https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/staying_healthy/ What makes people stay healthy? How can diet, exercise, pets, even your neighborhood, affect your health? Read about the latest research. en-us Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:02:00 EDT Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:02:00 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/staying_healthy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814011039.htm Scientists have uncovered why two seemingly opposite ways of targeting the same brain receptor can both promote weight loss. In mice, activating the GIP receptor in the brainstem reduced appetite, while blocking it in the hypothalamus removed a kind of “brake” on fullness signals. The discovery helps explain why very different obesity drugs can achieve similar results and suggests that carefully combining GIP-targeting treatments with GLP-1 drugs like those related to Wegovy and Ozempic could produce stronger effects. Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:55:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814011039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814011028.htm Women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy later in life were less likely to develop dementia and showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains, according to a large study of more than 21,000 participants. Hormone therapy use was linked to 39% lower odds of a dementia diagnosis and 35% lower odds of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes at autopsy, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Biomarker tests also suggested less amyloid buildup among hormone therapy users. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:19:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814011028.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045554.htm A large study of more than 5,500 adults over 50 found a striking combination of risk factors: abdominal obesity paired with vitamin D deficiency was linked to a 123% higher risk of death over six years. Each condition was associated with increased risk on its own, but together they appeared to create a dangerous feedback loop, with belly fat reducing the amount of vitamin D available in the bloodstream while low vitamin D may worsen inflammation and other health problems. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:29:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045548.htm Orange juice may have a much bigger effect on the body than scientists once realized. Drinking it regularly appears to influence genes tied to inflammation, blood pressure, metabolism, and blood sugar control, while studies have also found improvements in cholesterol and blood vessel health. Researchers suspect natural citrus compounds such as hesperidin may be partly responsible. Even the gut microbiome may benefit. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:15:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045548.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045531.htm A protein inside appetite-controlling brain cells may play an important role in preventing overeating and obesity, particularly when high-fat foods are readily available. Unexpected differences between males and females could also help explain why obesity risk—and responses to weight-loss drugs—can vary. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:42:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045531.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260810015719.htm Regular exercise may help the brain clear away harmful waste that can build up with age. Researchers found that physical activity supports several processes linked to the brain’s glymphatic cleanup system, including better sleep, lower inflammation, and healthier blood vessels. Because this waste-removal system becomes increasingly important as we get older, exercise could play a meaningful role in protecting against cognitive decline. Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:49:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260810015719.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808235008.htm A study tracking more than 340,000 adults for over a decade found that heavy drinking increased the risk of death regardless of beverage type. At lower levels, however, the picture became more surprising: beer, cider, and spirits were linked to higher mortality, while wine was associated with lower risk. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared with people who rarely or never drank. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:49:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808235008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808235003.htm A daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie may help improve more than just fruit intake. In a small four-week trial, participants who added one to a healthier diet showed significantly lower depression scores, hinting that a simple dietary change could also support mental well-being. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:09:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808235003.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808234959.htm Just a couple of hours of strength training each week could have surprisingly powerful effects on longevity. People who lifted weights for around 90 to 120 minutes weekly had a 13% lower risk of dying early, with especially large reductions in deaths from cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Pairing strength training with regular aerobic exercise was even more impressive, lowering overall death risk by about 45%. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:52:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808234959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808234948.htm Full-fat dairy may be healthier than conventional advice has suggested. In a 12-week study, adults who ate three servings a day showed no meaningful increases in weight, body fat, cholesterol, or insulin resistance. They also experienced improved blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D. The findings suggest dairy’s complex structure may matter more than its saturated fat content alone. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:12:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808234948.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260807235103.htm Changing how much sweet-tasting food people eat may not change how much they crave or enjoy sweetness after all. In a six-month trial, researchers found that people assigned to high-, low-, or average-sweetness diets showed no meaningful differences in their preference for sweet foods, body weight, or markers linked to diabetes and heart disease. Many participants also drifted back toward their previous eating habits once the trial ended. Sat, 08 Aug 2026 08:55:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260807235103.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260806050724.htm Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week may offer only modest protection against heart attacks and strokes. A large study suggests that substantially greater benefits may require roughly 560 to 610 minutes a week—nearly 9 to 10 hours of brisk walking, running, cycling, or similar activity. Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:49:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260806050724.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260806050709.htm A new wearable patch may help people reach REM sleep faster and remain there longer without medication or surgery. In a study of 28 participants, the device shortened the time to REM by 43 minutes and extended it by about 16 minutes. Researchers also observed signs of improved stress regulation and changes in brain circuits tied to emotion. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:31:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260806050709.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260805082450.htm A prescription form of THC helped many people with PTSD escape recurring trauma-related nightmares, with more than one-third reporting that the nightmares disappeared completely after ten weeks. The results could point toward a long-awaited treatment for one of PTSD’s most distressing and stubborn symptoms. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:16:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260805082450.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260803080902.htm Weight loss is not simply a test of willpower. The human brain evolved to protect body fat during times of scarcity, and it can treat a previously higher weight as the new normal, triggering stronger hunger, cravings, and lower energy use after weight loss. This biological “memory” helps explain why many people regain weight after dieting and why medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can help by reducing appetite signals, although their effects may fade when treatment ends. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:38:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260803080902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260802223417.htm Low arginine levels may allow cancer cells and viruses to slip past the immune system by reducing production of a crucial cellular warning protein. In mice, arginine-rich diets led to fewer colon tumors and milder viral infections, suggesting a simple supplement could have powerful therapeutic potential. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:38:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260802223417.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801042831.htm A surprisingly small dose of exercise may deliver major health benefits for adults carrying excess fat around the waist. In a four-month trial involving 315 adults with central obesity, researchers found that completing 75 minutes of brisk interval walking in a single weekly session reduced body fat, trimmed waistlines, and improved cardiovascular fitness about as effectively as splitting the same exercise across three days. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 03:33:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801042831.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801042811.htm A sweeping review of more than 350 studies suggests that the protein boom may be overselling what many people actually need. Eating less protein appears to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation and cellular damage, and activate pathways linked to healthier aging and longer life. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:52:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801042811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260731034155.htm A daily avocado may help lower heart disease risk in adults with obesity by reducing the number of LDL particles circulating in the blood. After six months, participants who ate an avocado each day experienced a decline associated with an estimated 4% reduction in cardiovascular risk. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 08:35:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260731034155.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051540.htm A person’s sleeping brain may reveal warning signs of dementia long before memory problems begin. Researchers used machine learning to analyze EEG recordings from about 7,000 adults and found that an older-than-expected “brain age” was tied to a sharply higher dementia risk. Every additional 10 years of brain aging raised that risk by nearly 40%. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:05:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051534.htm New research challenges the decades-old idea that children experience an “adiposity rebound” when their BMI begins rising around age 6. Although BMI returns to earlier levels, a more reliable measure showed that body fat does not rebound at all. The increase appears to come from growing muscle and lean tissue as children prepare for later growth. Researchers say this normal process has been mistakenly treated as an obesity warning sign for 42 years. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:28:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051531.htm Researchers have uncovered a possible biological pathway connecting obesity to Alzheimer’s disease. Obesity appears to raise levels of certain fat molecules that can travel to the brain, disrupt its immune defenses, and promote harmful amyloid buildup. Correcting this fat imbalance improved memory and brain function in Alzheimer’s models. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:52:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051531.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051529.htm A gene involved in the brain’s overnight cleaning system may change how strongly poor sleep affects Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The findings point toward more personalized prevention strategies based on both genetics and sleep habits. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:20:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729044048.htm A new cooking method could make French fries crispier in less time while significantly limiting how much oil they absorb. Researchers propose combining microwave heating, which keeps oil out, with conventional frying, which provides the crunch consumers expect. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:15:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729044048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729010722.htm Sleeping well during a heatwave starts with stopping the home from overheating. Close blinds against strong sunlight, ventilate when the air outside becomes cooler, and avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours. Moving to a cooler room, choosing light bedding and using fans or ice packs safely can also make hot nights more manageable. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:35:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729010722.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729010716.htm Taking a daily multivitamin may help older adults preserve the strength and stamina needed for everyday activities. After three years, users reported better functional health than those taking a placebo, although the preliminary findings still require peer review. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:44:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729010716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012128.htm A grocery-store audit found that many foods marketed for toddlers may be far less healthy than parents expect. Of nearly 2,800 products examined in Texas, 81% were ultra-processed, and almost half failed at least one World Health Organization nutrient standard, often because they contained too much sugar, sodium, fat, or too many calories. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:13:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012128.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012125.htm Eating within a shorter daily window may help protect certain thinking skills as people age. In a small six-month trial, older women who limited eating to about 8 to 9 hours a day performed better on planning and problem-solving tests than those who ate over 12 hours. Both groups lost similar amounts of weight, hinting that when people eat could matter in addition to how much they eat. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:02:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012125.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260726015259.htm Scientists discovered that damaged fat cells can become inflamed, lose their ability to store lipids, and eventually vanish, disrupting the body’s metabolism. The findings show that diabetes can result not only from excess fat, but also from losing the healthy fat tissue the body needs. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 07:43:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260726015259.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260726015237.htm Popular AI-powered food apps may make calorie counting easier, but they may also leave out a surprisingly large part of the meal. Four apps underestimated calories and fat by about one-third when tested against carefully prepared meals. High-fat ketogenic dishes appeared to cause the most trouble, while carbohydrates were measured more consistently. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 09:06:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260726015237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260724061450.htm A healthy lifestyle can prevent type 2 diabetes for many people, but new research suggests that weight loss alone may not be enough for one particularly vulnerable group. Even after losing about 8% of their body weight and keeping it off for years, people in a high-risk category known as cluster 5 continued to experience rising blood sugar, weakening insulin production, and a strong risk of developing diabetes. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:06:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260724061450.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260724061448.htm A prebiotic fiber supplement reduced knee osteoarthritis pain while also improving grip strength and pain sensitivity in a six-week trial. The results hint at a fascinating gut-muscle-pain connection and suggest that a simple daily supplement may be easier to maintain than digital physiotherapy. Sat, 25 Jul 2026 06:01:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260724061448.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260723084854.htm Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs may deliver excellent health value, but covering them for millions of eligible patients could overwhelm insurance budgets. Researchers say better long-term support is needed and warn that low-cost compounded versions may carry serious safety risks. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:29:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260723084854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260723084043.htm A major review found that exercise produces only small average improvements in hip osteoarthritis pain and physical function. It may still help some people, but researchers warn that current evidence is too limited to know which exercises work best. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:09:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260723084043.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260722032121.htm A 25-year study found that frequent consumption of soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice beginning in childhood was linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure in adulthood. Swapping one daily drink for whole fruit, milk, or water could significantly reduce that risk. Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:34:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260722032121.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm For most adults, a daily caffeine habit may be safer for the heart than many people assume. A new American Heart Association review found that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly three to five cups of regular black coffee, is generally safe and may even be linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes. But the source matters: highly concentrated energy drinks and shots can sharply raise blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:30:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035955.htm A major long-term study linked coffee consumption with lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death from liver disease. Coffee drinkers also showed healthier liver scans and blood protein patterns, with less fat, inflammation, and scarring. Benefits appeared even at one or two cups daily and were strongest around three to four cups. Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:26:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035955.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035931.htm Researchers have uncovered a surprising culprit behind sleep loss in Alzheimer’s disease: the brain’s own immune cells. In mice with amyloid plaques, overactive microglia triggered inflammation that kept the brain from getting enough deep, restorative sleep. Temporarily removing most of these cells restored more than two hours of sleep per day, even though the plaques remained unchanged. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:05:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035931.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035927.htm Scientists may have uncovered one reason coffee is repeatedly associated with healthier aging and lower disease risk. Compounds in coffee appear to activate NR4A1, a receptor that helps protect cells from stress, inflammation, and damage. These protective effects disappeared when the receptor was removed, strengthening the connection. Surprisingly, plant-based compounds such as caffeic acid seemed far more active than caffeine itself. Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:19:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260719035927.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260718010154.htm A 12-week intermittent fasting program produced weight-loss benefits that were still visible a year later. Participants who ate within an eight-hour window maintained more weight loss than those who followed their usual longer eating schedule. Both early and late eating windows worked, while early fasting appeared especially helpful for preserving fat loss. Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:59:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260718010154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023605.htm The Mediterranean diet may influence aging through tiny proteins produced inside the cell’s mitochondria. Older adults who followed the diet most closely had higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which have been linked to heart and brain protection. Olive oil, fish, legumes, and fewer refined carbohydrates appeared especially important. The findings could eventually help scientists develop more personalized nutrition plans for healthy aging. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:24:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023605.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023557.htm A global shift toward healthier diets could sharply reduce livestock farming, free up agricultural land, and cut emissions from land-use change by 85% by 2050. At the same time, fruit, vegetable, nut, and legume production could soar, creating a sweeping transformation of what the world grows and eats. Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:45:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023552.htm A large laboratory study found that many commonly used sweeteners can directly change the growth of gut bacteria. Researchers identified more than 100 cases in which sweeteners behaved differently when combined with medications, caffeine, or flavorings. The combination of isosteviol and the antidepressant duloxetine was especially disruptive, reducing beneficial bacteria and overall microbial diversity. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:59:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225526.htm Going to the cinema, visiting museums, or attending concerts may do more than entertain. Researchers found that older adults who regularly participated in cultural activities tended to have bodies that functioned like those of people about three years younger. They believe stronger social ties, better mental health, and healthier habits could help explain the link, although more research is needed to determine whether cultural activities directly slow aging. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:45:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225526.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084921.htm A major review found that people who consumed the most chili peppers had a substantially higher risk of esophageal cancer, though the evidence was less clear for stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect, and that more research is needed to determine whether moderate consumption carries similar risks. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:27:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084921.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084907.htm Researchers found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed biological aging markers in adults with HIV, marking the first clinical evidence that the drug may influence human aging. Although the findings are encouraging, scientists say larger studies are needed before concluding that the medication can help people age more slowly. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:47:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084904.htm A new study found that chewing sugary gum after eating nitrate-rich vegetables or drinking beetroot juice helped the body produce more beneficial nitrite, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure. Researchers hope the discovery will lead to healthier ways to enhance the cardiovascular and performance benefits of dietary nitrate without relying on sugar. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:24:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000800.htm Sleeping about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks caused participants to gain weight and spend more time inactive. Researchers found that even mild, realistic sleep loss, similar to what many adults experience, had measurable effects. They warn that if this pattern continues over months or years, the health consequences could become much more significant, including a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:24:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000800.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011758.htm An unexpected study found that young non-smokers with healthier diets had higher rates of lung cancer, raising questions about whether pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce could play a role. Researchers stress that the findings are preliminary and require further studies before any conclusions can be drawn. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:34:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011758.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011755.htm Exercise doesn't just make the heart stronger. It also rewires the nerves that regulate it, a discovery that could pave the way for more personalized treatments for common heart conditions such as arrhythmias and angina. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:47:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011755.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022217.htm Heavy marijuana smoking may raise the risk of lung cancer and several head and neck cancers, according to growing research, but many important questions remain unanswered. Scientists are still trying to determine how much marijuana use is enough to significantly increase cancer risk. Edibles have not been linked to lung cancer so far, while the long-term effects of vaping marijuana and secondhand marijuana smoke are still being investigated. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:16:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022206.htm Scientists found that a modified Mediterranean-style diet with low protein and just enough methionine helped mice live healthier lives while reducing body fat and frailty. Human data also linked lower animal protein intake to lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, suggesting the approach could benefit people as well. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:54:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260707054114.htm A new study found that dietary fiber can determine whether beneficial intestinal worms help reduce inflammation or become essentially inactive. With plenty of fiber, the worms remained healthy and supported an anti-inflammatory response, while a low-fiber diet pushed them into a hibernation-like state that eliminated those benefits. Researchers also found that fiber-rich diets promoted healthier gut bacteria, whereas Western-style diets reduced microbial diversity and encouraged less desirable microbes. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:59:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260707054114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030437.htm Using alcohol to cope with stress when young may permanently alter the brain, making it harder to adapt to challenges and increasing the risk of returning to drinking later in life. Researchers also found signs of brain damage associated with early dementia, suggesting the effects can linger long after alcohol use has stopped. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:43:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030437.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030433.htm Researchers have identified the brain circuitry that links deep sleep with the release of growth hormone, revealing how the two regulate each other. The newly discovered feedback loop helps explain why poor sleep can interfere with growth, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and brain function. Understanding this system could pave the way for new therapies for sleep disorders and diseases tied to metabolism and the brain, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:39:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060212.htm Some people live past 100 with remarkable health, and researchers may have uncovered one reason why. A new study found that centenarians have a unique chemical "fingerprint" in their blood that sets them apart from normal aging, including unusual patterns of bile acids and steroids linked to longer survival. Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:45:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624115324.htm A protein called “Mitch” may hold the key to a new generation of obesity treatments. Researchers found that disabling it in human cells boosts fat burning, increases energy use, and makes it harder for new fat cells to develop. The findings help explain why mice lacking Mitch were leaner, more athletic, and resistant to obesity. Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:22:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624115324.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624115133.htm Aging may trigger the appearance of specialized stem cells that supercharge the body's ability to create new belly fat. The discovery reveals a potential biological driver of middle-age weight gain and a promising target for future anti-obesity treatments. Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:54:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624115133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025511.htm Osteopenia is a common but often overlooked condition that causes bones to become less dense and more fragile. Because it develops silently, many people only discover they have it after a fracture or bone scan. Aging, menopause, poor diet, and inactivity can all contribute to bone loss. Fortunately, exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and other healthy habits can slow or even partially reverse the decline. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:25:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025511.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014026.htm Researchers have uncovered a molecular “switch” that helps explain why exercise keeps aging muscles healthy. By reducing levels of a gene called DEAF1, physical activity allows older muscles to clear out damage, repair themselves, and maintain strength. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 01:40:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014026.htm