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New research links air pollution to changes in sperm cells

8. July, 2026

Air pollution is already known to have harmful effects on the heart, lungs, and overall health.

Previous research has also found a link between air pollution and reduced sperm quality, according to News-Medical.

Now, a new study, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and published in the journal Human Reproduction, suggests that air pollution may also affect genes that are important for sperm cell development.

The study is based on data from more than 2,000 men in Salt Lake City, United States, who provided semen samples over a six-month period.

What did the researchers find?

The researchers examined participants’ exposure to ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter during the period when sperm cells are formed.

They identified changes in the DNA methylation of sperm cells. DNA methylation refers to chemical markers that can regulate how genes function without altering the DNA itself.

The changes were found in genes involved in sperm cell development and cellular function.

According to ESHRE, ozone and nitrogen dioxide showed the strongest association with these changes.

More research is needed

The researchers emphasize that the findings need to be confirmed by further studies.

They will now investigate whether these changes could also affect male fertility, pregnancies, and children’s development.

Exposure to air pollution during sperm cell development may be associated with changes in genes that play a role in reproduction and early development.

Varicose veins affect one in three people – here are the most effective treatments

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

Varicose veins affect one in three people – here are the most effective treatments

Around one in three people develop varicose veins, according to the Swedish healthcare information service 1177, as cited by News 55. They often appear as blue, enlarged veins on the legs.

For most people, they are harmless, but they can cause pain, swelling, and nighttime leg cramps.

In some cases, they can lead to leg ulcers, according to Aftonbladet, citing vascular specialist Michael Åkesson.

Several treatment options are available. According to Michael Åkesson, professional guidelines often recommend heat-based treatments using laser or radiofrequency therapy.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the individual’s symptoms.

What works?

Compression stockings are usually the first treatment people try.

They can reduce swelling and discomfort, but they do not remove varicose veins, Aftonbladet reports.

Many recommendations on social media focus on creams, ointments, and dietary supplements.

According to Michael Åkesson, there is no scientific evidence that these products can treat the underlying cause of varicose veins.

Heredity is the most important risk factor for developing varicose veins, Michael Åkesson told Aftonbladet.

The risk is higher if the condition runs in the family.

Warning signs of dementia that often go unnoticed

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

Warning signs of dementia that often go unnoticed

Dementia does not only present as memory problems. The condition can also affect behavior, language, and the ability to manage everyday life.

Here is an overview of the early signs, according to News 55.

Dementia affects people differently

The early signs of dementia vary from person to person, and the symptoms can also differ depending on the specific type of dementia.

Memory problems

One of the earliest signs may be difficulty remembering appointments and scheduled meetings.

Forgetting recent conversations

Some people begin to forget what has just been said during a conversation.

Misplacing belongings

It may become common to put things down in unusual places and struggle to find them again.

Repeating questions

People with dementia may ask the same questions or tell the same story multiple times without realizing it.

Forgetting names and events

Remembering the names of family members or acquaintances, as well as important events, including recent ones, may become more difficult.

Difficulties with language

Some people experience trouble finding the right words and notice changes in the way they speak.

Losing orientation

It may become difficult to stay oriented in both time and place, even in familiar surroundings.

Planning becomes more difficult

Making decisions and planning everyday tasks can become more challenging than before.

Changes in behavior and personality

Dementia can lead to changes in behavior, emotions, and personality.

Losing interest

Activities that were once enjoyable or exciting may no longer hold the same appeal.

Withdrawing from others

Some people begin to avoid social gatherings and gradually withdraw from social interactions.

Stress becomes harder to manage

Increased sensitivity to stress can be one of the early signs of the condition.

Everyday life becomes more challenging

Practical tasks such as grocery shopping, driving, managing finances, and paying bills may become increasingly difficult.

Why your colleague can eat twice as much without gaining weight

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

Why your colleague can eat twice as much without gaining weight

Many people believe that body weight depends primarily on exercise, but according to information from the Karolinska Institute, as reported by News 55, the movement we get during an ordinary day may have an even greater impact.

This can include taking the stairs, walking to the grocery store, or simply getting up from your chair during the workday.

Small daily habits can collectively increase the body’s energy expenditure.

The body responds differently

Research also shows, according to News 55, that people do not respond to the same lifestyle in the same way.

According to Aftonbladet, lifestyle medicine professor Mai-Lis Hellenius says that genetics may be part of the explanation.

Among other things, the FTO gene has been linked to obesity.

At the same time, differences in diet, stress, and sleep can affect how easy or difficult it is to maintain a healthy weight.

A surprising experiment

A British study from 1996 examined 16 lean individuals who did not exercise, according to News 55.

They were given an additional 1,000 calories a day for eight weeks. The researchers expected the participants to gain weight.

However, one participant did not gain any weight at all, even after consuming more than 50,000 extra calories over the course of the study.

According to Mai-Lis Hellenius, the explanation was that the participant unconsciously became more physically active in everyday life.

She therefore believes that daily movement may play a greater role in body weight than many people realize, although genetics also play a role.

Bryan Johnson reveals diagnosis after extensive medical testing

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

Bryan Johnson reveals diagnosis after extensive medical testing

Bryan Johnson is widely known for his extensive efforts to maintain optimal health and slow the aging process.

Despite this, he experienced persistently low iron stores for an extended period, even though he was taking iron supplements.

According to Johnson, this led to a series of medical investigations.

Doctors first ruled out colorectal cancer through a colonoscopy.

They then collected tissue samples from his stomach, which ultimately provided the answers they were looking for.

Condition can be difficult to detect

Johnson said he had previously been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which is being managed with medication.

He believes the newly diagnosed condition may have been developing for many years without causing any obvious symptoms.

According to the Global Autoimmune Institute, as cited by LADBible, the disease is often difficult to detect because it progresses slowly.

The organization also states that there is currently no treatment capable of curing the condition.

Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing complications such as anemia.

The final diagnosis

Only after the analysis of the stomach tissue samples was Bryan Johnson diagnosed with Autoimmune Gastritis.

The disease causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the stomach, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, anemia, and, over time, an increased risk of cancer.

Johnson has also said that he will continue working with his team to explore whether new treatments or approaches for the disease can be developed.

New study finds men and women perceive sleep differently

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

New study finds men and women perceive sleep differently

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute investigated whether men and women assess their sleep differently, according to Forskning.se.

The study, published in Sleep Advances, included 238 women and 238 men between the ages of 29 and 85.

Participants had their sleep monitored at home using equipment that recorded brain activity, breathing, and body movements, among other measurements.

The following morning, they were asked to rate how well they believed they had slept.

Brief awakenings

The researchers found that women were better at recalling how many times they had been awake during the night.

Men often estimated that they had been awake fewer times than the measurements indicated.

When the researchers excluded men who experienced only very brief awakenings from the analysis, the difference in how men and women assessed their sleep disappeared.

This suggests that these brief awakenings may be a key explanation for the difference.

The measurements revealed the answer

The differences became more pronounced with age. Men experienced less deep sleep and more awakenings, while women’s sleep changed less over time.

It was only when the researchers compared the participants’ own assessments with the recorded measurements that the conclusion became clear.

On average, women slept better than men.

They had a longer total sleep duration, more deep sleep, fewer awakenings, and more efficient sleep, even though they were more likely to believe they had slept poorly.

However, the researchers emphasize that the study is based on measurements from a single night and that further research is needed.

Experiment reveals how the body reacts after a week without food

Mie Hermansen

8. July, 2026

Experiment reveals how the body reacts after a week without food

A YouTuber completed a seven day fast while drinking only water, and a video breakdown revealed what happens inside the body during an extended period without food. The experiment highlighted major physical and mental changes throughout the week, reports LADbible.

He stopped eating for an entire week

YouTuber Justin Dorff decided to go seven full days without eating any food. During the fast, he only drank water to stay hydrated.

He lost several kilograms during the fast

By the end of the experiment, he had lost 4.5 kilograms. According to the article, the weight loss was linked to the body changing the way it produced energy.

He felt exhausted before starting

Before beginning the fast, Justin explained that he had been feeling tired, stressed, and physically worn down for months. He also said junk food cravings had become a regular problem.

The body quickly loses its normal fuel source

The video explained that insulin levels begin to drop once the body no longer receives glucose from food and drinks.

The body enters ketosis

After going without food for a longer period, the body starts switching to a different energy system known as ketosis.

Fat stores begin supplying energy

According to the breakdown, the body starts using stored glucose from fat cells instead of relying on incoming food for fuel.

The first days caused rapid weight loss

The video stated that much of the weight loss happens during the first few days of fasting as the body reacts to the sudden lack of food intake.

Some people fast to reach autophagy

The article also mentioned autophagy, a process in which the body begins repairing and breaking down its own damaged cells during extended fasting.

The first days were the hardest

Justin Dorff admitted that he felt drained and low on energy during the beginning of the experiment. He described the period as both physically and mentally difficult.

Things changed after several days

Between day four and day six, he noticed a major shift in how he felt. He said his energy and focus improved significantly.

His brain began using ketones

Justin explained that his body switched from using glucose to ketones as fuel, which also affected his hunger levels and concentration.

He experienced greater mental clarity

During the final part of the fast, he said he felt more focused, mentally sharper, and in a noticeably better mood than before.

Numb hands and feet: What your body is telling you

Mie Hermansen

8. July, 2026

Numb hands and feet: What your body is telling you

You’ve likely experienced it without thinking much about it. You shift position or get up, and suddenly your hand or foot feels strange.

Not just slightly numb, but almost disconnected, tingling and unresponsive for a few moments.

Most people ignore it and wait for it to pass. But according to health authorities such as Mayo Clinic and the NHS, this common sensation has a clear physiological explanation, reports Wibnet.nl.

What the body is signaling

When your hands or feet “fall asleep,” it is usually due to pressure on a nerve. This often happens if you lie on your arm or sit in one position for too long.

According to Mayo Clinic, nerves act as communication pathways between the brain and the body.

When compressed, these signals are disrupted, causing temporary numbness in the affected area.

In some cases, the issue can originate higher up, particularly in the neck, where nerves extend down into the arms.

When sensation returns

Once the pressure is relieved, the nerve begins to function again. However, the recovery is not immediate or smooth.

The NHS explains that pain-related signals are often the first to return. This is why the sensation is typically experienced as sharp tingling or pins and needles.

Gradually, normal sensation is restored, and the discomfort fades.

Simple ways to respond

You can help restore normal sensation with a few simple actions:

Gently move or stretch the affected limb
Change position to relieve pressure
Loosen tension in the neck with slow movements

If this sensation occurs frequently without an obvious cause, it may be worth seeking medical advice.

Why swimming is one of the best exercises for your heart

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. July, 2026

Why swimming is one of the best exercises for your heart

Many people choose running or cycling to stay in shape, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, swimming is one of the most effective forms of exercise for overall health.

When exercising in water, the arms, legs, and muscles are constantly working. At the same time, the water reduces stress on the joints and knees because the body becomes lighter in water.

This makes swimming a good option for people with joint pain, obesity, or reduced mobility, according to Cronista.

The heart works more efficiently

According to the Cleveland Clinic, regular swimming helps improve blood circulation.

The heart has to pump blood more efficiently when the body works against the resistance of the water.

Health experts also point out that swimming can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. In addition, the lungs may become stronger through exercise.

Research cited by the Cleveland Clinic also shows that people who swim regularly have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

The major advantage

Swimming is also used as exercise for some patients recovering from heart problems.

However, this only takes place under the supervision of doctors or healthcare professionals.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is one of the most complete forms of exercise for the heart, blood circulation, and muscles.

Sources: Cronista and Cleveland Clinic.

Experts explain why sleeping naked may not help in the heat

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. July, 2026

Experts explain why sleeping naked may not help in the heat

Hot nights can make it difficult to fall asleep, and many people try different ways to stay cool.

However, sleep expert Julius Patrick told Cosmopolitan that sleeping without clothes is not necessarily the best solution when temperatures rise.

It may seem like the obvious choice

Sleep problems — Photo: Shutterstock.com

Many people choose to sleep naked in an effort to stay cooler during warm weather.

According to Julius Patrick, however, this habit can actually reduce sleep quality, Cosmopolitan reports.

Sweat stays on the skin

When you sleep without clothing, sweat remains on your skin instead of being absorbed by fabric.

As a result, it can become more difficult for your body to cool itself comfortably throughout the night.

Lightweight sleepwear is recommended

Instead, the expert recommends wearing light sleepwear.

Breathable fabrics can absorb sweat, helping the body regulate its temperature more effectively.

Your body naturally cools down overnight

Even if it feels extremely warm at bedtime, Patrick points out that your body temperature naturally drops as the night progresses.

Keep the bedroom as cool as possible

One of the most important steps to getting a good night’s sleep during a heatwave is keeping your bedroom as cool as possible.

Curtains and blinds can make a difference

Keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day helps prevent sunlight from unnecessarily heating the room.

Air out the room before bedtime

If the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, opening all the windows before bed can create a cross-breeze and help lower the room temperature.

A cooler room may help you fall asleep faster

According to the expert, even a slightly cooler bedroom can make it easier to relax and fall asleep.

Swap the heavy duvet for lighter bedding

Patrick also recommends using lighter bedding during hot weather, as a thick duvet is unnecessary in high temperatures.

Don’t skip bedding entirely

Although your bedding should be lighter, the expert advises against sleeping without any covering at all.

Keeping a lightweight sheet or blanket nearby can provide comfort if the temperature drops during the night.

Thin cotton sheets can improve comfort

Thin cotton sheets can absorb sweat, contributing to a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

A shower before bed may help

Taking a quick shower around 30 minutes before bedtime can help cool your body down.

According to Julius Patrick, it does not have to be a cold shower. Some people find that a warm bath or warm shower helps lower the body’s core temperature afterward, promoting faster sleep onset and deeper sleep.

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What did the researchers find?

More research is needed

What works?

Dementia affects people differently

Memory problems

Forgetting recent conversations

Misplacing belongings

Repeating questions

Forgetting names and events

Difficulties with language

Losing orientation

Planning becomes more difficult

Changes in behavior and personality

Losing interest

Withdrawing from others

Stress becomes harder to manage

Everyday life becomes more challenging

The body responds differently

A surprising experiment

Condition can be difficult to detect

The final diagnosis

Brief awakenings

The measurements revealed the answer

He stopped eating for an entire week

He lost several kilograms during the fast

He felt exhausted before starting

The body quickly loses its normal fuel source

The body enters ketosis

Fat stores begin supplying energy

The first days caused rapid weight loss

Some people fast to reach autophagy

The first days were the hardest

Things changed after several days

His brain began using ketones

He experienced greater mental clarity

What the body is signaling

When sensation returns

Simple ways to respond

The heart works more efficiently

The major advantage

It may seem like the obvious choice

Sweat stays on the skin

Lightweight sleepwear is recommended

Your body naturally cools down overnight

Keep the bedroom as cool as possible

Curtains and blinds can make a difference

Air out the room before bedtime

A cooler room may help you fall asleep faster

Swap the heavy duvet for lighter bedding

Don’t skip bedding entirely

Thin cotton sheets can improve comfort

A shower before bed may help

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