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Analysis of 124,837 people: Aspirin provides no reliable protection against colorectal cancer

5. March, 2026

Daily use of aspirin can increase the risk of serious bleeding. This is shown in a new research review published in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Researchers found strong evidence that aspirin increases the risk of major bleeding outside the brain.

At the same time, there is likely also a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke, that is, bleeding in the brain.

The risk may arise from the very beginning of treatment. It also applies to low-dose aspirin, which is often considered safer.

Uncertain effect

The researchers also examined whether aspirin can prevent colorectal cancer. This has long been a subject of research because the drug affects inflammatory processes in the body.

The analysis is based on ten randomized controlled studies with a total of 124,837 participants.

The studies investigated whether aspirin can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer or precancerous conditions.

The results show that aspirin probably does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in the first five to fifteen years after a person begins taking the medication.

Long-term uncertainty

Some studies suggest that there may be a protective effect after more than ten to fifteen years. However, the researchers assess that the evidence for this effect is highly uncertain.

Researcher Bo Zhang explained in connection with the study: “My biggest worry is that people might assume that taking an aspirin today will protect them from cancer tomorrow”.

The researchers therefore emphasize that aspirin should not automatically be used to prevent colorectal cancer.

Instead, the decision should be made together with a doctor, weighing both the benefits and the risks.

Sources: ScienceDaily, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Diabetes and weight-loss drugs may reduce risk of substance use, study finds

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. March, 2026

Diabetes and weight-loss drugs may reduce risk of substance use, study finds

A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that certain weight-loss and diabetes drugs may be associated with a lower risk of several forms of addiction. The Guardian reports on the findings.

Researchers analyzed health data from 606,434 U.S. military veterans with type 2 diabetes. Participants were followed for up to three years.

In the study, researchers compared patients taking GLP-1 drugs with patients treated with another type of diabetes medication known as SGLT2 inhibitors.

GLP-1 medications include treatments such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

These drugs work by mimicking a hormone in the body that is released after a meal. This increases feelings of fullness and can reduce appetite.

Lower risk of substance misuse

According to The Guardian’s review of the study, the results showed that people treated with GLP-1 medication had a lower risk of problems related to substance use.

The risk of alcohol-related disorders was 18 percent lower among individuals without previous substance misuse.

At the same time, researchers found a 14 percent lower risk of cannabis use.

For both cocaine and nicotine, the risk was about 20 percent lower, while the risk of opioid use was 25 percent lower.

Researchers also found a reduced risk among people who were already using substances.

Researchers urge caution

In the group taking GLP-1 medication, the risk of overdose was 39 percent lower.

At the same time, the need for emergency treatment fell by 31 percent, while deaths related to overdoses were 50 percent lower.

However, experts have emphasized that the study does not show that the drugs can be used as a treatment for addiction, according to The Guardian.

Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, told the newspaper that the research is part of a growing interest in whether GLP-1 drugs may affect the brain’s systems related to reward and cravings.

She also stressed that more clinical trials are needed to determine whether there is a direct link.

Sources: The Guardian, and British Medical Journal.

New discovery could lead to future malaria treatments

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. March, 2026

New discovery could lead to future malaria treatments

Research led by the University of Nottingham and published in the journal Nature Communications examined a biological process in the malaria parasite that may be important for future treatments.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from, among others, the National Institute of Immunology in India, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the Francis Crick Institute in the United Kingdom.

The aim was to gain a better understanding of how the malaria parasite grows and reproduces in both humans and mosquitoes.

The parasite’s development

Malaria is caused by parasites from the genus Plasmodium. The parasite can spread between people through mosquitoes and reproduces rapidly in both hosts.

To combat the disease, researchers are trying to understand the biological mechanisms that enable the parasite to divide and form new cells.

In laboratory experiments, the researchers therefore examined how the parasite organizes its genetic material during reproduction.

An important protein

The researchers identified a protein that appears to be crucial to the process. The protein is called Aurora-related kinase 1, also known as ARK1.

According to the researchers, ARK1 helps control how the parasite distributes its genetic material when new parasite cells are formed.

The experiments showed that when the researchers deactivated the protein, the parasite could no longer develop properly.

As a result, it was unable to complete its life cycle in either humans or mosquitoes.

The researchers believe that ARK1 could become a potential target for future malaria drugs, because the protein differs from similar proteins found in human cells.

Sources: Science Daily, and Nature Communications.

Seven snacks that could be draining your energy

Mie Hermansen

5. March, 2026

Seven snacks that could be draining your energy

Many people reach for snacks during the day to boost their energy. But some popular choices may actually leave you feeling more tired. A nutrition expert has highlighted several common foods that can trigger sudden drops in energy levels.

Energy dips during the day

Many people snack between meals to keep hunger away and maintain their energy. However, some foods can have the opposite effect and make people feel more fatigued later.

Blood sugar spikes

According to nutrition specialist Ashleigh Tosh from Prepped Pots powered by MuscleFood.com, snacks high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar. These spikes are often followed by crashes that may lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Choosing better snacks

Tosh says snacks that contain a balance of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates can help maintain steadier energy throughout the day.

Crisps

Crisps can contribute to energy crashes because they contain high levels of salt and unhealthy fats. Excess salt may also lead to dehydration, which can increase feelings of tiredness.

Nuts as an alternative

Instead of crisps, the expert suggests choosing nuts. They contain more nutrients and mainly unsaturated fats, which may help keep energy levels more stable.

Chocolate bars

A chocolate bar may provide a short burst of energy due to caffeine and sugar. However, the boost is often followed by a drop in blood sugar that can leave people feeling sluggish.

Dark chocolate

For those craving something sweet, Tosh suggests dark chocolate as a better option. It can reduce the intensity of sugar spikes and provide a more sustained boost.

White toast

Foto: ChristianLphoto / Shutterstock.com

White bread lacks fibre and can cause imbalances in blood sugar levels. This can result in tiredness shortly after eating.

Whole-grain toast with avocado

A more nutritious option is whole-grain toast with avocado. The combination provides fibre and healthy fats that may support steadier energy.

Biscuits

Biscuits are a popular snack, especially with tea, but they often contain high levels of sugar and fat. According to the expert, this can worsen energy slumps.

Sugary yoghurts

Yoghurt is often seen as a healthy snack, yet many sweetened versions contain large amounts of added sugar. This can also lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is suggested as a better alternative. It contains protein and probiotics that may help stabilise blood sugar.

Pastries

Pastries such as croissants, sausage rolls and pain au chocolat are digested quickly. This can cause a rapid rise in glucose followed by a drop in energy.

Breakfast cereals

Breakfast cereals are often marketed as a healthy start to the day. However, many are highly processed and contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash.

Sources: Daily Mirror

Debate emerges after doctor criticizes health impact of bananas

Mie Hermansen

5. March, 2026

Debate emerges after doctor criticizes health impact of bananas

Fruit is often the first thing people reach for when trying to eat healthier. From morning smoothies to quick snacks during the day, fresh produce has long been linked to a balanced lifestyle and better nutrition.

Bananas in particular have become a staple in many households. They are convenient, affordable and widely recommended as a source of potassium and energy.

But a recent claim from a health specialist has sparked discussion about whether the popular fruit is as harmless as many believe.

Debate over bananas

Dr Daniel Pompa, a cellular health specialist from Utah, recently raised concerns about bananas in a video shared with his social media audience.

Pompa, who has nearly two million followers on Instagram, frequently posts about diet and environmental health.

According to reporting by UNILAD, Pompa argued that bananas may not be as beneficial as commonly believed.

His criticism focuses less on the fruit itself and more on how it is produced and prepared for global markets.

The doctor pointed to agricultural practices used in banana farming, particularly the use of fungicides to prevent disease during growth and transport.

Chemicals and ripening

Bananas are also often exposed to ethylene during distribution. Ethylene is a plant hormone used commercially to trigger the ripening process after the fruit has been harvested.

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ethylene occurs naturally in plants and plays a role in processes such as fruit ripening and leaf drop.

Pompa also suggested that certain starch components in bananas could worsen inflammation-related symptoms in some individuals, although mainstream nutrition guidelines generally continue to classify bananas as a healthy food.

Millions of people around the world eat bananas every day, and most health organisations still recommend fruit as part of a balanced diet.

Sources: Unilad and Britannica

New focus on Trump’s health after remark about his father

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. March, 2026

New focus on Trump’s health after remark about his father

The debate quickly began on social media following a press conference at the White House earlier this week.

Several users discussed a statement by Donald Trump that, according to Irish Star, was made during a meeting with Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The comments focused particularly on the president’s description of his family’s origins, during which he stated that his father was born in Germany.

Several posts pointed out that, according to public biographical information, Trump’s father was born in New York.

The discussion quickly developed into a broader debate about the president’s memory and attentiveness.

Health and speculation

The episode occurred at the same time as renewed attention to the president’s health.

During an event for veterans earlier this week, observers noticed red marks on his neck, which, according to Irish Star, led to new questions.

However, the White House explained that the marks were caused by a skin treatment.

Dr. Sean Barbabella stated: “President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor”.

He added: “The President is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks”.

The discussion about Trump’s health is not new. According to Irish Star, the White House has previously explained visible bruises on the president’s hands as being caused by frequent handshakes and the use of aspirin.

Sources: Inquisitr, and Irish Star.

Study finds pandemic may have set back children’s cognitive development

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. March, 2026

Study finds pandemic may have set back children’s cognitive development

Some children may need extra support in school in the coming years. This is according to a study from the University of East Anglia published in the journal Child Development.

Researchers examined how the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns affected the development of young children.

The results show that certain children developed important mental skills more slowly than normal.

This particularly applies to abilities such as controlling impulses, switching between tasks, and maintaining focus, skills known as executive functions.

Data from several years

The study is based on a research project that followed 139 children from around 2.5 years old to 6.5 years old.

Many of the families had already participated in the project before the pandemic. This allowed researchers to compare the children’s development before and after the lockdowns.

The children’s abilities were measured continuously using the Minnesota Executive Function Scale.

The study also shows that differences between children often persist over time. Children with strong abilities early in life generally maintained an advantage later on.

The affected cohort

The results point in particular to one group of children. According to the research, children who began the first year of school in 2020 had more difficulty developing their executive functions than children who were still in kindergarten when the pandemic began.

The first year of school typically includes children aged four to five. During this period, children usually learn classroom routines and how to cooperate with others.

When schools closed during the pandemic, many of these opportunities disappeared.

At the same time, the study shows that children from families with lower socioeconomic backgrounds generally scored lower on the test, a pattern that has also been found in previous research.

Sources: Medical Xpress, and Child Development.

These physical symptoms may be signs of high cholesterol

Mie Hermansen

5. March, 2026

These physical symptoms may be signs of high cholesterol

High cholesterol is often described as a silent condition because it usually develops without clear warning signs. However, certain symptoms linked to circulation and heart health may appear once it begins affecting the body.

High cholesterol often goes unnoticed

High cholesterol itself typically does not cause direct symptoms. Many people only discover the condition during routine blood tests. Symptoms usually appear later when cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries.

Pressure in the chest

A pressing or tight feeling behind the breastbone can signal that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. The discomfort may spread toward the arms or up into the neck.

Pain during physical activity

Chest pain that appears during exercise or physical exertion may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition is commonly known as angina.

Pain that continues at rest

If chest pain becomes stronger even when resting, it may indicate a more serious problem. In some cases it can be linked to a blood clot in the coronary arteries.

Pain in the calves while walking

Pain or cramping in the calf muscles during walking may occur when circulation to the legs is reduced. This can happen when arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup.

Episodes of dizziness

Reduced blood circulation in the body can sometimes cause dizziness.
This may happen when certain areas receive less oxygen-rich blood.

Changes in vision

Vision problems may also appear in some cases. Poor circulation can affect blood supply to areas involved in vision.

A process that develops slowly

The buildup of fatty deposits in arteries can begin early in life and develop gradually over time. As the arteries narrow, blood flow becomes increasingly restricted.

The role of LDL cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance used by the body to build cells and produce hormones. High levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque inside blood vessels.

Increased risk of blood clots

When arteries narrow and become irregular inside, blood may not flow smoothly.
This increases the risk that a blood clot can form and block circulation.

Genetics can play a part

Both lifestyle and inherited factors can influence cholesterol levels. Some people have genetic conditions that cause very high LDL cholesterol.

Blood tests reveal cholesterol levels

Doctors measure cholesterol through a blood test that looks at total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. These results help determine whether cholesterol levels are within a healthy range.

Lifestyle changes can reduce risk

Healthy habits can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a heart healthy diet are commonly recommended.

Sources: Netdoktor

Scientists study nasal spray that could target multiple airborne illnesses

Mie Hermansen

5. March, 2026

Scientists study nasal spray that could target multiple airborne illnesses

A blocked nose, a sore throat and days under a blanket. Most people know the feeling when seasonal viruses strike and daily routines suddenly slow down.

For decades, vaccines have helped protect millions from dangerous infections. Now scientists are exploring whether protection against several respiratory threats could one day come from something much simpler.

Researchers in the United States are currently working on a new nasal spray designed to strengthen the body’s defence in the airways.

According to Dagbladet, the goal is to create a treatment that could potentially guard against illnesses such as influenza, Covid-19 and certain allergens.

The research is being led by Bali Pulendran, professor at Stanford Medicine. His team is studying how activating immune responses directly inside the nose might help block viruses and bacteria before they spread further into the body.

A different approach

Traditional vaccines are usually injected into the bloodstream. The nasal spray aims to trigger immunity exactly where many respiratory infections first enter.

Scientists believe that stimulating immune cells in the nasal passages could help the body respond faster to airborne threats.

The early research suggests the spray may have the potential to protect against several types of respiratory dangers, including:

viruses
bacteria
allergens

Still early research

Experts emphasise that the work is still in an early phase. So far the nasal spray has only been tested on mice in laboratory studies.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health told Dagbladet that the findings are interesting but far from ready for real-world use.

Researchers there note that results from animal studies often differ when treatments are tested in humans.

Before any nasal vaccine could reach patients, scientists would need to complete several stages of safety and effectiveness testing.

If successful, however, the concept could represent a new way of thinking about protection against airborne diseases.

Sources: Dagbladet.no and Stanford Medcine

Creatine may affect more than muscles, research suggests

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

5. March, 2026

Creatine may affect more than muscles, research suggests

Creatine is one of the most widely used dietary supplements in the fitness world. The substance occurs naturally in the body and helps muscles produce energy during intense exercise.

In recent years, researchers have begun examining whether creatine can also affect the brain.

According to Medical News Today, several studies indicate that creatine may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Both factors can influence brain health.

Research also suggests that creatine may play a role in brain development and protection against injury.

For this reason, researchers are investigating the substance’s effects in several different contexts.

Sleep deprivation experiments

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports took a closer look at how creatine affects people who are sleep-deprived.

Fifteen people participated in the experiment. They received either creatine or a placebo at 6 p.m.

Their reaction time, memory, and ability to process information were then tested several times during the night. The measurements continued until 9 a.m. the following morning.

The results showed that participants who received creatine generally processed information faster than the group that received a placebo.

Researchers remain cautious

The researchers behind the study believe the effect may be linked to the brain’s energy needs.

When people lack sleep, brain cells become more strained and require additional energy.

Creatine helps the body produce phosphocreatine, which functions as an energy reserve in cells. This may potentially help the brain in demanding situations.

However, the researchers emphasize that the study is small.

Participants were also given a very high dose of 35 grams of creatine, which is about ten times more than the normally recommended amount of three to five grams.

For that reason, the researchers are planning new studies using lower doses to examine the effect more closely.

Sources: LADbible, Medical News Today, Scientific Reports, and Scientific Reports.

1...949596...371 Page 95 of 371

Uncertain effect

Long-term uncertainty

Lower risk of substance misuse

Researchers urge caution

The parasite’s development

An important protein

Energy dips during the day

Blood sugar spikes

Choosing better snacks

Crisps

Nuts as an alternative

Chocolate bars

Dark chocolate

White toast

Whole-grain toast with avocado

Biscuits

Sugary yoghurts

Greek yoghurt

Pastries

Breakfast cereals

Debate over bananas

Chemicals and ripening

Health and speculation

Data from several years

The affected cohort

High cholesterol often goes unnoticed

Pressure in the chest

Pain during physical activity

Pain that continues at rest

Pain in the calves while walking

Episodes of dizziness

Changes in vision

A process that develops slowly

The role of LDL cholesterol

Increased risk of blood clots

Genetics can play a part

Blood tests reveal cholesterol levels

Lifestyle changes can reduce risk

A different approach

Still early research

Sleep deprivation experiments

Researchers remain cautious

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