Health

When an 84-year-old man in Hong Kong went to hospital with an enlarged prostate, doctors were startled to see that his skin—and even the whites of his eyes—had turned silver-gray. A deeper investigation revealed silver deposits permeating his tissues, turning him a hue more often reserved for science fiction.

If the organs in our bodies could talk, the intestines might be the ones to divulge the most hidden truths about our lifestyle and health. Along the way, their “confessions” could supply crucial information for biomedical and clinical research. Weizmann Institute of Science researchers have now given just this sort of “voice” to the intestine.

New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults. The study is published in the Journals of Gerontology.

French customs officials said Monday that they had seized tons of illegally imported honey touted as an all-natural sexual enhancement—but often tainted with erectile dysfunction drugs—were seized in the country last year.

Intermittent fasting has gained attention for its potential metabolic benefits, but questions remain about which regimen is most effective and how it compares to continuous energy restriction. To address these questions, researchers analyzed data from over 9,800 participants across 153 studies, focusing on three common intermittent fasting regimens: time-restricted eating, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet. These were compared with continuous energy restriction and usual diets.

Alcohol is often used as a sleep aid—with some people crediting a “nightcap” with helping them fall asleep more easily. But while it might be nice to unwind after a long day with a glass of wine or a beer, alcohol may not be as beneficial for sleep as some think. In fact, it may actually lead to a worse night’s sleep overall.

“Saturday Night Fever” hit the silver screen in 1977 and epitomized the culture of the time. Disco music, flared trousers and pure escapism. Saturdays remain the most popular night for going out, although it has very much moved on from the days of John Travolta and bell-bottoms. But the pleasure-seeking lifestyle has remained and spawned a collection of what might be referred to as the “Saturday night conditions.”

Air pollution has an alarming effect on global health. In 2019, it was responsible for 4.2 million global deaths. Inhaling air pollution harms health in many different ways beyond simply having effects on the lungs. Over 70% of air pollution deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases—diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attacks and strokes.

When British TV doctor Michael Mosley died last year in Greece after walking in extreme heat, local police said “heat exhaustion” was a contributing factor.

A new study led by a Georgia State University researcher finds that the opioid epidemic and rural homelessness are exacerbating each other with devastating consequences.