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Stopping GLP-1 drugs may reverse heart benefits, study finds

A large study published in BMJ Medicine finds that the benefits of certain diabetes medications decline rapidly if treatment is stopped.

As early as six months after discontinuation, the risk of heart problems begins to rise again, CNN reports.

The study is based on data from nearly 333,000 patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States.

Patients treated with so-called GLP-1 drugs were compared with those receiving another type of medication.

Patients who continued treatment for several years had a lower risk of blood clots, stroke, and death.

Stopping treatment early

The findings are consistent with previous research, including the SELECT study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, which also showed fewer serious cardiovascular events among patients receiving treatment.

Researchers believe the medication works in multiple ways. Weight loss plays a role, but there may also be a direct effect of the drugs on the heart.

At the same time, many patients discontinue treatment early. About half stop within a year, according to AJMC, often due to side effects or high costs, as shown in a study published in Obesity.

The risk returns

When treatment stops, the risk gradually returns.

After six months, a modest increase is observed, which grows over time. After one and a half to two years, most of the benefits have nearly disappeared.

This means the protective effect does not persist without continued treatment.

Sources: CNN, BMJ Medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine, AJMC, and Obesity.

Trump’s hair draws attention – a familiar sign of aging

During multiple public appearances in recent years, Donald Trump’s hair has attracted attention.

During a visit to a construction project in 2025, video footage showed how the wind blew his hair around, making a receding hairline clearly visible.

In another situation at the White House, he was seen checking the back of his head while others stood behind him.

This behavior is not unusual among individuals who are aware of hair loss.

At the same time, his use of caps has become more frequent.

Medication and explanations

According to information reported by Time, Trump has previously used medication for hair loss. The New York Times has also reported that he used finasteride, a common treatment.

Professional sources such as Penn Medicine explain that hair loss often begins at the temples and can later spread to the back of the head.

This is a pattern many men experience as they age.

Reactions and development

His hair already attracted attention during the 2016 election campaign, when media outlets such as CNN described how it became part of the public debate.

Later images from 2024 showed a changed hairstyle, likely due to his hair having been pressed flat under a hat.

It is normal for hair growth to decrease in men with age.

Sources: Health Digest, Time, The New York Times, Penn Medicine, and CNN.

How beets can affect your kidneys if you eat them often

Beets are nutrient-rich and known for supporting blood pressure and circulation. At the same time, they contain oxalates, which can influence kidney stone risk in some individuals. Here are the key takeaways from experts, reported by EatingWell

Beets are rich in nutrients

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Beets provide fiber, folate, potassium and natural nitrates that support overall body function and health.

They can improve blood flow

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The nitrates in beets are converted into nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation.

They may support healthy blood pressure

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Lower blood pressure can reduce strain on the kidneys and help maintain proper kidney function.

Blood pressure directly affects the kidneys

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Damage to blood vessels caused by high blood pressure can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter blood efficiently.

They should be part of a balanced diet

Beets. Free public domain CC0“/ CC0 1.0

Beets work best when included in a diet with vegetables, fruits and adequate fluid intake.

Beets contain oxalates

Beet root plant“/ CC0 1.0

Oxalates can bind with calcium in the kidneys and form calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone.

The risk is low for most people

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Eating typical portions of beets does not significantly increase kidney stone risk in people without a history of stones.

Those with kidney stones should be cautious

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A high intake of oxalate-rich foods may increase risk in individuals who have previously had kidney stones.

Beets can turn urine red

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Pigments in beets can cause urine to appear pink or red, a condition known as beeturia.

The color change is temporary

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This effect is harmless and usually disappears within a day.

Whole beets are better than juice

Woman eating beet glass noodles” by Jakub Kapusnak/ CC0 1.0

Beet juice contains more concentrated oxalates, while whole beets also provide fiber.

Preparation and hydration matter

Beetroot vegetable“/ CC0 1.0

Boiling can reduce oxalates, and adequate fluid intake helps lower the risk of kidney stones by diluting substances in urine.

Have you had a urinary tract infection? It may increase your risk of dementia

A study from the University of Helsinki, published in PLOS Medicine and reported by The Sun, examined more than 62,000 people with dementia and compared them with over 300,000 without the condition.

The researchers found that nearly half of those with dementia had previously had at least one of 29 specific diseases.

The most common included stroke, brain injuries, and type 2 diabetes.

These conditions often occurred several years before dementia was diagnosed, suggesting a possible link between overall physical health and brain function.

The role of infections

The study also showed that serious infections were part of the picture.

In particular, bacterial infections requiring hospital treatment were more frequently observed in individuals who later developed dementia.

A common urinary tract infection, cystitis, for example, may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. The risk was approximately 19 percent higher in individuals with these infections.

The infections typically occurred five to six years before diagnosis. The association remained even after researchers accounted for other diseases.

The results also showed that the link was slightly stronger in men and even more pronounced in individuals who developed dementia before the age of 65.

An uncertain study

The study cannot prove that infections directly lead to dementia, as the research is based on observations rather than experiments.

The researchers also lacked information on how the infections were treated.

Nevertheless, the findings suggest that preventing and treating infections in a timely manner may be important.

Sources: The Sun and PLOS Medicine.

Menstrual pad could help detect disease early

Currently, there is no effective method for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

According to Forskning.no, the disease is often discovered late because it does not produce clear symptoms in its early stages.

The protein CA-125 is sometimes used in blood tests, but it is not accurate enough for screening.

Its levels can also be elevated in completely normal conditions such as menstruation or pregnancy.

This means there is a risk of incorrect results when testing healthy individuals.

Therefore, new methods are needed, but they must be reliable before they can be widely used.

New technology

Researchers from ETH Zurich have published a study in the journal Advanced Science, in which they developed a menstrual pad with an integrated test strip.

The test can detect specific substances in menstrual blood that may indicate disease. In the experiment, the researchers used biomarkers such as CRP, CEA, and CA-125.

They tested the method by adding these substances to blood from healthy individuals. When the test strip changed color, it showed that the biomarkers could be measured.

Perspectives and reservations

Although the technology is new and promising, it is still at an early stage. Experts point out that the biomarkers are not precise enough to establish a diagnosis on their own.

The study is also limited because it is based only on samples from healthy individuals. Therefore, studies involving patients who actually have diseases are still needed.

Menstrual blood may contain important information about women’s health, which in the future could potentially be used as an early warning.

Sources: Forskning.no, and Advanced Science.

Psychologist reveals clear signs that you are emotionally mature

Emotional maturity is about how you handle your feelings.

Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera explains to Parade which signs show that you are on the right path in your personal development.

You choose what is healthy over what is familiar

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Emotional maturity means that you do not simply follow what feels safe if it is also harmful. You choose what is good for you, even when it feels unfamiliar.

You take responsibility without shame

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You can apologize and acknowledge that you have hurt someone without turning it into a question of your own worth.

You learn from your mistakes instead of drowning in guilt.

You can calm your body

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An important part of maturity is the ability to regulate your nervous system. You can find calm within yourself, even when something feels difficult.

You make space for other people’s feelings

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You can accept that others disagree with you without experiencing it as rejection. Different opinions do not disrupt your inner balance.

You feel your emotions without escaping them

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Instead of distracting yourself with work, food, or screens, you stay with the feeling long enough to understand it.

You set boundaries calmly

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You can say no without being harsh and yes without feeling resentment. You are honest about your needs and stand by them.

You pause before reacting

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When you notice tension in your body or strong emotions, you take a pause instead of reacting impulsively. This gives you the opportunity to choose your response.

You repair relationships after conflicts

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You understand that disagreements are normal, and you return to restore connection. You recognize that relationships are strengthened through reconciliation.

You let go of old roles

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You release past identities, such as always being the strong one or the fixer. You allow yourself to be human and flexible.

You observe your emotions without criticizing yourself

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You can notice your reactions without attacking yourself. This creates a safer and more supportive inner dialogue.

You understand that discomfort is not the same as danger

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You can sit with difficult emotions without automatically interpreting them as threatening. This gives you greater calm in stressful situations.

You consciously choose your actions

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Even when old patterns are triggered, you can remind yourself that the feeling makes sense, but you can still choose what to do now.

You work with small steps in your development

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Change does not only happen through major breakthroughs.

Small actions, such as taking a deep breath, being kind to yourself, and noticing your body, gradually create a sense of safety.

You focus on the present in your healing

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Personal growth is not about reliving every past memory. It is about how you meet yourself today and create a sense of safety in the present.

Sources: Parade.

Researchers develop a new way to whiten teeth without damaging them

It starts with something most people know all too well: the slow fade of a bright smile. Coffee, red sauces, and time quietly leave their mark, even when you brush twice a day.

Many turn to whitening products, hoping for quick results, but often worry about what those chemicals might be doing beneath the surface.

Now, scientists may be moving closer to a gentler solution that works differently than anything currently on store shelves.

A different approach

Researchers from the American Chemical Society, working with teams in China, have introduced a powder designed to work alongside electric toothbrushes rather than harsh bleaching agents.

Instead of relying on traditional peroxide formulas, the material activates through vibration.

When the brush moves, the powder generates a mild electrical effect that triggers stain-breaking reactions without aggressively wearing down enamel.

According to findings published via the American Chemical Society, the compound was engineered using minerals already familiar to dentistry, including calcium and strontium.

More than whitening

What makes this development stand out is its dual purpose. Beyond improving color, the powder appears to support tooth repair and balance bacteria in the mouth.

Early testing suggests it can:

  • Reduce visible staining from common foods and drinks
  • Strengthen weakened enamel surfaces
  • Limit harmful oral bacteria linked to gum issues

Animal studies also indicated a decrease in inflammation and a healthier microbial environment after consistent use.

What comes next

The product is still in its experimental stage and has not yet been turned into a commercial toothpaste. However, the early results point toward a future where whitening no longer comes at the cost of long-term dental health.

If further testing confirms these benefits in humans, everyday oral care routines could soon shift toward solutions that protect as much as they polish.

Source: Science Daily

Allergy experts warn against opening windows between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Spring encourages many people to air out their homes more frequently.

However, according to Maison & Travaux, it is not always a good idea to open windows at certain times in March if you suffer from allergies.

Particles in the air

The composition of the air changes throughout the day. Plants release particles at different times, depending on the species and conditions.

Some plants begin early in the morning, while others release particles later in the day.

Wind and humidity also affect how much is in the air and how long it remains there.

The role of the weather

Rain can temporarily improve air quality, as particles are pushed down toward the ground, making the air more comfortable.

Conversely, thunderstorms can worsen the situation. During storms, particles can become smaller and more easily enter the body. According to Maison & Travaux, it is therefore important to monitor the weather.

Early morning and late evening are often the best times to ventilate, as levels are typically lower.

A specific time window

A buildup occurs in the air around midday. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., particles become more concentrated because heat and air movement keep them suspended.

This means they can more easily enter the home if windows are open. At the same time, other substances in the air can amplify the effect.

For this reason, opening windows during this period in March is discouraged, especially for individuals who are sensitive to airborne particles.

Sources: Maison & Travaux.

New study: Tuberculosis among children fell by 83 percent

Tuberculosis remains a major global challenge, writes News Wise.

For many years, the number of new cases has declined by only about two percent per year, according to Kunchok Dorjee, a physician and PhD, project leader and principal investigator of Zero TB in Kids, as well as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A review of research from 2000 to 2025 shows that there is a lack of examples of programs that clearly reduce the disease across larger populations.

This suggests that existing methods are not always used effectively.

At the same time, the disease is measured both by new cases and the total number of infected individuals.

According to the WHO, this makes it difficult to assess how well different interventions work.

Local experiences

In northern India, a program has been working since 2017 to test for and prevent tuberculosis among Tibetan schoolchildren.

The initiative is part of a research project led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, based on analyses and studies from the period 2000 to 2025, and published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, infections rose again when the work was paused. When the effort resumed, the number of cases declined.

Some children did not receive preventive treatment, which may be due to uncertainty among doctors, particularly when the children had other illnesses.

Infections declined

After several years of work, the results show a clear trend. The number of new tuberculosis cases among the children has dropped significantly over the period.

There are also fewer cases of latent infection, which can otherwise develop into disease later. At the same time, transmission has declined, even among children who did not receive treatment.

The study shows that established methods such as screening and preventive treatment can have a strong impact if they are used systematically and on a larger scale.

Sources: News Wise, WHO, and The Lancet Regional Health.

A new discovery could make back pain easier to treat

That dull ache in your lower back can creep in during the most ordinary moments. Sitting too long, lifting something wrong, or even just getting out of bed can remind you how persistent it is. For many, the real frustration is not knowing why it keeps coming back.

Now, researchers believe they may have found an unexpected way to stop it before it even begins.

A different angle

A study from Johns Hopkins University, led by Dr. Janet L. Crane, suggests a hormone already used in bone treatments could play a new role in pain relief.

According to ScienceDaily, which reported on the findings, the research was published in the journal Bone Research.

Instead of focusing on muscles or inflammation, the scientists looked at how pain signals develop inside the spine.

What the study found

The team investigated parathyroid hormone (PTH), typically used for osteoporosis. In experiments on mice with spinal degeneration, the hormone appeared to change how nerves behave in damaged areas.

According to the study in Bone Research, the treatment led to:

  • stronger spinal tissue
  • reduced pain sensitivity
  • fewer pain-related nerve fibers

The key mechanism involves a protein called Slit3, which is triggered by bone cells and helps block nerve growth into sensitive regions.

Why it matters

As reported by ScienceDaily, abnormal nerve growth is believed to be one reason chronic back pain persists without a clear structural cause.

By stopping this process, the hormone may target the root of the problem rather than just easing symptoms.

The research is still based on animal models, and human trials are needed. But the findings may explain why some osteoporosis patients already report reduced back pain during treatment.