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Roblox isn’t recommended for children under 9 – here’s why

10. July, 2026

Roblox is a platform featuring thousands of games created by both individual users and professional developers.

The games vary widely, ranging from lighthearted animal-themed games to titles featuring violence and horror.

According to Children’s Welfare (Børns Vilkår) from Denmark, games are recommended based on popularity rather than a child’s age.

At the same time, Roblox functions in many ways like a social media platform, where children can play together, communicate, and become part of online communities.

Both social and financial risks

Although Roblox has age controls, children can still come into contact with other users.

Children’s Welfare points out that, in some cases, adults have bypassed the platform’s age-verification system.

For this reason, the organization recommends that parents keep track of who their child is playing with.

The platform is free to use, but many games encourage players to purchase the virtual currency, Robux.

According to Children’s Welfare, it can be difficult for children to understand how much real money they are spending, and some have also reported being scammed in trading transactions.

Children’s welfare’s recommendation

Children’s Welfare recommends that children under the age of 9 should not use Roblox.

The organization also recommends that children under the age of 13 should not have unrestricted access to the platform, but should only use it with the support of a parent.

Parents are therefore encouraged to talk with their child about which games they play, who they interact with on the platform, and whether they have encountered disturbing content or unwanted contact from strangers.

According to Children’s Welfare, Roblox should be approached with the same level of caution and attention as other social media platforms.

The healthiest ways to cook sausages at home

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

The healthiest ways to cook sausages at home

According to Healthline, different cooking methods can affect both the fat content and the formation of compounds that may be harmful to the body.

Sausages are also classified as processed meat. A study published in Foods found an association between high consumption of processed meat and conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

However, Healthline emphasizes that the research shows an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

High temperatures may be a drawback

Pan-frying can be a good option if olive oil or avocado oil is used and the sausages are not cooked over excessively high heat, according to Healthline.

Grilling, using the oven’s grill setting, and deep-frying at high temperatures can produce compounds that research published in Molecules has linked to an increased risk of several diseases.

For this reason, Healthline recommends avoiding charring or burning sausages.

The best choice

Sausages should always be cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria.

According to Healthline, they should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Overall, boiling and baking are considered the healthiest ways to cook sausages.

These methods require little or no added fat and produce fewer compounds that may be harmful.

Deep-frying, on the other hand, is considered the least healthy method because it adds more fat and calories, according to Healthline.

Too much water can lead to poisoning – watch for these signs

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

Too much water can lead to poisoning – watch for these signs

Staying hydrated is important, but drinking too much water can also become a health risk, according to Vinmec.

What is water intoxication?

Water intoxication occurs when the body absorbs more water than it can eliminate.

This dilutes the sodium concentration in the blood and can disrupt the body’s balance of fluids and electrolytes.

The kidneys can become overloaded

Consuming an excessive amount of fluids can put strain on the kidneys.

If the strain becomes severe, it may lead to kidney failure and affect several of the body’s functions.

The liver is not directly affected

Vinmec points out that the liver is not involved in regulating the body’s water and electrolyte balance.

As a result, water intoxication primarily affects the kidneys.

Young children face a higher risk

Infants are particularly vulnerable because their kidneys are not yet fully developed.

For this reason, breast milk or infant formula provides all the fluids they need during the first months of life.

Prolonged exercise can increase the risk

People who engage in intense exercise for more than four hours a day may develop water intoxication.

In these cases, drinking excessive amounts of water can cause blood sodium levels to fall too low.

Dieting can lead to excessive fluid intake

Some people drink large amounts of water to suppress their appetite and feel full for longer.

Vinmec notes that this is not a safe or effective method of losing weight.

Mental health conditions may play a role

Excessive water consumption may also be linked to mental health conditions, including compulsive eating or drinking behaviors.

Headaches can be an early warning sign

When the body takes in too much water, the brain can begin to swell, increasing pressure inside the skull.

As a result, headaches are often one of the earliest symptoms of water intoxication.

Additional symptoms may develop

Drinking too much water can also cause muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, and swelling in the lower legs.

This is partly because sodium and potassium become diluted in the bloodstream.

Severe cases can be life-threatening

In severe cases of water intoxication, symptoms may include hallucinations, seizures, paralysis, coma, and, in the worst cases, death.

Treatment depends on the severity

Mild cases can often be treated by reducing fluid intake under a doctor’s guidance.

More severe cases may require treatment with diuretic medication.

Prompt treatment may be necessary

If water intoxication causes severe neurological symptoms, the imbalance between fluids and electrolytes must be treated immediately with a hypertonic saline solution.

Drink according to your body’s needs

Vinmec recommends drinking when you are thirsty rather than forcing yourself to consume large amounts of water.

The right amount of fluid depends on factors such as age, overall health, activity level, climate, and body weight.

Extra fluids may be needed in hot weather

When spending time outdoors or in hot conditions, drinking around 500 milliliters of additional water may be appropriate.

If you sweat heavily during exercise, electrolyte drinks or electrolyte tablets can help replenish sodium levels.

Alcohol may affects you differently after weight-loss surgery

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

Alcohol may affects you differently after weight-loss surgery

Weight-loss procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can be an effective treatment for severe obesity.

However, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity and reported by HealthDay, patients should also be informed about a lesser-known consequence of these procedures.

The researchers also believe doctors should have more thorough discussions with patients about their alcohol consumption before surgery.

This could help prevent problems later on.

How alcohol affects the body

In the study, researchers examined 33 people before surgery and again three, 12, and 36 months afterward.

At each assessment, participants consumed the same amount of alcohol while researchers measured their blood alcohol concentration.

The results showed that the body absorbs alcohol more quickly after both types of weight-loss surgery.

This means patients become intoxicated more quickly, reach a higher blood alcohol concentration after consuming the same amount of alcohol, and take longer to sober up.

According to the researchers, one reason is that after surgery, the stomach breaks down less alcohol before it enters the bloodstream.

Higher risk

The researchers also reviewed data from 17,800 Norwegian patients who underwent weight-loss surgery between 2008 and 2018.

The analysis found that people who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a 69 percent higher risk of alcohol-related problems than those who underwent gastric sleeve surgery.

Weight-loss surgery changes the way the body processes alcohol. Therefore, the researchers recommend that all patients receive thorough information about the risks before deciding to undergo surgery.

New study: Nearly one in two takeaway meals contains more salt than advertised

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

New study: Nearly one in two takeaway meals contains more salt than advertised

Researchers from the University of Reading examined 39 takeaway meals from 23 food outlets in the British city of Reading and published their findings in PLOS One.

They wanted to determine whether the restaurants’ stated salt content matched the actual amount.

The results showed that 47 percent of the meals examined contained more salt than indicated on the menu.

According to the researchers, this is partly because portion sizes, ingredients, and preparation methods can vary from one order to another, ScienceDaily reports.

Large differences

The study also found significant differences between dishes. Meat pizzas had the highest salt content per 100 grams, while curry dishes varied considerably.

Pasta dishes contained an average of 7.2 grams of salt per serving. One dish contained as much as 11.2 grams.

For comparison, adults in the UK are advised to consume no more than 6 grams of salt per day, according to ScienceDaily.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that excessive salt intake contributes to around 1.7 million deaths worldwide each year.

An unexpected winner

One of the study’s most surprising findings was that fish and chips had among the lowest salt levels.

According to the researchers, this is because salt is typically added only after cooking and only if the customer requests it.

The study therefore concludes that the salt information provided on takeaway menus is not always accurate.

Several of the meals examined contained significantly more salt than the restaurants had stated.

Rising sea temperatures could boost harmful bacteria

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

Rising sea temperatures could boost harmful bacteria

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) monitors the spread of Vibrio bacteria using satellite data, according to The Sun.

Data on sea temperature and salinity are used to assess where the bacterium is likely to be present in higher concentrations.

According to the ECDC, the risk has increased earlier than usual this summer due to unusually high temperatures across Europe.

The risk is low

Vibrio occurs naturally in warm coastal and brackish waters, where freshwater and seawater meet.

Most people do not become seriously ill, but individuals with open wounds, diabetes, liver disease, or weakened immune systems should take extra precautions. This was stated by Applied Microbiology International, according to The Sun.

The bacterium can also be transmitted through contaminated shellfish.

According to the ECDC, an infection may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or a wound infection.

In rare cases, the illness can become severe.

Denmark among the affected areas

The ECDC considers the Baltic Sea and parts of the North Sea to be the areas in Europe where conditions are most favorable for the bacterium when seawater becomes warm.

Earlier this summer, several beaches in Spain were temporarily closed after Vibrio was detected in coastal waters, according to The Sun.

The monitoring map also shows that coastal areas in Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France may experience higher levels of Vibrio bacteria during warm periods.

Health authorities are therefore monitoring the situation closely, as rising sea temperatures may provide more favorable conditions for the bacterium’s growth.

How diet soda can affect your liver if you drink it every day

Mie Hermansen

10. July, 2026

How diet soda can affect your liver if you drink it every day

Diet soda does not appear to harm the liver in the same way as alcohol or certain medications. However, research suggests that drinking large amounts may still influence liver health through several indirect mechanisms, although the evidence remains mixed, reports Verywell Health.

Diet soda is not considered a direct cause of liver damage

Unlike alcohol, viral hepatitis, or certain toxic drugs, diet soda is not known to directly injure the liver. Any potential effects appear to be linked to changes in metabolism rather than direct toxicity.

High intake has been linked to fatty liver disease

Some studies have associated frequent consumption of sugar-free soft drinks with a higher likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Artificial sweeteners may play a role

Researchers believe sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin could contribute to some of the biological changes linked to liver health.

Changes in gut bacteria may affect the liver

Excessive intake of artificial sweeteners may alter the balance of gut bacteria. This can allow inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver.

Insulin function may become less effective

Artificial sweeteners may influence insulin release in some people. Over time, this has been linked to insulin resistance, although more research is needed.

Insulin resistance increases liver strain

As the body becomes less responsive to insulin, elevated blood sugar levels may encourage fat to build up in the liver.

Appetite may increase over time

Some researchers suggest that artificially sweetened drinks may leave the brain less satisfied, making some people more likely to consume additional calories.

Eating habits could explain part of the risk

People who drink several diet sodas each day often consume more processed foods. These broader dietary habits may contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease rather than diet soda alone.

Research findings are not consistent

Scientists have not reached a clear conclusion about the relationship between artificial sweeteners and MASLD. Some people may be more susceptible than others.

Diet soda may still be preferable to regular soda

Regular soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup place a greater burden on the liver because fructose is rapidly converted into fat. Diet soda does not have this effect.

Moderate consumption appears to pose little risk

Photo: Aleksandr Medvedkov / Shutterstock.com

Current evidence suggests that drinking one can of diet soda per day is associated with minimal risk to liver health. People with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, or existing liver disease should discuss appropriate intake with their healthcare provider.

More human research is needed

While several studies point to possible links between diet soda and liver health, researchers say further studies in people are needed to better understand the relationship.

New sugar patterns may help detect cancer earlier

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

New sugar patterns may help detect cancer earlier

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have studied the thin layer of sugar molecules that covers all human cells, according to Science Daily.

The layer is called the glycocalyx and protects cells from their surroundings.

Using advanced microscopy, the researchers created detailed maps of the sugar molecules found on different types of cells and tissues.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

The researchers discovered that the sugar patterns change depending on what is happening inside the cell.

Signals from the body

In the study, the researchers observed that immune cells changed their sugar patterns when they became activated.

This happens, among other things, when the body is fighting infections.

The researchers therefore believe that the cell surface could function as a kind of signal that reveals the condition of the cell. The method is called “Glycan Atlasing.”

The research team will now examine more samples and further automate the technology so that it can eventually be used in healthcare.

Could reveal cancer

The study also showed that sugar patterns differed between healthy and diseased tissue.

Among other things, the researchers were able to distinguish between healthy areas and cancerous areas in breast tissue.

The method also made it possible to differentiate between various stages of disease and between active and inactive immune cells.

The study therefore suggests that small changes on the surface of cells could one day help detect cancer and other diseases at an earlier stage.

Sources: Science Daily and Nature Nanotechnology.

New study finds hidden advantage in red hair genes

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. July, 2026

New study finds hidden advantage in red hair genes

Researchers studied DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient skeletons and more than 6,000 living people. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature.

Using new computer models, the scientists found 479 genetic changes that appear to have become more common through natural selection.

This means that some traits may have helped people survive and have children more successfully, according to Tieteen Kuvalehti.

The findings also challenge the old idea that human evolution mostly stopped after farming began around 10,000 years ago.

Rare but important

Some of the genetic variations were linked to red hair. Red hair is very rare and is found in only a small part of the world population.

The study also connected these genes to a lower risk of diabetes, arthritis and baldness.

At the same time, the researchers found a higher risk of celiac disease among people with the same genetic patterns.

According to The Guardian, the scientists believe that red hair itself may not have been the real advantage.

Instead, it could be connected to another useful biological ability.

Better survival

The researchers think that people with these genes can produce vitamin D more effectively. This may have helped people living in northern areas with little sunlight.

Scientists say this could explain why the genes survived for thousands of years, even though red hair remained uncommon.

The reason why the same genes are linked to celiac disease is still unclear, but researchers say people carrying these genes appear to have had better chances of survival in the past.

Sources: Tieteen Kuvalehti, Nature, and The Guardian.

Experts warn of fake Wegovy pills entering the market – here are the warning signs

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

Experts warn of fake Wegovy pills entering the market – here are the warning signs

The new Wegovy pill has been approved in several countries, but experts warn that growing demand could lead to an increase in counterfeit products being sold on the black market.

They urge consumers to purchase the medication only through approved providers, according to The Sun.

Growing demand worries experts

Experts fear that the rising interest in Wegovy tablets will encourage criminals to produce and sell counterfeit versions on the black market.

Recently approved

Photo: Photo Nature Travel / Shutterstock.com

Wegovy is the first GLP-1 weight loss pill to receive approval from the UK’s medicines regulator.

The medication is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Pills available through private pharmacies

Approved Wegovy tablets are available through selected private pharmacies in countries such as the UK, in various doses for patients who meet the eligibility requirements.

Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous substances

According to experts, fake products may contain materials such as brick dust, chalk, or paint in an attempt to imitate genuine tablets.

Pharmacies expect more counterfeit products

A survey of 310 pharmacies conducted by the National Pharmacy Association found that 97% expect an increase in fake or illegal weight loss medicines as treatment shifts from injections to tablets.

Authorities have already cracked down on fraud

The UK’s medicines regulator has carried out raids on illegal manufacturing sites and seized thousands of counterfeit weight loss injections.

Social media could be exploited by scammers

Experts warn that criminals may attempt to sell fake Wegovy tablets through social media platforms, where oversight is more limited.

Check the packaging carefully

Spelling mistakes, poor print quality, missing information, or the absence of a patient information leaflet may all indicate that a product is counterfeit.

Unusually low prices should raise suspicion

Deep discounts or unusually low prices may be a sign that the medication is not being supplied by a legitimate provider.

Compare prices with other providers

According to The Sun, experts recommend comparing prices offered by other approved suppliers before purchasing the medication.

A prescription and consultation are required

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, and legitimate providers must carry out a consultation, including an assessment of the patient’s medical history, current medications, and suitability for treatment.

Lack of checks is a warning sign

If a seller does not ask about your weight, BMI, overall health, or current medications, you should proceed with caution.

Approved pharmacies should also be able to provide proof of their official registration.

Avoid buying through social media

Foto: valiantsin suprunovich / Shutterstock.com

Experts stress that prescription medicines should not be sold through social media platforms or online marketplaces, as the risk of counterfeit products is high.

Seek advice if you are unsure

If you have concerns about medication purchased online, experts recommend contacting your local pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Any tablets suspected of being counterfeit should not be taken.

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Both social and financial risks

Children’s welfare’s recommendation

High temperatures may be a drawback

The best choice

What is water intoxication?

The kidneys can become overloaded

The liver is not directly affected

Young children face a higher risk

Prolonged exercise can increase the risk

Dieting can lead to excessive fluid intake

Mental health conditions may play a role

Headaches can be an early warning sign

Additional symptoms may develop

Severe cases can be life-threatening

Treatment depends on the severity

Prompt treatment may be necessary

Drink according to your body’s needs

Extra fluids may be needed in hot weather

How alcohol affects the body

Higher risk

Large differences

An unexpected winner

The risk is low

Denmark among the affected areas

Diet soda is not considered a direct cause of liver damage

High intake has been linked to fatty liver disease

Artificial sweeteners may play a role

Changes in gut bacteria may affect the liver

Insulin function may become less effective

Insulin resistance increases liver strain

Appetite may increase over time

Eating habits could explain part of the risk

Research findings are not consistent

Diet soda may still be preferable to regular soda

Moderate consumption appears to pose little risk

More human research is needed

Signals from the body

Could reveal cancer

Rare but important

Better survival

Growing demand worries experts

Recently approved

Pills available through private pharmacies

Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous substances

Pharmacies expect more counterfeit products

Authorities have already cracked down on fraud

Social media could be exploited by scammers

Check the packaging carefully

Unusually low prices should raise suspicion

Compare prices with other providers

A prescription and consultation are required

Lack of checks is a warning sign

Avoid buying through social media

Seek advice if you are unsure

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