Health

Experts say there is no separate "lean" or "bulk" muscle; skeletal muscle is the same tissue, and how it looks depends on muscle mass, body fat, training, nutrition and genetics.

Many people 65 and older who start GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss stop them within a year, with studies reporting discontinuation rates near half or higher; common reasons include side effects, muscle loss, cost, and changes in insurance coverage.

Dr. Janell Green Smith died on January 2, 2026, from complications shortly after delivering her first child. The American College of Nurse‑Midwives called the death heartbreaking and unacceptable and described it as a failure of systems meant to protect birthing people.

Harvard experts and studies report growing concerns about gambling-related harms as U.S. sports wagers rose from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, and a Pew poll finds 43% of adults view legalized sports betting as bad for society.

A 2025 report found 44% of men said fear of being labeled "creepy" reduced their likelihood of initiating contact, while surveys cited in the article say many women (77% of ages 18–30) want to be approached more.

Chefs and nutritionists are promoting more bean consumption for health and environmental reasons, and a kitchen test of chickpeas, butter beans and kidney beans found jarred beans scored highest for taste while costing more than tinned or dried options.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate told MPs that South East Water lacked electronic monitoring and other operational visibility for weeks before a water-quality problem left about 24,000 properties without reliable supply and prompted a nine-day boil-water notice.

Researchers at Queen Mary University London report that thermoception—the perception of temperature—helps shape self-awareness, and that warm touch such as a hug can increase body ownership and a sense of security; the authors also note that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may affect mood and self-awareness.

Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of SMA infant and follow‑on formula after tests suggested an ingredient may contain the cereulide toxin, and the UK Food Standards Agency says affected batches should not be fed to infants.

Withings unveiled the Body Scan 2 at CES 2026, a $599.95 smart scale that performs a 90‑second assessment and tracks more than 60 biomarkers. The company says two features will seek FDA clearance and the device is planned for release in Q2 2026.

The Larimer County coroner confirmed a hiker was killed in a mountain lion attack, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife said human DNA was found on the paws of one of two juvenile lions that were euthanized.

Gold Star Distribution has recalled hundreds of grocery and pet products after the FDA reported unsanitary conditions and pest contamination at a Minneapolis storage facility; the distributor says it will issue refunds if customers provide proof that affected items were destroyed.

Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after entering heavy seas at Withernsea while attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter, and his actions are being considered for a royal bravery award.

CDC data show at least 11 million flu cases and 5,000 deaths as of Dec. 27, and 8.2% of outpatient visits were for flu-like illness—the highest rate recorded since 1997.

Piscataway police say they shot a man who charged at officers during a response to a report of a person with a knife; after the shooting, officers found three people dead inside the house and investigators from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office are handling the case.

A British Heart Foundation analysis reports working-age adults in England consume about 8.4g of salt per day, which the study says equates to roughly 155 packets of ready-salted crisps a week and exceeds the UK guideline of 6g daily.

State health officials report a surge in flu cases linked to three recent pediatric deaths and say many hospital units are operating near or above 90% capacity.

Winchester Coroner's Court reported the couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning, and they leave four children.

A randomized trial reported that adding megestrol, a synthetic progesterone, to standard anti-estrogen therapy slowed tumor growth over a two-week pre-surgery period in women with ER-positive breast cancer; low and high doses showed similar effects and longer-term benefit is undetermined.

Thailand's Health Ministry has drafted rules to restrict cannabis sales to licensed medical facilities, herbal shops, pharmacies and traditional practitioners, and the draft is under legal review; officials say patients who rely on medical cannabis will not be affected.

Harvard researcher Ashley Whillans reports that couples who spend money on time-saving services often report higher relationship satisfaction; therapists caution that outsourcing chores does not by itself resolve deeper communication or fairness problems.

Contracts covering about 20,000 New York State Nurses Association members expired at the start of 2026, and nurses at Mount Sinai and other city hospitals say safe staffing, workplace safety and benefits are central bargaining issues as a larger strike looms involving up to 12 hospitals.

A UK-wide ban on adverts for foods high in fat, salt and sugar is set to begin on Monday, stopping such adverts on television before 21:00 and at any time online; the government estimates the move could prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity.

High-resolution ALMA data and detailed 2D modeling confirm a rotating equatorial disk and a smaller CO-rich outflow around the Red Rectangle; the disk mass is reported at about 0.01 solar masses and its lifetime is estimated near 10,000 years.

The article introduces a weeklong Brain Health Challenge led by reporter Dana Smith that highlights everyday habits—like sleep, diet and exercise—that support cognition, and includes a quiz activity for readers to try and share.

MTA fare and toll increases took effect Sunday across the LIRR, Nassau buses, city subways and bridge/tunnel crossings. The MTA says the additional revenue will support safe, fair and reliable service.

Authorities say a Paulsboro man shot and killed a woman and wounded a child at a home; he was charged with first-degree murder and related counts. The child was taken to a hospital and the suspect faces a possible 30-years-to-life sentence if convicted.

Jelly Roll told Men's Health he lost about 275 pounds over five years and that his renewed sex drive has improved intimacy with his wife.

Mark Ratcliffe, 67, has been named after dying while trying to help two people in the sea near Withernsea; a 45-year-old woman's body was recovered and police continue to search for one person reported missing.

Jeremiah Raber was life-flighted after a reported blood sugar spike to 993 and possible liver failure; he later posted that he was doing better and expected to leave the hospital the next day.