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Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest? Researchers find differences in siblings’ intelligence

10. June, 2026

Who was considered the smart one in your family growing up? It’s a question that often sparks debate between siblings.

The oldest may claim responsibility made them wiser, while the youngest insists they benefited from learning from everyone else’s mistakes. As it turns out, scientists have spent decades exploring whether birth order really makes a difference.

Several major studies suggest that the order in which children are born may have a small influence on both intelligence and personality. Among them is research from the University of Oslo, where scientists analyzed data from approximately 240,000 Norwegian men to examine the connection, reports Elmundo.

A small advantage for first-borns

The study found that first-born children scored slightly higher on average in intelligence tests than their younger siblings. The difference was relatively small, but consistent enough to attract scientific attention.

Researchers believe the explanation is not biological. Instead, family dynamics may play a key role. First-born children often receive their parents’ full attention during their earliest years and frequently take on greater responsibility as younger siblings arrive.

More than intelligence

Another large study from the University of Illinois, involving more than 377,000 American students, focused on personality rather than IQ.

Researchers found that sibling roles often develop in different ways:

First-born children are more likely to take responsibility.
Middle children often become more independent.
Youngest siblings are frequently described as spontaneous and adventurous.

Many factors matter

Experts emphasize that birth order is only one part of a much larger picture. Parenting style, family circumstances, age gaps between siblings, and social influences can all shape personality and cognitive development.

As a result, there is no guarantee that the oldest child will become the family’s genius or that the youngest will grow up to be the rebel. The research simply suggests that our position within the family may leave subtle marks that follow us throughout life.

Sources: Elmundo

New research: Five minutes of prayer may reduce pain and anxiety

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

New research: Five minutes of prayer may reduce pain and anxiety

A research team from the University of Maryland School of Medicine investigated how a brief prayer after a medical consultation affects patients suffering from pain or anxiety.

The study, published in The Annals of Family Medicine, included 180 patients receiving primary care.

After their appointments, participants took part in a short prayer session, after which researchers measured changes in their symptoms, according to HealthDay.

The aim was to determine whether a simple and low-cost method could help patients in addition to standard medical treatment.

Results over time

Researchers followed the participants for several weeks after the intervention.

One group experienced less pain both immediately after the intervention and at a follow-up two weeks later.

The same group also reported lower levels of anxiety, and the effect was still measurable six weeks later, according to HealthDay.

Researchers found no negative side effects associated with the study.

The key difference

Nearly all participants said they would be open to being offered the same intervention during future medical visits.

The group that experienced the greatest improvements received five minutes of personal Christian prayer delivered by a trained individual.

The other group instead listened to five minutes of calming music.

According to the researchers, the brief prayer may be a safe and inexpensive supplement to conventional treatment.

However, they emphasize that further research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Sources: HealthDay and The Annals of Family Medicine.

Scientists raise questions over nitrate in drinking water after dementia link found

Mie Hermansen

10. June, 2026

Scientists raise questions over nitrate in drinking water after dementia link found

Could something as ordinary as a glass of water influence your brain health decades from now? Most people associate dementia risk with aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits, but new research suggests another factor may deserve attention.

A major study involving more than 54,000 Danes has found that the source of nitrate in a person’s diet could be linked to dementia risk. The research, conducted by Edith Cowan University and the Danish Cancer Research Institute, followed participants for up to 27 years.

Not all nitrate is equal

Researchers discovered a striking difference depending on where nitrate came from. People who consumed higher amounts of nitrate from vegetables such as spinach and other leafy greens were less likely to develop dementia.

In contrast, higher intake of nitrate and nitrite from red meat, processed meat, and drinking water was associated with an increased risk.

The findings suggest that vegetables may provide protective compounds that help the body process nitrate differently than animal-based foods.

Drinking water raises questions

One of the study’s most notable findings involved drinking water. Researchers observed a higher rate of dementia among people exposed to nitrate in drinking water, even at levels below current European Union limits.

The study does not suggest that people should avoid drinking water. Instead, scientists say the results highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of low-level nitrate exposure.

More research needed

The researchers stress that the study cannot prove cause and effect. Because it was observational, it can only identify associations rather than demonstrate that nitrate directly causes dementia.

Even so, the findings add to growing evidence that dietary choices may play an important role in long-term brain health. The researchers say the results support diets rich in vegetables while limiting processed and red meat consumption.

Sources: Alz Journals and Science Daily

Defibrillator may have saved Christian Eriksen’s life – here is how it works

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

Defibrillator may have saved Christian Eriksen’s life – here is how it works

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine and was subsequently taken to hospital for further examinations.

The incident has once again drawn attention to cardiac arrest, warning signs, and the crucial role played by defibrillators, according to The Sun.

Christian Eriksen collapsed during the match

Photo: Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Christian Eriksen suddenly fell to the ground during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine after clutching his chest.

He briefly lost consciousness before regaining awareness.

Teammates and opponents gathered around him

Players from both teams formed a circle around Eriksen while doctors and medical staff rushed onto the pitch to assist him.

Taken to hospital

Following the incident, Eriksen was transported to hospital, where he underwent further examinations to determine the cause of the collapse.

Internal defibrillator believed to have helped

It is believed that the implanted cardioverter-defibrillator Eriksen received after suffering cardiac arrest in 2021 played an important role during the incident.

Suffered cardiac arrest at Euro 2021

Photo: Influential Photography / Shutterstock.com

During Denmark’s European Championship match against Finland in 2021, Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and his heart stopped for approximately five minutes.

What an ICD does

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered device placed beneath the skin.

It monitors the heart’s rhythm and can deliver electrical shocks if it detects dangerous rhythm disturbances.

Team doctor praised the device’s performance

Denmark national team doctor Morten Boesen stated that the internal defibrillator responded as intended and that Eriksen was able to walk off the pitch on his own.

Defibrillators can restore heart rhythm

A defibrillator analyses the heart’s rhythm and can deliver electrical shocks to help restore a normal heartbeat.

Found in many public places

Defibrillators are not only used by people with heart conditions. They can also be found in workplaces, schools, gyms, and other public locations.

Rapid response is critical

Defibrillators are most effective when used within minutes of a cardiac arrest. For that reason, acting quickly is essential.

Can be used without medical training

These devices are designed so that people without a medical background can use them in emergencies by following the built-in instructions.

How to use a defibrillator

Photo: richardjohnson / Shutterstock.com

If a person is unconscious and not breathing normally, emergency services should be called immediately while cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started.

The defibrillator should then be switched on and its instructions followed.

Four possible warning signs before cardiac arrest

Some people experience symptoms before the heart stops pumping blood.

These warning signs may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, and heart palpitations.

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same

During a heart attack, a person is often conscious and breathing.

In a cardiac arrest, the person typically collapses suddenly, becomes unconscious, and stops breathing normally.

Certain heart conditions increase the risk

Some forms of heart disease can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

The most common cause is a serious heart rhythm disturbance known as ventricular fibrillation.

Source: The Sun.

Researchers removed from diabetes conference after criticizing research policy

News

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

Researchers removed from diabetes conference after criticizing research policy

There is growing concern in the U.S. about the impact of political decisions on scientific research.

Researchers, particularly in the healthcare sector, fear that reduced public funding could slow the development of new treatments.

These concerns became evident at a major diabetes conference in New Orleans.

A group of researchers attempted to draw attention to the issue by distributing materials to conference attendees.

Disagreement with organizers

According to Rador Radio România, as cited by HotNews, the researchers distributed copies of an article published in the American Diabetes Association’s own journal.

The article warned that cuts to federal research funding could hinder progress in diabetes treatment.

Conference organizers, however, argued that distributing the material violated the event’s rules. The researchers were therefore instructed to stop.

Criticism of the decision

The incident occurred shortly before a speech by Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, according to HotNews.

Several of the researchers were escorted from the conference and barred from attending the event.

The researchers involved argue that the decision restricts free debate and fear that political pressure is playing an increasingly significant role in medical research in the United States.

Sources: HotNews and Rador Radio România.

First case of flesh-eating parasite confirmed

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

First case of flesh-eating parasite confirmed

Multiple counties in Texas have declared a local state of disaster following the discovery of a dangerous parasite.

According to The Express, local leaders are seeking additional funding and resources to prevent further spread.

At the same time, scientists warn that a warmer climate could worsen the problem in the future, particularly in states along the Gulf of Mexico.

Case found in another state

The problem was first identified in southern Mexico last year. Cases have now also been reported in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed, according to The Express, the first case in New Mexico.

This brings the total number of recorded cases in the United States to five, with the other four reported in Texas.

Authorities’ concerns

The parasite is known as the New World screwworm. Its larvae can develop in open wounds in animals and, in rare cases, humans.

According to the USDA, infestations can lead to severe injuries, infections, and, in the worst cases, death.

As a result, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to investigate the newly reported cases.

Sources: The Express and US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Mosquitoes have favorites – here’s why you’re one of them

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

Mosquitoes have favorites – here’s why you’re one of them

Mosquito bites are not just annoying. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus.

That is why researchers are working to understand what makes some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others.

The body sends signals

Research published in Scientific Reports shows that mosquitoes are attracted, among other things, to the carbon dioxide we exhale.

They can follow the air currents created by our breathing and locate people that way.

Another study published in Cell suggests that body heat and certain substances on the skin also play a role.

Some people produce higher levels of chemical compounds in their sweat that mosquitoes can detect.

According to Healthline, this may be one reason why some individuals are bitten more often than others.

A well-known repellent still works

Many people use the mosquito repellent DEET to protect themselves from bites.

However, a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that mosquitoes in laboratory experiments could learn to associate the smell of DEET with access to blood.

Researchers emphasize, however, that DEET remains one of the most effective mosquito repellents available.

The findings therefore do not mean that people should stop using it.

A surprising connection

A study published on bioRxiv involving 465 festivalgoers in the Netherlands found a possible link between beer consumption and an increased number of mosquito bites.

The researchers believe that compounds associated with the scent of beer may help attract mosquitoes.

However, they stress that more research is needed before this conclusion can be confirmed.

Overall, the research suggests that our breathing, skin chemistry, and possibly even beer consumption may influence how attractive we are to mosquitoes.

Sources: Healthline, Scientific Reports, Cell, Journal of Experimental Biology, and Biorxiv.

Doctors warn: These symptoms could point to ovarian cancer

Mie Hermansen

10. June, 2026

Doctors warn: These symptoms could point to ovarian cancer

Many women experience symptoms long before an ovarian cancer diagnosis is made. Here are eight warning signs that doctors say should not be ignored.

When the warning signs are easy to miss

Ovarian cancer often develops with symptoms that can be mistaken for everyday health issues. This can make the disease difficult to detect in its early stages.

Persistent bloating

A constant feeling of bloating is one of the symptoms most commonly reported by women who are later diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Feeling full too quickly

If you suddenly find yourself feeling full after eating only small amounts of food, and the symptom persists, it may be worth discussing with a doctor.

Discomfort in the upper abdomen

Some women experience ongoing discomfort in the upper abdomen rather than symptoms in the pelvic area.

Changes in digestion

Long-lasting digestive issues can be one of the signs doctors recommend paying attention to.

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Recurring pain or a persistent feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic region should not be overlooked.

Changes in menstrual cycles

Irregular periods or noticeable changes in bleeding patterns may be symptoms that require medical evaluation.

Bleeding after menopause

Any bleeding after menopause is considered an important warning sign and should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Unusual vaginal discharge

Persistent discharge, bloody discharge, or discharge with an unusual odour may indicate that something is wrong.

Monitor how long symptoms last

Doctors advise seeking medical advice if symptoms continue for more than two weeks or occur frequently throughout the month.

Family history may increase risk

Women with a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.

Awareness matters

Because there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer, recognizing the symptoms can play an important role in detecting the disease earlier.

New discovery could give doctors a five-year head start against lung cancer

Mie Hermansen

10. June, 2026

New discovery could give doctors a five-year head start against lung cancer

The findings come from an international study published in the journal Cell. Researchers analysed around 48,000 blood samples and discovered a unique signature involving 14 proteins linked to future lung cancer risk, reports NDTV.

Rather than detecting an existing tumour, the protein pattern appears to reflect biological changes associated with inflammation and the earliest stages of cancer development.

According to the researchers, these signals can be present years before current screening methods would typically identify the disease.

Why it matters

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely because many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Scientists believe a blood-based test could help identify people at higher risk much earlier, allowing doctors to monitor them more closely and potentially improve outcomes through earlier intervention.

The study also adds to growing evidence that chronic inflammation may play a significant role in the development of lung cancer.

More research needed

Despite the promising results, experts caution that the test is still in the research phase and is not yet available for routine clinical use.

Several questions remain unanswered:

How accurate the test is across different populations
How it could fit into existing screening programmes
Whether earlier intervention would improve long-term survival

Researchers say the discovery marks an important step toward more personalised cancer prevention and earlier detection strategies.

Researchers: These supplements may be necessary for older adults

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. June, 2026

Researchers: These supplements may be necessary for older adults

Dietary supplements are often marketed as an easy way to gain more energy, strengthen the immune system, and live longer.

However, for most people, they provide only limited benefits if the body is already receiving the nutrients it needs.

For older adults, the situation is somewhat different. As people age, their appetite may decline, and illness or medication can make it more difficult for the body to absorb important vitamins and minerals.

Not for everyone

According to researchers writing for The Conversation, supplements should only be used when there is a genuine deficiency.

This applies in particular to vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate, which older adults are more likely to lack than younger people.

At the same time, the researchers emphasize that several studies have found no evidence that multivitamins improve health or increase longevity in otherwise healthy individuals.

Can cause problems

Dietary supplements are not entirely risk-free. Excessive amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful, and some products may interfere with the effectiveness of medications.

For this reason, it is recommended that people first determine whether they actually have a deficiency before starting any new supplements.

Too little protein

While many people focus on vitamins and minerals, the researchers point to something else that is often overlooked.

Many older adults do not get enough protein through their diet. This can lead to a loss of muscle mass, reduced strength, and a greater risk of falls.

The researchers therefore conclude that the most important step for many older adults is not necessarily taking more pills.

Instead, it may be ensuring adequate protein intake and maintaining a varied, balanced diet. Supplements can be useful, but only when they address a documented nutritional need.

Sources: Science Daily and The Conversation.

12 3...361 Page 1 of 361

A small advantage for first-borns

More than intelligence

Many factors matter

Results over time

The key difference

Not all nitrate is equal

Drinking water raises questions

More research needed

Christian Eriksen collapsed during the match

Teammates and opponents gathered around him

Taken to hospital

Internal defibrillator believed to have helped

Suffered cardiac arrest at Euro 2021

What an ICD does

Team doctor praised the device’s performance

Defibrillators can restore heart rhythm

Found in many public places

Rapid response is critical

Can be used without medical training

How to use a defibrillator

Four possible warning signs before cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same

Certain heart conditions increase the risk

Disagreement with organizers

Criticism of the decision

Case found in another state

Authorities’ concerns

The body sends signals

A well-known repellent still works

A surprising connection

When the warning signs are easy to miss

Persistent bloating

Feeling full too quickly

Discomfort in the upper abdomen

Changes in digestion

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Changes in menstrual cycles

Bleeding after menopause

Unusual vaginal discharge

Monitor how long symptoms last

Family history may increase risk

Awareness matters

Why it matters

More research needed

Not for everyone

Can cause problems

Too little protein

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