Exercise does more than strengthen the body-it can also benefit the brain and mental health, while helping people work out safely. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that lowering the volume of music during fitness classes did not reduce participants’ perceived exertion. The findings suggest gyms can turn down the music without making workouts feel less intense, supporting safer sound levels and greater awareness of hearing protection. Research published in Brain Research also found that improving physical fitness can increase the release of proteins that support brain function. Interestingly, people across different fitness levels experienced improvements in neural activity, suggesting that exercise can benefit the brain regardless of where someone starts. Exercise may also help people with panic disorder. A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that brief, high-intensity exercise reduced both the severity and frequency of panic attacks. In the study, bursts of intense activity appeared to be more effective than relaxation therapy. Together, these findings highlight that the benefits of exercise extend far beyond physical strength-it can support brain health, mental well-being, and even safer workout environments.

If you and your partner disagree over how cool the bedroom should be at night, researchers at Griffith University in Australia may have an answer. They say keeping the bedroom at no warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit may help reduce stress, particularly for adults 65 and older. A cooler room may also make it easier for the heart to circulate blood while the body works to regulate its temperature during sleep. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of St Andrews in Scotland have found a surprising potential connection between household plastic waste and cancer treatment. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET—the type of plastic commonly found in bottles and textiles—can be chemically recycled. Researchers say the resulting materials could potentially be used in the synthesis of anticancer medications, offering a possible new use for recycled household waste. And if you're getting ready to exercise, don't overlook your footwear. Podiatrists say choosing the right shoe can help protect your feet and support your workout. Runners should look for shoes with good shock absorption, particularly in the heel, while walkers generally benefit from shoes that provide cushioning and stability. From keeping the bedroom cool to choosing the right workout shoes, these findings highlight how small everyday choices may have a meaningful impact on health and well-being.

New research is highlighting how everyday lifestyle choices may play a role in managing several conditions that affect women’s hormonal and reproductive health. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), sometimes referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), affects nearly one in five women in the United States. The condition is associated with hormonal imbalances, including elevated testosterone, and can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain and infertility. A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting may help improve hormone levels in women with the condition. For women with endometriosis, movement may also offer some relief. Research published in Nutrients found that regular physical activity can help alleviate pain associated with endometriosis, a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease affecting the reproductive system. Exercise may influence hormone balance and the body's processing of pain. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden examined the relationship between testosterone, depression and fatigue in men. They found that the connection is not straightforward. In addition to testosterone levels, factors such as age, lifestyle, other health conditions and abdominal fat may influence symptoms of depression and fatigue. Together, the findings underscore the complex relationship between hormones, metabolism, lifestyle and overall health-and suggest that managing these factors may be an important part of a broader approach to well-being.

Exercise is widely known for its benefits, from improving heart health and building muscle to strengthening bones and reducing stress. But when it comes to extreme endurance exercise, more may not always be better. Researchers with the American Society of Hematology say ultramarathon running can damage red blood cells during especially long sessions, potentially triggering inflammation and signs of accelerated aging. Researchers are also learning more about why certain things feel cold. When you eat a mint or apply menthol to your skin, the cooling sensation comes from a sensor in the body that acts like a microscopic thermometer, according to research presented by the Biophysical Society. The sensor signals the brain when temperatures drop and helps explain why menthol, eucalyptus and similar compounds feel cool even when they aren't actually lowering the skin's temperature. And for people recovering from an injury, sticking with physical therapy is key. A new Ohio State survey found that 76 percent of people admit they don't complete their at-home physical therapy exercises. Physical therapists warn that skipping those exercises can slow recovery, contribute to additional problems and potentially lead to the need for further medical treatment. The takeaway? Exercise can be a powerful tool for health, but balance and consistency matter-whether you're training for a race or simply working your way back from an injury.

New research is challenging the way doctors assess heart disease risk. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds that belly fat may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than Body Mass Index, or BMI. Researchers say BMI cannot distinguish between fat stored just beneath the skin and visceral fat surrounding the internal organs. They found that waist-to-hip ratio may provide a better indication of the risk of future heart and brain events. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is making its way into veterinary medicine, including digital stethoscopes designed to detect heart problems in dogs and cats. But researchers at North Carolina State University found that AI-enabled stethoscopes can miss some heartbeats. Their findings suggest veterinarians should continue to rely on their training and clinical expertise rather than depending solely on artificial intelligence. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined habitual cannabis users and their heart rhythms. Researchers found that participants experienced 9 percent fewer premature heartbeats on days when they inhaled cannabis compared with days when they did not. The researchers described cannabis inhalation as being associated with a significant reduction in cardiac ectopy. However, they emphasize that the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that cannabis improves cardiovascular health. The studies highlight the importance of looking beyond simple measurements and emerging technologies when assessing heart health.

A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that fibromyalgia may be a disorder of the nervous system rather than an autoimmune disease. The condition, which can cause widespread body pain, severe fatigue and sleep problems, has historically sometimes been viewed and treated as an autoimmune condition. Researchers say identifying its neurological origin could help lead to more specific and targeted treatments. Meanwhile, research published in PLOS One found that adolescents with large amounts of unstructured, unsupervised free time between the ages of 13 and 17 were more likely to engage in violent behavior. Researchers in Brazil said a lack of adult supervision may leave young people more vulnerable to violent or criminal activities. They also highlighted unmonitored online activity as a potential contributing factor. In another study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that higher intake of polyphenols was associated with a lower risk of death from breast cancer. Polyphenols are compounds found in foods and drinks including coffee, berries, dark chocolate and spinach. Coffee was the major contributor to polyphenol intake among the study participants. The findings provide new perspectives on how neurological processes, adolescent environments and dietary factors may influence health and long-term outcomes.

When it comes to concussion recovery, the standard advice is to rest for the first 24 to 48 hours. But researchers say there may be another piece of the puzzle — what’s in your kitchen cabinet. Researchers at Griffith University have found that fish oil and creatine may help support concussion recovery, along with vitamin B2, tart cherry extract and vitamin D. However, experts stress that these supplements should not be used to treat a concussion without medical guidance. Anyone with a concussion should talk with their doctor before taking anything for recovery. For those craving something salty but looking to skip the chips, nutritionists recommend several healthier alternatives. String cheese is one option, while air-popped popcorn can be seasoned with powdered flavorings such as curry powder, chili powder or garlic powder. Roasted chickpeas are another good choice. Toss them with a little olive oil and a savory blend of spices, then roast for a crunchy, high-fiber snack. And for older adults, what’s on the plate may be just as important as who’s sitting around the table. Researchers at Flinders University say regularly eating alone is linked to poorer nutrition and health outcomes compared with sharing meals with others. They found that people who eat alone may consume fewer key foods, including fruits, vegetables and meat, while facing an increased risk of weight fluctuations and frailty. The findings highlight how something as simple as sharing a meal can play an important role in both nutrition and overall well-being.

We hear a lot about “detoxes” and “cleanses,” but according to registered dietitians at the Cleveland Clinic, most people don’t need special teas, powders or pills to detox their liver. Instead, the liver benefits from everyday healthy habits, including regular exercise, eating more whole foods and limiting sugary snacks, sodas and alcohol. Coffee and green tea may also offer benefits. Speaking of coffee, a new study from the American Heart Association adds to the evidence that caffeine can be part of a healthy diet for most adults. Researchers found that drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee a day is generally safe for most people and was associated with a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, heart disease and stroke. And while packaged foods seem to be putting more emphasis than ever on protein, another study published in a Cell Press journal suggests that more protein may not always be better when it comes to healthy aging. Researchers found that reducing protein—and particularly certain amino acids—may support healthier metabolism while reducing inflammation and cellular damage.

New research is highlighting everyday choices that may play an important role in keeping the brain healthy later in life. Researchers with the American Academy of Neurology report that people with normal blood pressure, no diabetes, and who do not smoke may live an average of 13 more years without dementia. While the study, published in Neurology, does not prove these habits prevent dementia, it found a strong association between these healthy factors and better brain health. Another study from the University of Sydney suggests that naturally sweet foods may have helped shape the evolution of the human brain. Researchers found that glucose from foods such as fruit, honey, legumes, and nutritious grains likely provided an important source of energy as the brain developed over time. Rather than avoiding all sugars, the researchers recommend choosing high-quality, naturally occurring sources found in whole foods. Managing blood pressure remains one of the most important steps for overall health. Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure affects more than 100 million adults in the United States and frequently causes no noticeable symptoms. A study published in Hypertension found that while many patients consistently take their prescribed blood pressure medication, they are less likely to make lifestyle changes such as improving their diet, exercising, or maintaining a healthy weight. Researchers emphasize that medication works best when combined with healthy daily habits. Together, these findings reinforce a common message: protecting brain and heart health starts with everyday decisions. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, preventing diabetes, avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet that includes naturally sweet whole foods, and making positive lifestyle changes may all contribute to better health and cognitive function as we age.

Scientists are reporting encouraging breakthroughs that could improve the prevention and treatment of several major health conditions. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine have developed a bioengineered chewing gum designed to fight human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus linked to many head and neck cancers. Early findings show the gum can reduce HPV levels in the mouth by as much as 93 percent while leaving beneficial oral bacteria largely unaffected. Researchers believe the innovation could become a simple tool to help reduce the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, scientists at Vanderbilt University in Nashville have created a molecular "light switch" that allows them to control a brain protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The technology gives researchers a powerful new way to study how the protein contributes to the disease, potentially speeding the search for new treatments and saving drug developers years of research. A new study from the University of California San Diego also points to the potential health benefits of a plant-based diet. Researchers followed 48 healthy adults and found that just one month on a vegan diet produced changes in biological markers linked to lower inflammation and slower biological aging. The findings suggest dietary changes may have measurable effects on immune health and aging in as little as four weeks, though additional research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits.