ESA, IPAC/California Institute of Technology, STScI, Arizona State University
New evidence suggests that the assumptions physicists have held about our universe for over a century might soon be challenged. This emerging research indicates that our universe is far more clumpy than previously believed, potentially unraveling some of today’s most perplexing cosmological mysteries.
In cosmological modeling, simplifications are often made due to the inability to account for all galaxies. Generally, cosmologists assume that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic at large scales, meaning it appears largely uniform in all directions.
This prevailing view is referenced as the FLRW model, named after Alexander Friedmann, Georges Lemaître, Howard Robertson, and Arthur Jeffrey Walker, who developed these ideas in the 1920s. Most cosmological observations rely on this model, but new evidence emerging in three preprint papers could indicate a fundamental flaw.
The first paper, authored by Timothy Clifton from Queen Mary University of London and Asta Heinessen from the University of Copenhagen, presents a novel method to assess the accuracy of FLRW models in describing our universe. You can view it here: A new way to determine whether FLRW models can accurately describe our universe.
This analysis utilizes various formulas for cosmic distances inferred from supernova observations and the density variations of matter. If the FLRW model holds true, certain outcomes should equal zero; hence, a nonzero result may indicate the necessity for a new model. Prior tests have been proposed, but none have definitively signaled flaws in the FLRW framework.
In subsequent papers, linked as second and third, Heinessen and Sophie Marie Cockvin from the University of Southern Denmark undertook this distance measurement challenge using available cosmological data.
Successfully navigating this challenge, the duo employed AI-driven symbolic regression techniques to derive formulas fitting existing distance measurements without relying on the FLRW model, which previous analyses had done. Their results were striking, demonstrating non-zero findings that suggest the FLRW model may be flawed.
“We were surprised by this result, as it challenges much of the established understanding,” Heinesen comments.
“These findings imply a level of complexity in the universe that wasn’t previously recognized,” Clifton expresses. He regards this as a potential first indication that the FLRW model is inadequate, “opening new avenues for exploration and enlightenment.”
Although these findings are promising, they have not yet met the rigorous statistical thresholds required by cosmologists for confirmation. The team will await additional astronomical data that will materialize over the coming years.
However, this development could lead to significant implications for cosmology. The field has wrestled with the puzzling discrepancies surrounding the universe’s expansion rate, as well as the inconsistency between its earlier formation and current behavior. Recent observations have also suggested that dark energy may be evolving.
Clifton proposes that these core enigmas in cosmology could be elucidated by a universe lacking homogeneity. Such averages in measurements may not hold steady over time, he explains.
Subodh Patil from Leiden University notes the importance of cautious interpretation of the data but appreciates the overall approach. “My initial impression is commendable; they are asking the crucial questions,” Patil states.
The overlooked advantages of tooth brushing in hospitals
Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
Brushing your teeth while receiving hospital treatment can significantly decrease your risk of developing pneumonia.
Despite its benefits, many patients in hospitals neglect to brush their teeth. Reasons may vary, including forgetting a toothbrush, lack of motivation, or physical limitations. Additionally, healthcare providers often fail to prioritize routine oral hygiene for patients.
The largest randomized controlled trial in this area revealed that patients who received toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational materials on dental care were 60% less likely to acquire pneumonia during their hospital stay, according to Brett Mitchell from Avondale University, Australia.
“This underscores the necessity of discussing pneumonia risks and the critical role of oral care and tooth brushing during hospitalization,” he states.
Pneumonia, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, often arises due to medical devices disrupting normal respiratory functions. However, many hospitalized patients not on ventilators also develop pneumonia 48 hours post-admission. Ongoing research aims to uncover why this occurs and how to prevent it. Nosocomial pneumonia is notably linked to increased length of hospital stays, higher costs, and elevated mortality rates, as mentioned in this study.
“This is a crucial inquiry,” says Michael Klompas from Harvard University, who was not affiliated with the study. “Nosocomial pneumonia is among the most prevalent and lethal hospital-acquired infections, yet we lack concrete data on effective preventative strategies.”
Mitchell hypothesized a connection between the disease and oral bacteria. The oral microbiome can influence respiratory health as bacteria-laden droplets may be inhaled into the lungs. When hospitalized, a patient’s oral microbiome can shift, highlighting a pressing need for intervention, he explains.
Consequently, he and his team initiated a year-long randomized controlled trial involving 8,870 patients across three Australian hospitals to assess the impact of oral care on pneumonia risk. Mitchell presented the findings from this segment of the Nosocomial Pneumonia Prevention (‘HAPPEN’) study at the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Global) conference in Munich, Germany.
In the study, each hospital divided participants into three groups, with no interventions in the first three months. After this period, one group received toothbrushes and toothpaste featuring motivational messages like “Brushing your teeth helps prevent pneumonia” and “Blow away pneumonia!” These brushes were designed with special handles for ease of use. Patients were also given QR codes linking to educational resources on the HAPPEN website.
After six months, a second group received brushes, followed by the third group after nine months, allowing all participants to practice tooth brushing for the study’s last three months.
To support medical staff, the research team provided oral care training for ward nurses and linked professional advice on their website. They encouraged nurses to remind patients about oral care and assist those who struggled with brushing.
During the non-intervention phase, only 15.9% of patients brushed their teeth daily. However, during the intervention phase, 61.5% of patients engaged in daily oral care, averaging 1.5 brushes per day. Web analytics showed that both patients and nurses frequently accessed information on the HAPPEN portal during this period, noted Mitchell.
Simultaneously, the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia unrelated to ventilators saw a significant decline, dropping from 1 case per 100 hospital days in the control group to 0.41 cases in the intervention group.
“This study is groundbreaking,” Klompas remarks, emphasizing the substantial sample size and randomized methodology. “Brushing your teeth while hospitalized not only promotes oral health but can also save lives.”
Piry Sipila from the University of Helsinki appreciates the profound risk reduction achieved through such simple interventions. “Patients were essentially provided with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and basic advice,” he observes. Nonetheless, outcomes may differ based on hospitalization reasons and patients’ usual oral hygiene practices.
Recent research indicates that individuals with high vitamin D levels in their late 30s experienced a notable decrease in a critical Alzheimer’s disease protein in their brains 16 years later, as highlighted in the study.
Results from this neurology open access survey suggest that continuing vitamin D supplementation during midlife may serve as an effective strategy to lower dementia risk.
This correlation is attributed to elevated blood levels of vitamin D being linked to reduced levels of tau protein in the brain, a recognized biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the first author, Dr. Martin Mulligan, professor at Galway University, “Previous studies indicate that vitamin D may help by reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidant defenses and cell signaling, potentially preventing tau protein accumulation.” This insight was shared with BBC Science Focus.
Importantly, no association was observed with amyloid plaques, another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers suggest that this may reflect the earlier accumulation of tau compared to amyloid, making it more detectable in younger individuals.
Vitamin D synthesis occurs in the body upon sun exposure and can also be sourced from foods like oily fish and eggs.
In the study, nearly 800 participants without dementia, averaging 39 years of age, had their vitamin D levels tested initially, followed by PET brain scans conducted an average of 16 years later.
The robust association between higher vitamin D levels and lower tau levels persisted after accounting for variables such as age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression.
Vitamin D is produced during summer; in winter, dietary sources and supplements are essential – Photo credit: Getty.
Dr. Mulligan noted that approximately one-third of participants had low vitamin D levels, consistent with global trends.
This study is observational and does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Vitamin D was measured only once within a predominantly white cohort, limiting the findings’ generalizability.
Dr. Mulligan emphasized the necessity for further validation in diverse cohorts before revising clinical guidelines.
“This hypothesis requires additional testing through clinical trials, and based on these results alone, we cannot formally recommend discontinuing supplements as a preventive measure for dementia,” he stated.
Easily Installed Plug-in Solar Panels for Your Balcony
Image Credit: imageBROKER.com / Alamy Stock Photo
The global growth of solar energy generation is remarkable. In just 15 years, the costs associated with solar power installations have plummeted by 90%, now comprising over 90% of the costs for setting up solar systems. This surge now represents around 80% of the world’s new power capacity each year. As oil and gas prices surged due to conflicts in the Middle East, solar power emerged as a logical alternative for numerous countries.
In the UK, instead of sticking to the old methods, the government plans to legalize a previously banned form of solar energy generation. “This will be available within months.” Through local shops and supermarkets.
These plug-in solar systems are user-friendly: bring the panel home, place it in a sunny location, and simply plug it in. There’s no installation cost and you can immediately start generating solar energy for your home. If you relocate, just take the panels with you, making solar energy increasingly affordable and accessible.
Many nations have already adopted plug-in solar technology with high expectations for its global impact. However, critical questions remain: Will it actually reduce energy costs? How affordable is it? Is it safe?
Plug-in solar is a more straightforward solution. With smaller kits, you can acquire an 800-watt system for roughly £400, which could supply about 20% of the average UK household’s energy needs. Installation is quick and easy—you attach the panels to a balcony railing or garage roof and plug it into an outlet to start generating energy.
While excess energy returns to the grid, without professional installation, you won’t earn from it. As noted by Mark Golding, a British solar panel installer at Spirit Energy, “essentially that energy just benefits the neighbor.”
Plug-in solar technology has already made inroads outside the UK, with over 1 million systems installed in countries like Germany , where as of July last year, it had a total capacity of 1.6 to 2.4 gigawatts—enough to boil 500,000 kettles all at once.
Germany is currently the only country effectively tracking plug-in solar systems, making statistical information scarce. However, estimates suggest up to 5 million kits are in use across Europe . Though small in the overall energy mix, these systems can lower individual energy bills and cumulatively boost renewable energy output countrywide.
Jan Rosenau , a researcher from Oxford University, believes adoption rates could increase if governments continue to allow personal installations. He asserts, “Though each system is small, their collective impact on distributed generation and public involvement in the energy transition is significant.”
Currently, many plug-in panels remain illegal in the U.S., but Utah has become the first state to legalize their use. Numerous other states are following suit. A similar bill is underway. According to Cola Stryker from BrightSaver, a U.S. solar non-profit, individuals outside Utah face excessive bureaucratic hurdles to install a few panels compared to those developing large-scale solar farms, marking a dubious situation.
Stryker anticipates that plug-in solar could alleviate financial stress, contribute to climate change mitigation, and pave the way for significantly wider adoption of renewable electricity across the U.S. “This could mark a critical turning point, allowing the benefits of renewable energy costs to be accessible to consumers,” she predicts. BrightSaver estimates that by 2035, 24 million U.S. households could utilize plug-in solar solutions.
Is Plug-in Solar Safe?
Despite its widespread use, safety experts express concerns over plug-in solar kits. Mark Coles from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) suggests that consumers check their home’s wiring before purchasing a system. Moreover, several areas of concern have been noted.
One issue is the potential ineffectiveness of residual current devices (RCDs). RCDs, which help prevent electric shocks and short circuits, may not be equipped for split current flows. In the U.S., there are similar concerns. Germany’s rapid advancements were aided by the standardization of two-way RCDs in the 1980s.
Another concern raised by the IET is related to systems that operate multiple kits during a power outage. Plug-in setups should ideally shut down; however, if they continue generating energy, this may confuse devices into thinking that grid power is still available, posing risks for electrical workers during repairs due to potential electrocution.
“This places maintenance personnel at risk,” Coles comments. “This contradicts the ‘just buy and plug in’ idea, but the reality is that public safety risks are present.”
While Coles acknowledges the advantages of plug-in solar, he emphasizes the necessity for manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their products in unusual circumstances.
New Scientist reported that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero maintains that their testing shows plug-in solar systems can be safely used with domestic circuits within the UK. All products must align with UK product safety regulations, and an independent review is underway to determine further guidelines before sales commence.
Stryker asserts that the greatest risk lies in the decision to do nothing amid the escalating effects of climate change and rising energy costs affecting many households. She believes public adoption of this technology will occur regardless of formal approval, stressing that the priority should be ensuring public safety. “Solar energy is the most affordable energy available globally, and it’s the cheapest energy ever produced by humanity,” she concludes.
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A decommissioned NASA satellite, **Van Allen Spacecraft A**, launched 14 years ago to study Earth’s radiation belts, is set to crash into Earth on Tuesday.
Weighing in at 1,323 pounds, the spacecraft is predicted to enter the atmosphere around 7:45 p.m. EDT, according to U.S. Space Force forecasts. This will be an uncontrolled re-entry, which means NASA cannot steer the spacecraft; however, they anticipate that most of the satellite will incinerate during its fiery descent through the atmosphere.
As NASA stated, “some components are expected to survive reentry.”
“The risk of harm to anyone on Earth is low, approximately 1 in 4,200,” according to NASA. “NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the reentry.” For the latest updates, visit this forecast.
Deactivated satellites, spent rocket stages, and space debris re-enter Earth’s atmosphere regularly. In fact, such objects make uncontrolled descents nearly every day, as reported by the European Space Agency.
Typically, hardware burns up harmlessly upon re-entry, but some parts may survive. Fortunately, with oceans covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, the chances of space debris landing on populated areas are minimal.
Accurately predicting the time and location of an uncontrolled spacecraft’s re-entry is challenging due to various factors, including atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and the spacecraft’s descent trajectory. The Space Force projects a re-entry window for Van Allen A with a margin of error of plus or minus 24 hours.
Van Allen Spacecraft A was launched on August 30, 2012, alongside its twin, Van Allen Spacecraft B. Both probes were designed to investigate a ring of high-energy radiation particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, known as the Van Allen radiation belts.
Three donut-shaped radiation belts around Earth. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
The Van Allen belts are crucial for protecting Earth from solar storms, cosmic radiation, and charged particles from the solar wind. Without these belts, satellites could be damaged, human health could be jeopardized, and power grids on Earth could face disruptions. However, astronauts must navigate through the Van Allen belts to reach space, exposing them to potentially harmful radiation.
NASA’s Van Allen Probes A and B were instrumental in advancing our understanding of these radiation belts. The mission led to numerous discoveries about the radiation belts, including the identification of a temporary third radiation belt formed during intense solar activity.
These twin spacecraft continued their mission until 2019 when they exhausted their fuel. NASA subsequently concluded the mission, leaving the probes in orbit.
Initially, NASA projected that the spacecraft would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2034. However, increased solar activity has recently intensified atmospheric drag on both probes, accelerating their descent. As solar activity rises, denser atmospheric layers can slow down satellites, complicating their orbits.
Van Allen Spacecraft B is anticipated to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by 2030.
These re-entries shed light on the growing issue of space debris, especially as the frequency of launches rises. Tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of tiny orbital debris, clutter low-Earth orbit, the zone where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate.
Debris fragments can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, posing safety risks to functioning spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Unlocking Genetic Data: The Risks of Polygenic Risk Scores
Genetic data can be analyzed to estimate the risk of developing specific health conditions. Science Photo Library / Alamy
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) summarize an individual’s likelihood of developing particular health conditions, revealing insights into a person’s DNA through advanced mathematical methods. These scores could potentially be leveraged by health insurance companies to reconstruct genetic data from summary genomic reports, uncovering health risks that patients might not disclose. Furthermore, individuals sharing their scores anonymously could be identified by extracting genetic data and querying public genealogy databases.
Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores
Polygenic risk scores measure the impact of variations in tens to thousands of specific letters in the genome, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Researchers and DNA testing companies like 23andMe use these scores to summarize potential health risks, which may also be made public by individuals seeking advice on score interpretation.
Solve a polygenic risk score is akin to deducing a phone number, only knowing that the digits sum up to a specific number, illustrating a mathematical challenge known as the knapsack problem. This complexity makes PRS considered to have a low privacy risk.
However, each SNP value in the score is multiplied by a highly precise weight—up to 16 orders of magnitude—reflecting its contribution to overall disease risk. This makes even low-risk models vulnerable to data attacks.
Research Findings on Genetic Risk Scores
According to Gamze Gyursoy at Columbia University, “The final polygenic risk score can be estimated with a high degree of accuracy because it is constrained by the finite methodology used to reach that figure and the statistically probable arrangement of the underlying SNPs.” Gyursoy, alongside Kiril Nikitin, also from Columbia, conducted experiments using 298 polygenic risk models based on data from 2,353 individuals. They worked backwards to calculate all possible genomes that could generate each score while excluding those with numerous rare mutations.
As a result, they were able to reconstruct donor genotypes with an impressive 94.6% accuracy and accurately predicted 2,450 SNPs per person. Testing revealed that just 27 SNPs were sufficient to identify an individual from a pool of 500,000 samples, with up to 90% accuracy in predicting family relationships. Interestingly, individuals of African and East Asian descent were easier to identify, largely due to underrepresentation in available genetic databases.
Mitigating Risks and Ethical Considerations
Gyursoy highlights that 447 small, high-precision models in the public database of polygenic scores are susceptible to such attacks. “I wanted to emphasize that the risk is low; however, [certain conditions] still present the potential for data leakage, which must be considered in study planning, especially when involving vulnerable populations,” Gyursoy states.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital believe existing data protection methods and computational barriers limit the potential misuse of polygenic risk scores. “These findings serve as a crucial reminder that small models should be treated as sensitive data in clinical reporting and informed consent discussions,” they add.
Unforeseen vaccine side effects: Staying sharp is a bonus!
Joseph Polc / Alamy
Recent studies indicate that chronic inflammation in various body areas could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. While it may take time to fully understand these connections, it’s evident that persistent inflammation has adverse effects and that reducing it can provide numerous health benefits.
Inflammation is the body’s response when immune activity exceeds normal levels, such as when a wound becomes infected. While short-term inflammation is beneficial, prolonged inflammation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
To combat long-term inflammation and enhance both physical and mental health, consider the following tips:
1. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines, including those for shingles, tuberculosis, and influenza, have demonstrated a reduced risk of dementia. For instance, individuals who received the Shingrix vaccine experienced a 17% lower chance of developing dementia compared to those who had the older Zostavax vaccine, which also lowers dementia risk. Though the exact mechanism remains unclear, vaccines likely reduce inflammation.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Gum disease is another inflammatory condition linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Bleeding gums can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which is why good dental hygiene is essential for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining overall health.
3. Embrace a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, beans, nuts, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, while minimizing inflammatory foods like red and processed meats. This dietary approach not only helps in reducing inflammation but is also associated with longevity and overall wellness.
4. Exercise Regularly
Sedentary lifestyles contribute to increased inflammation. Numerous studies suggest that regular exercise diminishes inflammation. Whether it’s vigorous workouts or gentler activities like yoga, incorporating movement into your routine can provide significant health benefits.
5. Achieve a Healthy Weight
Although the connection is still being explored, obesity is often linked to ongoing inflammation. It raises an interesting question: Could medications like GLP-1, often used for weight loss, reduce Alzheimer’s risk? Current evidence shows that those using GLP-1 medications may experience lower dementia risk, but results for those without diabetes are still unclear.
6. Cultivate Happiness
While occasional stress is normal, chronic stress can lead to inflammation. Striving for happiness and emotional balance can help mitigate inflammation and improve overall mental well-being.
The gut and oral microbiomes play a crucial role in determining the severity of reactions in individuals with peanut allergies. This may clarify why reactions can vary greatly in intensity among allergic individuals.
According to Rodrigo Jimenez Sais from the Autonomous University of Madrid, “The central question is why some individuals experience more severe allergic reactions than others.”
A peanut allergy arises when the immune system incorrectly identifies proteins from peanuts as harmful, leading to an excessive production of specific antibodies. This immune response can result in symptoms like itching, swelling, and nausea, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition characterized by breathing difficulties.
Since various microbiomes significantly influence our immune systems, Jiménez-Saiz and his team hypothesized that body microorganisms could affect allergy severity.
To test this, they administered peanuts to three groups of non-allergic mice: germ-free mice without a microbiome, mice with a minimally diverse microbiome, and mice with a rich, healthy microbiome.
After 40 minutes, researchers discovered that two proteins, Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, crucial for peanut allergies, were present at elevated levels in the germ-free and minimally diverse microbiome mice compared to those with a diverse microbiome.
Additionally, the mice with a diverse microbiome harbored abundant levels of a beneficial bacteria called Lotia, especially the Lotia R3 strain, which aids in digesting peanuts in the intestines.
To explore whether Lotia R3 could mitigate anaphylaxis risk, the researchers induced severe peanut allergies in another group of mice with minimal microbiome diversity.
They then introduced Lotia R3 and injected peanut paste into all subjects’ intestines. After 40 minutes, while all mice experienced anaphylaxis, those treated with Lotia R3 had an average body temperature drop of just 2%, compared to 3.5% in untreated mice—a notable difference, given that severe drops in temperature can lead to hypothermia and organ failure.
Moreover, levels of MMCP-1, an immune molecule that surges during anaphylaxis, were significantly lower in the blood of mice treated with Lotia R3. According to Mohamed Shamji from Imperial College London, “The findings are compelling. If similar immune responses occur in humans, we could anticipate a decrease in anaphylactic severity.”
In a complementary study involving 19 individuals with peanut allergies, researchers noted that those with higher peanut tolerance exhibited significantly higher levels of Lotia and considerably fewer bacteria in their saliva than those suffering from severe allergies. This indicates that the presence of these bacteria—both in the gut and oral cavity—may impact an individual’s anaphylaxis risk.
Lotia probiotics hold promise for reducing the severity of anaphylaxis during peanut allergies, according to Shamji. “There’s a significant need for such interventions,” he remarks, especially considering they could alleviate fears of accidental peanut exposure and minimize side effects during oral immunotherapy, which involves gradually introducing allergens to desensitize patients.
The research team aspires to eventually conduct a clinical trial, administering either Lotia probiotics or a placebo to participants with peanut allergies prior to their exposure to low doses of peanuts, as explained by Jimenez-Saiz.
Understanding the Link Between Air Pollution and Dementia
Air pollution is commonly linked to respiratory illnesses, but recent studies suggest a troubling connection to another serious health concern: dementia.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology indicates that increased exposure to fine particulate matter may exacerbate neurological changes associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers stress that further investigation is essential, yet evidence of this correlation is compelling.
A meta-analysis published in July 2025 by The Lancet Planetary Health reviewed data from over 29 million individuals across multiple countries from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The findings highlighted the detrimental effects of PM2.5 (particulate matter), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot on cognitive health.
The study concluded that “the diagnosis of dementia is significantly linked to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter pollution.”
This ongoing research has identified a growing body of evidence, building on earlier publications. For instance, a 2017 study in The Lancet established a connection between living near major roads and elevated dementia rates, as discussed in this landmark research.
But what specific problems does air pollution cause, and how can we address them?
Most air pollution originates from burning fossil fuels, alongside natural sources like sandstorms. – Photo credit: Getty Images
The Role of Particulate Matter in Health
Air pollution manifests in various forms, with particulate matter (PM) being a prominent type. This term encompasses microscopic particles suspended in the air, including dust, smoke, and liquid droplets that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Particulate matter is categorized by size, ranging from fine (PM0.1) to coarse particles (PM10).
Notably, PM2.5 is exceptionally small, measuring less than 1/30th the width of a human hair. Its minute size allows it to remain airborne for extended periods, making it easily inhalable.
According to Dr. Holly Elser, an epidemiologist and co-author of the recent JAMA Neurology study, “[PM2.5 pollution] is linked to numerous health outcomes.” These outcomes range from asthma and lung cancer to heart disease and, increasingly, dementia.
The complexities surrounding PM2.5 arise from its myriad sources. “While traffic is a significant contributor, it is not the sole source,” says Dr. Hanen Kreis from the University of Cambridge, who studies urban mobility’s health impacts.
Additional sources of PM2.5 include power plants, factories, construction sites, wildfires, and biomass burning, as well as natural occurrences like sandstorms.
The toxicity of PM2.5 particles varies depending on their origin. Understanding their chemical composition is vital for addressing their health impacts.
Researchers have identified two principal pathways for PM2.5 to infiltrate the central nervous system: “through the olfactory nerve (via the nose) or through the bloodstream by crossing the blood-brain barrier.”
How PM2.5 Affects Brain Health
Due to PM2.5’s diminutive size, it can penetrate deep into the lungs, facilitating its entry into the bloodstream and ultimately reaching the brain. There, it can induce inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal and vascular damage over time, according to Dr. Kreis.
Other hypotheses exist regarding pollution’s influence on cognition. For instance, pollutants may travel through the olfactory pathway to the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, leading to the accumulation of harmful amyloid and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Research has also indicated that PM2.5 can restrict cerebral blood flow, cause microvascular damage, and heighten the risk of vascular dementia.
Color MRI scan of the brain of a 68-year-old Alzheimer’s patient – Photo credit: Science Photo Library
Air pollution levels are notably higher near busy roads, but research shows that its concentration diminishes significantly with distance from traffic.
A 2017 study published in The Lancet analyzed data from over 6 million residents in Ontario, revealing that individuals living within 50 meters (165 feet) of a major road face a 7 to 12% increased risk of dementia compared to those residing over 200 meters (approximately 650 feet) away.
Moreover, the overall burden of PM2.5 is directly associated with dementia risk. Dr. Kreis notes that each 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 correlates with a 17% increase in dementia risk.
For perspective, the average PM2.5 level around central London’s roads in 2023 was 10μg/m3.
For nitrogen dioxide (NO2), another pollutant primarily released from fossil fuel combustion, every 10μg/m3 increases the relative risk of dementia by 3%. In 2023, the average roadside NO2 level in central London was 33 μg/m3.
Ultimately, fossil fuel combustion represents the largest contributor to air pollution, particularly PM2.5.
Mitigating Exposure to Air Pollution
If you reside or work near a busy road, it may be challenging to significantly lower your air pollution exposure. Yet, given that many individuals live in metropolitan areas, addressing this issue must be a priority. Dr. Kreis advocates for “targeted policy measures and a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy” as essential solutions.
Nevertheless, it’s beneficial to be informed about air quality variations (which often worsen on warm afternoons but improve following rain).
On days when the air quality index exceeds 100, indicated as “unhealthy to breathe,” minimizing outdoor activities is advisable. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a fit-tested N95 or KN95 mask can help protect against PM2.5 exposure.
For those indoors on poor air quality days, utilizing an air purifier or fan can enhance indoor conditions. Good-quality models can be obtained for around £100, making them a cost-effective solution.
Additionally, when navigating urban environments, consider opting for less trafficked routes with more greenery, as Dr. Kreis does when biking. Fewer vehicular emissions mean lower pollution levels, and vegetation can significantly absorb air pollutants; research suggests that substantial plant coverage can reduce pollution concentrations by as much as 50%.
PM2.5 concentrations are notably elevated on the London and New York subway systems. Some research indicates that levels in certain London Underground stations can be up to 18 times greater than street level, prompting medical professionals to recommend masks in these environments.
During traffic jams, close your car windows and turn off your engine to minimize exposure. At home, ensure proper ventilation while cooking.
Awareness is a crucial first step. As Dr. Elser emphasizes, it’s important to acknowledge that while air pollution is a risk factor for dementia, it is just one of many.
At high altitudes, red blood cells act like “glucose sponges,” potentially aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels. A recent study highlights this fascinating discovery, with researchers aiming to develop innovative treatments for diabetes. They’ve even created a drug that replicates these effects in mice.
Research indicates that individuals living at high elevations, where oxygen is scarce, experience lower incidences of diabetes. In the United States, residents at altitudes of 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) are 12% less likely to develop diabetes compared to those living below 500 meters (1,640 feet).
The exact reasons for this phenomenon remain somewhat elusive, but a new publication in Cell Metabolism hints that red blood cells might be key, as our bodies produce an increased number of these cells under low oxygen levels.
To test this theory, researchers placed mice in a hypoxic environment, effectively lowering their blood oxygen levels. They observed that glucose from the blood was being absorbed by the red blood cells, which were now oxygen-deprived.
Red blood cells have often been overlooked because of their simplicity. In low oxygen conditions, bone marrow produces distinct types of red blood cells. – Credit: Getty
These red blood cells converted glucose into molecules that can release oxygen more readily.
Dr. Yolanda Martí Mateos, a postdoctoral fellow at the Gladstone Institute and lead author of the study, explained, “This enables red blood cells to effectively release the limited oxygen they carry to our tissues, essential for survival during hypoxia.” BBC Science Focus.
According to Dr. Martí Mateos, “Red blood cells produced in hypoxic conditions are unique and contain more glucose transporters than their normal counterparts.”
The research team aspires to use their findings as a “proof of concept” to inspire new approaches to diabetes treatment.
“We’re excited about a small molecule from our lab called HypoxyStat, which simulates the effects of hypoxia without reducing the oxygen we inhale,” Dr. Isha Jain, also from the Gladstone Institute, shared with BBC Science Focus.
In mice, the drug effectively reversed high blood sugar levels, demonstrating effectiveness far superior to existing treatments.
“There’s much work ahead before this reaches patients, but the biological insights are promising,” Jain noted.
Cognitive ‘speed training’ can reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis by 25%, according to a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial. This study is the first of its kind to assess the effectiveness of an intervention for dementia.
“Skepticism surrounded brain training interventions for years, but this study provides clear evidence of their benefits,” says Marilyn Albert from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The brain training sector has faced controversy, especially after companies overstated claims about cognitive decline prevention. In 2014, around 70 scientists signed an open letter stating no conclusive evidence existed that brain training leads to significant real-world changes or enhances brain health, echoing sentiments later supported by another letter signed by over 100 scientists.
Now, a comprehensive 20-year study with 2,832 participants aged 65 and older indicates that specific cognitive exercises may yield tangible benefits.
Participants were divided into three intervention groups and a control group. One group underwent speed training with a computer task called “Double Decision,” where cars and road signs briefly appeared, challenging participants to recall details after they disappeared. This adaptive task increases in complexity as users improve.
The other two groups focused on memory and reasoning training aimed at enhancing cognitive skills.
Each group completed two sessions per week for five weeks, with about half receiving booster sessions and additional training at one-year and three-year intervals.
After twenty years, evaluations of U.S. Medicare claims revealed that participants who completed speed training with booster sessions had a 25% lower risk of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or related dementias than those in the control group. Other groups without boosters showed negligible changes in risk, which Albert describes as “truly amazing.”
“The study’s rigorous methodology is commendable,” notes Torkel Klingberg from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm. “The impressive 20-year follow-up and the significant reduction in dementia risk are crucial findings.”
However, Walter Boot from Weill Cornell Medical College cautions that measuring numerous outcomes over two decades can lead to coincidental findings. “While the results may suggest significance, they should be interpreted cautiously,” he adds.
Double Decision: A Cognitive Training Program
BrainHQ
The mechanism behind the effectiveness of speed training is still being explored. One theory suggests it relies on implicit learning, which can entail long-lasting changes without conscious effort, according to Albert.
Etienne de Villers Sidani from McGill University explains that brief, intense experiences can lead to significant, enduring changes in the brain—much like how a traumatic event can instill lasting fears.
This training may enhance the brain’s cognitive reserve, a potential buffer against cognitive decline. Albert notes that enhanced brain connectivity could improve attention division, facilitating daily activities and fostering physical activity and social engagement—key factors for sustained brain health.
The authors propose that results from the booster sessions suggest a dose-dependent effect of speed training. Bobby Stoyanowski from the Ontario Institute of Technology emphasizes the need for future research into optimal training levels: “What is the right amount of training to maximize benefits?”
In summary, Andrew Budson from Boston University advises against isolating oneself to play speed training games endlessly. Instead, engaging in activities that promote implicit learning—like learning new skills or sports—may provide long-term cognitive benefits while being enjoyable.
Pekingese and Japanese Chin dogs are at an increased risk for respiratory diseases.
Michael Schultze, Catamount/Alamy
Dog owners are urged to consider a broader spectrum of breeds when seeking a puppy, as recent studies indicate that serious breathing issues are more common than once believed.
Brachycephalic breeds—dogs with short snouts and flat faces—have surged in popularity, according to Francesca Tomlinson from Cambridge University.
However, along with their rising popularity, these breeds face increasing health concerns, primarily Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can present as noisy or labored breathing. This condition severely hampers activities like exercise, sleep, and managing heat and stress.
While concerns about BOAS frequently focus on breeds like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, research led by Tomlinson explored 898 dogs from 14 breeds including the Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Pekingese.
All subjects underwent comprehensive respiratory evaluations and detailed body and facial measurements.
Findings revealed that Pekingese and similar breeds are exceptionally vulnerable to BOAS, with over 80% affected. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and others showed moderate risk, while only the Maltese and Pomeranian showed no significant health concerns.
Three major factors contribute to breathing issues: excess weight, narrow nostrils, and extreme facial flattening. Other traits, such as short or screw-shaped tails, may also be linked to BOAS-related anatomical changes. “It’s not solely flatness that influences risk; various factors play a role,” explains Tomlinson.
Prospective dog owners should seek puppies from health-tested parents and familiarize themselves with the potential health consequences of extreme physical traits, particularly those affecting the face.
“Our goal isn’t to eliminate defining breed characteristics but to support breeding that promotes function over mere appearance,” Tomlinson emphasizes.
She adds that the severity of physical trait exaggeration is crucial in determining health outcomes. “This suggests a practical approach: opting for less extreme physical traits may help lower disease risk.”
Anna Quine from the University of Sydney highlights that “cute” flat-faced dogs are more susceptible to chronic respiratory distress and heat stress.
Breeding dogs for a flat face is akin to “designing a car without a radiator,” she warns. “If we’re introducing dogs into the world, our first priority should be their welfare, not merely satisfying human aesthetic preferences.”
Paul McGreevey, also from the University of Sydney, concurs that the study validates what many veterinarians already suspect: compromised airways are common in flat-faced dogs, with variations across and within breeds.
“For dogs struggling with airway issues and carbon dioxide expulsion, breed labels become irrelevant,” he states, noting that classifications are human decisions.
Yet, he raises concerns regarding the study’s methodology, pointing out the subjective nature of classifying respiratory sounds. “This raises questions about consistency across the 14 distinct breeds,” McGreevy states. “Moreover, the authors admit that athletic assessments depend on individual speed and temperament.”
Tomlinson countered that the evaluation incorporates objective measures, including abnormal breath sound detection, following a standardized protocol. “The intention of the exercise test is not to assess exercise capacity but to observe how airways react to mild exertion,” she clarifies.
AMELIE-BENOIST/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty
Recent studies indicate that women screened for breast cancer with AI-assisted radiology experience a significant reduction in the development of advanced cancer by their next screening compared to those assessed by a traditional radiologist alone, sparking hopes that AI technology could enhance patient outcomes.
“This is the first randomized controlled trial examining AI’s effectiveness in mammography screening,” states Christina Lång from Lund University, Sweden.
The AI-assisted method utilizes advanced software trained on over 200,000 mammography scans from 10 countries to evaluate the likelihood of cancer on a 1 to 10 scale based on distinctive visual patterns in the scans. Scans rated 1 to 9 are reviewed by a single experienced radiologist, while those with a score of 10, indicating a high likelihood of cancer, are assessed by two radiologists for a more thorough evaluation.
Previous research has shown that the AI approach can identify 29% more cancers compared to standard evaluations, where two radiologists review each mammogram without increasing the false-positive rates. “That’s truly impressive,” notes Fiona Gilbert, a doctor at Cambridge University who was not involved in the study.
Furthermore, Lång and her team have discovered that the AI approach significantly lowers the incidence of interval cancers—tumors that develop rapidly between regular screenings, making them particularly aggressive and prone to metastasis.
The study involved over 100,000 Swedish women aged 55 and older, with roughly half receiving standard breast cancer screening reviewed by two radiologists, while the other half were screened using an AI model developed by ScreenPoint Medical, with results evaluated by an experienced radiologist in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Women who benefited from AI-assisted screening were, on average, 12% less likely to develop interval cancers compared to their counterparts undergoing standard screening. “We were thrilled when the results arrived,” Lang stated.
This improved outcome could be attributed to AI’s superior ability to detect cancer at its nascent stage compared to traditional methods, ensuring that even minor tumors that could escalate into interval cancers are identified promptly.
However, Lång emphasizes that this study primarily aimed to assess whether AI performs comparably to standard screenings, not necessarily to determine if it is superior, indicating that additional research is essential to validate AI’s efficacy.
The research did not assess performance across various ethnic groups, an area that current clinical trials in the UK aim to explore, according to Gilbert.
Moreover, further studies should investigate whether less experienced radiologists achieve similar benefits using AI-assisted technology, although Gilbert does not anticipate significant differences.
Following these promising results, there are plans to implement the AI approach in southwestern Sweden within a few months, while similar trials across other nations may take up to five years to assess the approach’s adaptability to diverse populations and screening frequencies, Gilbert noted.
Establishing the cost-effectiveness of the AI model is also critical. Current estimates suggest that if AI impacts screening positively, it may justify the investment, potentially reducing interval cancer incidences by at least 5%. Radiologists will require training; however, Lång believes that the simplicity of the software will facilitate this process.
It is vital to understand that even with advancements in AI technology, radiologist involvement remains essential in breast screenings. “Women participating in screenings prefer a human touch alongside AI, and I concur; it is crucial for radiologists to utilize AI as a supportive tool,” Lång emphasizes.
Unlocking the Potential: Does Heat Therapy Enhance Brain Function?
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As an enthusiast of cold water swimming, I previously explored its brain benefits. However, the emerging evidence on heat therapy fascinated me—particularly regarding its neurological advantages. This prompted a deeper investigation into the subject.
During my last trip to Finland and Sweden, I immersed myself in their sauna culture, learning that ‘sauna’ is pronounced ‘sow-na’ (with ‘ow’ rhyming with ‘how’), contrasting my South East London pronunciation.
Finnish saunas, reaching temperatures of 70°C to 110°C (158°F to 230°F) with low humidity, are extensively studied. Regular sauna use correlates with numerous physical benefits, such as reduced risks of high blood pressure, muscle disorders, and respiratory diseases. Recent research also identifies significant cognitive benefits, including fewer headaches, improved mental health, better sleep quality, and a decreased risk of dementia.
A large-scale study involving nearly 14,000 participants aged 30 to 69 tracked sauna habits over 39 years. The findings revealed that those who frequented saunas nine to twelve times a month exhibited a 19 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those who visited less than four times a month.
Moreover, sauna bathing appears linked to various cognitive enhancements. For instance, a small trial involving 37 adults with chronic headaches compared those receiving headache management advice to participants who regularly attended saunas. The sauna group reported significantly reduced headache intensity.
Regular sauna use is also associated with lower risks of psychosis and increased vitality and social functioning in elderly individuals, reinforcing its potential cognitive benefits.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all heat treatments yield the same results. Various forms of heat therapy exist, each offering distinct benefits. For example, a trial with 26 individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder showed that those receiving infrared heating sessions reported significant symptom reductions over six weeks compared to a sham treatment.
How Does Heat Therapy Benefit Brain Health?
Heat therapy’s efficacy appears closely linked to its anti-inflammatory effects. In a study following 2,269 middle-aged Finnish men, researchers found that individuals engaging in frequent sauna use exhibited reduced levels of inflammation, a factor significantly associated with depression and cognitive decline.
Another mechanism involves heat shock proteins, which are produced when body temperature rises during sauna use or exercise. These proteins help prevent misfolding of other proteins—a common feature in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Enhanced blood circulation also plays a role; heat exposure dilates blood vessels, thereby improving cardiovascular health. This indirect benefit to brain health can decrease risks associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, saunas may elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, vital for neuron growth. In an experiment with 34 men, participants receiving 12 to 24 sessions of infrared therapy displayed significantly higher BDNF levels and improved mental well-being compared to those doing low-intensity workouts.
Can Saunas Enhance Cognitive Skills?
Beyond long-term neurological advantages, the immediate effects of sauna sessions are promising. A study involving 16 men revealed that brain activity post-sauna sessions resembled a relaxed state, indicating potential improvements in task efficiency. Researchers suggest that heat therapy may help extend mental work capacity over prolonged periods.
However, excessive heat exposure can lead to fatigue and reduced cognitive function. Studies indicate that high-temperature environments may impair memory consolidation, making saunas less suitable for study sessions.
If you’re exploring heat therapy, check guidelines from the British Sauna Association to ensure safety, including limiting duration and staying hydrated.
Do Hot Baths Offer Similar Benefits?
If you lack access to saunas, could hot baths serve as an alternative? While they may partially replicate sauna benefits, the evidence is still inconclusive. According to Ali Qadiri from West Virginia University, warm baths do elevate core body temperature and can improve mood and relaxation. Still, he cautions that robust data on saunas and dementia prevention far outweighs that for baths.
My local lake offers both cold water swimming and sauna experiences, prompting me to consider their combined effects. A Japanese study on the practice known as totonou, or alternating between hot saunas and cold baths, revealed enhancements in relaxation and reduced alertness after several rounds.
While more research is needed to determine if this combination is more effective than using heat or cold therapy alone, the overall evidence supports potential cognitive boosts from regular sauna visits, reinforcing my commitment to explore more heat and cold therapy options.
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant has endured multiple attacks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
AFP
A recent power outage at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine has disrupted the spent fuel cooling system, increasing the risk of overheating and the potential release of harmful radiation. Fortunately, the stored fuel is aged and expected to remain safe until power is restored.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Russian military actions have targeted multiple electrical substations in Ukraine, leading to the current power outage at Chernobyl. “The IAEA is closely monitoring these developments to ensure nuclear safety,” stated IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi in a recent update on X.
Spent nuclear fuel continues to emit radiation and generate heat for years after being removed from a reactor. Without proper cooling, the fuel can melt, resulting in dangerous radiation levels. Currently, Chernobyl’s old fuel is stored in large cooling ponds that are regularly replenished with cold water to maintain safe temperatures.
However, the IAEA reported that the site lacks a power supply, which halts cooling efforts, leading to increased water temperatures and evaporation rates.
“Once the fuel is out of the reactor, it remains hot due to the production of fission products and radiative materials. It’s essential to manage this heat effectively, or it may eventually lead to a meltdown,” explained Paul Cosgrove from Cambridge University. More information can be found on his profile here.
Fortunately, the risk associated with the stored fuel at Chernobyl is lower today compared to 2022 when similar power outages occurred, as the fuel has already cooled significantly over the years. New Scientist reported this decrease in risk.
“Power loss at nuclear facilities is concerning, but the perceived nuclear risks often far exceed the actual risks associated with comparable incidents,” noted Ian Farnan from Cambridge University. More details about his work can be found here.
The Chernobyl disaster involved a reactor explosion in 1986, with reactors 2, 1, and 3 being shut down in 1991, 1996, and 2000, respectively.
While details of the storage pool containing Chernobyl’s remaining fuel are classified, Cosgrove indicated that evaluations conducted in 2022 found minimal risk of overheating during power outages. “This fuel has been stored safely for over 20 years, leading to significant energy dissipation,” he emphasized.
Electricity delivery to Chernobyl, as well as much of Ukraine, has fluctuated since the commencement of the full-scale Russian invasion. Recently, heightened attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure by Russian forces have exacerbated the situation.
This power outage at Chernobyl represents yet another instance of Russian actions undermining nuclear safety, including the temporary occupation of Chernobyl, preventing necessary maintenance, the seizure of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and last February’s drone attack on the containment structures above the ruins of Chernobyl’s reactor 4.
Thailand’s Chao Phraya River Delta: Rapidly Sinking
Channon Kanjanavasoonthara/Getty Images
The Chao Phraya River Delta, one of the most economically and environmentally vital deltas globally, is sinking at alarming rates, threatening millions with severe flooding. Recent satellite data analysis reveals that subsidence in river deltas is becoming a greater danger to local communities than rising sea levels.
Approximately 500 million people inhabit this delta, including some of the world’s most impoverished communities. This expansive lowland area houses 10 megacities, each boasting populations exceeding 10 million.
Manuchel Shirzai and his team at Virginia Tech researched subsidence rates in 40 global deltas, including the Mekong, Mississippi, Amazon, Zambezi, Yangtze, and Nile rivers.
Shirzaei noted, “As deltas sink, global sea levels are also rising by about 4 millimeters annually, creating a compounded risk of flooding.”
The research utilized data from 2014 to 2023 collected by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel 1 satellite radar, which can detect changes in ground distance with precision up to 0.5 mm. Across the 40 studied deltas, over one-third showed signs of subsidence, with more than half of the area affected in 38 of these regions.
“In numerous cases, land subsidence contributes more to relative sea level rise than the ocean itself,” Shirzaei asserted. “In 18 out of 40 deltas, average subsidence rates surpass sea level rise, with the impacts being significantly pronounced in areas located less than 1 meter above sea level.”
The Chao Phraya Delta, where Bangkok is situated, ranks as the most affected among 40 nations concerning subsidence rates and impacted areas. Here, the average subsidence rate reaches 8 mm per year, which is double the global average for sea level rise, with 94% of the delta sinking at rates above 5 mm per year.
As a result of combined land subsidence and sea level rise, Bangkok and the Chao Phraya Delta confront a formidable projected sea level rise of 12.3 millimeters per year. Other cities like Alexandria in Egypt and Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia share similar predicaments of rapid land subsidence.
The researchers analyzed three major anthropogenic pressures: groundwater extraction, sediment alteration, and urban growth to assess their impacts on delta subsidence. Shirzaei explained that upstream dams, levees, and river engineering limit sediment input, which is crucial for delta maintenance, while urban development escalates pressure on delta surfaces and heightens water demand, furthering groundwater depletion.
Among these factors, groundwater extraction poses the most significant impact overall, although specific delta areas may be more influenced by sediment shifts and urbanization, the study found.
Shirzaei emphasized, “It would be misguided for policymakers to concentrate solely on sea level rise due to climate change and overlook local land subsidence. Unlike global sea level rise, human-driven land subsidence can often be tackled locally through groundwater regulation, managed aquifer recharge, and sediment management.”
He also pointed out that water-intensive facilities, such as data centers, may exacerbate this issue. “Our findings reveal that groundwater extraction is a major contributor to accelerated land subsidence in numerous delta regions, which can worsen when such facilities depend on local water sources,” he remarked.
In already vulnerable areas like the Mekong Delta, increasing water demand may hasten land subsidence, jeopardizing drainage, flood protection systems, and the durability of crucial infrastructure. “This doesn’t suggest data centers should be avoided altogether in the delta, but they must prioritize groundwater conservation, minimize overall water use, and take land subsidence into account,” said Shirzaei.
A recent study has revealed that high-fat cheese and cream might play a role in preventing dementia.
This research, published in Neurology The Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that individuals consuming two servings of high-fat cheese daily as part of a balanced diet had a lower likelihood of developing dementia.
“For decades, discussions surrounding high-fat versus low-fat diets have influenced health guidance, often branding cheese as an unhealthy option,” remarked Dr. Emily Sonnestedt, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at Lund University in Sweden.
“Our findings suggest that certain high-fat dairy products might actually diminish the risk of dementia, thereby challenging longstanding beliefs about fat and cognitive health.”
The study evaluated data from 27,670 older adults, monitoring their health over an approximate span of 25 years to identify who developed dementia.
Researchers also requested participants to track their dietary intake for a week and assess any changes in their eating habits over recent years.
Results showed that individuals consuming a nutritious diet with at least 50 g (1.8 oz) of high-fat cheese per day had a 13 percent reduced risk of dementia compared to those who ingested less than 15 g (0.5 oz).
Focusing on vascular dementia, a condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the brain, cheese consumers experienced a 29% lower risk.
Additionally, participants consuming 20 grams (0.7 ounces) of heavy cream—such as whipped cream, clotted cream, or double cream—had a 16 percent decreased risk of dementia.
Conversely, no similar association was found with low-fat cheese, cream, or other dairy products.
“These findings imply that not all dairy items equate when it comes to cognitive health,” stated Sonestedt.
Items like buttermilk, yogurt, and kefir show no impact on dementia risk – Credit: Getty
An essential factor in this study is its execution in Sweden, where cheese is frequently consumed uncooked.
When cheese is melted, its composition transforms and the fat separates, potentially influencing how our bodies absorb it.
The researchers advocate for similar studies in other nations since outcomes might differ in places like the United States, where cheese is often heated prior to consumption.
“Additional research is essential to verify our findings and explore whether specific high-fat dairy products truly offer some level of protection for brain health.”
Life encompasses more than mere figures, yet it often seems otherwise in today’s world. We exist in a time dominated by wearable tech, health tracking, and extreme optimization.
With just a few unobtrusive devices, driven individuals can transform themselves into intelligent data compilers.
We can keep an eye on blood oxygen levels, breathing rates, blood sugar, REM sleep, skin temperature, heart rate variability, body composition, and an array of other biomarkers regularly.
If desired, you can document your meals, mood, menstrual cycles, and even bowel habits.
The goal is to have access to all this information so we can enhance and extend our lives. But how do we extract significance from it?
How can we gain genuine health insights without dedicating hours to computations and organization? Because aside from a few bored billionaires, most of us don’t view our living spreadsheets as truly valuable.
Fortunately, researchers at Northwestern University in the US have some exciting news. In 2025, they discovered a method to: Combine two commonly measured health indicators to provide us with deeper insights into daily fitness and long-term health risks.
The daily heart rate per step (DHRPS) is a straightforward measure. Simply divide your average daily heart rate by your average step count.
Yes, you’ll need to constantly track both metrics using a health monitor, such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit (the latter being utilized in the research), but the calculations are done automatically.
In just 2 seconds, you can uncover critical information about your cardiovascular health.
“We discovered that [DHRPS measurement] has a stronger correlation with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and heart attacks,” said Flynn Chen, the lead author of the paper. “It’s significantly more informative than merely tracking heart rate or steps.”
Improving Your Score
Here’s the breakdown: Suppose your average heart rate for the month is 80 beats per minute, and you walk an average of 6,000 steps daily. Your DHRPS score would then be 0.01333.
Now, if you boost your step count to an average of 10,000 steps per day over the following month, your DHRPS should drop to 0.008. In this case, a lower score is preferable.
In their study, Chen and colleagues monitored over 7,000 Fitbit users across five years, during which they recorded more than 50 billion steps.
Taking more steps can effectively benefit your overall health – Photo credit: Getty
The researchers categorized participants into three groups based on their DHRPS scores: low (below 0.0081), moderate (above 0.0081 and below 0.0147), and high (above 0.0147).
The simplest way to alter your score is by increasing your step count, Chen suggests.
“Numerous established studies indicate that daily step count is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and overall mortality,” he adds.
“Our ongoing research reveals that heart rate in relation to step count may be an even stronger independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease than step count alone.
“By increasing your step count, you not only pursue the 10,000 steps daily goal, but also improve both metrics simultaneously.”
Chen advises that you need at least a week’s worth of consistent data from your smartwatch or tracker for a meaningful DHRPS score.
The Future of Heart Rate per Step
Since the release of this study, the health tracking community has started utilizing these insights, potentially leading to further advancements as more data becomes available.
“A crucial aspect is that our metrics correlate with VO.2 max scores,” Chen mentions.
This is significant because V.O.2 maximum measures the highest rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, providing valuable insights regarding your aerobic capacity and metabolic health.
The challenge lies in accurately measuring VO.2 max, as it typically requires a treadmill stress test, with limited availability of such tests.
If DHRPS proves to be a reliable indicator of VO.2 max, it could serve as another method to simplify health data access for everyone—no spreadsheets needed.
AI firms need to be upfront about the risks linked to their technologies to avoid the pitfalls faced by tobacco and opioid companies, as stated by the CEO of Anthropic, an AI startup.
Dario Amodei, who leads the US-based company developing Claude chatbots, asserted that AI will surpass human intelligence “in most or all ways” and encouraged peers to “be candid about what you observe.”
In his interview with CBS News, Amodei expressed concerns that the current lack of transparency regarding the effects of powerful AI could mirror the failures of tobacco and opioid companies that neglected to acknowledge the health dangers associated with their products.
“You could find yourself in a situation similar to that of tobacco or opioid companies, who were aware of the dangers but chose not to discuss them, nor did they take preventive measures,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, Amodei warned that AI could potentially eliminate half of entry-level jobs in sectors like accounting, law, and banking within the next five years.
“Without proactive steps, it’s challenging to envision avoiding a significant impact on jobs. My worry is that this impact will be far-reaching and happen much quicker than what we’ve seen with past technologies,” Amodei stated.
He described the term “compressed 21st century” to convey how AI could accelerate scientific progress compared to previous decades.
“Is it feasible to multiply the rate of advancements by ten and condense all the medical breakthroughs of the 21st century into five or ten years?” he posed.
As a notable advocate for online safety, Amodei highlighted various concerns raised by Anthropic regarding their AI models, which included an alarming trend of perceived testing and blackmail attempts against them.
Last week, the newspaper reported that a Chinese state-backed group leveraged its Claude Codeto tool to launch attacks on 30 organizations globally in September, leading to “multiple successful intrusions.”
The company noted that one of the most troubling aspects of the incident was that Claude operated largely autonomously, with 80% to 90% of the actions taken without human intervention.
“One of the significant advantages of these models is their capacity for independent action. However, the more autonomy we grant these systems, the more we have to ponder if they are executing precisely what we intend,” Amodei highlighted during his CBS interview.
Logan Graham, the head of Anthropic’s AI model stress testing team, shared with CBS that the potential for the model to facilitate groundbreaking health discoveries also raises concerns about its use in creating biological weapons.
“If this model is capable of assisting in biological weapons production, it typically shares similar functionalities that could be utilized for vaccine production or therapeutic development,” he explained.
Graham discussed autonomous models, which play a crucial role in the justification for investing in AI, noting that users desire AI tools that enhance their businesses rather than undermine them.
“One needs a model to build a thriving business and aim for a billion,” he remarked. “But the last thing you want is to find yourself locked out of your own company one day. Thus, our fundamental approach is to start measuring these autonomous functions and conduct as many unconventional experiments as possible to observe the outcomes.”
Vaccination against covid-19 is safer than infection
Juan Monino/Getty Images
Recent findings highlight that vaccinating children is more beneficial than exposing them to the coronavirus. A comprehensive study involving nearly 14 million children revealed that the likelihood of experiencing serious, albeit uncommon, side effects related to the heart and blood vessels was considerably greater following an infection compared to a vaccination.
Specifically, children aged 5 to 18 experienced 17 additional infections per 100,000 with inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease in the six months after contracting SARS-CoV-2, as opposed to other periods. Conversely, among children first vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, infections per 100,000 dropped by almost two.
Myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, resulted in over two extra cases per 100,000 individuals in the six months post-infection. In comparison, there was less than one additional case among vaccinated individuals, indicating that the risk of myocarditis is more than double following infection relative to vaccination.
A report highlighting a new coronavirus infection causing myocarditis has been made known. As early as April 2020, reports began surfacing even after vaccinations commenced in December. Vaccines associated with myocarditis tend to present milder symptoms, particularly in young men, and most individuals recover swiftly.
The uncommon side effects of this vaccine have garnered substantial media focus and stirred significant concern, contributing to delays in introducing routine childhood vaccinations in the UK until April 2022.
The latest findings reinforce earlier research indicating that vaccinated children face a lower risk of myocarditis compared to their unvaccinated peers, despite the rarity of this side effect. A majority of children contracted the virus, placing them at an elevated risk of adverse effects.
“It’s important to note that severe complications are highly uncommon among children and adolescents in general,” states Angela Wood from Cambridge, UK, a part of the HDR UK regional network. “Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the risk is generally higher following COVID-19 compared to vaccination.”
Wood’s team evaluated data from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) encompassing approximately 14 million children under 18 from January 2020 to December 2021. During the latter half of this timeframe, 3.9 million children received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, while 3.4 million were diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time. Subsequent periods could not be analyzed due to insufficient testing.
This approach does have its limitations. For instance, the data does not indicate whether children who experienced these complications made a full recovery, and many mild COVID-19 cases amongst children may not have been formally recognized. “However, despite these constraints, the scale of the data and the comprehensive connection across all NHS data instills great confidence in our overall conclusions today,” says Wood.
“It’s crucial to understand that findings relevant to the strain of the coronavirus prevalent during the peak of the pandemic may differ for the current strain,” advises William Whiteley from the University of Edinburgh, UK, who was not involved in the study. His team previously reported that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for at least six months post-vaccination.
The fact that nearly all individuals, apart from very young children, now possess some level of immunity to COVID-19 means they may respond differently to both booster shots and reinfections, according to team members including Peer Hardelid from University College London. “Ongoing research is essential,” she emphasizes.
Mesenchymal stem cells tagged with fluorescent markers
Vusivkova/Shutterstock
The largest trial conducted so far indicated that individuals who received a stem cell infusion right after a heart attack had a lower risk of developing heart failure compared to those who underwent standard treatment. This finding offers compelling evidence that stem cells may aid in the heart’s self-repair mechanisms.
Following a heart attack, the heart muscle sustains permanent damage and weakness, rendering the organ unable to adequately pump blood to meet the body’s needs, frequently resulting in heart failure. Presently, the only available treatments are heart transplants or pumps that can restore heart function.
To explore solutions, researchers turned to stem cells, which possess the remarkable capability to transform into various cell types. Nonetheless, prior studies evaluating their application post-heart attack have yielded inconsistent results. A 2020 study with 375 participants showed that bone marrow-derived cells, which include stem cells that evolve into blood cells, did not notably decrease mortality compared to standard therapies such as cardiac rehabilitation and medications aimed at lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots, and managing cholesterol levels.
Armin Attar and colleagues from Shiraz University in Iran explored a different strategy. They employed mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into structural cells such as cartilage and adipose tissue. These stem cells are also known to release substances that mitigate inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.
The researchers collected mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood and administered them into the hearts of 136 patients within three to seven days following their first heart attack. While these stem cells can also be extracted from the individual’s own adipose or bone tissue, the cultivation process can take up to a month. By utilizing umbilical cord blood samples, the team can provide treatments more swiftly and potentially enhance their efficacy, Attar explained. Another group of 260 participants received standard post-heart attack treatments.
After three years, individuals who received the stem cell therapy were, on average, 57% less likely to develop heart failure and 78% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure compared to those receiving standard treatment. Furthermore, they exhibited significant improvements in cardiac function, suggesting that the therapy aids in the regeneration of heart tissue post-injury.
“This represents a significant advancement,” Attar remarked. Although the therapy did not lower mortality risk during the study period, the reduction in hospitalizations is still significant, according to Hina Chowdhury from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “Heart failure is the predominant cause of hospital admissions in the U.S.,” she pointed out.
However, it should be noted that 80% of participants were male, leading Chaudhry to caution that it is uncertain how the therapy would affect women, who are more prone to heart failure post-heart attack. Attar’s team did not observe any gender differences in a separate analysis. This study was also restricted to young adults, with all participants aged between 18 and 65. “It’s beneficial to see distinctions among age groups, as younger individuals typically have enhanced regenerative abilities and recover better from cardiac injuries,” Chaudhry noted.
This research provides the most robust evidence to date that stem cells can aid in restoring heart function post-heart attack. Nevertheless, this treatment does not fully heal the heart. “There is no medication or treatment that can replace lost heart muscle cells,” Chaudhry emphasized. Still, she added, “This ongoing work is expanding our understanding of the heart’s regeneration process and how to achieve it.”
Inquiring about the health advantages of living near a golf course might come off as someone attempting to leverage scientific studies to persuade their partner that residing adjacent to Gleneagles is a wise choice.
Fair play. I genuinely respect this transparent application of science. So, here’s some evidence from the archives.
When you tee off, appreciate all that lush greenery. Research consistently indicates that residing near green spaces correlates with a diminished risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
While quantifying these effects is challenging, the study suggests it might lower stress hormones, enhance exercise, and benefit cognitive functions like memory and attention.
In one investigation, researchers concluded that a 10 percent increase in access to green and blue spaces resulted in a 7 percent decrease in anxiety and depression risk.
It’s well recognized that playing golf offers health benefits. In 2023, a Finnish study compared the cardiovascular impacts of playing an 18-hole round of golf (walking – no cart) to one hour of brisk walking and one hour of Nordic walking.
All three activities were beneficial, but golf proved to be the most effective, reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Additional research has shown that golf training can provide cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults. It’s also advantageous for mental health due to its focus on fostering social connections.
In summary, regular golfing contributes to a longer and healthier life. Researchers found that individuals who played golf consistently experienced a 40 percent reduction in mortality.
That’s not a bad score, but there are some hazards to be aware of. At the start of 2025, a study explored the possible link between Parkinson’s disease and proximity to golf courses, highlighting potential exposure to pesticides.
Some chemicals used to maintain greens and fairways are neurotoxic, and numerous studies have associated them with Parkinson’s disease (although the risks are influenced by factors such as the type of pesticide and level of exposure).
Chemicals used on golf courses to maintain grass health may contribute to Parkinson’s risk – Credit: David Madison via Getty
In recent studies, researchers surveyed residents living near 139 golf courses in the United States. They discovered that individuals living within one mile of a golf course faced a 126 percent higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those more than 6 miles away.
The risk nearly doubled for those sharing the same water supply zone as a golf course, suggesting that groundwater contaminated with pesticides, along with airborne transmission, may also play a role.
It’s crucial to note that the risk of Parkinson’s disease arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Risks associated with these chemicals are predominantly linked to occupational exposure rather than recreational exposure.
If you happen to reside in the UK, your risk might be lower, as paraquat, a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease, is prohibited.
Thus, living next to a golf course presents a multifaceted situation, much like residing anywhere else. Why not head to the 19th hole and ponder this?
This article (by Carlisle native Paul Leach) addresses the question: “Will I be healthier if I move next to a golf course?”
If you have any inquiries, feel free to email us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messagefacebook,×orInstagramPage (please include your name and location).
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The former Meta executive, who authored a provocative book highlighting social media companies’ interactions with China and their treatment of teenagers, is reportedly facing bankruptcy after its release.
Lawmakers in Congress have contended that Mark Zuckerberg’s company is trying to “silence and punish” Sarah Wynn Williams, the former director of global public policy at Facebook, Meta’s predecessor.
Former Labor Transport Secretary Louise Hayes stated that Wynn Williams may incur a fine of $50,000 (£37,000) for each breach of an order obtained by Meta.
In her book, Eardaling People, published this year, Wynn-Williams made several claims regarding the conduct and culture of social media firms, including allegations of sexual harassment that the company denied. She asserts that her dismissal was due to “poor performance and toxic behavior.”
Nevertheless, the former diplomat has been prohibited from publishing memoirs after Meta secured a ruling against her. She later testified before the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, claiming Meta collaborated “with gloves” with Beijing regarding censorship tools.
Pan Macmillan, which published the memoir, reported over 150,000 copies sold across all formats. The book was also recognized as a Sunday Times bestseller in Hardback for 2025, with a paperback edition due for release early next year.
Haigh pointed out Wynn-Williams’ situation during a House of Representatives debate on employment rights on Monday, asserting that her decision has led to significant financial jeopardy.
“Despite previous official statements indicating that Meta had ceased using NDAs [non-disclosure agreements] in cases of sexual harassment,” she noted, “Sarah is being pushed towards financial ruin within the UK arbitration system.
“Meta has given Sarah a disturbing order and is gearing up to impose a $50,000 fine for any violations. She is on the brink of bankruptcy, and I am confident that the home and government will push this legislation to protect individuals with moral courage.”
It’s understood that the $50,000 figure pertains to damages Wynn-Williams must pay for violating a separation agreement she signed when leaving Meta in 2017, with Meta asserting that she voluntarily agreed to the terms.
Mehta indicated that, as of now, Wynn-Williams has not been compelled to adhere to the contract.
The company refrained from commenting on Hayes’ intervention. Senate testimony from Wynn-Williams previously asserted that the company has been “disconnected from reality” and is plagued by false claims.
Meta characterized the book as “an outdated, previously reported compilation of company claims and unfounded allegations against executives.” She claimed she was dismissed for “poor performance and toxic behavior,” with investigations concluding that she made misleading harassment allegations.
The ruling that barred her memoir’s publication affirmed that “the false narrative should never have seen the light of day.”
The order dictated that Wynn-Williams must halt promotion of the book and minimize any further publications, though no actions were mandated against Pan Macmillan.
Since her Senate hearing in April, Wynn-Williams has remained publicly silent. In a statement this month, she expressed gratitude for the continued investigation into Meta’s actions by the US Senate.
“I wish I could elaborate,” she stated. “I urge other tech employees and potential whistleblowers to share their insights before more harm comes to children.”
Her attorney mentioned that Wynn-Williams “will remain silent regarding the matters currently under Congressional investigation.”
Researchers may have identified a potential connection between extreme endurance running and colorectal cancer, as nearly half of marathon and ultra-marathon participants have undergone screening.
Initial research assembled 100 long-distance runners aged 35-50 for colonoscopy, though these findings have not yet been peer-reviewed.
Close to 50% were found to have polyps (growths), with 15% diagnosed with advanced adenomas—growths that are likely to progress to cancer.
In contrast, recent studies indicate that only about 4.5 to 6 percent of adults in their late 40s from the general population have these advanced adenomas. However, it’s important to note that these studies included significantly larger sample sizes.
“I was quite concerned when I observed a group of ultra-marathon runners in their 30s diagnosed with stage 4, very advanced colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Timothy Cannon, who led the study at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia. BBC Science Focus.
“They reported experiencing bleeding and convulsions post-race. At least one or two mentioned that they were told this was normal following their runs.”
Such symptoms can result from ischemic colitis, where blood flow is diverted from the colon to supply oxygen to the legs and other muscles during intense activity. This can lead to swelling and bleeding but typically resolves spontaneously.
Dr. Cannon speculated whether repeated cycles of damage and healing could create conditions conducive to cancer development.
Blood flow to the legs deprives the intestines of oxygen.
“There is currently no evidence that ischemic colitis directly causes cancer,” he stated. “However, it’s not difficult to imagine the potential outcomes. When numerous cells die and regenerate chaotically, there are ample chances for DNA replication errors.”
Alternative explanations exist as well. Endurance athletes are known to possess distinct gut microbiota compared to non-runners, and they often consume considerable amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as bottled energy drinks.
Dr. Cannon’s team is preparing to compare the gut bacteria of runners with and without adenomas to that of non-runners.
The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, yet researchers cautioned that these are merely preliminary results, necessitating further investigation. They also highlighted that the screening study lacked a control group of non-runners.
“This leans more toward hypothesis than definitive answers,” Cannon remarked.
“I definitely don’t want people to walk away thinking exercise is harmful because it is beneficial overall. The inquiry is whether high levels of exercise could elevate the risk of colon cancer—and I believe they might.”
Read more:
Running slowly may be essential for a healthier, longer lifespan. Here’s why
What are the limits of human endurance?
The astonishing truth about how running can alter one’s perception of time
A decrease in estrogen during menopause may affect cognitive function
Elena Popova/Getty Images
Commencing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) within five years of the onset of postmenopause appears to decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, starting HRT later in life may have adverse effects, indicating that the timing of the therapy is crucial for its impact on the brain.
Women face a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s, particularly after menopause, compared to men. This heightened risk may be linked to reduced estrogen levels, which play vital roles in brain energy regulation and inflammation. Consequently, HRT has surfaced as a potential method to reduce Alzheimer’s risk following menopause. However, research on its effectiveness has produced mixed outcomes.
To investigate this, Fnu Vaibhav Pandit Bagwat Deira Sharma from Health Science University in India and his team analyzed 53 studies encompassing over 8.4 million postmenopausal participants regarding Alzheimer’s disease prevalence.
In a randomized controlled trial, participants receiving HRT exhibited, on average, a 38% greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those not on HRT. Conversely, observational studies suggested a 22% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk among HRT users.
Vaibhav presented these findings at a meeting with the American Nerve Association in Maryland on September 15th, noting that the disparity is likely age-related. Most subjects in the randomized trial were over 65, while those in observational studies tended to be younger. Further analysis revealed that individuals who initiated HRT within five years post-menopause had a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s by 32% over a follow-up period ranging from five years to others that consumed their lifetime.
“This transition during menopause represents a neurological shift,” stated Roberta Brinton from the University of Arizona, who was not part of the research. As estrogen levels decline, the brain seeks alternative energy sources. There is some evidence suggesting that this reallocation may utilize compounds meant for brain function while sacrificing others, leading to potential neurodegeneration. She posits that HRT may either initiate or halt this transition during menopause. However, if the brain has already undergone this shift, HRT may be ineffective.
“More research is essential to clarify this perplexity,” remarked Vaibhav. Without a clearer comprehension of HRT’s impact, he warns that “women may miss out on advantages, and some may inadvertently face harm.”
Wildfire smoke contributes to tens of thousands of annual deaths, inflicting greater harm on American residents by mid-century than other climate change-related threats, including extreme heat.
This assertion comes from a new research paper that presents extensive modeling of the increasing health impacts of wildfire smoke on public health in the U.S.
The study, published in Nature magazine on Thursday, reveals an average annual contribution of wildfire smoke, leading to over 41,400 excess deaths—more than twice what previous research had suggested.
By mid-century, the study’s authors project an additional increase of 26,500 to 30,000 deaths as human-driven climate change exacerbates wildfire risks.
Marshall Burke, an environmental and social sciences professor at Stanford University and one of the study’s authors, states:
Economically quantified, Burke mentions that their findings surpassed other financial damages associated with climate change identified in previous studies, including agricultural losses, heat-related fatalities, and energy expenses.
Numerous studies indicate that wildfire smoke exposure results in severe health issues. Tiny smoke particles can infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, raising the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory conditions. Wildfire smoke is also associated with premature births and miscarriages.
This research paints a stark picture of a country increasingly filled with smoke. Fires in the western U.S. and Canada release smoke into the atmosphere, spreading across regions and undermining decades of efforts to curb industrial air pollution through clean air regulations.
Dr. Joel Kaufman, a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, commented on the study, noting, “This poses a new threat that can be directly linked to climate change. That’s the crucial point here.”
As the study suggests, wildfire smoke-related deaths could rise by 64% to more than 73%, varying by emission rates.
“Regardless of mitigation efforts, we are likely to experience more smoke by 2050,” Burke added, though emphasizing that emission reduction efforts will have long-term benefits.
Kaufman noted that over the past five to ten years, accumulating evidence indicates that wildfire smoke is at least as detrimental as other forms of air pollution.
“We previously assumed wood burning was less harmful,” Kaufman explained. “These findings indicate that wildfire smoke could be more toxic,” particularly when wildfires consume structures, vehicles, and other human-made materials.
Kaufman highlighted that earlier this year, the Los Angeles fire started from a burning area, but much of it involved homes and plastics, which created “another toxic mixture.” The new research does not differentiate the sources of future wildfire smoke.
The implications of this research could influence public policy.
Dr. John Balmes, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association and a professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, expressed that this new study could serve as a “counterargument” against such actions.
The proposal to withdraw these findings is currently undergoing a lengthy regulatory process that is open to public commentary. Balmes mentioned that he referenced the study in a letter opposing the EPA’s proposed changes.
“It reinforces our claims regarding wildfires tied to climate change and their associated public health consequences,” Balmes stated.
The White House did not respond to requests for comments. The EPA stated that the administration is “committed to reducing the risks of catastrophic wildfires,” prioritizing strategies such as prescribed burns, fuel treatment, and debris cleanup to prevent these events.
“The EPA welcomes all public feedback on its proposal to rescind the 2009 danger findings until September 22, 2025, and looks forward to hearing diverse perspectives on this matter,” a spokesperson noted in an email.
In a novel study, researchers estimated the annual excess deaths attributed to wildfire smoke by comparing three models: one that assesses climate change’s impact on fire activity, another predicting changes in fire activity and smoke dispersion, and a third quantifying health outcomes from prolonged smoke exposure.
Researchers used data from 2011-2020 as a baseline to forecast future conditions under various climate scenarios, utilizing datasets that included all U.S. deaths within that period, both satellite and ground-level data on smoke dispersion, and global climate models.
The study assumes that people will take similar protective measures against smoke exposure as they do today.
This study has its limitations, as it primarily relies on a set of models to draw national conclusions. It does not track individual deaths linked to smoke exposure or catalog their health effects.
Results from this study were published alongside another study in Nature that employed a similar methodology and adopted a global perspective. Separate research teams estimate that premature deaths due to wildfire smoke could reach about 1.4 million annually by century’s end—approximately six times the current figure.
A group of six whistleblowers has reported allegations of a cover-up regarding harm to children from Meta’s virtual reality devices and applications. They assert that the social media giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, produces a range of VR headsets and games.
“Meta was aware that minors were using its products, but they believed, ‘Hey, kids are driving engagement.’ Meta compromised internal teams, manipulated research, and discarded data that was unfavorable,” they stated.
Sattizahn and other current or former Meta employees, who are also whistleblowers, shared these revelations along with numerous documents with Congress. The Washington Post was the first to publish these claims. Sattizahn and Casesavage, the principal investigators focused on the VR experience for youth users, are set to testify before the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and Law this Tuesday.
Meta spokesperson Dani Lever stated that the company has authorized 180 studies concerning VR reality labs since 2022.
“Some of these instances are cherry-picked to support a misleading narrative,” she remarked. Meta further claimed that it has installed features in its VR products to reduce unwanted interactions and provide supervision tools for parents.
The whistleblower allegations were released on Monday, asserting that Meta’s VR products could take further steps to enhance child safety. The whistleblower stated that a company manager directed staff to avoid research that could reveal instances of harm to children in virtual reality.
In one instance, researchers were reportedly instructed to “ignore issues like that.”
In another case, the Washington Post reported that researchers were directed to omit details from interviews conducted with German families. One teenager recounted that his younger brothers, under 10, “often encountered strangers” in Meta’s VR, with “adults making sexual suggestions to his younger brother.”
These claims emerge amidst a steady stream of former Meta employees speaking out against the company for failing to adequately safeguard children from the dangers posed by its social media products. Lawmakers have also criticized Meta executives for promoting content that encourages bullying, substance abuse, and self-harm among young people.
During a Congressional hearing in January 2024, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley compelled Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to publicly express regret.
“I’m sorry for everything you and your family have endured,” Zuckerberg acknowledged at that time. “No one should have to suffer what your family has experienced. This is why we invest heavily and will continue to collaborate across the industry to prevent such suffering.”
Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn stated that Meta’s disclosures regarding its VR products demonstrate the necessity for Congress to enact legislation establishing regulations for social media companies.
“Rather than addressing significant concerns about widespread harm to children on the platform, Meta chose to conceal damning evidence and suppress the voices of innocent children for its interests,” Blackburn criticized. “These whistleblowers deserve commendation for their bravery in revealing Meta’s deceitful practices.”
The six whistleblowers are represented by a legal non-profit organization supporting whistleblowers and are expected to testify before the subcommittee on Tuesday.
Current and former Meta employees have submitted detailed disclosures to Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Misplacing your bearings in an unfamiliar setting may involve more than simply forgetting your location. A new study suggests that minor navigational challenges could serve as early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, even before conventional memory assessments reveal any declines.
Researchers conducted tests involving approximately 100 older adults in a virtual reality experiment aimed at evaluating the brain’s innate sense of orientation.
The results indicate that individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—a state where they sense their memory is deteriorating despite normal clinical evaluations—showed less directional awareness compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts.
“Individuals with SCD are recognized to be at a greater risk of progressing to dementia, which can ultimately develop into Alzheimer’s,” stated Professor Thomas Wolbers, one of the study’s authors.
During the experiment, participants aged between 55 and 89 donned VR headsets and traversed a barren digital landscape.
Their task was to follow floating balls along meandering paths and indicate their starting point. They then had to turn back to face the direction they were in at the beginning of the first pass.
While all participants performed within normal limits on traditional memory and cognitive tests, those with SCD consistently made significant errors in navigation tasks.
Participants followed a virtual reality ball to test their sense of orientation – Credit: Getty
“These navigational difficulties were not attributed to movement dynamics, such as an increased awareness of the ground while walking,” explained Dr. Vladislava Segen, the study’s lead author. “The misdirected orientation stemmed from cognitive factors, not movement-related issues.”
According to the researchers, the SCD group’s subpar performance might have been linked to “memory leaks,” as participants faced challenges in tracking past locations necessary for real-time navigation updates.
The team posits that this could be attributed to dysfunction in grid cells—specialized neurons responsible for constructing an individual’s mental coordinate system.
The researchers hope that this style of spatial testing may eventually enhance existing diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease.
“In the long run, we foresee the potential for this method to be incorporated into clinical practices, particularly for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” Wolbers noted. “However, further testing and simplification of this technique are necessary first.”
In recent research published in the journal Jama Network Open, it was found that daily walking volume and intensity are inversely related to the risk of chronic lower back pain. The results indicate that walking volume may provide more substantial benefits compared to walking intensity.
Individuals who engage in regular walking experience less back pain than those who do not walk frequently. Volume is more crucial than intensity. Image credit: Tung Lam.
Back pain impacts individuals of all ages and is a leading cause of functional health loss, accounting for an estimated 7.7% of all years lived with disability.
In the United States, lower back pain is the most prevalent form of chronic pain, contributing significantly to medical costs alongside neck pain.
The burden of back pain is expected to rise over the coming decades, presenting a major challenge for the sustainability of healthcare systems.
To mitigate this burden, it is important to identify modifiable factors that can be addressed through policies and preventive strategies.
Physical activity is advised in guidelines for managing chronic low back pain.
However, explicit recommendations for physical activity aimed at the primary prevention of chronic low back pain remain unclear.
Walking, a popular form of leisure physical activity among adults, is linked to a reduced risk of various non-communicable diseases and conditions.
Nevertheless, the relationship between walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain has been largely underexplored.
“Individuals who walk for over 100 minutes daily have a 23% lower risk of lower back issues compared to those who walk for 78 minutes or less,” explained PhD candidate Rayane Haddadj from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
“While it’s likely not shocking that physical activity benefits your back, until now, we lacked clarity on whether low-intensity walking could help.”
“Strength is also a factor in the risk of chronic back issues, but daily walking volume plays a more significant role.”
A total of 11,194 individuals took part in the Trøndelag Health Study (The Hunt Study).
This study is distinctive as it measured daily walking volume and strength through sensors worn on the participants’ thighs over the course of a week.
“These findings highlight the importance of allocating time for physical activity to prevent chronic back problems and other health issues,” remarked Professor Paul Jarl Mork of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
“In the long run, this can result in substantial savings for society.”
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Rayane Haddadj et al. 2025. The amount and intensity of walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain. Jama Netw Open 8 (6): E2515592; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592
Daily vaccinations for hepatitis B are administered worldwide
Mehmet Salih Guler / Getty Images
The hepatitis B vaccine not only prevents infection but also appears to lower the chances of developing diabetes.
In most countries, infants receive this vaccine routinely, typically as part of a three-dose series. In the US, it was incorporated into vaccination schedules in 1991. By 2018, around 30% of adults were fully vaccinated.
However, earlier studies didn’t investigate whether vaccination could lower diabetes risk in individuals who were not infected with hepatitis B.
To address this gap, Nhu-Quynh Phan from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan and her team examined health data from over 580,000 people across the US, Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. These records averaged almost four years for each individual, covering the period from 2005 to 2023.
Participants aged 18 to 90 had no types of diabetes and were not infected with hepatitis B. About half were vaccinated, determined by measuring virus-specific antibodies in their blood.
The study revealed that diabetes prevalence among vaccinated individuals was 15% lower than in the unvaccinated group, with most cases being type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form. The findings will be shared at the upcoming annual meeting of the Diabetes Association in Vienna, Austria.
This observational study also indicated a dose-response correlation. Participants with higher levels of hepatitis B-specific antibodies were less likely to develop diabetes compared to those with lower levels. Variations in antibody levels might correlate with the number of vaccinations received, timing of immunization, or individual immune responses.
No participants were purposefully infected with hepatitis B, suggesting that vaccination not only wards off the virus but may also lower diabetes risk, Fan notes. One explanation could be that vaccines help alleviate chronic inflammation damaging the liver and pancreas, which produce hormones like insulin regulate blood sugar levels.
Nonetheless, researchers cannot dismiss the theory that some protective benefits of vaccines might stem from their role in preventing infections, she adds. They are keen to investigate credible pathways and how mouse models can elucidate distinctions between diabetes types, Fan states.
Vaccinated individuals might also engage in healthier lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and staying active. “Those likely to get vaccinated often exhibit greater awareness of health,” states Albert Osterhouse from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany.
The research team considered factors including participants’ age, gender, and lifestyle choices like smoking, along with conditions such as obesity and hypertension. However, Osterhouse emphasizes the difficulty in ruling out the impact of these variables.
The decommissioning of Palmer has played a significant role in contributing to sea level rise, particularly as certain regions of Antarctica face limited access, raising concerns among scientists regarding potential ice sheet collapses.
In a statement to NBC News, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced plans to streamline resources by consolidating McMurdo, Amunsense Cott South Paul, and Palmer Station, with the goal of maintaining three research stations operating throughout the year in Antarctica.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) mentioned that they aim to “maintain an active and influential presence in Antarctica while facilitating cutting-edge research in biology and glaciology.”
The NSF was the first to propose the termination of the lease this spring, following the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts of 55%. Scientists expressed their disappointment that Congress initiated the process of abolishing the ship before finalizing its budget.
“Oceanologist Karos Moffat, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, discussed the budgets that have made advancements in both Senate and House appropriations committees.
The NSF is exploring alternative vessels to take on some of Palmer’s responsibilities and plans to return the vessel to its owner, Edison Chowest, a marine transport company based in Louisiana.
In 2024, the NSF finalized the charter of another Antarctic vessel, RV Laurence M. Gould, which has been upgraded to operate in sea ice, rather than utilizing icebreakers. This reduces the options available for enhancing research in polar oceanography and supporting Palmer Station, an annual base on the Antarctic Peninsula that previously depended on two ships.
The NSF mentioned on Friday that there are “alternatives” available to support and resupply Palmer Station, including commercial options.
Measuring 308 feet, the Palmer, named after a 19th-century seal captain, commenced its service in 1992, exploring various regions of Antarctica. The vessel accommodates approximately 22 crew members and can host around 45 scientists.
No other U.S. research vessels can fulfill all the missions that this polar icebreaker is designed for. The vessel is crucial for studying Antarctic ecology, the Southern Ocean carbon cycle, and monitoring the rate at which ice shelves recede and melt, ultimately influencing sea level rise.
Julia S. Werner of the University of Houston, second from the right, friend of Nathaniel B. Palmer.Courtesy Julia S. Werner
While satellites offer valuable data on the dynamics of ice sheet growth and reduction, the primary research on these changes relies on subsurface measurements.
Without such data, U.S. scientists will lack critical insights into the major ice sheets of the Southern Ocean, which are key to predicting future flooding risks in U.S. coastal cities. For instance, researchers highlight that other U.S. vessels are not suitable for safely accessing the notorious Swaitonga glacier, often referred to as the “end of the Apocalyptic Glacier.”
Researchers frequently describe the West Ku as a cork for a bottle that could rapidly drain the West Antarctic ice sheet, serving as a protective barrier against its collapse into the Amundsen Sea. This could result in a sea level rise exceeding 10 feet over a span of hundreds of thousands of years.
By the year 2100, the likelihood of such a collapse could elevate sea levels significantly beyond the 1-3 feet previously anticipated, as indicated in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel.
This disintegration could also alter ocean circulation patterns, affecting how quickly the ocean absorbs carbon, which remains an active area of research. Several studies suggest that current Earth temperatures may have surpassed the threshold for collapse, although further investigation is necessary.
Current shifts in mass and stability are influenced by factors occurring hundreds or thousands of feet beneath the water’s surface, necessitating optimal access through robotic instruments.
“To grasp the drastic changes occurring, it’s essential to be at the edge of the ice where it interacts with the ocean,” Werner explained. “And that’s precisely what this boat allows us to do.”
Scientists typically travel to Palmer every two years, using the data collected over the course of a month or more to advance their laboratory research.
The information gathered aboard the vessel is invaluable, enabling scientists to study ice comprehensively for over a decade, adding vital icebreakers to the U.S. science fleet and alleviating the longstanding backlog of researchers seeking fieldwork opportunities at Palmer.
A Key Review involving over 62,500 adults indicates that adhering to a specific diet may lower the risk of cognitive decline in older age by 40%.
Researchers from Shandong University in China examined 15 studies involving individuals aged over 60 and discovered that those who followed a Mediterranean or mind-focused diet were notably less likely to experience memory and cognitive issues compared to those without a healthy diet.
The Mediterranean diet and the Mind diet share many similarities, both emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and moderate amounts of fish, chicken, and dairy products. Conversely, they limit processed foods, lean meats, and sugar.
However, while the Mediterranean diet draws inspiration from specific regions, the Mind diet is designed explicitly to safeguard the brain against age-related decline.
The Mediterranean diet highlights certain culturally significant ingredients, such as olive oil, while the Mind diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods like berries and leafy greens.
Researchers have long speculated about the impact of diet on brain aging, although evidence has been mixed. To clarify this issue, the Shandong University team aggregated data from 15 studies to gain a better understanding of the correlation between diet and aging in the brain, as well as extended risks of related diseases like dementia.
The studies included presented varied results. However, their combined findings indicated that elderly individuals who maintained healthy eating habits were significantly less likely (by 40%) to experience cognitive decline compared to those following unhealthy diets.
Consequently, researchers concluded that older adults should be encouraged to incorporate vegetables, fruits, fish, and legumes into their meals.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods and sugars.
Experts not involved in the study cautioned in BBC Science Focus that the interplay between diet and cognitive health is complex and the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
Professor Keith Frain, Professor Emeritus of Human Metabolism at Oxford University, remarked, “This study convincingly demonstrates that healthier diets correlate with enhanced cognitive function in older adults.”
However, Frain cautioned that the study does not imply that a better diet causes improved brain health. He explained that the studies involved in this analysis were observational, which means other factors like wealth, privilege, or non-dietary healthy habits could contribute to the observed link.
“While striving for a healthy diet as we age for various reasons is important, it is misleading to suggest that diet alone can alter our cognitive function,” Frain added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Oliver Shannon, a Lecturer in Nutrition and Aging at Newcastle University, noted in BBC Science Focus that the findings of this study, consistent with previous research and recent clinical trials, suggest that consuming healthier diets in later life could positively influence the brain. Thus, there might be a causal relationship present.
“Making small dietary adjustments towards healthier options, such as increasing the intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish, can help older individuals maintain their memory and cognitive skills as they age,” he stated.
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About Our Experts
Professor Keith Frain is a professor of human metabolism at Oxford University in the UK and an honorary fellow at Green Templeton College in Oxford. His research focuses on metabolism and nutrition, and he has authored numerous books, including the textbook Human Metabolism: A Regulatory Perspective.
Dr. Oliver Shannon is a lecturer in nutrition and aging at the Center for Human Nutrition Research at Newcastle University, UK. His research primarily investigates the impacts of nutrition, including dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, on cognitive and cardiovascular aging. Shannon has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles in leading nutrition journals.
In the United States, one in 33 infants is born with a birth defect. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights methods to mitigate that risk.
The study identifies five risk factors that public health officials, and even the women themselves, can address: obesity, diabetes, tobacco exposure, food insecurity, and insufficient folic acid levels (a crucial vitamin for cell production).
The findings indicate that 66% of women aged 12 to 49 possess at least one of these risk factors, with 10% having three or more. The CDC’s discovery, published on Tuesday in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, is based on data from 5,374 women surveyed as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2020.
“It’s vital to raise awareness about these risk factors and encourage women to consult their healthcare providers if they have any concerns or questions before pregnancy,” stated Arick Wang, a CDC health scientist and lead author of the study.
She further noted, “The risk can be mitigated through measures such as daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and managing blood glucose levels.”
Congenital abnormalities are significant causes of infant mortality, according to CDC statistics. Risks often begin before women even realize they are pregnant. While the causes of birth defects remain largely unknown, experts typically acknowledge that various combinations of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for all of us,” remarked Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer at March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization focusing on maternal and infant health.
“We aim to ensure that nutritious foods are accessible,” added Warren, who was not involved in the research. “We want to guarantee that individuals have a secure environment for physical activity.”
Individuals experiencing food insecurity may lack essential nutrients for the healthy development of their fetal organs, including folic acid. For instance, low blood levels of folic acid are linked to neural tube defects—issues impacting the brain or spine that occur during the first month of pregnancy. Healthcare professionals recommend that those who are pregnant or planning to conceive take folic acid, a synthetic version of the vitamin.
Since 1998, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated the fortification of enriched grain products with folic acid. CDC scientist Wang mentioned in a press release that this policy is likely to prevent over 1,300 annual cases of babies born with neural tube defects.
“The majority of birth defects still remain unexplained,” Nembhard stated. “Even when women make all the right choices—avoiding smoking, abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, monitoring caffeine intake, and staying active—they may still face challenges.
Warren, who previously served as the pre-administrator of HHS’s Maternal and Child Health Department until June, highlighted that many women may not recognize obesity and food insecurity as risk factors.
Obesity, which impacted approximately one-third of the surveyed women, was identified as the most prevalent modifiable risk factor in CDC studies. While the reasons behind its association with birth defects are not entirely understood, it seems that altered metabolic processes (like how a woman’s body regulates insulin and glucose) can lead to abnormal fetal development.
“When our cells grow and develop into organs, they depend on precise conditions and functions. Disrupting these processes can lead to complications,” Warren explained.
He noted that elevated blood sugar levels from diabetes can also contribute to abnormal organ development. Additionally, certain chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including nicotine, can diminish oxygen supply to the fetus.
Warren emphasized the need for ongoing efforts. He referenced Mississippi’s recent declaration of a public health emergency, which aims to address the “Care Desert,” where women struggle to access obstetric services due to high infant mortality rates.
External researchers commended the release of the study amidst budget cuts and proposed reductions in funding for agencies.
“We are pleased to see this research continue, even amidst questions about its future,” remarked Wendy Nenberd, director of the Center for Research and Prevention at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Antibiotic use may impact the immune system adversely
City Image/Aramie
A comprehensive study involving over 6 million children reveals that those exposed to antibiotics prenatally or in early childhood do not generally face a heightened risk of developing autoimmune disorders during adolescence. However, the dynamics are quite intricate.
The notion that antibiotics may lead to autoimmunity dates back to the 1980s. David Strachan later proposed that the London’s Faculty of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine illustrates fewer infections in cleaner environments leading to a higher rate of childhood allergies.
This line of thought gave rise to the hygiene hypothesis, suggesting that limited early exposure to specific microorganisms fails to adequately train the immune system, which may react excessively to benign substances, leading to allergic responses or autoimmune disorders. Conditions like type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus occur when immune cells mistakenly target the body’s own tissues.
Numerous studies since have demonstrated the crucial role of various microorganisms, particularly gut microbes, in shaping our immune responses. For instance, essential compounds for the maturation of specialized immune cells, such as regulatory T cells, play pivotal roles in preventing autoimmunity. This raises concerns over whether antibiotics that disrupt gut microbiota could facilitate the emergence of autoimmune diseases.
“Over time, numerous clinical studies, primarily using animal models, have substantiated the idea that antibiotics, or modifications to the gut microbiome, significantly affect immunity,” states Martin Kriegel from the University of Munster, Germany.
For instance, a 2016 study on mice illustrated that repeated antibiotic treatment at early life stages increased susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. Mice with genetic predisposition to this disorder were given their mothers’ breast milk alongside antibiotics thrice at 4 and 5 weeks old. Approximately 50% of the male and 80% of the female mice in this group developed type 1 diabetes by 30 weeks, while only about 25% of the male mice and 50% of the female mice that avoided antibiotics faced the same issue.
Similar correlations have surfaced in human research. An evaluation of over 10 million individuals released this year indicates that those prescribed antibiotics face an 40% higher risk of later developing inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, a 2019 study involving over 110,000 participants linked antibiotic prescriptions to a 60% increased risk of developing rheumatic arthritis.
Conversely, other studies denote contrary findings. For example, a 2017 study involving over 15,000 children assessed for type 1 diabetes and celiac disease found no correlation between these conditions and antibiotic use prior to the age of four.
Recently, Eun-Young Choi from Sungkyunkwan University in Korea and her colleagues tracked the onset of six autoimmune conditions: type 1 diabetes, chronic pediatric arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and Hashimoto’s disease. Around 1.5 million mothers received antibiotics during pregnancy, and a second group of 3.4 million children received similar treatment within the first six months post-birth, with 1.9 million treated with antibiotics.
After adjusting for variables like infection type, socioeconomic status, and gender, researchers found no collective correlation between antibiotic exposure in utero or early childhood and the likelihood of developing autoimmune conditions in adolescence.
Why do these findings differ so greatly? The gut microbiota’s complexity plays a significant role. Various factors influence it, making holistic explanations challenging. For instance, the studies referenced may fail to account for dietary influences on gut microbiota.
Different antibiotics also provoke varied effects. Choi’s study established a connection between broad-spectrum antibiotic use during pregnancy and subsequent development of Crohn’s disease in children. Additionally, the timing of antibiotic exposure appeared critical; antibiotics administered within two months of birth correlated with a 30% increased risk of Hashimoto’s disease.
This doesn’t imply that antibiotics should be entirely avoided. “When antibiotics are deemed necessary during pregnancy, it’s due to a belief that their benefits surpass potential risks,” asserts Christopher Zahn from the American University of Obstetricians in Washington, DC. For example, urinary tract infections can result in severe issues like preterm birth and low birth weight.
In fact, certain antibiotics may thwart autoimmunity. A 2018 study discovered that infections from pathogenic bacteria, notably Enterococcus gallinarum, induced autoimmunity in mice. Antibiotic treatment not only prevented mortality but also inhibited immune cells from attacking the organisms’ tissues.
“Thus, the situation is immensely complicated,” remarks Kriegel.
However, the latest findings should alleviate concerns for pregnant individuals and those with young children, reassures Zahn.
Researchers have established a connection between being overweight or obese and various illnesses and health issues. Heart disease, some types of cancer, and additional conditions such as mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Beyond specific diseases, obesity is also associated with an increased risk of premature death.
Health organizations in the US and around the world utilize the Body Mass Index, or BMI, to assess whether individuals are overweight or obese. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization both classify overweight as having a BMI over 25 and obesity as a BMI exceeding 30. In simple terms, a person who is 1.8 meters tall (approximately 5’11”) and weighs 90.7 kilograms (about 200 lbs) has a BMI of 28.
While doctors recognize that BMI can serve as a valuable metric in healthcare, some point out its limitations. Athletes with considerable muscle mass may be classified as overweight due to their muscle’s greater weight compared to fat. Additionally, body fat percentages can vary based on ethnicity and gender, suggesting that the standard BMI approach may not accurately reflect every individual’s health.
Recently, researchers from the University of Florida explored whether alternative body composition measurements provide a better prediction of mortality risk in young adults compared to BMI. They analyzed data from the National Health Nutrition Test Survey (NHANES), which was conducted in the US between 1999 and 2004 and connects to an index that indicates if participants had passed away by 2020. The study included data from 4,252 adults aged 20 to 49.
The researchers assessed whether high BMI, elevated body fat percentage, or increased waist circumference were more effective predictors of mortality within 15 years. They defined higher-risk body composition as (1) a BMI over 25, categorizing this as overweight or obese. Causes of mortality they investigated included deaths from any cause, referred to as all causes, heart disease, and cancer.
Findings revealed that body fat percentage is a stronger predictor of mortality in young adults than BMI. Specifically, there was no statistically significant link between overweight or obese BMI and cancer-related or all-cause mortality. In contrast, both high body fat percentage and large waist circumference were significantly related to deaths from all causes and heart disease. However, none of the three body composition measurements were found to be statistically related to cancer mortality.
Researchers acknowledged certain limitations in their study. First, the body fat percentage thresholds they applied were derived from another research and are not universally accepted metrics like BMI. Second, as they focused solely on mortality risk in young adults, BMI could still be a strong mortality predictor in older adults. Lastly, while they observed mortality rates, various diseases and health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, are still linked to higher BMI.
Nevertheless, the research team concluded that BMI may not provide a comprehensive view of body composition, suggesting that other measures, such as body fat percentage, could be more beneficial in healthcare settings. They proposed that future studies should investigate these findings in older populations and explore additional health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease.
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