Simple lifestyle changes could have surprising health benefits. A new study in Scientific Reports found that regular exercise combined with omega-3 supplements may help reduce the severity of tooth root infections, which can lead to tooth and bone loss if left untreated. Recovery is also getting a boost for cancer survivors. A pilot program called I Can Work is helping participants return to the workplace through virtual counseling and therapy, addressing a key part of recovery that's often overlooked. And to make your groceries last longer, store leafy greens wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag, keep the wax on apples until you're ready to eat them, and store onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.

If you're reaching for an extra cup of coffee just to make it through the day, it may be more than ordinary tiredness. Health professionals say persistent fatigue can be linked to underlying issues such as sleep disorders, thyroid problems, mental health conditions, or even certain medications. If exhaustion becomes a regular part of your day, it's worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor. How you wake up can also affect how rested you feel. Sleep experts at the Cleveland Clinic say repeatedly hitting the snooze button interrupts the deeper stages of sleep, making it harder to feel refreshed. Instead, set your alarm for the time you actually need to get up and place it across the room to encourage getting out of bed right away. New research is also shedding light on why some nights of sleep feel more restorative than others. Scientists in Italy have found a connection between dreaming and the feeling of having had a good night's sleep. Their study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that shifts from high- to low-frequency brain waves associated with dreaming may play a key role in how refreshed we feel upon waking. Researchers say the findings could lead to new insights into improving sleep health.

From wearable technology for people to wearable sensors for plants, researchers continue to find creative ways to solve everyday challenges. Scientists at Tufts University have developed tiny, tattoo-like sensors that adhere to plant leaves and monitor temperature and humidity beneath the surface. The sensors are designed to detect signs of stress, such as water loss, giving farmers and researchers valuable insights into crop health before visible damage appears. Meanwhile, a study published in the Journal of Ecology suggests common UK songbirds may play a bigger role in pollination than previously thought. While insects such as bees and dragonflies remain the primary pollinators, researchers found birds can help transfer pollen between plants, particularly in early spring when insect activity is still limited. And for those following a gluten-free diet, brown seaweed could offer a tasty improvement. Research published in Food Research International found that flour made from brown seaweed boosts the nutritional value of gluten-free cookies while also improving their texture. The seaweed flour helped cookies retain moisture, hold their shape and stay softer for longer.

New research is shedding light on several important health concerns affecting women, from the dangers of alcohol and smoking to the importance of earlier cancer detection and genetic screening. For years, healthcare experts have warned that alcohol use and smoking increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. Now, the American Heart Association reports that women aged 55 and older also face a greater risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, or atrial fibrillation. A major study analyzing data from 200 countries found the United States ranks among the regions with the highest risk. Researchers are also calling attention to the challenges of detecting ovarian cancer. A study published in BMJ Oncology found that 40 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed only after visiting an emergency department. By that stage, the disease is more likely to be advanced, making treatment more difficult. Ovarian cancer is the world's eighth most common cancer among women. Another study, published in Frontiers in Genetics, suggests that screening the family members of women with ovarian or breast cancer can identify individuals at high genetic risk. Researchers say early detection of inherited cancer-related genes can help guide personalized prevention strategies, improve healthcare planning, and reduce future cancer risk.

New research suggests the brain may reveal clues about its health in unexpected ways-from tears to heart function and even sugar cravings. Researchers highlighted by the American Chemical Society say tears can be tested for dopamine levels, which may help detect neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and certain psychiatric conditions. Scientists hope this could lead to simple, non-invasive devices that monitor brain health through tear samples. Another study, published in Society for Neuroscience, found that even mild heart dysfunction may predict microscopic damage in brain regions linked to Alzheimer's disease, reinforcing the connection between heart and brain health. Meanwhile, research in Food Quality and Safety found that people who regularly use zero-calorie sweeteners show increased activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex when tasting something sweet. Researchers say this may help explain why artificial sweeteners can influence cravings and eating habits over time.

Several new studies offer insight into ways to support children's physical and emotional well-being. Research published in the journal Behavioral Sciences found that children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome who were more physically active experienced less fatigue and lethargy. A separate study from the University of Mississippi found that teaching children who stutter coping skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and self-advocacy helped build resilience when facing bullying or negative reactions. Meanwhile, researchers at Semmelweis University in Hungary warn that social media is driving more teens to use adult skincare products with active ingredients that can cause irritation, dry skin, and allergic reactions. They say younger skin typically doesn't need a complex skincare routine.

A soothing lullaby may do more than help babies drift off to sleep. New research published by the BMJ Group suggests calming music in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can benefit both infants and their parents. Studies found that playing gentle music can lower heart and respiratory rates, helping create a more relaxed environment during what is often a stressful time. Scientists have also uncovered new clues about why we eventually stop scratching an itch. Research from Brussels points to an ion channel called TRPV4, which helps the nervous system detect temperature, pressure, tissue stress and itching. The researchers say TRPV4 plays an important role in signaling the brain when it's time to stop scratching. And before tossing food because of an expiration or "sell by" date, experts say it may still be safe to eat. Dietitians recommend checking for signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold, changes in texture or discoloration. One important exception is infant formula, which should always be discarded once it reaches its expiration date, regardless of how it looks or smells.

Researchers have long been saying alcohol has a negative impact on the body. This is especially true if a person has more than 14 drinks per week - as this can increase their risk for colorectal cancer. A study published in the American Cancer Society Journal shows DNA cells can be damaged, along with the gut microbiome - which they say could be why a person's risk for colorectal cancer increases. == Some people use the anesthetic drug Ketamine recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties. But it has also become popular for some people to use to help treat problems they have with alcohol. Now, a new study published in the journal Addiction find contrary to earlier findings, the drug does not offer therapeutic benefits for alcohol addiction. == And there is great news when it comes to abstaining from alcohol use for those who have liver-related complications...researchers at the Medical University of Vienna say consistent and permanent abstinence from alcohol for these patients can actually reverse liver damage, even in the most advanced liver cirrhosis cases.

Artificial intelligence has found its footing in the medical world when it comes to detection of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Research published in the journal Oncoscience finds AI assisted mammography, for example detected 29-percent more breast cancers than conventional mammography interpretation. Researchers are also reporting a new approach to detecting awareness in unresponsive patients who can't speak or move after brain injury seems to be working. A study from the University of Bath in England found detection of brain activity through a wearable headset using an advanced combination of brain and computer technology. After numerous experimental sessions, researchers were able to uncover signs of consciousness in unresponsive patients. Meanwhile, artificial sweeteners are a go-to for a lot of people as they try to give up sugar. Researchers at Tufts University found that sugar substitutes can actually disrupt gut health and metabolism. Researchers say across 21 randomized clinical trials, they found the artificial sweeteners can affect blood sugar control and worsen insulin sensitivity.

Anxiety Apps Offer Support, But Therapy Still Matters Mental health apps can help people living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder manage everyday anxiety, but they shouldn't replace professional treatment, according to German researchers. The study found that while digital tools can ease symptoms and provide coping strategies, they work best as a supplement to face-to-face therapy with a licensed mental health professional rather than a stand-alone solution. Family History May Be Key to Melanoma Risk While excessive sun exposure remains a major cause of melanoma, new research suggests genetics may play a larger role than previously understood. Researchers say identifying a family history of melanoma is critical because it can determine who qualifies for genetic testing. Eligibility is important, since insurance coverage for genetic testing often depends on established risk factors. Healthy Salads Can Lose Their Nutritional Edge A salad can be one of the healthiest items on the menu-unless the dressing undermines it. Nutrition experts say creamy dressings such as ranch, Thousand Island, and blue cheese can add significant amounts of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Even some fat-free bottled dressings contain high levels of added sugar. A simple dressing made with olive oil and vinegar remains one of the healthiest ways to top a salad without sacrificing flavor.