Health & Medicine

1. Stopping statins after 70 may be safer than expected, but there's a catch

   A major study of nearly 1,900 older adults suggests that stopping statins after age 70 may be relatively safe in the short term for people who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke. However, a higher rate of serious cardiovascular events or death during longer follow-up raises questions about the risks of discontinuing these widely prescribed medications.

2. Scientists discover a hidden danger of viral infections that vaccines may prevent

   A new study reveals that viral infections may leave behind hidden damage to the immune system long after symptoms disappear. Researchers found that mice recovering from an acute infection experienced lasting changes to their spleens and weakened immune responses, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to future threats. Surprisingly, prior vaccination completely prevented these harmful changes in the mouse model.

3. Common forever chemicals linked to nearly double the rate of aggressive breast cancer

   An NIH study found that women with high levels of two common “forever chemicals” had up to 93% higher rates of an aggressive form of breast cancer. The discovery raises concerns about the potential health effects of persistent chemicals found in everyday products.

4. Without this protein, damaged muscle fills with fat and scar tissue

   Researchers have uncovered a surprising hidden function of a protein that may hold the key to repairing damaged muscles and treating muscular dystrophy. Known for protecting chromosomes, TRF2 also helps muscle stem cells maintain their identity and regenerate injured tissue. When scientists removed the protein in mice, muscles struggled to repair themselves, and muscular dystrophy progressed dramatically faster.

5. Scientists discover a common sugar may help cancer cells break free and spread

   Scientists have uncovered a surprising way that fructose, a sugar commonly found in sweetened foods and drinks, may help aggressive ovarian cancer spread. Researchers discovered that cancer cells surviving chemotherapy release fructose that weakens the bonds holding neighboring tumor cells together, making it easier for cancer to spread. High dietary fructose levels and cholesterol-lowering statins also produced concerning effects in preclinical experiments.

6. Study of 750,000 pregnancies reveals a surprising twist about Ozempic and Wegovy

   A study of more than 750,000 pregnancies found that early exposure to Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs was not linked to increased pregnancy complications when used for weight loss, but was associated with a higher risk of premature birth when prescribed for diabetes. The surprising difference suggests that diabetes itself may be driving the risk, although researchers caution that the drugs' safety during pregnancy remains uncertain.

7. Animal vs. plant protein reveals a surprising testosterone divide

   A surprising new study suggests that where men get their protein may be linked to their testosterone levels. Researchers studying more than 2,500 men found that higher animal protein intake, particularly from dairy, was associated with lower testosterone, while plant protein was linked to higher levels. The findings raise intriguing questions about how everyday food choices might relate to male hormone levels.

8. Colorectal cancer is rising again after 20 years, and scientists don't know why

   Colorectal cancer is making an alarming comeback in the United States after more than 20 years of declining rates, and the increase is no longer limited to younger adults. A major new study found rising rates across nearly every age group under 70, including older Americans who have historically benefited most from cancer screening.

9. Walking and weight training may not be enough to keep your bones strong

   A surprising new study suggests that walking, jogging, and even traditional weight training may be less effective at stimulating bone formation than high-intensity sports involving explosive movements and sudden changes in direction. Researchers found that activities such as football and handball increased markers of bone formation by up to 46%, potentially revealing a better way to protect bones against aging and osteoporosis.

10. AI-powered bionic eye breakthrough could help the blind see again

    Scientists have developed an AI-powered approach that makes experimental bionic vision technology more precise, helping predict the flashes and shapes of light perceived by a blind man with a brain implant. By learning how an individual's brain responds to electrical stimulation, the technology could bring researchers closer to restoring some degree of sight to people with blindness.

11. Energy drinks linked to 11 times more reports of cardiac arrest

    A new study found that energy drinks and stimulant supplements were linked to disproportionately frequent reports of serious heart problems, including 11 times more reports of cardiac arrest and 4.5 times more reports of heart attacks. Young adults accounted for nearly half of the cardiovascular reports involving these products, raising concerns about their potential risks despite the study being unable to prove causation.

12. Even occasional marijuana use linked to 40% higher odds of stroke

    New research involving more than 440,000 Americans links cannabis use to increased cardiovascular risk, with occasional users showing 40% higher odds of reporting a history of stroke. The findings suggest that even infrequent marijuana use may warrant concern, although researchers have not established that cannabis directly causes strokes or heart disease.

13. Why heart attacks can still happen even when bad cholesterol is low

    Even when bad cholesterol is brought down to healthy levels, some people remain at risk of heart attacks, and scientists may have discovered why. Researchers identified two types of fat-carrying particles that appear to promote inflammation and damage blood vessels through mechanisms beyond cholesterol buildup.

14. Obesity linked to up to 27% lower risk of death in dementia

    A surprising study of more than 4,500 older adults found that people who were overweight or obese when diagnosed with dementia had a 16% to 27% lower risk of death than those at a normal weight. Researchers suspect that extra energy and muscle reserves may help patients survive the disease's toll on the body, although the reason for the survival advantage remains unclear.

15. Alzheimer’s may have early warning signs outside the brain

    A surprising discovery suggests that some early signs of Alzheimer’s disease may begin outside the brain. Using miniature laboratory systems made from human cells, scientists found that genetic mutations associated with inherited Alzheimer’s can disrupt nerve-to-muscle connections without any involvement from the brain or spinal cord. This could help explain why some patients experience changes in balance, walking, and coordination long before memory problems develop.