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Scientists intrigued by lobsters’ unusual aging process

Lobsters do not behave like other animals as they grow older. They do not stop growing, and they can continue to reproduce throughout their lives.

According to the Natural History Museum, this is partly because their cells can repair themselves.

An enzyme called telomerase plays an important role. It helps maintain DNA, allowing cells to continue dividing.

In humans, this function is limited, but in lobsters it continues throughout life.

How old can lobsters get?

It is not easy to determine the age of lobsters. As they grow, they shed their outer shell, meaning they do not leave behind traces such as bones or growth rings.

Researchers have instead examined fat deposits in their eyestalks.

According to the Natural History Museum, studies show that some European lobsters can live for several decades, with some individuals living even longer.

A natural end

Although lobsters may seem almost timeless, they still die. They can be eaten by predators, affected by disease, or caught by humans.

Their growth is also a challenge. Molting requires a great deal of energy. With age, this process becomes so demanding that some die from exhaustion.

The idea of immortal lobsters is a myth, but they age differently from humans, something that may prove useful in future research.

Sources: Natural History Museum.

How kiwi can affect your body if you eat them regularly

Many people try to eat healthier but overlook simple foods that can make a difference. Often, the most powerful changes come from small habits repeated every day.

One fruit that has gained attention among nutrition researchers is kiwi. Despite its modest size, studies suggest it may support several key functions in the body when eaten regularly.

Digestive benefits

Digestive discomfort is common, especially in diets low in fiber. Kiwi naturally contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which work together to support gut health.

Soluble fiber slows digestion and helps regulate nutrient absorption. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move more efficiently through the intestines.

Research cited by nutrition experts suggests that two small kiwis can provide roughly twice the fiber of an orange. Because of this, regular consumption has been linked to improvements in constipation and general digestive comfort.

Support for heart and immunity

Kiwi also contains antioxidants and plant compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules are associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

A meta-analysis examining several studies found that people who ate multiple kiwis daily for one to two months showed increased levels of HDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides.

The fruit is also rich in vitamin C. One kiwi provides about 64 milligrams, which contributes significantly to daily immune support.

Who should be cautious

Despite its benefits, kiwi is not suitable for everyone. Health experts note that some groups should limit or avoid it:

  • People with kiwi allergies
  • Individuals with pollen allergies
  • People with kidney stones or a history of them

For most people, however, kiwi can be a nutritious daily addition to a balanced diet.

Sources: Verywell Health and The Lanclet

These persistent symptoms may be early signs of cancer

Fatigue, bloating, and mild pain are common complaints that many people attribute to stress or poor sleep. As a result, they rarely prompt immediate concern.

According to Business Insider, serious illnesses can initially develop without clear symptoms, making them difficult to detect in time.

At the same time, many people grow accustomed to these discomforts and do not consider that they may be abnormal.

Symptoms that persist

It is particularly important to take action if symptoms do not disappear. According to Business Insider, medical advice should be sought if discomfort persists for several weeks.

This includes changes in digestion, persistent pain, and unexplained fatigue. Even if the symptoms appear mild, they may have a serious underlying cause.

In addition, diseases such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer are increasingly observed in younger individuals. Therefore, age should not be a reason to ignore symptoms.

Signs you should not ignore

Some symptoms require prompt action. According to Business Insider, this applies in particular to rectal bleeding and lumps in the breast.

Even minor changes can be important to have examined. Early evaluation can help clarify the situation and rule out serious illness.

However, many people find that their symptoms are not taken seriously at first, which can delay a diagnosis.

Only later may it become clear that the small and seemingly harmless symptoms were, in fact, early signs of cancer.

Sources: Business Insider.

These “perfectly normal” symptoms could be signs of a brain tumor

Many people experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or nausea without giving them much thought. These are often caused by harmless factors such as stress or dehydration.

However, according to information from the Brain Tumour Charity, some of these signs may, in rare cases, be linked to more serious conditions.

Difficult to detect

A key problem is that the symptoms often develop slowly and can resemble common illnesses. This can make it difficult to react in time.

Research from Improving Brain Tumour Care shows, according to Express, that 41 percent had to visit a doctor multiple times before receiving a correct diagnosis.

Fatigue, changes in memory and personality, as well as seizures, may be among the signs that are often overlooked.

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms may also occur. These can include weakness on one side of the body, tingling sensations, or problems with balance.

In young children, this may appear as a loss of skills, for example, stopping walking and starting to crawl again.

Vision problems such as blurred or double vision, as well as difficulties speaking or understanding words, may also occur.

Headaches with a difference

Headaches are very common and are usually not caused by anything serious. According to Express, however, certain types may be different.

This is especially true for headaches that do not go away with painkillers or that are worse in the morning and during physical activity.

Health experts recommend contacting a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Early detection can have an impact on treatment.

Sources: Daily Express, and Brain Tumour Charity.

Possible link between severe COVID-19 and lung cancer risk

A serious respiratory illness can feel like something you leave behind once the symptoms disappear. But researchers are beginning to suspect that the lungs may remember more than we think.

New findings suggest that severe viral infections could leave behind biological changes that quietly influence health years later.

A study from researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) indicates that severe cases of COVID-19 or influenza may increase the risk of lung cancer long after patients recover.

Lingering lung effects

The research, led by immunologist Jie Sun, PhD, at the UVA School of Medicine, examined how serious viral infections affect the lungs over time.

The team found that intense infections can leave lung tissue in a prolonged inflammatory state. This environment may make it easier for cancer to develop later.

The scientists discovered that immune cells in the lungs can behave differently after a severe infection. Instead of returning fully to normal, some remain in a state that supports tumor growth.

Evidence from studies

To explore the connection, the researchers analyzed both laboratory experiments and patient data.

Mice that experienced severe lung infections developed lung cancer more often than those that did not. Human medical records showed a similar trend.

People who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 were diagnosed with lung cancer about 1.24 times more often than those without such severe infections.

Possible prevention

The study also highlighted an encouraging result: vaccination appeared to protect against many of the harmful lung changes linked to cancer risk.

Scientists believe vaccines reduce the severity of infection, which limits long-term damage to lung tissue.

The researchers say the findings could influence future medical care, including:

  • closer monitoring of patients after severe respiratory infections
  • earlier lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals

Sources: Science Daily and Cell

How eggs can affect your body if you eat them every day

Eggs are a staple in many diets, yet their health impact is still widely debated. Research suggests they offer several benefits, but also come with some considerations.

Here’s what actually happens in your body when you eat eggs daily.

More filling

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Eggs are high in protein, making them more satisfying than many other breakfast options. This can lead to eating less throughout the day.

Affects cholesterol

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Egg yolks contain most of the cholesterol. For some people, this may influence cholesterol levels, while others see little effect.

Rich in nutrients

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Eggs provide essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein that support overall body function.

Not for everyone daily

Photo: Shutterstock.com

People with heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol may need to limit how often they eat eggs.

Supports muscle growth

Photo: Shutterstock.com

The protein and amino acids in eggs help build and maintain muscle, especially when combined with strength training.

May aid weight loss

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Because eggs are filling, they can help reduce overall calorie intake and support weight management.

Boosts good cholesterol

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Eating eggs may increase HDL levels, known as good cholesterol, which helps remove harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Reduces inflammation

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Eggs contain nutrients and antioxidants that may lower inflammation and improve markers linked to it.

May lower disease risk

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Antioxidants in eggs help protect cells from damage that can lead to chronic illnesses.

High intake may raise cholesterol

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Long-term high consumption of eggs may increase cholesterol levels in some individuals.

Possible lower stroke risk

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Some studies suggest moderate egg intake may be linked to a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack.

Egg whites as an option

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Egg whites offer protein without cholesterol, making them a suitable alternative for those watching their intake.

Amount varies by person

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Most healthy adults can eat one to two eggs per day, depending on overall health and lifestyle.

Preparation matters

Photo: Shutterstock.com

How eggs are cooked makes a difference. Using healthier oils and avoiding added fats like butter or bacon grease is recommended.

Sources: Verywell Health and MDPI

43 years of research show that moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of dementia

A new study published in JAMA examines data from more than 130,000 individuals followed for up to 43 years.

Participants continuously reported their diet and health, providing a strong foundation for analysis.

Coffee and tea

Researchers note that coffee and tea contain compounds such as caffeine and polyphenols.

These may have a positive effect on the brain, including reducing inflammation and protecting cells.

Previous studies have shown mixed results, but they have often been smaller in scale or had shorter follow-up periods, making this study more reliable.

How much coffee or tea should you drink?

During the study, just over 11,000 participants developed dementia.

Individuals with a moderate intake of coffee or tea performed better in tests of memory and cognitive function.

The effect was observed in both individuals with high and low genetic risk, suggesting that the findings are broadly applicable.

A daily intake of around 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 1 to 2 cups of tea was associated with approximately an 18 percent lower risk of dementia compared with those who rarely consumed these beverages.

Decaffeinated coffee did not show the same association.

Sources: Science Daily, and JAMA.

Man tests military sleep method said to work in two minutes

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Another night of staring at the ceiling, checking the clock, and wondering why sleep refuses to come. For many, falling asleep isn’t about being tired enough, but about being able to switch off a restless mind.

A technique often associated with military training is now circulating again, promising faster sleep with a structured approach to relaxation.

A method resurfaces

According to LADbible, a YouTuber recently tested the so-called “military sleep method” to see whether it actually delivers results. The technique has been discussed for years, especially online, where quick sleep fixes often gain traction.

It is believed to originate from training methods designed to help pilots rest in high-pressure environments. The goal is not to force sleep, but to prepare the body and mind for it.

Experts have long pointed to relaxation as a key factor. The Sleep Foundation highlights that reducing physical tension can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep.

Breaking it down

The process centers on gradually calming both body and thoughts.

It includes:

  • Releasing tension in the face and shoulders
  • Slowing breathing
  • Relaxing muscles throughout the body
  • Using a simple mental focus to avoid overthinking

Harvard Medical School notes that similar techniques are used in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Not a quick fix

The YouTuber found that the method did not work immediately but became more effective with repetition.

This reflects broader sleep research, which shows consistency is often more important than any single trick.

At the same time, habits like limiting screen exposure and maintaining a routine remain essential. While not a guaranteed solution, structured relaxation may offer a useful tool for improving sleep over time.

Sources: LADbible

You can prevent diabetes without weight loss, new study shows

For many years, the advice has been clear: people with prediabetes should lose weight to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

However, according to The Conversation, this approach has not always worked in practice.

Many people find it difficult to lose weight, while the number of individuals with diabetes continues to rise globally.

This has led researchers to investigate whether other factors may play a role.

Where fat is stored

New research, published in Nature Medicine, shows that blood sugar levels can return to normal without weight loss.

According to The Conversation, about one in four participants in a lifestyle program experienced this outcome.

The explanation is not only about how much fat the body has, but also where it is stored. Fat around the organs can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

By contrast, fat located just under the skin may have a more positive effect on the body’s metabolism.

A new approach

The research also indicates that certain hormones help the body manage blood sugar more effectively.

At the same time, exercise and a diet rich in healthy fats can change how fat is distributed in the body.

This shifts the understanding of the disease. What matters is not necessarily weight loss, but how the body functions internally.

In some cases, prediabetes can disappear without weight loss if fat is distributed differently and metabolism improves.

Sources: Science Daily, The Conversation, and Nature Medicine.

Common diabetes drugs linked to lower anxiety and depression risk

Widely used weight-loss and diabetes drugs are now being examined for a different reason.

Researchers say the medications could have unexpected mental health benefits. Early findings suggest a link, though experts stress more research is needed.

Promising link

According to reporting by the Daily Mirror, drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Both treatments contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Researchers analysed Swedish health registry data from 2009 to 2022, focusing on patients with mental health conditions receiving diabetes care.

The study included more than 95,000 people, with 22,480 using GLP-1 medications.

Lower risk

Findings published in The Lancet Psychiatry indicate that semaglutide and liraglutide are linked to a reduced risk of worsening mental health.

Semaglutide in particular was associated with a 44% lower risk of worsening depression and a 38% lower risk of worsening anxiety. A reduced risk of substance misuse was also observed.

Researchers suggest the drugs may offer combined benefits for people living with both metabolic and mental health conditions.

Questions remain

Scientists note that the study design does not establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Possible explanations include weight loss, improved blood sugar control and lifestyle changes, alongside potential effects on the brain’s reward system.

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the findings.

Pregnancy insight

A separate Danish study examined more than 756,000 pregnancies and assessed exposure to GLP-1 drugs in early stages.

An increased risk of pre-term birth was found among those using the drugs for diabetes treatment, while no elevated risk appeared among those using them for weight loss.

Researchers indicated that underlying diabetes may explain the difference.

Sources: Mirror