Tooth enamel protects teeth from wear, acids, and temperature changes.
Once enamel is lost, the body cannot naturally regenerate it.
As a result, enamel damage can lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
According to ScienceDaily, dental diseases affect nearly half of the world’s population.
Current treatments can strengthen the remaining enamel, but they cannot restore enamel that has already been lost.
New method
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a fluoride-free gel that mimics the natural process by which enamel forms in young children.
The gel is applied to the tooth, where it fills small areas of damage and uses calcium and phosphate from saliva to build a new mineral layer.
According to the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the new layer bonds with the existing tooth structure instead of simply sitting on top of it.
Could become the treatment of the future
The researchers tested the material under conditions designed to replicate everyday toothbrushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods.
The results showed that the new surface behaves in the same way as healthy tooth enamel.
The study also suggests that the gel could help people with sensitive teeth by forming a protective layer over exposed dentin.
The research team is now working to develop the gel into a commercial product through the company Mintech-Bio.
If further development and regulatory approval proceed as expected, the technology could offer a new way to repair damaged tooth enamel.
Laura Jackson from Southampton wanted to donate blood but was turned away because her iron levels were too low.
According to the Express, her doctor referred her for further tests to determine the cause.
Two FIT tests detected signs of hidden blood in her stool. This led to endoscopic examinations of both her bowel and stomach.
Few warning signs
Laura did not have the most common symptoms of bowel cancer. She experienced neither blood in her stool nor persistent stomach problems, the Express reports.
She often felt tired but believed it was due to her busy life balancing work and raising two young children.
From time to time, she also experienced severe stomach pain and diarrhoea, but it occurred so infrequently that she did not think much of it.
A large tumour
The examinations eventually revealed a five-centimetre tumour in her colon.
Laura was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent surgery in July 2025 to remove around one-third of her colon, according to the Express.
Following a tissue analysis, the cancer was classified as stage 3 because there were signs that it had begun to spread.
She therefore received four rounds of chemotherapy over a period of 12 weeks.
According to the Express, there are currently no signs of active disease. However, she will continue to attend follow-up appointments over the next five years.
Laura hopes that her story will encourage others to take unexplained symptoms seriously and speak to their doctor if something does not feel right.
When temperatures rise during a heatwave, maintaining a good fluid balance is crucial for your health.
Here are the most important tips to avoid dehydration and take care of yourself in the heat, according to Healthline.
Increase your fluid intake in the heat
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Women should normally drink nine cups of fluid a day and men 13 cups, but in warm weather, this amount should be increased because the body sweats more.
Drink continuously throughout the day
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Do not wait to drink until you feel thirsty, as thirst is already a sign that your body is lacking fluids.
Set reminders on your phone
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If you forget to drink water, you can set fixed time goals or use an app with notifications to remind you.
Carry a reusable bottle with you
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It is easier to reach your daily hydration goal if you always have a reusable water bottle on hand and refill it regularly.
Choose the right water bottle
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Consider size, material such as plastic or steel, as well as the type of lid and insulation, so the bottle suits your needs in the heat.
Eat your way to more hydration
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About 20 percent of your daily fluid intake comes from food, so you can increase your intake by eating juicy foods.
Choose water-rich fruits and vegetables
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Foods such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and oranges have a very high water content.
Supplement with soup and yogurt
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You can also increase your fluid intake through liquid or soft dishes such as cold soups, broths, and yogurt.
Replenish your body’s electrolytes
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When you sweat heavily, you lose essential minerals like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which regulate the nervous system and muscles.
Use electrolyte powder or coconut water
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You can quickly restore mineral balance by adding electrolyte powder to your water or drinking coconut water, which is rich in potassium.
Make your water more flavorful
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Drinking water does not have to be boring. You can add slices of citrus fruits, berries, cucumber, herbal tea, or sugar-free flavor drops.
Know the signs of dehydration
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Pay attention to a dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, dark urine, and reduced urge to urinate, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms such as confusion or a rapid heart rate.
Researchers followed 746 Swedish fathers over an 18-month period. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, began when their children were around nine months old and ended when they were approximately 27 months old.
The fathers completed questionnaires about their mental well-being at the beginning and the end of the study.
They also reported how long they had been on parental leave. According to the Karolinska Institute cited by Forskning.se, the researchers took several factors into account, including the family’s circumstances, financial situation, and the mothers’ parental leave.
The results should be interpreted with caution
The researchers emphasize that this is an observational study.
Therefore, it cannot determine whether longer parental leave is the direct cause of fewer depressive symptoms.
In addition, the information about the fathers’ parental leave was based on their self-reported responses, which may have influenced the findings.
A clear association
The study found that fathers who took between 14 and 40 weeks of parental leave had a lower risk of depressive symptoms than fathers who took four weeks or less.
The same association was not found among fathers who took five to 13 weeks of leave or more than 40 weeks of leave.
According to the Karolinska Institute, the researchers believe that spending a longer period at home may help fathers feel more confident in their parenting role, strengthen their relationship with their child, and establish better daily routines.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a go-to source for health information, with many people asking chatbots about symptoms before contacting a healthcare professional. While AI can provide quick answers, dental experts say it should never replace a proper examination.
A new survey from Denmark highlights how rapidly those habits are changing. The research, conducted by Bilendi on behalf of Danish dental provider Godt Smil, found that more people are relying on search engines and AI tools such as ChatGPT instead of speaking with a dentist when dental problems arise, reports B.T.
Young adults lead the shift
The survey found that 14.6% of respondents had used Google or AI rather than contacting a dentist after experiencing dental symptoms during the past year.
The trend was even stronger among people aged 16 to 34, where 26.6% said they had turned to digital tools first. According to the researchers, the findings reflect a generation that increasingly expects immediate answers through technology.
Why experts are concerned
Dental professionals say AI can be useful for explaining symptoms or treatments in general terms, but it cannot diagnose oral health conditions.
It cannot examine a patient’s mouth, take X-rays or detect problems that may not be visible without a clinical assessment.
Experts warn that relying on AI alone could delay treatment, allowing minor dental issues to develop into more serious conditions that are harder and more expensive to treat.
AI still has a role
Despite those concerns, dentists believe artificial intelligence can improve patient education when used appropriately.
It can explain dental procedures in simple language.
It may help reduce anxiety before a dental appointment.
It should support professional care, not replace it.
Experts say the findings reflect a broader challenge as AI becomes increasingly popular for health-related questions. While chatbots can help people better understand dental care, persistent pain or unusual symptoms should always be assessed by a qualified dental professional.
Many people only think about their cholesterol after a routine blood test reveals a problem. Yet the food choices made every day may influence heart health long before any warning signs appear.
According to research from the University of Cambridge, published in Nature, high cholesterol early in life may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis later on, reports Mirror.
Heart specialists from HCA Healthcare UK say that improving your diet is one of the most effective ways to support long-term cardiovascular health.
Healthy habits matter
Cholesterol is a natural substance the body needs, but excessive levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can contribute to fatty deposits inside the arteries. Over time, this can reduce blood flow and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The Cambridge study found that repeated periods of a cholesterol-rich diet during early life may have lasting effects on artery health.
Researchers also highlighted findings from the Young Finns Study, which linked elevated cholesterol in childhood with greater plaque build-up in adulthood.
Four foods to prioritise
Heart specialists recommend building meals around:
Fruit and vegetables
Whole grains
Lean sources of protein
Healthy fats such as nuts, avocados and olive oil
At the same time, limiting fatty meats, fried foods and highly processed products high in saturated or trans fats may help improve cholesterol levels.
A complete approach
Diet is only one part of maintaining a healthy heart. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking and monitoring cholesterol levels are also important steps in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.
Because high cholesterol rarely causes noticeable symptoms, experts say prevention is the best strategy. Developing healthier habits early may lower the risk of serious heart and circulatory diseases later in life.
Hair grows in a natural cycle that includes periods of growth, rest, and shedding.
How quickly hair grows depends primarily on genetics, diet, illness, and hormones.
That is according to dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, speaking to Popular Science.
She also explains that factors such as iron deficiency, illness, and stress can lead to increased hair loss.
The sun is not the solution
Many people believe that more sunlight and higher temperatures make hair grow faster.
According to Popular Science, however, there is only limited research supporting that theory.
Although sunlight increases the body’s production of vitamin D, there is no strong evidence that additional vitamin D leads to faster hair growth in people with normal vitamin D levels.
Hair growth is primarily controlled by processes within the hair follicles and the body’s overall health, Popular Science reports.
The results are surprising
Several scientific studies have examined whether the seasons influence hair growth.
Two small studies published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that the highest number of scalp hairs were in the resting phase toward the end of the summer.
At the same time, men’s beards grew slightly faster during the summer months, but the difference was so small that it was barely noticeable.
A larger study involving 823 women, published in the journal Dermatology, found the same pattern.
Overall, the research suggests that scalp hair does not grow faster during the summer.
On the contrary, the findings indicate that a greater proportion of hairs are in the resting phase at this time of year, according to Popular Science.
For many years, studies have shown that people who drink coffee tend to have a lower risk of several diseases and may live longer, according to ScienceDaily.
However, researchers have not known exactly why coffee appears to be linked to these health benefits.
A new study from Texas A&M University examined what happens inside the body’s cells. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
Not just caffeine
The researchers found that caffeine is probably not the most important factor.
Instead, other naturally occurring compounds in coffee appear to affect a receptor in the body known as NR4A1.
According to the researchers, this receptor plays a role in helping the body manage inflammation, repair damage, and protect cells.
The study also found that some plant-based compounds in coffee influence the receptor more strongly than caffeine.
This may explain why both regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee have been linked to similar health benefits in previous studies.
A possible explanation
In laboratory experiments, the researchers observed that cells sustained less damage when the receptor was activated. When the receptor was removed, the protective effect disappeared.
The researchers therefore believe they may have identified an important part of the explanation for why coffee is often associated with healthy aging and a lower risk of disease.
At the same time, they emphasize that the study does not prove that coffee can prevent disease in humans and that further research is needed.
A tick bite is often harmless, but health experts say taking the right steps immediately can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease and improve the chances of early treatment if symptoms develop.
The hidden summer risk
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy walks through forests, parks and the countryside, but spending more time outdoors also increases the chance of coming into contact with ticks. For that reason, health experts recommend checking your body after returning home from areas where ticks are commonly found.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and guidance from Boots Pharmacy, most tick bites do not result in illness. However, some ticks carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, making it important to know how to respond if you discover one attached to your skin, reports Mirror.
Act quickly
Experts advise removing a tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grip the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull it out slowly and steadily without twisting or crushing it. Once removed, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and consider applying an antiseptic.
The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the likelihood of bacteria being transmitted if the tick is infected. That is why prompt removal remains the most important piece of advice from health professionals.
Watch for symptoms
Lyme disease is usually easier to treat when diagnosed early. After a tick bite, it is important to monitor your health over the following weeks.
Common symptoms include: A red circular or oval-shaped rash around the bite, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and a stiff neck.
The rash often appears within one to four weeks, although it can develop later. Some people experience flu-like symptoms before noticing any rash.
When to seek help
If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in woodland, long grass or other tick-prone areas, experts recommend contacting your doctor. Early assessment and treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.
Can a can of sardines replace an extensive skincare routine?
A writer spent a week testing whether eating sardines every day could make a visible difference to her skin, according to Healthline.
Sardines every day
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The writer decided to eat sardines daily for one week to see whether they could improve the appearance of her skin.
The goal was to monitor any changes, including oiliness and breakouts.
Nutrients
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Sardines are an oily fish that contain selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
According to Healthline, omega-3 fatty acids may help support collagen production, which plays an important role in the health of the skin, bones, and joints.
Research points to possible benefits
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Research suggests that marine collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity.
A 2024 study published in Food Science & Nutrition also concluded that consuming oily fish may be associated with a lower risk of acne.
The link is difficult to prove
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Although the research findings are promising, Healthline notes that it is difficult to establish a direct link between diet and improvements in skin health.
The first few days were easy
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For lunch, the writer mainly ate sardines on toast.
Different varieties were chosen, including sardines in olive oil and curry sauce, to keep the meals interesting.
No immediate changes
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After the first few days, there were no obvious improvements in the writer’s skin.
It did appear soft and radiant, but she believed this could just as easily have been the result of her skincare routine or a good night’s sleep.
Variety made the challenge easier
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Healthline recommends buying different types of sardines or serving them with fresh herbs, cheese, or crackers.
This helped make the meals more enjoyable.
Mackerel became an alternative
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On the fifth day of the challenge, the writer replaced sardines with mackerel.
Mackerel is also an oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can serve as an alternative.
Other oily fish can also be included
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Healthline also mentions salmon, anchovies, trout, whitebait, and tuna as oily fish.
However, tuna should only be eaten a couple of times a week because of its higher mercury content.
The breakouts did not disappear overnight
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Halfway through the challenge, two pimples appeared in the T-zone.
The writer believed they were most likely caused by hormonal changes related to her menstrual cycle.
The diet became more balanced
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As the week progressed, meals were supplemented with vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and salads to increase the intake of fibre, carbohydrates, and micronutrients.
Sardines provided additional nutritional benefits
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The writer found that sardines contributed both protein and calcium, making her overall diet feel healthier throughout the week.
Conclusion
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By the end of the week, the writer’s skin looked better, but she believed the improvement was most likely due to hormonal changes rather than the sardines themselves.
However, she concluded that sardines can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet and that eating them a couple of times a week may be enough to enjoy their benefits without sacrificing dietary variety.
