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New findings may help prevent strokes in younger people

6. July, 2026

A blood clot in the brain does not affect only older adults. Damage to the wall of the carotid artery can also cause a stroke in younger adults.

The condition often develops without a clear cause, although minor neck injuries or inherited disorders may play a role in some cases, according to UVA Health.

For researchers, understanding why these injuries occur is important because they can have long-lasting consequences for people who are otherwise healthy and of working age.

Researchers examined the patients

A study published in the journal Neurology Genetics examined 37 patients with carotid artery injuries and compared them with healthy individuals.

The researchers wanted to determine whether the patients shared a specific genetic pattern that could explain the condition.

The study found that shortly after the injury, the patients showed altered activity in 11 genes. The pattern changed again at a later stage.

Several of these genes are linked to hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body and plays an important role in the blood’s ability to clot.

May help in the future

The researchers emphasize that the findings are still preliminary and need to be confirmed in larger studies.

As a result, it is still too early to say how this new knowledge could be applied in treatment. Nevertheless, the discovery could prove significant.

According to UVA Health, around one in five strokes in people under the age of 55 is caused by damage to the carotid artery.

In the long term, the new research may make it easier to identify people at increased risk and potentially help prevent some of these strokes.

Stress overload: What happens inside your body

Mie Hermansen

6. July, 2026

Stress overload: What happens inside your body

Stress is a natural response that helps us deal with pressure and challenges. But when the body stays in a constant state of alert for too long, it can begin to affect both physical and mental health, reports The Guardian.

Stress puts the body into action

When we feel stressed, the body reacts immediately by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and breathing to prepare us for action.

An ancient survival mechanism

The stress response developed to help humans deal with physical danger, causing the body to prioritise immediate survival.

Hormones take control

Shortly after the initial reaction, stress hormones are released to keep energy levels high and the body ready to respond.

Modern stress has no physical release

Today, stress is often triggered by worries and overthinking rather than real physical threats, which can keep the body stuck in alert mode.

Important body functions are pushed aside

While stress is active, processes such as digestion, recovery and immune function receive less attention from the body.

Long-term pressure is the real danger

Occasional stress is normal, but problems can develop when the body does not get enough time to recover between stressful periods.

The immune system becomes weaker

Chronic stress can make it harder for the body to fight infections and recover from illness or injury.

Health risks increase over time

Long-lasting stress has been linked to several conditions, including depression, obesity and diseases that affect the brain.

Body and mind can fuel each other

Physical symptoms caused by stress can create anxiety, which then increases stress levels even further.

The brain becomes more alert to danger

Under stress, people often become more focused on bodily sensations and may interpret normal reactions as signs of something serious.

Decision-making can suffer

Stress affects judgement and can lead to reactions or behaviours that make situations more difficult.

Managing stress early is important

Experts say long-term stress often requires lifestyle changes, support from others and healthier coping strategies.

New research: These types of exercise can lower your blood pressure

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

6. July, 2026

New research: These types of exercise can lower your blood pressure

Researchers analyzed 31 studies involving more than 1,300 participants. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and reported by Medical News Today.

The study examined the effects of activities including running, cycling, strength training, yoga, and team sports.

Blood pressure was measured over a 24-hour period, both during the day and at night.

According to the researchers, this provides a more accurate picture than a single reading taken at a doctor’s office.

Busy people

One of the exercise methods that showed promising results was HIIT, or high-intensity interval training. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods.

According to lead researcher Rodrigo Ferrari, HIIT may be especially beneficial for people who struggle to find time for exercise in their daily routines.

However, the researchers noted that larger studies are still needed in this area.

The study also found that combined training — involving both cardio and strength exercises — may have a positive effect on blood pressure.

The best solution

Other forms of exercise, such as Pilates and recreational sports, also showed signs of improvement.

However, the researchers believe there is not yet enough evidence to recommend them as a treatment.

The researchers concluded that traditional cardio exercise remains the most reliable method for lowering blood pressure.

At the same time, HIIT and combined training may be good alternatives for some people.

Sources: Medical News Today and British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Late-night eating linked to gut health concerns

Mie Hermansen

6. July, 2026

Late-night eating linked to gut health concerns

It’s a familiar routine. The day winds down, the house gets quiet, and suddenly the urge to snack appears.

Not always from hunger, but from habit, stress, or simply needing a moment to unwind.

New research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026, led by Harika Dadigiri of New York Medical College, suggests this common behavior may have deeper health implications.

Drawing on data from NHANES and the American Gut Project, researchers found that both stress and meal timing play a key role in digestive health, reports Medical News Today.

When rhythm breaks

The study indicates that people experiencing high stress who also eat late at night are more likely to report digestive issues. The body is simply not operating at full capacity during late hours.

Our internal clock regulates digestion, metabolism, and hormone activity. Eating late can disrupt this system, affecting how the gut functions and how efficiently food is processed.

More than calories

The findings highlight that it’s not just about what you eat, but when you eat it. Timing becomes especially important when combined with ongoing stress.

Key contributing factors include:

Irregular eating patterns
High stress levels
Poor sleep quality

Together, these factors can disturb the gut’s balance and its connection to the brain.

Small changes matter

Experts note that occasional late-night snacking is unlikely to cause harm. The concern lies in repeated patterns over time.

Aligning meals with your natural daily rhythm and managing stress may support better digestive health.

Dental disease spreading among children – dentists are concerned

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. July, 2026

Dental disease spreading among children – dentists are concerned

A dental disease that was once considered rare is now being seen in far more children.

According to the Daily Mail, as cited by LADBible, the condition affects around one in six children.

The condition is called Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH).

It was first described in the 1980s and has since become more common across several parts of Europe.

Enamel becomes weaker

With MIH, tooth enamel does not develop normally.

It contains fewer minerals than healthy enamel, making the teeth weaker.

According to the Daily Mail, this can lead to discoloration, increased sensitivity, and teeth that are more prone to breaking.

The condition is usually detected when the permanent teeth begin to emerge at around six years of age.

Some children have damage to only one tooth, while others experience problems affecting several teeth, Professor Greig Taylor of Newcastle University told the Daily Mail.

The cause remains unknown

Researchers have investigated whether factors such as vitamin D deficiency, high fever in early childhood, and complicated births may play a role.

However, there is still no definitive explanation.

Experts also stress that the condition is not caused by excessive sugar consumption or poor toothbrushing habits.

The problem develops while the teeth are forming early in a child’s life.

As a result, children can develop damage to their teeth even if they maintain good oral hygiene, Professor Helen Rodd of the University of Sheffield told the Daily Mail.

New study identifies possible early sign of dementia

Mie Hermansen

5. July, 2026

New study identifies possible early sign of dementia

Many people have watched a loved one gradually struggle with memory loss or everyday tasks. That is why scientists around the world are searching for ways to identify dementia long before the brain has suffered irreversible damage. A new international study now suggests that the answer may lie in a routine blood test.

Researchers analysed data from six large population studies conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Japan.

Tens of thousands of participants were followed for between 15 and 25 years to determine whether specific biological markers could predict the development of dementia later in life, reports Illustreret Videnskab.

A promising clue

The research focused on a blood protein called Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15). According to the findings, people with the highest levels of GDF15 were significantly more likely to develop dementia than those with lower levels.

The association was strongest for vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The discovery is particularly noteworthy because blood samples were collected when participants were aged 55 or younger, many years before any symptoms appeared.

More than a marker

Researchers also explored whether GDF15 simply reflects disease or actively contributes to it. Their analysis found that higher protein levels were linked to smaller brain volumes on MRI scans and increased concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid.

The findings also suggest that GDF15 may influence both the immune system and the body’s metabolism, potentially contributing to long-term changes that affect brain health.

More research ahead

Although the results are encouraging, the researchers stress that GDF15 is not yet ready for use as a clinical screening tool. Further studies are needed before doctors can use the protein to assess an individual’s future dementia risk.

If future research confirms these findings, the discovery could become an important step towards earlier detection, more effective prevention strategies and better opportunities to delay the progression of dementia.

Doctors warn: Your skin remembers every sunburn

Mie Hermansen

4. July, 2026

Doctors warn: Your skin remembers every sunburn

A golden tan is often seen as a sign of a great holiday or a relaxing day outdoors. But according to skin experts, that darker skin tone is actually the body’s response to ultraviolet damage rather than proof that your skin has become stronger.

According to Unilad, the warning comes as record-breaking heatwaves across the UK and the United States encourage millions of people to spend more time outdoors.

Health experts say prolonged exposure to intense UV radiation could increase the risk of long-term skin damage.

Your skin keeps score

Ultraviolet rays can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Although the body repairs much of this damage naturally, repeated or severe sunburns may leave permanent genetic changes behind. Over time, these changes can increase the likelihood of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

Research also suggests that multiple blistering sunburns during childhood and early adulthood are among the strongest preventable risk factors for melanoma later in life.

The tan myth

Many people still believe that developing a “base tan” provides meaningful protection against future sunburn. Dermatologists say this is misleading. A tan represents the skin’s attempt to defend itself after UV damage has already occurred and offers only minimal natural protection.

To reduce your long-term risk, experts recommend:

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Reapply every two hours and after swimming.
Protect commonly missed areas, including the ears, lips, scalp and feet.
Limit direct sun exposure during the middle of the day whenever possible.

A growing health concern

With climate experts predicting more frequent and intense heatwaves, doctors believe sun protection will become increasingly important. Building simple daily habits today could significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer in the years ahead.

Should you sleep with your pet? Experts explain the risks

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

4. July, 2026

Should you sleep with your pet? Experts explain the risks

Many dogs and cats do not sleep only in their own beds or on the floor. They also share their owners’ beds.

A U.S. survey from 2022, cited by The New York Times according to News55, found that nearly one in two adults sleeps with a pet.

It can disrupt your sleep

Your sleep may be affected when an animal is in your bed.

A 2017 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that dog owners slept less efficiently when their dog slept in the bed than when it slept elsewhere in the room.

However, many people do not notice that their sleep is being disrupted. As a result, it can be difficult to tell whether daytime fatigue is caused by a pet or something else.

The risk is small

Pets can bring ticks, fleas, and parasites into the bed.

In rare cases, bacteria can also be be transmitted to humans, especially if a person has open wounds or a weakened immune system.

According to experts cited by The New York Times, the risk of becoming seriously ill is generally low for healthy people.

The most important thing is to protect your pet against fleas and ticks and to ensure it receives regular deworming treatment.

The key message is not that pets should be banned from the bed. If you sleep well and are in good health, there is usually no reason for concern.

If you are not sleeping well, you could try having your pet sleep somewhere else for a few nights.

How long each skin type can stay in the sun

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

How long each skin type can stay in the sun

The sun is an important source of vitamin D, but spending too much time in the sun without protection increases the risk of both sunburn and skin cancer.

How long you can safely stay in the sun depends on both your skin type and the UV index, according to Netdoktor.

The sun can be healthy in moderation

The sun helps the body produce vitamin D, but it is important not to get too much sun exposure.

A lack of protection can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Your skin type makes a big difference

The amount of time you can spend in the sun depends on your skin type.

Skin types are classified based on how easily the skin becomes sunburned.

Skin type 1 is very sensitive

People with skin type 1 always get sunburned and almost never develop a tan.

Skin type 2 burns easily

People with skin type 2 burn easily, but their skin is also capable of tanning.

Skin type 3 can develop a moderate tan

This skin type tans relatively easily but can still become sunburned if proper care is not taken in the sun.

Skin type 4 tolerates more sun

People with skin type 4 can tolerate a significant amount of sun and, according to Netdoktor, do not get sunburned after one hour of sun exposure.

After seven days of sun exposure, the skin develops a deep tan.

Skin types 5 and 6 have very dark pigmentation

Skin types 5 and 6 are characterized by very dark pigmentation and, according to Netdoktor, do not get sunburned.

The UV index affects how long you can stay in the sun

The amount of time your skin can tolerate without protection depends on both your skin type and the UV index.

The times listed below apply to a UV index of 7.

Skin type 1

At a UV index of 7, people with skin type 1 can stay in the sun without protection for approximately 15 minutes.

Skin type 2

People with skin type 2 can stay in the sun without protection for around 20 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin type 3

For skin type 3, the recommended maximum time without protection is 25 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin type 4

People with skin type 4 can stay in the sun without protection for approximately 40 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Skin types 5 and 6

People with skin types 5 and 6 can stay in the sun without protection for up to 55 minutes at a UV index of 7.

Dark skin also requires care

Although people with skin types 4 to 6 typically do not get sunburned and have a lower risk of skin cancer and melanoma, it is still not healthy to spend long periods in direct sunlight.

Netdoktor also emphasizes that direct sun exposure causes just as many wrinkles in these skin types as it does in skin types 1 to 3.

Rare tick-borne illness sees unusual increase across the U.S.

Mie Hermansen

3. July, 2026

Rare tick-borne illness sees unusual increase across the U.S.

Warm weather encourages millions of people to spend more time outdoors, but it also marks the peak of tick season. While Lyme disease is often the best-known concern, researchers say another, far rarer infection has begun attracting renewed attention.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with figures highlighted by Fox News, Powassan virus has been identified in significantly more patients this year than has typically been seen, reports UNILAD.

Although infections remain uncommon, specialists are watching the trend closely because the disease can become severe and there is no targeted treatment.

Different from Lyme disease

One reason the virus has drawn attention is the speed at which it may spread. Unlike Lyme disease, which usually requires a tick to remain attached for many hours before transmission occurs, Powassan virus may be passed on much sooner after a bite.

Health officials say this makes preventing tick bites especially important, particularly in areas where infected ticks are known to live. Most reported infections have been linked to the Great Lakes region and the northeastern United States.

An unusual increase

Powassan virus was first identified in Canada in 1958 and has long been considered one of North America’s rarest tick-borne diseases. However, U.S. surveillance data show 76 confirmed cases during 2025, well above the historical average of roughly seven reported annually.

Not everyone who becomes infected develops symptoms, and illness may not appear until weeks after exposure. When symptoms do occur, they often begin with:

Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Weakness

In some patients, the infection progresses to inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues, causing seizures, confusion, speech difficulties and loss of coordination. According to the CDC, about one in ten people who develop severe neurological disease die, while many survivors experience lasting neurological problems.

No specific cure

Doctors currently treat Powassan virus by managing symptoms rather than eliminating the infection itself. Patients with serious complications may require hospital care, including breathing support, intravenous fluids and treatment to reduce swelling in the brain.

Because there is no vaccine or specific antiviral therapy, public health agencies continue to recommend insect repellent, protective clothing and careful tick checks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

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Researchers examined the patients

May help in the future

Stress puts the body into action

An ancient survival mechanism

Hormones take control

Modern stress has no physical release

Important body functions are pushed aside

Long-term pressure is the real danger

The immune system becomes weaker

Health risks increase over time

Body and mind can fuel each other

The brain becomes more alert to danger

Decision-making can suffer

Managing stress early is important

Busy people

The best solution

When rhythm breaks

More than calories

Small changes matter

Enamel becomes weaker

The cause remains unknown

A promising clue

More than a marker

More research ahead

Your skin keeps score

The tan myth

A growing health concern

It can disrupt your sleep

The risk is small

The sun can be healthy in moderation

Your skin type makes a big difference

Skin type 1 is very sensitive

Skin type 2 burns easily

Skin type 3 can develop a moderate tan

Skin type 4 tolerates more sun

Skin types 5 and 6 have very dark pigmentation

The UV index affects how long you can stay in the sun

Skin type 1

Skin type 2

Skin type 3

Skin type 4

Skin types 5 and 6

Dark skin also requires care

Different from Lyme disease

An unusual increase

No specific cure

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