A newly identified muscle protein may help explain why people who stay active as they age often remain stronger and healthier for longer, according to new research.

Scientists found that a protein called NOX4 naturally declines with age and inactivity. As levels dropped, researchers observed signs of frailty, muscle loss, insulin resistance and liver disease in mice.

The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

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Researchers believe NOX4 helps muscles repair themselves and adapt to the physical demands of exercise.

When NOX4 was removed from the muscles of mice, the animals became weaker, lost muscle mass and developed health problems commonly associated with aging.

The researchers also found that exercise helped restore NOX4 levels in older mice.

Josephine Hunt, an educational leader, former group fitness instructor and founder of The Resilience Revolution based in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that the findings help explain why exercise benefits so many aspects of health.

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"Movement is medicine," Hunt said.

"The emerging NOX4 research is exciting because it helps explain something exercise scientists have observed for decades. Physical activity does far more than strengthen muscles."

Hunt said many people view exercise as a way to improve appearance or fitness, but its effects reach much deeper.

"Exercise appears to activate biological signaling pathways that help the body adapt, repair and become more resilient over time," she said.

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She said one of the study's biggest takeaways is that physical activity helps the body maintain its ability to recover from challenges.

"Exercise does not simply help us look younger or stay physically fit," Hunt said. "It appears to help the body maintain its ability to adapt, repair and respond to stress."

Hunt added that healthy aging is about more than simply living longer.

"Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life," she said. "It is about preserving strength, function, independence, cognitive health and overall quality of life."

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Researchers stressed that additional studies are needed, but the findings may help explain why regular physical activity remains one of the most effective tools for maintaining health as people age.

The study was conducted in mice, meaning the findings do not necessarily translate directly to humans.

While the team also examined muscle samples from younger and older men and found similar declines in NOX4, additional research is needed to better understand the protein's role in human aging.

Sticking to a resistance or strength training routine for a certain amount of time may extend your life, according to a new study.

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed whether workouts involving weightlifting and weight machines are linked to a lower risk of death over time.

The study followed more than 147,000 U.S. adults who participated in three large health studies spanning up to 30 years. More than 35,000 died during the study period.

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Participants reported their exercise habits, including the number of minutes per week spent on resistance training and on aerobic activity, like walking, biking or swimming.

Resistance training levels were then compared with later death from any cause, as well as from cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and neurological disease, according to a press release.

Doing a moderate amount of resistance training was linked with a lower risk of death, according to study results. This outcome persisted even after researchers adjusted for other factors like age, smoking, diet quality, alcohol intake, family history and aerobic activity.

The clearest benefit was seen at around 90 to 119 minutes per week of resistance training.

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People who stuck to this interval of training per week had a 13% lower risk of all-cause death, 19% lower risk of death from heart disease and 27% lower risk of death from neurological disease.

More than 120 minutes of resistance training per week did not appear to add extra benefit to the overall death risk, according to the findings.

A lower risk of cancer death was seen at even small amounts of resistance training — 30 to 59 minutes per week was associated with a 12% decreased risk.

The lowest overall death risk was found in people who did both higher aerobic activity and moderate to high resistance training.

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The study shows only an association between resistance training and lower death risk, not a direct cause, the researchers noted.

Other limitations were that participants reported their own exercise habits, which may not have been completely accurate, and the study did not measure how intensely they exercised.

The authors reflected in the study that engaging in "sufficient aerobic or resistance training alone is linked to lower mortality, with a stronger effect from aerobic activity."

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The lowest risk was seen among people who did high levels of both aerobic exercise and resistance training. However, for people already doing a very high amount of aerobic exercise (roughly five to six hours of jogging or 11 hours of brisk walking per week), adding resistance training did not appear to lower the risk any further, they noted.

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Kenny Santucci, fitness trainer, gym owner and host of the "Strong New York" podcast, shared the importance of pairing general movement with a focus on muscle building.

For a better fitness outcome, Santucci encourages gym-goers to add more strength training to their routines and to lift "a little bit heavier."

"Strength training should be the basis of what you do," he said. "I don't have anything against cycling … but if you're telling me that's the basis of your training, and your goal is aesthetics, then you are not really helping yourself get to that point any easier."

Santucci recommends working at about 60% to 80% of capacity, pushing to a point of fatigue with moderate intensity.

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"There's a science behind muscle growth, and if there's no external force pushing against the muscle tissue, and you're not fueling yourself with protein, then you're probably not going to build muscle," he said.

"Hard doesn't necessarily mean it's a better workout … If you're training at levels of intensity, then you're reproducing good outcomes."

A vaccine created using artificial intelligence that could potentially provide broader protection against multiple coronaviruses and help prepare for future outbreaks has passed its first human clinical trial.

Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Southampton developed a "universal vaccine" designed to protect against multiple Sarbeco coronaviruses, which the university explained in a news release is "the large group of viruses that occur in nature, including SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID pandemic."

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Traditional vaccines must constantly be updated as viruses mutate, and the process is "like a dog chasing its tail," said University of Southampton professor Saul Faust, the trial’s chief investigator.

"Viruses like Influenza, coronaviruses and the Ebola group are evolving continuously, and by the time vaccines are rolled out, they may be poorly matched — the current ‘reactive’ vaccine system struggles to keep pace," Faust said.

An antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine meant to trigger an immune-system response and fight off infection. According to the release, the university scientists logged all the available genetic sequence data for Sarbeco coronaviruses and used AI used to design a "super-antigen" that contains the antigen features "common to this whole group of viruses – including ones that haven’t emerged yet."

The trial of the vaccine proved safe and triggered an immune response in 39 healthy volunteers, marking "the first time that a vaccine whose active component was designed entirely by computer simulations has been tested in humans," the release said.

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The trial vaccine was administered through a micro-fluid jet that delivers the immunization through the skin using a tiny, high-pressure stream of liquid and does not require a needle. The researchers said this method could make it "faster and easier to carry out in large numbers of people."

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"This new class of universal vaccines are future-proofed," Faust said. "They not only protect against many variants simultaneously, but potentially against related viruses that haven’t yet emerged and spilt over to humans. If we can develop and clinically advance this new class of vaccines before a virus outbreak begins, millions of lives could be saved, lockdowns avoided and the economy preserved."

Some experts have raised broad concerns about using AI in medicine, primarily when it comes to making clinical decisions, not developing vaccines. Certain groups of people may be underrepresented in the data AI relies on, resulting in biased outcomes, some said.

AI also sometimes produces erroneous information, called "hallucinations," and determining who is liable for medical failings in such situations is a complex matter.

Others have expressed concern over patient privacy, as well as the need for human judgment that takes into account the scope of a patient’s health history, rather than a single dataset.

The universal-vaccine researchers said that a larger trial involving "a wider and more diverse population" is needed. They published their findings in Journal of Infection.

Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Known for his roles in "X-Men" and "Halloween," Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men.

"I have some bad news. I start chemo today," Mane stated in a video posted to his social media channels. "One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I'm one of them."

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Because breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, many men are unaware that they are also at risk. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue.

While women go on to develop more of this tissue during puberty, the biological foundation for the disease exists in everyone.

The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts. Other signs can include skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.

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Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases globally. Because routine screenings like mammograms are not standard practice for men, the disease is often caught much later than it is in women.

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Mane highlighted this issue as a primary motivation for speaking out. 

"Because it's rarely talked about, it's usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes," he said. "I want to change that."

Medical data supports Mane's concerns regarding late-stage detection. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in older men, according to Mayo Clinic.

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Men's treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy, depending on how far the cancer has progressed.

Mane said he is utilizing his platform to normalize conversations about male health and encourage early detection. He concluded his video by asking his followers to spread the word and help educate others.

"Follow, like and share, and come along for my journey to kick this thing in the ass," Mane said. "Send this to 10 of your friends and have them follow me, because people need to hear this."

Divorcees and the widowed may face a higher risk of death than those who are still coupled up, a new study reveals.

Researchers in Norway analyzed long-term national health data to weigh mortality risk among those who were divorced, ended situations where they lived with a partner or became widowed.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Public Health, looked at three groups of about 20,000 people each, from 1984 to 2019, who were married or living with a partner at the time.

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During the next wave of the study, these individuals were categorized into three groups: still married or cohabiting, divorced or moved out and widowed. Death records were then checked through January 2020, according to a press release.

The researchers used statistical models to gauge whether this relationship loss was associated with death later.

Divorces or breakups were consistently linked with higher mortality across all groups compared to couples who stayed together. This was the case even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, health habits, self-rated health and loneliness.

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Being widowed was also linked to about a 14% higher mortality risk, though the association was strongest in the earliest period studied.

During the second study period, the link between breakup and mortality was stronger, with a statistically significant association observed only among women.

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Although this research displays an association between living alone and mortality risk, it does not define a direct cause, the team acknowledged.

The authors commented that these findings "highlight the importance of addressing social disconnection in public health and in clinical practice to reduce preventable mortality."

M. David Rudd, a University of Memphis professor of psychology and director of the Rudd Institute for Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention, reflected that these findings underscore what has been known for decades.

"Loneliness has significant and severe consequences for individual physical health and emotional well-being," said Rudd, who was not involved in the study. "We're social beings, and relationships are essential to health, happiness and survival.

"These findings are particularly salient during this period of exponentially increasing isolation, secondary to the influential role of digital technologies."

While limitations always exist in studies of this kind, Rudd pointed out that this longitudinal research, spanning almost four decades, offers "remarkably important contributions to understanding human behavior."

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Divorcees and those who are widowed should understand that relationships and social engagement are "critical," Rudd said. While these relationships don’t necessarily have to be romantic, human connection is important.

"It's really simple," he added. "Developing, nurturing and maintaining relationships is critical to health, well-being and happiness."

Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.

Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station's 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.

"After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter said during the broadcast.

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"It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, for now," he continued. "But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's."

"So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," he added.

According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.

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He began anchoring the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station's 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.

ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.

"For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.

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"A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike," she continued.

"While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer's better understand the disease and the resources available to them."

"Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News," Galvez added.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter's announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family "strength in the days ahead."

"For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers' homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city," Mamdani wrote on X. "

"His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone," he continued. "Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer's strength in the days ahead."

Ritter's colleagues also reacted to his announcement.

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WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter's professionalism and dedication during his decades-long career at the station.

"For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him," she posted on X. "He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you."

Lee Goldberg, the station's chief meteorologist, said Ritter's influence would continue long after he stepped away from the anchor desk.

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"He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we're all in this together," Goldberg said on X. "Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he'll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle." 

"You're a saint, and my hero @billritter7," he added. "Love you."

Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died of Alzheimer's disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.

→ Woman with advanced Alzheimer's regained speech and memories after taking magic mushrooms

→ Exercise habit may slash dementia risk and help you live longer

→ Americans born after 1970 face higher death rates from several causes in middle age

→ Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests

→ Dirty soda drinks are everywhere, but doctors warn they are 'metabolic disaster'

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

→ Americans to get new sunscreen option already used abroad for decades

→ Drinking alcohol may influence cravings for certain foods in surprising way

→ Bride in full wedding gown makes two-hour hospital trip to see mother before ceremony

A new study is challenging the conventional wisdom that a small, daily dose of alcohol might be good for your health.

The research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, suggests that the safest amount of alcohol to consume is actually none at all. If adults do choose to drink, the team of scientists recommends setting a limit of one per day.

This challenges older guidelines, which often suggested that up to two daily drinks for men was a safe limit.

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"While the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines contain a useful ‘less-is-best’ message, they provide no quantitative framework," study co-author Timothy Naimi, director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, said in a press release.

"Our study was designed to do just that across the drinking spectrum."

Researchers reached their conclusions by analyzing data on alcohol-related injuries and illnesses and comparing it with large national health and demographic databases, according to a press release.

Using statistical models, they examined how regular alcohol consumption is linked to life expectancy.

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"Even low levels of alcohol use come with health risks," lead study author Kevin Shield, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, said in the same press release. "And that risk continues to increase the more someone drinks."

After evaluating the cumulative risks for conditions like liver disease, stroke and certain cancers, the study suggests that the assumed benefits of drinking are heavily outweighed by the potential dangers.

For those looking to protect their long-term health, researchers emphasized that cutting back to one drink or giving up alcohol entirely appears to be the best strategy.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that this was an observational Canadian study looking at U.S. census data.

"It is massive, but still not proof," cautioned Siegel, who was not involved in the study. "I am impressed with the endpoint, which is to assess alcohol-specific mortality," he added.

The doctor called the research "convincing" in terms of showing that even lower levels of drinking carry a mortality risk.

"We are in the process of debunking previous research and public health statements that a small amount of alcohol is actually good for you, and replacing it with the more realistic and accurate notion that no amount of alcohol is good," he told Fox News Digital.

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Alcohol affects multiple systems throughout the body, acting as a toxin that can compromise vital organs over time, according to the doctor.

Siegel warned that "alcohol is bad for the heart, the liver and the brain, and it increases inflammation and certain cancers, all of which lead to increased mortality risks."

While the research offers an overview of public health trends, it is an observational study based on U.S. census data, meaning it can only show strong correlations and cannot prove direct cause and effect, the researchers acknowledged.

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Additionally, because the study relies on self-reported drinking habits, it is subject to the common limitation of individuals underestimating or misreporting their actual alcohol consumption.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending its list of permissible sunscreen ingredients for the first time in more than 25 years.

On Tuesday, the federal health agency signed off on allowing bemotrizinol to be added to sunscreen products after it met the FDA’s standard for protecting against dangerous ultraviolet rays and causing little irritation or absorption into the skin, according to the Associated Press.

This addition gives Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical that has been historically used in Europe and other parts of the world.

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Bemotrizinol will initially be sold in the U.S. as Parsol Shield, manufactured by Dutch company DSM Nutritional Products, expected to launch later in 2026, the AP reported. The ingredient will be available for use by other manufacturers after an 18-month exclusivity period.

DSM (the sunscreen ingredient company) submitted a format request for the FDA to approve bemotrizinol as a new sunscreen ingredient in the U.S., allowing its use in over-the-counter sunscreens at concentrations up to 6%.

In a December press release announcing the proposal of this request, the FDA noted that bemotrizinol is "generally recognized" as safe and effective for adults and children 6 months and older.

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FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, commented in a statement that the agency has "historically moved too slowly in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad."

"We’re continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and other over-the-counter drug products," he said in the release. "Americans deserve timely access to the best safe, effective and consumer-friendly over-the-counter products available."

In the same news release, Karen Murry, MD, acting director of the Office of Nonprescription Drugs in Maryland, commented that bemotrizinol "would be a welcome addition to the current array of effective sunscreen active ingredients already available to American consumers."

"We look forward to working with other companies on bringing products containing other new active ingredients to market for a wide array of conditions in multiple therapeutic areas, in a much more timely fashion than was possible in the past," she added.

The FDA continues to regulate sunscreen products to ensure that they meet safety and effectiveness standards, while encouraging the public to use numerous protective measures.

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This includes using broad-spectrum sunscreens SPF 15 or higher to help reduce the risk of skin cancer and signs of aging, along with wearing protective clothing and limiting time in the sun.

Fully dressed in her elegant wedding gown before her ceremony, a determined bride made a surprise visit to her hospitalized mother just hours before getting married.

The heartfelt moment came after it was clear her mother's medical condition would unfortunately prevent her from attending the big day in person, Caters News reported. 

Laetitia Obry of Gonsans, France, refused to let the difficult circumstances steal a family milestone from them.

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Her journey was filmed by her sister, Oceane, who captured the bride as she traveled for two hours to get to the hospital to be with her mom. 

Despite the tight schedule, Obry was determined to spend some precious moments with her mother before heading to her wedding.

The touching footage shows Obry entering her mother's hospital room in full bridal attire — prompting an immediate and emotional reaction from her mother, who was seated in a chair.

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The room filled with overwhelming joy as the pair embraced and shared a heartfelt, unforgettable moment together, the video shows.

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Obry said that although the journey was long and the actual visit was too brief, it was a moment she simply could not miss on one of the most important days of her life, Caters reported.  

This moving video resonated deeply online, prompting viewers to share their own experiences. 

One user recalled a similar story.

"My mother was hospitalized too," wrote the commenter. 

"She cried, pleaded and begged the doctors to let her leave for just a few hours for my wedding."

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The writer went on, "They finally agreed after she signed a medical waiver. Because of that compromise, she was able to stay until the cake cutting before returning to the hospital like Cinderella before midnight. It was magical."

A specific gut microbe could help with long-term weight loss goals.

New research published in the journal Nature Medicine tested whether a pasteurized (not live) gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila MucT could help people keep weight off after losing it.

The study enrolled 90 overweight and obese adults from the Netherlands for an eight-week, low-energy diet in which they were instructed to lose 8% of their body weight, according to a press release.

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The participants then started a 24-week weight-maintenance phase and were randomly assigned to take either the gut bacterium or a placebo.

People taking Akkermansia regained less weight than those taking the placebo at an average of 2.6 pounds versus 7.1 pounds, a statistically significant difference, according to the study results.

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The researchers noted that the efficacy of the treatment depends on a person’s existing gut microbiome. There were no serious adverse events reported.

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The study’s short duration and small sample size may not be enough to prove long-term benefits, the team noted. Another limitation is that participants ate whatever they wanted instead of following a standardized diet.

Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist practicing in New York and New Jersey, called this a "well-designed" trial.

"The finding that a single gut microbe, pasteurized Akkermansia, significantly reduced weight regain is particularly compelling," the expert, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "Most probiotics have demonstrated far less efficacy, making these results especially noteworthy."

Balazs pointed out that pasteurized Akkermansia isn’t a live probiotic but works through "components of the bacteria, particularly a protein called Amuc_1100."

"This protein helps strengthen the gut barrier, reduce low-grade inflammation and support healthy metabolic function," he said. "After weight loss, the body naturally tries to regain fat, but Akkermansia appears to help quiet some of those biological signals, making it easier to maintain results over time."

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While the study results are promising, the doctor cautioned that Akkermansia is not a miracle pill.

"It helps with maintenance, not initial loss," he said. "Long-term use is plausible; however, it hasn't been proven beyond 24 weeks. This does not replace diet, exercise or medical advice."

Americans born after 1970 are dying faster than their parents did, data shows.

New analysis from Tufts University reveals that Gen Xers and millennials are failing to outlive their predecessors, dying at higher rates from common chronic illnesses and external causes than previous generations did when they were the same age.

Data shows that U.S. life expectancy has steadily improved for most of the 20th century, meaning each generation generally lived longer than the one before it.

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However, that changed starting with individuals born in the 1950s. While Americans born in the 1940s experienced steadily improving survival rates at every stage of life, those born in the 1950s saw that progress slow or reverse.

The downward trend has continued with each subsequent generation, with the biggest change seen in Americans born after 1970.

The research, which tracks 45 years of American mortality data from 1979 to 2019, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, according to a Tufts press release.

Between the ages of 30 and 49, Americans born after 1970 experience higher death rates from heart disease, cancer and external causes (such as drug overdoses, suicide, homicides and traffic accidents) compared to older generations when they were in that same age bracket.

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Because the study focused on mapping patterns rather than conducting clinical trials, researchers say it can’t point to a single definitive cause for the decline.

However, the study points out two distinct issues affecting American life expectancy. The first is generational decline, meaning that newer generations are entering middle age while carrying higher risk factors than their predecessors.

Additionally, a separate, nationwide setback began around 2010, negatively impacting almost every living adult simultaneously, regardless of their birth year. Researchers say this period was marked by a slowdown of decades-long progress against cardiovascular disease.

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U.S. life expectancy improved by just 0.26 years between 2010 and 2019. In comparison, the country gained an average of 1.78 years of life expectancy per decade over the previous 50 years, according to the analysis.

This has caused the U.S. to fall further behind on a global scale. The life expectancy gap between the U.S. and the top-performing nation grew from 2.6 years in 1983 to 4.7 years by 2009.

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Earlier generations were heavily impacted by cigarette smoking. In contrast, younger generations face rising obesity rates and related conditions, such as colon cancer, data shows.

The researchers noted that the rise of the opioid epidemic also significantly accelerated overdose deaths for post-1970 generations starting in the late 1990s.

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The team cited widening economic inequality, social instability and chronic stress as larger issues that could be driving multiple causes of death at the same time.

Because Americans born after 1970 are still in the middle stages of life, the full impact of these elevated mortality rates has not yet fully registered in overall national life expectancy figures, they noted.

"Although this study does not provide direct evidence, we can speculate about some interventions to explore," lead study author Leah Abrams, an assistant professor of community health at Tufts University, said in the press release.

"To reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease, we may want to address risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Addressing colon cancer mortality among younger individuals may involve related factors and benefit from improving diet."

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to analyze newly released 2024 mortality data to understand how the pandemic may have affected U.S. mortality trends.

The latest beverage trend is far from clean – and it’s raising red flags with doctors.

Known as a "dirty soda," it’s a soft drink that also includes a combination of added ingredients, such as flavored syrups, creamers, fruit juices and other garnishes. The result is a sweet beverage that’s a combination of a soda, mocktail and dessert.

Dirty sodas can easily deliver 250-400 calories and 55-70 grams of sugar in a single drink – which is often more than double the American Heart Association’s daily added sugar limit, according to Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian.

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"It’s more like a dessert beverage than a soft drink, even if people use diet soda as the base," she told Fox News Digital.

The drinks are most dangerous for those with insulin resistance, prediabetes or diabetes, Palinski-Wade warned.

"The combination of rapidly absorbed sugar plus cream can cause sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes, driving hunger, fatigue and higher insulin demands," she cautioned.

The trend is said to have originated in Utah years ago at a specialty soda shop, Swig, reportedly due to people in the Mormon faith seeking an alternative to coffee. The drink was then popularized by social media and TV shows, such as "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," according to Eater.com.

The dirty soda trend is widely credited to Swig, a Utah-based soda shop founded in 2010. The concept reportedly gained popularity in Utah, where many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints abstain from coffee and alcohol, helping create demand for customizable, non-alcoholic drinks.

'ADDICTIVE' ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS LINKED TO SPIKE IN CHRONIC DISEASE, RESEARCHERS WARN

"There are multiple soda shops in most suburbs here," one Utah resident wrote on Reddit. "I have many coworkers who stop at one daily on their way to work [because] they don’t drink coffee, but will drink dirty sodas."

Dirty sodas have recently grown in popularity, appearing on many restaurant menus and grocery store shelves. Coca-Cola has launched its Coca-Cola Cherry Float, which is designed to mimic the soda-and-cream experience, while PepsiCo offers a Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda.

McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Sonic and Dunkin are among the fast-food brands that include dirty soda options in their beverage line-ups.

Perhaps taking the cake is Crumbl, which recently launched a dirty soda that includes multiple sweet ingredients on top of an already sugary soda base.

"Crumbl needs to be stopped," Dr. Mark Hyman wrote in a recent social media post. "Their new ‘dirty soda’ contains 186 grams of sugar, the equivalent of eating 19 Krispy Kreme donuts. This is a metabolic disaster and should be illegal."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, echoed the warnings about dirty sodas being "very unhealthy."

"They are loaded with processed sugar, empty calories and saturated fats," he told Fox News Digital. "They are also highly addictive, especially because of the high sugar content, and are about 400 calories per serving."

Over time, regular consumption of these types of sugary beverages can train the brain to seek repeated dopamine and endorphin releases, Siegel warned. This can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and other chronic illnesses.

Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, echoed that daily added sugars increase the risk of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

"Additionally, the creamy mix-ins featured in dirty sodas are generally high in saturated fat, another nutrient that should be consumed in limited amounts," Freirich told Fox News Digital.

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"If you're looking for a mocktail or fun non-alcoholic beverage, consider using a base of plain seltzer water for a bubbly drink," she recommended. "Even with the same add-ins, your end result will contain considerably less sugar, but still taste sweet."

Kenneth J. Perry, M.D., an emergency physician in Charleston, South Carolina, also noted that dirty sodas represent a continuation of the trend toward highly sugary beverages.

"Their effects are short-lived, prompting individuals to consume excessive amounts," he warned. "This combination of low nutritional value, high sugar content and poor satiety can have significant health implications."

Each additional highly sugary beverage consumed daily increases the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, Perry cautioned.

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The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars – such as those found in beverages with added sugar – to less than 10% of total daily energy consumption, the doctor noted.

"Beverages with added sugar are one of the most easily modifiable risk factors for various downstream health issues," Perry added.

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For those who do decide to try the dirty soda trend, Palinski-Wade recommends choosing a small size, using a diet soda base and limiting it to a rare treat.

"It really belongs in the same category as a cake or a milkshake – occasionally, and in smaller portions."

A diabetes drug could help lower the risk of heart failure in certain patients.

A new study published in Nature Medicine analyzed how SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, could help prevent heart failure in people with rare genetic variants linked to cardiomyopathy (a progressive disease of the heart muscle).

Using data from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial, researchers from Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham and MIT looked at more than 12,000 adults who had type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk.

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About 121 participants carried inherited gene variants that could raise their chances of developing cardiomyopathy.

After a median 4.2-year follow-up, dapagliflozin was found to lower hospitalization for heart failure more in individuals with the variants than in those without.

While dapagliflozin lowered heart failure hospitalization in both groups, the reduction was about eight times stronger in carriers of the genetic variant.

Among the 82% of carriers without a prior history of heart failure, 12.8% developed heart failure in the placebo group, while no heart-failure events were observed among carriers receiving dapagliflozin.

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Co-lead study author Shinwan Kany, MD, a visiting scientist at the Cardiovascular Research Center with Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute and the Broad Institute, commented on how these findings could shape preventive care.

"Historically, identifying a genetic variant for cardiomyopathy mostly meant telling a patient they were at high risk and not having a specific preventive therapy to offer," he said in a press release. "These data show we do have tools to lower risk in these individuals."

As this was an analysis of a larger randomized trial, the results require further confirmation, according to experts. The narrow sample size of carriers also poses a limitation.

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"These findings are very encouraging because they suggest we may be entering an era where heart failure prevention becomes more precise and more genetically informed," Andrew Freeman, MD, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health, told Fox News Digital.

Freeman, who was not involved in the study, called the research "important and provocative."

Participants with no history of heart failure who took dapagliflozin were less likely to develop the condition, a finding that "raises the possibility that SGLT2 inhibitors may be especially useful as preventive therapy in genetically high-risk individuals," the doctor said.

"This should be viewed as an exciting hypothesis-generating finding, not yet a practice-changing mandate for all patients with these genetic variants," Freeman cautioned.

SGLT2 inhibitors are already "foundational" cardiovascular and kidney-protective medications, the doctor noted.

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"They reduce heart failure hospitalization across a broad range of patients, including those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and established heart failure," he said. "What this study adds is the possibility that genetic information may help identify a subgroup of people who derive especially large benefit from early treatment."

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Genetic testing for cardiomyopathy is often used for diagnosis, family screening and risk stratification, Freeman said.

If future clinical trials confirm the findings, cardiologists could eventually use genetic screening to identify high-risk patients, monitor them more closely, and begin treatments such as SGLT2 inhibitors before heart failure symptoms appear, according to the cardiologist.

Heart failure does not always begin when symptoms appear, Freeman noted. In some patients, risk may be present years earlier due to inherited genetics.

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Preventive cardiology could identify high-risk patients earlier, before they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid retention or the need for hospitalization.

The decision to medicate should always be discussed with a clinician, Freeman advised, especially for those with a personal or family history of cardiovascular events.

A woman with advanced Alzheimer’s disease saw significant improvements in brain function after taking psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

That’s according to a case report recently published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, which focused on an elderly woman who had been living with Alzheimer's disease for about 10 years. 

The Japanese American woman, whose name was not shared, had experienced severe functional decline for roughly five years. The Brazilian study authors described her as having advanced dementia, with very limited speech or communication, severe cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence and reduced mobility.

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She also depended on caregivers for assistance with daily living activities.

The woman received two sessions of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The first was a 5-gram oral dose, followed by a 3-gram oral dose a month later.

After the first dose, she experienced profuse sweating and hyperthermia, followed by a prolonged sleep-like state.

Approximately 19 hours later, the patient "spontaneously initiated autobiographical conversation lasting several hours," the researchers wrote.

Over the following days and weeks, the woman experienced restored urinary continence, was able to walk independently and dress herself, and engaged in spontaneous conversation. She was also able to retrieve contextual memories, showed the ability to express emotions and maintained eye contact — smiling with others.

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After the second session, the authors reported that the woman had even greater speech capabilities, more facial expressions and humor, increased walking agility and continued continence.

Beyond the heavy sweating, hyperthermia and sleep-like state, the patient did not experience severe or persistent adverse effects, the researchers noted.

Although the reported benefits lasted for at least one month, the paper does not provide longer-term follow-up.

The authors said the findings should be interpreted with caution, as they are based on a single patient.

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The case also included no control group, standardized cognitive assessments, brain imaging biomarkers, electrophysiological monitoring or sleep studies, they noted.

The patient’s Alzheimer's diagnosis was not confirmed with modern biomarkers, and other neurodegenerative conditions could not be completely ruled out, the study stated.

As the patient may have experienced natural fluctuations in her medical condition, the study could not establish that psilocybin directly caused the woman’s improvements.

While the study suggests that psilocybin-containing mushrooms could temporarily reactivate brain function in people with late-stage dementia, the authors noted that controlled clinical trials, cognitive assessments, imaging scans and other tests are needed to confirm the findings.

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"Much more research is needed in larger, more representative study populations before any conclusions can be drawn about psilocybin’s safety and effectiveness in people living with Alzheimer’s or any other disease that causes dementia," Courtney Kloske, Ph.D., director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, told Fox News Digital.

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Kloske, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers should talk with their doctor about all medications, vitamins, supplements and other substances they are taking.

"This helps healthcare providers understand how these products may interact with approved Alzheimer’s medications and other therapies to determine whether they could lead to unwanted side effects," she advised.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, said he is "dubious" of the significance of the study because the effect was described as temporary and was limited to one case.

"Also, there is a built-in danger of giving a hallucinogen to someone with this degree of mental impairment, because the behavioral effects are largely unpredictable and can be harmful," Siegel, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"Having said that, I am not surprised to see that psilocybin could temporarily overcome or alter the gummed-up [brain] circuitry (with plaques) of advanced Alzheimer’s disease – so it might have some value in a carefully controlled setting."

The findings come as several states have expanded legal access to psilocybin. (The substance remains federally illegal in the U.S. as a Schedule I substance.)

Oregon began licensing psilocybin service centers in 2023, Colorado's regulated natural medicine program became operational in 2025, and New Mexico enacted a Medical Psilocybin Act in 2025, according to state officials.

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Still, there are currently no FDA-approved psilocybin treatments for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and legal access remains limited to certain state-regulated programs or approved research settings.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Potentially deadly sepsis may be more likely in certain patients due to problems in the gut.

Researchers from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology's Infectious Disease Research Center used female mouse models to investigate why sepsis outcomes can vary so dramatically.

The study, published in the journal Nature, looked at genetically similar mice with different gut microbiomes. The mice were infected with Acinetobacter baumannii — a highly resilient bacterium that can lead to sepsis.

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The researchers compared groups of mice with higher and lower survival rates, examining differences in their gut microbiomes, the amount of bacteria in their blood and organs, and other cellular markers, according to the study press release.

Although some mice were genetically similar, the more vulnerable mice had a higher concentration of Muribaculaceae bacteria in the gut. In one comparison, these bacteria made up about 28% of the microbiome in poor surviving mice, but only 0.15% in better surviving mice.

Mice with worse survival showed an early and strong inflammatory response, which later led to more bacteria in the blood, lungs and spleen. This suggests that the microbiome causes the immune system to be more reactive, according to the researchers.

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In the microbiome of mice with worse survival, the researchers also noticed that one strain of bacteria — Sangeribacter muris KT1-3 — was most prominent. The mice that typically survived at high rates fared much worse when housed with KTI-3 mice, with their survival falling to 10%.

This bacterial strain also appeared to worsen inflammation during certain infections, making sepsis more severe.

These findings suggest that the gut microbiome can signal how the immune system will react before an infection begins.

Andrew Fleming, MD, section chief of Infectious Diseases & Immunology at NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, said it has been "known for years" that gut bacteria and bacterial toxins can be released into the bloodstream during sepsis.

This worsens the inflammatory response to the initial infection, according to Fleming, who was not involved in the study.

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"This process is particularly important in septic shock, where the intestinal wall becomes more permeable to translocation (or leaking) of bacterial products," Fleming said.

Interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system are "complex and variable from person to person," the doctor described.

"But there is mounting evidence that a diverse and healthy gut microbiome – the community of bacteria that lives in a person's gut – is protective in some ways against severe sepsis," he went on. "And a dysregulated microbiome – for example, one severely altered by antibiotics – can impair or worsen the immune system's response during sepsis."

Scientists are starting to think of the gut microbiome "almost as a living organ," according to Fleming, much like the heart, kidneys or liver, all serving "multiple functions" to keep the body healthy.

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An unhealthy microbiome can have "detrimental effects across a range of health issues," he added – including how the body responds to infections.

"Compared to our other organs, we currently have fewer readily available tests in the doctor's office to measure the health of our microbiome," Fleming said. "However, this should not prevent us from thinking about our gut microbiome and how to keep it healthy."

The use of antibiotics has "major and long-lasting effects" on the microbiome, Fleming noted. Up to 80% of adults in the U.S. are prescribed an antibiotic every year, while 30% are estimated to be unnecessary, according to the CDC.

"Antibiotics deplete the diversity of the microbiome and create a void in the gut microbial community that can be filled by harmful bacteria from the environment," the doctor told Fox News Digital.

"We must begin to think much more critically about our antibiotic use and overuse, both to maintain our gut health and to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance."

The study findings are an "intriguing starting point to further research," Fleming said, although there were some key limitations.

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"Sangeribacter muris is not typically found in humans, so the exact mechanism of this bacterial strain worsening sepsis that is demonstrated in this study cannot be directly extrapolated to people," he said. "Well-designed clinical trials should be conducted to explore how similar gut microbiome effects may play out in sepsis in humans."

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Despite these limitations, the doctor said he supports the hypothesis that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can help keep the immune system well-regulated while reducing the risk of developing severe sepsis.

People who incorporate strength training into their weekly routines may be more likely to live longer, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data from 147,374 adults and found that people who engaged in moderate amounts of resistance training had a lower risk of dying from several major causes, including heart disease and neurological disease.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

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People who performed between 90 and 119 minutes of resistance training per week had a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did no strength training.

The same group also experienced a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological diseases, most of which were related to dementia.

Researchers found that the greatest benefit occurred when resistance training was combined with aerobic exercise.

Adults who regularly participated in both forms of exercise had up to a 45% lower risk of death than those who did little aerobic activity and no resistance training.

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However, more exercise was not necessarily better.

The study found no additional reduction in mortality risk beyond about 120 minutes of resistance training per week.

The research followed participants for up to 30 years and repeatedly tracked their exercise habits over time, giving researchers a more complete picture of long-term behavior.

Josephine Hunt, an educational leader, former group fitness instructor and founder of The Resilience Revolution based in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, said the findings support a growing body of research linking strength training to healthy aging.

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"The conversation about longevity often focuses on living longer, but I believe the more important goal is maintaining the strength, mobility, independence, and vitality to fully participate in life as we age," Hunt told Fox News Digital.

Hunt said resistance training helps preserve muscle mass and bone density, improves balance and supports overall physical function as people get older.

For women, she noted, strength training becomes especially important after menopause, when muscle mass and bone density can decline more rapidly.

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"Resistance training is not about bodybuilding, appearance, or achieving a certain physique," Hunt said.

"It is about preserving the ability to live life on your own terms."

She added that strength training can help people remain independent, recover from illness or injury, travel more easily and stay active later in life.

Researchers noted that the study has limitations.

While the findings suggest a connection between strength training and a lower risk of death, the study cannot prove that lifting weights was the reason participants lived longer.

The study also relied on self-reported exercise habits and primarily included white, middle-aged and older health professionals, which may limit how broadly the findings apply to the general population.

The old saying that laughter is the best medicine may be true, according to new research that suggests it is also a vital catalyst for children's development.

Laughter and play are fundamental to healthy brain growth, emotional well-being and social bonding, according to Jacqueline Harding, Ph.D., an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London.

In her book, "The Brain That Loves to Laugh," Harding argues that joy is a complex biological phenomenon that helps children navigate stress and build more resilient, receptive minds, news agency SWNS reported.

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"When we see children laugh, we witness the brilliance of the brain in action: learning, connecting and growing," Harding told SWNS.

"Hope and humor, it seems, are not just the seasoning of life, but foundational to a recipe for healthy development."

Laughter activates broad brain networks, including motor regions and the prefrontal cortex, long before children learn to speak. By helping the brain resolve conflicting ideas, it boosts creativity and engages working memory, acting as a "mental workout," experts say.

At a molecular level, laughter alters the internal chemistry by decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. It also increases "happiness chemicals" like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

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Additionally, laughter is known to boost oxytocin, which deepens emotional bonds between parents and children.

Prolonged stress does the exact opposite: It impairs learning, suppresses immune function and alters the developing limbic system, which governs emotion and long-term memory, according to SWNS.

"Stated simply, the emotional state of young children directly influences how they navigate their way through the world," Harding said.

Parents can foster these benefits through moments of spontaneous play and joyful connection, the expert advised.

These interactions do more than spark laughter — they help children develop emotional regulation, strengthen feelings of safety and connection, and support social and cognitive development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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"Spontaneous, joyful play is an antidote to stress, as it increases levels of endorphins released by the brain," Harding said. "Creative, happy play does its most brilliant work at a molecular level, especially at a time when the human brain is at its most receptive."

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This shared joy also establishes "co-regulation," where a child learns to manage their own stress by drawing on a biological store of positive early experiences.

Harding advocates for integrating humor directly into classrooms to reduce cognitive load and improve how children retain key concepts. 

By uplifting the nervous system, joy creates an optimal environment for information absorption, as the SWNS piece noted.

"Safe relationships and non-stressful play environments promote learning," she added. 

"The curriculum must never be prioritized over those two fundamental factors."

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently updated its medical marijuana guidelines, adding specific instructions to its "What Can I Bring?" directory for both carry-on and checked bags.

Patients who use cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, nausea or other qualifying conditions may travel with their medication for use at their destination.

When taking medical marijuana on a flight, experts suggest separating the travel process from the treatment and waiting until arriving at the destination before using the substance.

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"For most patients, the goal isn't to use cannabis on the plane. It's making sure they have access to their medicine when they arrive," Professor Rob Mejia of the Stockton University Cannabis Studies Department, who is also author of "The Essential Cannabis Book," told Fox News Digital.

Using cannabis on aircraft is generally not recommended. Airlines strictly prohibit smoking and vaping, and even edible products can behave unpredictably.

While some experienced consumers may use a low-dose edible before a flight to manage flight anxiety or promote sleep, Mejia said the key factor is familiarity.

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"An airport or airplane is not the place to test a new product or take a dose you are not accustomed to," he advised. "What feels relaxing to an experienced consumer can easily feel overwhelming to someone with less experience."

According to clinical data published by the American College of Cardiology, cannabis use significantly alters heart rhythm regulation and heightens the heart muscle's overall oxygen demand.

When this elevated cardiac strain combines with the nervous system's natural response to altitude — which, according to University of Florida research, already forces the heart to beat faster to distribute lower levels of oxygen — it can trigger acute cardiovascular distress.

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Rather than relieving travel anxiety, using unpredictable or high-potency doses at high altitudes can worsen symptoms like severe nausea, dizziness and hyperventilation, research shows.

"The overall goal should be continuity of care during travel, not medicating at 35,000 feet," Mejia said.

For a growing number of patients, cannabis is no longer just an alternative therapy, but functions as a primary form of medicine. In these cases, before traveling with the substance, preparation is everything, experts say.

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"The safest cannabis travel plan is understanding the laws before you pack," Mejia advised, warning travelers not to misinterpret the updated language.

"A TSA checkpoint is not a legal shield from state or local enforcement," the expert noted. "The TSA checks for security threats, not cannabis. That doesn't mean cannabis can't become your problem."

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"If your cannabis looks legitimate, labeled and professionally packaged, you're less likely to raise questions."

"If your cannabis looks legitimate, labeled and professionally packaged, you're less likely to raise questions than if you're carrying a bag of mystery gummies and a handful of loose flower," Mejia added.

If an item raises eyebrows, the agent has the authority to refer the matter to law enforcement.

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While domestic travel has entered a gray area, international travel remains a different set of rules altogether. Crossing international borders with cannabis carries severe risks, regardless of the laws of the country you are visiting, experts say.

"If you're traveling internationally, leave your cannabis at home," Mejia advised. "Even in countries that have legalized cannabis, the rules for visitors can be very different from the rules for residents."

If you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips after a few drinks, hormones may be partly to blame. Researchers suggest they can influence food cravings and may contribute to significant overeating.

Studies examining how alcohol affects people’s eating habits have produced inconsistent results, University of Sydney researchers reported in Obesity Reviews.

Alcohol on its own always adds calories, but how much it contributes to people’s total caloric intake depends on their dietary habits, the scientists observed.

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Previous research suggests alcohol consumption may increase levels of FGF21, "a hormone that increases savory (umami) preference and reduces sweet preference," the researchers wrote. In "minimally processed food environments," people seek foods that are both satiating and high in protein, and they limit the number of calories they eat.

On diets rich in ultra-processed savory foods and/or high-fat unprocessed meats, however, consumers eat foods that taste like the minimally processed foods, but that fail to deliver protein. The researchers refer to these foods as "protein decoys." People who indulge in ultra-processed foods tend to eat many more calories, because they’re not satisfied without protein.

The researchers analyzed previous experimental work that involved interviews with more than 9,000 Australians. The survey found that people who reported drinking alcohol also reported eating a lot more savory foods and fewer sweet foods than the non-drinkers. People’s savory food intake increased on days they reported drinking.

People who reported drinking and consuming a savory diet with the low-protein, high-fat characteristics of an ultra-processed diet took in 40% more calories than the daily recommendation — before factoring in the alcohol.

"Results suggest that alcohol may have contributed to the obesity epidemic," because it increases people’s appetites, and people consuming highly processed foods eat more of the unsatiating food, the researchers hypothesized.

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The researchers wrote that their observations could explain why studies on alcohol’s effect on caloric intake have been so varied, because it likely depends on the types of foods you’re eating while drinking.

They also noted that their studies did not directly measure FGF21 levels, but that they applied previous information gathered through scientific studies to make their observations. They wrote that they could not provide direct evidence of FGF21’s role in food intake.

The researchers also acknowledged the limitations of their research, since it was largely based on secondary evidence from a population survey.

"Advice to limit highly processed foods, including savory snack foods, may be even more critical than previously thought for reducing the risk of weight gain among adults who drink regularly," they concluded.

Registered dietitian Morgan Beemiller, RD, LDN, based in Ohio, said she was not surprised by this study’s findings.

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"Alcohol is known to affect several biological and behavioral systems that influence food cravings," she told Fox News Digital.

According to Beemiller, alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain’s reward circuits. It also changes taste perception, she said.

To avoid the ultra-processed overeating pitfall, Beemiller recommended people eat a substantial meal prior to drinking.

"Include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats," she advised. "This combination helps slow alcohol absorption and reduces urges for convenience foods later."

Chicken, rice and salad or salmon, potatoes and broccoli are sensible pre-drink meals, Beemiller said.

"Decide on your late-night food before you start drinking," she said. "If healthy food is already available, you are less likely to order or make convenience foods later in the evening."

People should keep minimally processed snacks such as nuts, cheese, fruit, hummus and vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, readily available, Beemiller said. It’s also important to stay hydrated, she noted. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water can reduce total alcohol consumption, improve hydration and reduce hangover symptoms.

While Beemiller said evidence suggests less alcohol is generally better for health, she added there are a few ways to reduce the negative impact if someone chooses to drink.

Keep your intake to a moderate level. Health risks rise the more people drink. Choose low-sugar options such as dry wines, light beers and cocktails that use fresh juices rather than syrups. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as margaritas, daiquiris, sweet dessert wines and hard lemonades. Also beware of high-calorie mixers. Opt for sparkling water instead.

"Choose alcohol for enjoyment, not stress management," Beemiller said.