The European Commission must now decide whether a new vaccine can be approved for use in the EU.
The vaccine has already received a positive assessment from the European Medicines Agency.
According to the Swedish media outlet Expressen, the agency reviews documentation on both effectiveness and safety before a vaccine can be recommended.
Only once the European Commission gives its approval can the vaccine be used in member states.
The decision is therefore the final step before the vaccine could potentially become part of future vaccination programs.
Primarily aimed at people over 50
The vaccine has been developed by the American pharmaceutical company Moderna. It is primarily intended for people over the age of 50.
According to Expressen, health authorities are working on solutions that could make vaccinations easier for citizens.
One of the goals is to examine whether fewer vaccinations can provide the same protection against disease.
Older age groups are often prioritized in vaccination programs because they may face a higher risk of severe illness.
Results from a study
The European Medicines Agency states that its assessment is based on a study involving around 8,000 participants.
According to the agency, the results show that the vaccine provides at least the same level of protection as separate vaccinations against the two diseases.
If the European Commission approves the vaccine, it will be able to protect against both COVID-19 and influenza with a single injection.
Apples are frequently mentioned as a healthy snack between meals.
A medium-sized apple with the peel contains about 95 calories, around 4.4 grams of dietary fiber, and nearly 195 milligrams of potassium.
The fruit also naturally contains sugar in the form of fructose.
Nutrition expert Stephani Johnson told Prevention that the health value of apples is mainly due to their combination of fiber and antioxidants.
Fiber can help digestion and make you feel full for longer. At the same time, antioxidants can be part of a diet that supports heart health.
However, even though all apples contain these substances, there are differences in how much each variety contains.
Color and taste reveal differences
Some apples stand out because of their taste. Granny Smith apples are known for their tart flavor and contain less sugar than many other varieties.
According to nutritional data reported by Health Beet, they also contain a relatively high level of pectin, which is the type of dietary fiber that can support gut bacteria.
Other varieties are interesting because of the color of their peel. The Cleveland Clinic explains that red pigments called anthocyanins may be linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of certain heart and brain diseases.
These compounds are found, among others, in Red Delicious apples, which according to Healthline have a particularly high content.
Research points to specific varieties
Research also shows differences in the content of polyphenols, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
Studies cited by Healthline show that Fuji apples contain high levels of compounds such as chlorogenic acid and catechin.
A study in the journal Antioxidants has also shown that Granny Smith apples are rich in several polyphenol compounds.
Other studies have also examined the connection between anthocyanins and markers for diabetes, including in a review published in Nutrients.
Overall, research indicates that some apple varieties contain particularly high amounts of antioxidants and fiber.
Among the varieties most often highlighted in studies are Fuji, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith.
Several well-known figures over the age of 50 have openly said that they have used GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose weight.
The drugs suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss, which has made them particularly popular among older celebrities.
Here are a number of public figures who have spoken about their own experiences.
Kathy Bates
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Actor Kathy Bates, now in her 70s, has revealed that she used GLP-1 medication to lose the last 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms).
However, she stresses that most of her weight loss came from hard work. She lost more than 80 pounds (about 36 kilograms) on her own before turning to medication.
Whoopi Goldberg
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Whoopi Goldberg began using the drug Mounjaro after her weight approached 300 pounds (around 136 kilograms).
She has since spoken openly about the decision and has encouraged people not to judge those who choose to use the medication.
Billie Jean King
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Tennis legend Billie Jean King has tried Ozempic in smaller doses to help manage binge eating.
In the podcast Wiser Than Me, she explained that she hoped the medication could quiet the thoughts that led her to overeat.
Billie Jean King’s cautious approach
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Although Billie Jean King has experimented with Ozempic, she has no plans to use the medication for rapid weight loss.
She has said that she does not want to become extremely thin because she does not think it looks good.
Sharon Osbourne has spoken about some of the negative experiences associated with GLP-1 medication.
The drug helped her become slimmer, but she has also said that she now finds it difficult to gain weight again and feels too thin, according to The Daily Mail.
Sharon Osbourne does not regret it
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Despite the challenges she has experienced with her weight after the treatment, Sharon Osbourne has said that she does not regret her decision to use the medication.
Harvey Fierstein
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Broadway star Harvey Fierstein lost around 120 pounds (about 54 kilograms) in his 70s.
He chose a medication similar to Mounjaro, which helped him change his eating habits.
Health authorities warn that some wet wipes should not be used.
According to the authorities, some of the products may be contaminated with bacteria and could therefore pose a risk if used to clean the skin or wounds.
The products have previously been withdrawn from the market, but authorities point out that they may still be present in private homes.
Many people keep first-aid supplies for several years without checking their contents.
Non-sterile wet wipes are sometimes used to clean the skin or the area around minor wounds.
However, health authorities stress that they should not be used on damaged skin or in connection with medical equipment such as intravenous lines.
59 confirmed cases of infection
According to health authorities, several cases of infection have been recorded and subsequently investigated in greater detail.
An analysis published in the scientific journal Eurosurveillance shows that 59 confirmed cases were recorded between June 2018 and February 2026.
During the same period, five patients died as a result of the infection, while one additional death is considered likely to be related to the outbreak.
Authorities assess that the risk to the general population is low but emphasize that people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable.
Four specific products linked to the outbreak
Investigations have, according to health authorities, found the bacterium Burkholderia stabilis in several products.
The bacterium normally occurs in nature, including in soil and water, but can cause infections if it enters the body through damaged skin.
Tests showed that four types of alcohol-free wet wipes were contaminated.
These include ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the recorded cases have been identified in the United Kingdom.
A middle-aged man developed severe health problems after prolonged use of dietary supplements, according to BMJ Case Reports.
The man began taking several different supplements daily after receiving advice from a nutrition therapist to address various health complaints.
About a month later, a range of symptoms appeared, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, leg cramps, and tinnitus.
The symptoms continued for nearly three months before he was admitted to hospital.
Tests there revealed both acute kidney impairment and significantly elevated levels of calcium in his blood.
During the hospital stay, which lasted eight days, the patient received fluids directly into the bloodstream as well as medical treatment to reduce the level of calcium in his body.
According to BMJ Case Reports, blood tests also showed that his vitamin D levels were far above what is considered necessary.
Too much calcium in the body
Doctors linked the patient’s condition to hypercalcaemia, a condition in which the concentration of calcium in the blood becomes too high.
North Bristol NHS Trust explains that this condition can affect the bones, kidneys, stomach, and nervous system.
Possible consequences include kidney stones, weakened bones, and a range of neurological symptoms.
In severe cases, the condition can also affect the kidneys and heart, highlighting the importance of correct dosing when taking dietary supplements.
The mmount of vitamin D
According to BMJ Case Reports, the patient consumed around 150,000 international units of vitamin D daily through supplements.
This is far above the levels recommended by health authorities.
The NHS states that a daily intake of more than 4,000 international units may be harmful for adults, while much smaller amounts are normally sufficient to meet the body’s needs.
Researchers behind the report also note that cases of vitamin D overdose appear to be increasing globally.
They point out that even supplements generally considered safe can lead to serious health problems if taken in excessively high doses or in inappropriate combinations.
New research suggests women working in several specific industries are far more likely to experience burnout than their male colleagues. Experts warn the combination of emotional demands, responsibility and limited flexibility can increase the risk significantly.
Burnout is becoming increasingly common among women
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A survey from Westfield Health found that burnout is affecting a growing number of working women in the UK. Experts say the condition goes beyond simple tiredness and can impact both mental and physical health.
Women report burnout more often than men
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Across all industries, two in five women say they feel burnt out often or all the time. In comparison, fewer than one in three men report the same experience.
Health and social care has the highest burnout rate
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Women working in health and social care have the highest levels of burnout. Around 49 percent of workers in this sector report experiencing it frequently.
Nurses and care workers are particularly affected
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The sector includes roles such as nurses, care workers and social workers, where employees often face high emotional and physical demands every day.
Trade, transport and hospitality follow closely behind
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Women working in trade, transport and hospitality industries have the second highest rate of burnout, with 48 percent reporting the issue.
Customer facing roles can increase emotional strain
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Many of these positions involve constant interaction with customers or the public, requiring significant emotional effort on a daily basis.
Public administration and education also rank high
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Women working in public administration and education, including teachers and civil servants, also report high levels of burnout at 43 percent.
Limited flexibility can worsen the problem
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Experts say many of these roles offer little flexibility and few opportunities to step back and recover from ongoing stress.
High responsibility without enough support
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Jobs that involve significant responsibility but limited support or resources can create the conditions for burnout to develop.
Many women carry a second workload at home
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Outside of work, many women also manage responsibilities such as caring for family members, running households and providing emotional support.
Early signs are often overlooked
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Burnout can be difficult to recognise in its early stages. Symptoms such as tiredness, irritability and low motivation are often dismissed.
Physical symptoms may appear later
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As burnout progresses, people may begin to experience physical problems such as headaches, muscle pain and frequent illnesses.
Three important steps if you feel burnt out
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Experts recommend three key actions for anyone experiencing burnout: Talk to your employer, see your GP and make changes where possible in your daily routine
Workplace support programmes may help
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Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programmes that provide access to counselling or mental health support.
Burnout rarely improves without action
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Experts warn that burnout usually does not resolve on its own. Without support and recovery, the condition often becomes worse.
People with kidney failure who undergo hemodialysis have for many years faced a very high risk of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.
This is partly because the body is heavily burdened by both the kidney disease itself and the treatment.
Researchers have therefore long tried to find treatments that can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac death. Many clinical trials have not produced the desired effect.
According to researchers from Monash University, this is precisely why new results in the field are attracting particular attention.
At the same time, researchers have observed that people on dialysis often have lower levels of certain fatty acids than the rest of the population.
This has led researchers to investigate whether nutrition could play a role in the risk of heart problems.
A large international study
This question was examined in an international study called PISCES, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
A total of 1,228 people undergoing hemodialysis from 26 hospitals in Australia and Canada participated in the study.
The study was led in part by researchers from Monash Health and Monash University in Australia, as well as researchers from the University Health Network in Toronto and the University of Calgary in Canada.
A result that stands out
In the study, some participants received a daily dietary supplement, while others received a placebo. The researchers then examined how many experienced serious cardiovascular events.
The results showed that people undergoing hemodialysis who took four grams of fish oil daily containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA had a 43 percent lower risk of serious cardiovascular events compared with participants in the placebo group.
These events included heart attacks, strokes, cardiac death, and amputations caused by vascular disease.
According to the researchers, the result is remarkable because few treatments have previously shown a clear reduction in heart risk among this group of patients.
In films and television series, dangerous characters are often portrayed with a cold and empty stare.
The eyes are used as a quick signal to the audience that a character is frightening or lacks empathy. As a result, the idea of a so-called “psychopathic stare” has become widespread.
According to the health publication Verywell Mind, popular culture has helped create the belief that a psychopath can be identified by their eyes alone.
For example, many people associate an intense or staring gaze with a dangerous personality.
However, this perception is largely based on fiction and stereotypical ideas.
Eyes can reveal emotions and health
Although eyes cannot reveal a person’s personality, they can still say something about emotions and physical condition.
Small changes in the eye muscles and gaze can indicate whether a person is happy, angry, or worried.
Eyes may also provide signs of health. Yellowish eyes can be associated with liver problems, while red eyes may be caused by fatigue, allergies, or stress.
Pupils can also change size if a person is affected by alcohol or other substances.
How people use eye contact also depends on culture.
In some Asian cultures, limited eye contact may be a sign of respect toward elders or authority figures, according to a study published in PLOS One.
Research provides a different answer
When psychologists assess psychopathy, they do not look at the eyes alone. Instead, they analyze a person’s behavior and personality over time.
The evaluation can, among other methods, be carried out using tools such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised.
Research also shows that there is very little evidence of a connection between eye behavior and psychopathic traits, according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Although the eyes can reveal much about emotions and health, they cannot determine whether a person is a psychopath.
Small changes in behaviour can sometimes reveal more about our health than we realise.
Habits that appear harmless on the surface may occasionally point to something deeper happening in the body.
Health experts say certain repeated movements can be linked to neurological conditions, including dementia.
According to dementia specialists, a subtle behaviour involving the hands may appear in some people living with the condition, particularly in its later stages.
When restlessness appears
Dementia is a broad term for conditions that damage brain function and affect memory, thinking and behaviour.
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that around 900,000 people in the UK are currently living with the illness.
While memory problems are often the most recognised symptom, behavioural changes are also common as the disease progresses.
Specialists say some individuals with advanced dementia may repeatedly wring or rub their hands. This action can be a sign of restlessness or discomfort.
What may cause it
Researchers say restlessness in dementia can occur for many reasons. Physical discomfort, pain or the need for movement may all play a role.
Environmental factors can also trigger agitation. Loud surroundings, unfamiliar spaces or too much activity may make someone feel unsettled.
Common signs linked to this type of restlessness include:
repeated hand movements
picking at clothing or nearby objects
pacing around
increased confusion later in the day
Ways to respond
Experts recommend first identifying possible triggers behind the behaviour. In many cases, small adjustments to daily routines can help reduce agitation.
Activities that keep the hands occupied, such as simple hobbies or familiar objects, may provide comfort. Health organisations advise contacting a doctor if symptoms appear or worsen.
A writer from Verywell Mind decided to avoid added sugar for a month to examine how it affected mood, energy, and mental clarity.
The experiment provided several surprising insights about habits, emotions, and the brain’s reaction to sugar. Here are the most important lessons from the experiment.
Avoid added sugar
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The experiment involved avoiding all forms of added sugar for a month, including honey.
However, foods containing natural sugars, such as fruit and dairy products, were still allowed.
The goal was to observe how the absence of added sugar affected energy, mood, and mental clarity.
First week
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It quickly became clear how many products actually contain sugar.
By reading ingredient lists, the writer discovered that even many seemingly healthy products, such as protein bars, contained added sugar.
A new habit of reading ingredient lists
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A large part of the challenge at the beginning involved learning to check nutrition labels and ingredient lists.
This new habit made it easier to identify hidden sugar in everyday foods.
No strong withdrawal symptoms
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Although sugar can affect the brain’s reward system and often leads to cravings, the writer did not experience clear withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and mood swings can otherwise occur in people who normally consume a lot of sugar.
Eating out became a challenge
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It quickly became clear that eating out was difficult.
Many menus do not indicate whether dishes contain sugar, and even savory meals such as wraps with dressing can contain a significant amount of sugar.
Energy levels began to change
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Around day ten, a positive change started to occur. Energy levels became more stable because the body no longer experienced the large fluctuations that can occur after consuming sugar.
Less sugar required changing habits
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To stay committed to the experiment, the writer began planning snacks more carefully, avoiding takeaway food, and being more conscious while shopping.
It required greater self-control in everyday life.
Emotions could no longer be suppressed with food
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Previously, sweet snacks were often used as comfort or a reward. During the experiment, the writer had to face emotions instead of eating them away.
Journaling helped understand emotions
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On the recommendation of a therapist, the writer began journaling about the emotions that would normally lead to overeating.
This made it easier to understand the emotional patterns behind sugar cravings.
The third week brought better mental clarity
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After three weeks, the writer experienced less mental fatigue. Without frequent sugar spikes, the workweek was completed without the same feeling of brain fog.
Mood became more stable
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The absence of large fluctuations in blood sugar also made irritability and sudden mood swings less noticeable. Emotionally, the days felt more stable.
Sugar-free snacks could still feel satisfying
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Along the way, it became clear that alternatives such as nuts, dark chocolate, and fruit could also provide a satisfying snack experience, even without added sugar.
Less sugar led to better sleep
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By the end of the month, the writer experienced both better energy levels and improved sleep.
At the same time, the urge to automatically reward oneself with sweet treats had decreased.
The experiment created a greater sense of control
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One of the most important lessons was the feeling of self-control.
By completing the experiment, it became clear that it was possible to change habits and stick with a challenge.
Sugar can affect the brain and mood
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According to experts, a high intake of refined sugar can lead to rapid rises and drops in blood sugar. This can result in fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
High sugar intake may be linked to depression
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Research suggests that high sugar consumption may be associated with depression.
A 2017 study published in Scientific Reports found that people with the highest sugar intake had a greater risk of mental health problems.
Natural sugar affects the body differently
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Sugar from fruit and dairy products comes with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which slow absorption.
Refined sugar, on the other hand, causes faster fluctuations in blood sugar.
Completely eliminating sugar is not the solution
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Experts emphasize that it is not necessary—or always healthy—to remove sugar entirely from the diet.
A very restrictive relationship with food can create stress and unhealthy eating patterns.
A more balanced approach may be better
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Instead of complete abstinence, experts recommend consuming sugar mindfully and in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.
