Health

Scientists have found that artificial light from cities delays the end of pollen season by disrupting plants' natural light-dark cycles, worsening allergy symptoms for millions. A Vanderbilt University study linked nighttime lighting to longer exposure to high-pollen days in Northeastern cities.

A groundbreaking study shows HEPA air purifiers can modestly lower systolic blood pressure in adults regularly exposed to air pollution, offering a simple at-home solution for cardiovascular health. Experts weigh in on the findings and share additional natural ways to manage hypertension.

Los Angeles County reported a record 220 flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, a 17% surge from 2024, with 90% of patients requiring hospitalization. Health officials warn of outbreaks linked to wildlife and pets, urging preventive measures.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to red meat, is spreading beyond its Southern strongholds into the Northeast, with Massachusetts now requiring case reporting. Up to 450,000 Americans may unknowingly carry the condition, which can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.

New research shows popular 'brain training' apps and games offer little long-term cognitive benefit. Instead, science-backed strategies like regular exercise, social connection, and cultivating purpose may do more to preserve memory and reduce dementia risk as we age.

Researchers are investigating whether stimulating the vagus nerve can slow tau protein buildup in the locus coeruleus—a critical brain region linked to memory and aging. Early trials show promise in improving cognition for people with mild cognitive impairment.

A persistent dry cough or unexplained shortness of breath could be early signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that affects up to 50,000 Americans annually. Pulmonologist Dr. Nicole Ng of Mount Sinai explains why these symptoms often go overlooked.

A heavily mutated Omicron subvariant, BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' is circulating in 25 U.S. states and 23 countries, with scientists noting it primarily infects children aged 3-15. Despite 53 spike protein mutations, it has not caused severe disease or driven large outbreaks since emerging in Novemb

Healthy adults aged 18–40 can earn €400 plus free lodging and meals for a month-long altitude study in Italy’s Stelvio National Park. The Mahe research project examines how moderate elevation (2,300m) affects physiology, addressing a critical gap in climate and health science.

Hib, a once-declining bacterial infection causing meningitis, is resurging as U.S. childhood vaccination rates dip. Doctors report severe cases and warn of potential outbreaks in unvaccinated children.

Research from the UK and Australia shows that poor vision performance predicts dementia risk over a decade before diagnosis. Experts now call vision loss a new risk factor in dementia prevention strategies.

Researchers have uncovered why upper-layer neurons are particularly vulnerable in multiple sclerosis. DNA damage accumulates in CUX2 neurons, leading to their selective loss during neuroinflammation.

The CDC has paused more than two dozen diagnostic tests—including for rabies, monkeypox, and Epstein-Barr virus—citing a routine quality review amid severe staffing shortages. The move follows a 20% to 25% reduction in CDC workforce since 2023.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed hyper-accurate digital replicas of patients’ hearts to test life-saving treatments for ventricular tachycardia before performing real procedures. The FDA-approved trial with 10 patients showed 80% arrhythmia-free outcomes after a year, far excee

Scientists have identified a novel μ-opioid receptor superagonist, N-desethyl-fluornitrazene (DFNZ), that delivers potent pain relief in rodent models with markedly reduced adverse effects compared to traditional opioids like fentanyl. The compound, derived from nitazene opioids, demonstrates high p

Hawaii’s Kona Storm has passed but sewage and bacteria advisories remain across Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Open beaches don’t mean safe water—some readings hit 288 CFU per 100 mL, far above safety thresholds.

Anatomists have long debated the male equivalent of the G-spot, with most pointing to the prostate. Now, researchers confirm a distinct sensory center in the penis itself—a small, nerve-dense patch beneath the head that functions as a pleasure epicenter, with implications for sexual health and surgi

A newlywed struggles with a single friend’s resentment over reduced availability. Experts weigh in on setting boundaries while preserving friendship amid life transitions.

A growing number of Americans nearing retirement in 2026 report higher anxiety over time than finances. Psychologists warn of an 'identity void' as traditional roles fade.

A large Japanese study of nearly 11,000 adults over 65 finds that cooking at home just once a week may slash dementia risk by up to 70%. The protective effect is strongest among those with minimal prior cooking experience.

After decades reporting on fitness trends, a veteran health editor with perimenopausal metabolism tracked her creatine experiment for 12 months. She gained 7 pounds of lean muscle, lifted heavier, and felt stronger—without drastic lifestyle changes.

A new genomic analysis reveals Alzheimer’s disease may originate decades earlier in body tissues like skin, lungs, and gut—not the brain. Researchers found Alzheimer’s risk genes are most active in immune and barrier tissues, challenging decades of brain-first disease models.

Hawaii health officials and veterinarians warn of a heightened leptospirosis risk after the Kona low storm flooded wide areas. The bacterial disease, spread through contaminated floodwater, threatens both people and pets, with symptoms ranging from fever to organ failure. Early detection and vaccina

Researchers have developed a lipid nanoparticle delivery system that enables CAR T cells to target pancreatic cancer's protective barrier, achieving 40-60% T-cell activation in preclinical models—far surpassing conventional methods.