UF Health Podcasts

Onion-like particles from jet engines might endanger health near airports Jul 22, 2025

Scientists have discovered a nanoparticle produced by jet engines that could be endangering human health. The pollutant reminds some researchers of an onion.

An international team of investigators discovered “onion-like” particles in aircraft jet exhaust while testing engines in Switzerland. Experts have long known that soot particles are produced by aircraft, typically found in higher concentrations closer to the engine.

But more than 15 meters from the engine, or just under 50 feet, about 99% of exhaust is composed of these never-before-seen particles. That means they’re a greater respiratory hazard for neighborhoods around airports.

Why does the study compare the particles to onions? That’s what they look like under an electron microscope. Investigators say they have concentric circular internal structure, resembling the layers of an onion.

And they’re small — 10 to 20 nanometers. That’s the size of a molecule or virus. So they can become deeply embedded in the lungs and potentially pass into the bloodstream.

The study says the particles appear to be created by a jet engine’s lubrication oil as it evaporates and decomposes in high temperatures. Their concentration varies with the type of engine.

It’s all cause for concern when it comes to public health policy and airport management, especially with the global growth of air travel. We already know that those living near airports have a higher risk of respiratory problems.

Even so, the health impact of the new particles is yet to be studied. Scientists, however, believe they might already contribute to health ills.

Pollution, after all, is rarely, if ever, harmless.

Lower back pain meets a natural remedy Jul 21, 2025

About 16 million Americans deal with chronic back pain issues, a whopping 8% of the population. And a staggering 65 million report dealing with some kind of lower back discomfort in particular, meaning you more than likely know someone who grumbles about the pitfalls of having a spine.

In short: Lower back aches can be a real pain. But a simple solution might lie just outside your front door.

In a new study from the University of Plymouth, people who suffer from chronic lower back pain were asked whether nature has any impact on helping them manage their condition. Those who spent time in nature reported positive impacts in their ability to handle back pain.

Participants reported a wide variety of reasons as to why being out in nature led to some relief. For many people, just going outside provided them with an avenue for social interaction. It also offered a level of escapism and distraction from their pain that they could not get at home. Additionally, being out in fresh air or around water helped give participants a sense of calm, relieving some of the stress their pain triggered.

Ultimately, the researchers recommend both providers and people who suffer from lower back pain consider how nature can play a positive role in their wellness journey. The team also plans to explore how virtual reality can be used to gain some of the benefits of being in nature for those unable to easily access the outdoors.

For those dealing with lower back pain, strolling through the forest may seem like a monumental task. But it might be less of a pain (in the back) than sitting at home.

Lab Results Unleashed: Why Laboratory Testing Matters to Pet Health Jul 18, 2025

Although a clinical pathologist’s role is primarily behind the scenes, bloodwork and general lab testing are critical for disease diagnosis and prevention in pets. When you visit the veterinarian, chances are you’ll be asked to have samples taken from your pet’s blood, urine and stool to assess his or her health status. Dr. Chris Lanier, a board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist, will discuss the types of tests that typically take place in veterinary clinical pathology, and what they mean to you and your pet.

Healthy lifestyle crucial, with or without supposedly good or bad genes Jul 18, 2025

Some of us are lucky enough to see our parents and grandparents enjoy healthy lives well into old age. You’d probably feel as if you’d won the genetic lottery if your 90-year-old parents still managed a round of golf now and then.

On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve all heard someone lament that “they die young in my family.”

A new study reinforces that nothing is preordained when it comes to the genetic sweepstakes. Living a healthy lifestyle remains the essential ingredient in the recipe for longevity, regardless of what’s coded in your DNA.

A study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine found that a healthy lifestyle reduced the impact of life-shortening genes by as much as 60%. And for those eating a hot dog and knocking back a beer while watching their elderly parents on the 18th green, consider this:

Regardless of the magic in your genes, the study shows that living unhealthily increases the odds of dying before your time by 78%.

Investigators drew health and lifestyle data from the massive UK Biobank study and its more than 350,000 participants. The Biobank has been used for numerous studies through the years and tracked adults from 2006 to 2021.

The study also examined a person’s diet, smoking, drinking and exercise habits, as well as their genetic profile.

The results suggest we should not assume that we are either doomed or blessed by our inherited biology.

Don’t emulate the sedentary uncle who drank like a fish, denied the existence of vegetables and smoked five cigars daily until dying at age 105.

Outliers always exist. Lifestyle still matters.

Heart check-ups you need Jul 17, 2025

Your heart takes a licking, and most of the time, it keeps on ticking. But there are several screenings you can get to be sure that it does.

According to the American Heart Association, an important factor in lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease is managing your health behaviors. These include your diet, physical activity, whether you smoke, your body mass index, or B-M-I, blood pressure, total cholesterol and more.

A first step to protecting your heart health: Check your blood pressure. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults over age 40 have their blood pressure measured by a health care provider at least once a year. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

An annual blood test to measure cholesterol is also encouraged, especially if you are an adult over the age of 65, according to the National Institutes of Health. Like high blood pressure, cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

If you are overweight or have obesity and are between the ages of 35 and 70, the American Diabetes Association says a blood sugar check every three years is necessary. High blood sugar puts you at a greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

You can also consider a lipoprotein test or abdominal ultrasound. A lipoprotein test is important if you have a family history of early heart disease, or if you are considering a statin to lower your cholesterol. An abdominal ultrasound is useful for older men who have a history of smoking.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your heart health.

Loneliness linked to risk of hearing loss Jul 16, 2025

Loneliness is becoming especially prevalent in the digital age. With our faces glued to computer and smartphone screens, face-to-face time with friends and family has fallen.

Being lonely is about more than social isolation. It can be a health threat, contributing to depression, heart problems, cognitive decline and premature death.

Add one more thing to the potential risk of ills: hearing loss.

A recent Chinese study found that loneliness increased the risk of hearing loss by 24%. That figure holds even after considering factors like age, income, depression and chronic disease. The risk is higher for lonely women, with a 30% higher risk.

The study’s large size bolsters its findings. Researchers tapped data from the nearly half-million adults in the United Kingdom Biobank, a massive repository of health information.

Respondents in the UK Biobank were asked, “Do you often feel lonely?” Nearly 1 in 5 people answered affirmatively. The biobank tracked individuals for 12 years, so scientists were able to see who would later be diagnosed with hearing loss.

Why would loneliness affect your hearing? Researchers suggest that isolation triggers a stress response in the body that increases inflammation and blood pressure. Other physical responses in the body’s stress system are also implicated. That, in turn, can damage the structures of the ear.

The study also notes that lonely people engage in riskier behaviors like smoking and are more sedentary.

This research offers a good reason to get out of the house to mingle in a nondigital environment. You should hear what you’ve been missing.

The pros and cons of chewing gum Jul 15, 2025

You use it to freshen your breath. Baseball players blow big bubbles between pitches on the baseball diamond. Kids swap it between classes. But each stick of chewing gum has a benefit — and a downside.

A positive: Gum promotes oral health. As you work the wad between your teeth, the sticky texture removes food and plaque from your mouth. Clearly, sugar-free options are better when it comes to preventing tooth decay. In fact, research shows that gum with xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, reduces cavities by 17%.

You’ve also probably heard that nothing good comes from swallowing gum. But if you do accidentally gulp a piece down, the extra saliva from chewing can neutralize acid in the esophagus, which can lessen heartburn episodes.

Other evidence suggests chewing gum can even improve your mood and alleviate stress in the short term. Like bouncing your leg or twirling your hair, the repetitive action burns off nervous energy.

Of course, there are some concerns. Chewing gum could worsen jaw problems if you are prone to jaw issues like TMJ. The same effect can apply to people who are predisposed to grinding or clenching their teeth throughout the day. Ultimately, chewing gum frequently can wear on jaw muscles, leading to a host of issues like jaw popping, headaches and facial fatigue.

And, to preserve their elasticity, many gums are made from different plastics. One study found these can be released into our mouths while we chew. While the impacts of this are still unclear, don’t hesitate to toss your gum once the flavor ebbs away, or when 20 minutes are up. After all, nothing good lasts forever.

Flavonoid-rich foods may help extend lifespans Jul 14, 2025

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what about an apple, some berries, a cup of tea and a piece of dark chocolate?

As nutrition science continues to advance, we can gain deeper insights into exactly how certain foods contribute to our well-being, like preventing aging, protecting against chronic disease or boosting brain health.

A new study published in Nature Food turned its attention to flavonoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate and wine, and their impact on the human lifespan.

Now, flavonoids are already known to be beneficial due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, the first-ever dietary guidance on flavonoid consumptions was released in 2022 — but only focused on the amount. This new study reveals that not only is it important to consume a high quantity of flavonoids, it’s also best to consume a diverse range of flavonoid-rich foods.

The study specifically calls attention to tea, berries, dark chocolate and apples. The results illustrate how eating a diverse range of these flavonoid-fueled foods can help prevent conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological disease.

Keep in mind, however, that not all flavonoids are created equal. In fact, researchers emphasize that it’s important to not just consume one or two types of the recommended foods. Eating and drinking a wide variety of these foods will provide the most positive benefits, including a potentially longer lifespan.

And with so many delicious flavonoid-rich foods out there, why limit ourselves to apples anyway?

Venom & Vets: An Update on Snake Bites in Pets Jul 11, 2025

Quick bites, fast action. Snake bites are one of the most common occurrences in veterinary hospital emergency rooms through the summer months, and prompt medical attention can make the difference between life, death and/or a lengthy and expensive hospitalization. Dr. Michael Schaer, UF CVM professor emeritus of emergency medicine and critical care, joins Animal Airwaves Live to talk all things snake bites, discuss an update on recent lessons learned from several severe cases of pit viper envenomation, and to share an update on a promising new clinical trial drug used to treat coral snake envenomation.

Could you pass the Army’s physical fitness test? Jul 11, 2025

In June, the United States Army adopted new fitness standards for its combat soldiers.

The biggest change? The new standards are the same for men and women. The test has been around for more than 100 years.

Even if you have no reasonable expectation of ever donning a military uniform, the test is a great gauge of overall fitness. Think you can hang?

The first part of the test is deadlifts. The Army’s test uses a hexagonal bar with weights on each end. Soldiers must lift 150 pounds off the ground three times, putting it down under control — distinct from just letting it fall because they can’t take the weight.

Next are pushups. The Army’s test contains a slight twist in that they call them “hand-release pushups,” which means you start from a plank position, lower your chest to the ground, then stretch your hands out to your sides before starting the next pushup. In two minutes, do at least 14.

The sprint-drag-carry event is done between two lines, 82 feet apart. You’ll also need a 90-pound “sled,” which is a tire with straps attached, so that it can be dragged behind you, and 40-pound weights. Sprint between the two lines, down and back. Grab your sled and drag it down and back. Side shuffle down and back. Run down and back, carrying the two weights and then — finally — sprint down and back again. Easy, right? Do all of it in less than 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The next part of the test is a plank, which you’ll do with your arms and elbows on the ground. Hold it at least 1 minute and 20 seconds.

The final test is a 2-mile run over flat terrain. You have 19 minutes and 45 seconds to meet the minimum standard for combat — and win some bragging rights.

Unhealthy, fatty foods quickly cause gut health problems Jul 10, 2025

Does this sound familiar? You’re following a generally healthy diet, eating your vegetables and carefully avoiding unhealthy, fatty foods. The weekend arrives, or maybe a holiday.

Like a reformed card counter at a Las Vegas casino, we might think, “I can cheat this one weekend without causing myself any harm.”

A study by Australian scientists, however, suggests that even an isolated weekend splurge at the fatty food buffet can quickly cause harm to your gut. It can trigger a domino effect, resulting in a breakdown of immune system gut protection.

The consequences can last a week, even if you immediately rush back to the loving arms of a healthy menu.

The study shows that eating a high-fat diet can suppress specialized immune cells that normally work to create a protective substance in the digestive system. The changes begin quickly and lead to a rapid escalation of digestive dysfunction.

The researchers discovered this by feeding two groups of mice different diets. One group was the control, while a second was fed a diet consisting of fat content of up to 60%.

By day seven, all the cells producing that protective gut barrier were compromised in the mice eating the unhealthy diet.

The domino effect creates what is known as a “leaky gut.” This means that the gut becomes more permeable, allowing toxins, microbes and other nasty things into the bloodstream.

Gut health can be restored by resuming a healthy diet. But the lack of caution on a decadent weekend might nonetheless contribute to poor gut health down the road.

The study reinforces the notion that, in matters of the stomach, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

A “sponge-like” collagen supplement may help weight loss Jul 09, 2025

Weight loss solutions are a dime a dozen. Some swear by dieting, others by intense exercise. But for those who struggle with feelings of satiety, a new solution may be on the horizon.

In a new study out of Spain, scientists developed a collagen-based protein bar that swells up to 19 times its size once it hits stomach acid. The result? People who consumed it lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t, all without following a calorie-restricted diet.

Participants consumed collagen-enriched protein bars (10 grams of the special collagen, twice daily) before lunch and dinner. After 12 weeks, they lost an average of 6.6 pounds compared to just 3.3 pounds in the control group. But the benefits went beyond a number on the scale.

Those who took the supplement also saw drops in waist size, blood pressure and a marker for fatty liver disease. Muscle mass stayed intact. They also reported feeling less ravenous and more satisfied before meals — not because of willpower, but because they simply weren’t as hungry.

So how does it work? Researchers took standard cow collagen and altered its structure to act more like a sponge than a typical protein. In the acidic, watery environment of the stomach, it expands dramatically and resists digestion, which is crucial in helping you feel full, longer.

In short: This new collagen and protein bar is engineered to slow digestion and physically fill space, leading to natural appetite reduction. Like most newfangled dietary supplements, it might be a minute before this not-so-average snack is available in your local supplement aisle. Ultimately, it could take the guesswork out of dieting … and add a pleasantly full stomach instead.

Dieting could lead to mental health dip, study suggests Jul 08, 2025

When it comes to the lifelong pursuit of happiness, dieting rarely comes up.

Now a new study using data from over 28,000 adults finds that calorie-restricted diets may come with unexpected mental health costs — especially for men and people with a higher body weight. Researchers from Toronto analyzed six cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018, looking at the link between different kinds of diets and depression scores.

Participants were grouped by how they ate: Most, 87%, weren’t dieting, but about 8% were cutting calories, while a smaller percentage followed nutrient-restricted plans or structured eating patterns. Ultimately, those on calorie-restricted diets had depression scores that were, on average, 0.29 points higher than those who weren’t dieting at all. For overweight individuals, those numbers rose even more significantly — by 0.46 points for calorie restriction and 0.61 for nutrient-restricted plans.

Men were especially affected. Restrictive diets showed stronger links to emotional and physical symptoms of depression in men than in women, possibly because men tend to have higher nutritional needs. When people diet outside a clinical setting, meals often lack key nutrients, like glucose or omega-3 fats, that the brain relies on for mood and cognitive function.

In theory, weight loss should make us feel better. But in practice, the stress of chronic restriction, missed nutrients and unmet expectations can come together to create the perfect storm for a decline to our well-being.

After all, how we diet matters — and mental health shouldn’t be starved in the process.

Brain undergoes changes after caffeine consumption Jul 07, 2025

Despite being beloved by most folks with a deadline, caffeine’s effect on the brain when they are asleep is far from universal.

A new study from researchers in Montreal dives into how caffeine transforms our brains during sleep — and why younger people might feel the impact more. Forty healthy adults, ages 20 to 58, spent two nights in a sleep lab after taking either a placebo or 200 milligrams of caffeine (roughly two cups of coffee). Their brain activity was monitored through a 20-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) system as they slept.

As it turns out, caffeine doesn’t just delay sleep — it also changes the brain’s internal rhythm once you are asleep. The brain becomes more “complex,” shifting toward a dynamic, high-efficiency mode known as a critical regime.

It’s like flipping a switch that makes the brain buzz with energy as though it’s awake, hitting it hardest during non-REM sleep. Younger adults ages 20 to 27 were hit hardest by this shift. Researchers believe this is because they have a higher density of receptors caffeine targets. But before you pat yourself on the back for all those espresso-fueled late nights, there’s a catch.

This heightened brain state, while efficient, might interfere with the restorative tasks sleep is meant to handle, like memory consolidation and cellular repair. When comparing brain activity between those who had caffeine and those who did not, scientists noted machine learning could predict who had had caffeine and who didn’t, with up to 75% accuracy. In short: Caffeine doesn’t just keep you awake — it keeps your sleeping brain awake, too. And for younger brains, that could come with hidden costs.

The Canine Blood Bank: Dogs Saving Dogs, One Donor at a Time Jul 04, 2025

If you’ve read or heard about a dog’s life being saved through a blood transfusion, chances are a blood bank that collects blood and blood products from qualified canine blood donors was involved. On this archived episode, veterinary technician Camille Kelly, CVT, VTS, who manages the canine blood donor program at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss common conditions that can require a blood transfusion and how to determine if your dog might be suitable as a donor. She’ll also share how blood is collected, processed and stored and why there is an increasing demand for blood products these days to help animals in need.

Knee replacement alternatives are growing Jul 04, 2025

They creak, they crunch, they catch. But mostly they hurt. Every year, about 800,000 of us have such bad knees that we have them surgically replaced.

That number has been growing. And with a quickly aging population, that trend is expected to continue.

The process of acquiring a new knee is far from simple.

It can take a year to recover. Infection is a worry. And replacement knees don’t last forever, which is why some doctors advise patients to manage their pain as long as possible before opting for surgery.

If you are among the 11% of the U.S. adult population who suffer from knee osteoarthritis, there are some new alternatives on the horizon.

Surgical knee denervation [den-er-vay-shun] is an outpatient procedure. Doctors make a one-inch incision on either side of the knee and use a tiny camera to find the four nerves that send pain signals from the knee. They sever the nerves and reattach them to leg muscles. The process tricks the nerves into acting like motor nerves, so they no longer transmit pain signals.

Radiofrequency ablation [uh-blay-shun] uses radio waves to destroy nerves that send pain signals from the knee. The nerves eventually grow back but patients report relief that lasts up to a year.

Genicular [gin-ick-u-ler] artery embolization uses an injection to block abnormal vessels in the knee that cause pain and inflammation.

Hydrogels and pieces of coral are still being tinkered with to repair damaged knee joints.

None of these newer techniques are in common use yet. And they may or may not be covered by medical insurance.

But if you’re one who dreads standing up after a long sit, it’s good to know new options are on the way.

Antibiotic pollution is high enough to harm aquatic life Jul 03, 2025

Before antibiotics became widely available in the first half of the 20th century, we humans were vulnerable to all kinds of ailments.

An infected tooth could take you out. So could minor problems during childbirth. Even a bad case of diarrhea could be fatal, especially in children.

But as the 1980s power-ballad classic goes, “Every rose has its thorn.”

So it is with antibiotics. The miracle medicine that extended human lifespans by decades now often pollutes our waterways.

A new study from Canada’s McGill University finds that more than 9,300 tons of antibiotics — almost one-third of the antibiotics we consume — end up in rivers around the world, even after going through wastewater treatment systems.

Amoxycillin [uh-mock-suh-sill-in], the world’s most-used antibiotic, is the likeliest to be found at higher levels. That’s especially true in Southeast Asia, thanks to increasing use and less-efficient wastewater systems.

The study looked at 40 of the most used antibiotics. It involved sampling of some 900 waterways and a contaminant modeling system.

The study only evaluated human antibiotic use and did not include antibiotics used for lifestock or pharmaceutical factories, both of which are big contributors to environmental contamination.

The researchers said their findings should not be taken to mean that antibiotics are bad. Global health depends on them.

But strategies are needed to avoid unintended, detrimental effects on aquatic life, especially in those areas most at risk.

Living longer is a blessing, but we’ll need the kind of brainpower and innovation it took to make penicillin viable if we hope to keep our water sources clean.

Taking your pooch on safe enjoyable walks Jul 03, 2025

Judging by our dogs’ reactions when they hear the word “walk,” they love their outdoor time — the action, the smells, seeing other animals and being with us. So, it’s important to make walks as safe as possible.

It starts with ensuring that your pet has up-to-date identification — preferably in the form of a microchip — in case you get separated. Always be careful on unfamiliar terrain to prevent falls or other injuries. If it’s hot outside, save walks for cooler parts of the day — and if it’s really toasty, walk on the grass to avoid paw burns from hot surfaces.

Watch your pup for signs of heat or exercise intolerance, especially if your buddy is obese or a short-nosed breed. And never let your dog scarf things up from the ground or drink stagnant water.

Above all, take time to enjoy the walk with your pooch companion.

Keeping you and your pooch safe from tularemia Jul 03, 2025

You may have heard about tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, but not likely in a canine context.

Tularemia is a bacterial disease that often causes liver abscesses in rabbits and rodents. In North America, its most frequently reported in the spring and summer.

Dogs uncommonly develop tularemia when they eat tissues from infected animals, drink contaminated water or suffer bites from carrier insects. Affected dogs may be lethargic and have a poor appetite or — rarely — develop conjunctivitis and abscesses of their own. In those cases, they’ll need medical or even surgical treatment.

Tularemia can affect humans too. That’s why it’s important for you and your pooch to stay away from areas rife with rabbits and rodents and steer clear of carcasses.

Detecting a pet’s failing vision and providing comfort Jul 03, 2025

Like humans, our pets’ vision worsens with age. But since they can’t tell us what’s happening, we need to watch closely for behavioral cues.

Pets with failing vision may be more hesitant when navigating their usual environment. They might bump into things and misjudge distances due to faulty depth perception. A quieter, less energetic demeanor is also a clue that something’s up. Uncharacteristic behavior to other people or pets may also be a sign of fear or anxiety related to vision loss.

Once we detect a problem, we can make things easier for our pets. That includes maintaining consistency in their environment, keeping them away from potential hazards — like bodies of water and stairways — and providing other sensory cues to alert them or remind them where they are.

The danger and spread of hantavirus Jul 03, 2025

After recent high-profile cases, hantavirus came roaring back into the headlines as a potentially deadly human pathogen.

Hantavirus is spread by rodents — most commonly the deer mouse in the United States. However, a recent study identified fifteen rodent species as carriers in North America and revealed hantavirus hotspots in Virginia, Colorado and Texas.

That said, hantavirus is a global pathogen. It has pandemic potential with symptoms akin to those seen with severe COVID-19. It’s transmitted through aerosolized droppings, urine or saliva from asymptomatic rodent hosts.

In short, hantavirus is more adaptable than we ever knew. Emerging data from studies like this may help us get a foothold on hantavirus before it gets a bigger grip on us.

Protecting pets during summer celebrations Jul 03, 2025

Before another summer of celebrations, certain pet-friendly precautions bear repeating.

First and foremost, always keep your pet cool and well-hydrated. That means never leaving them unattended in the car and always offering plenty of water.

The Fourth of July is a big celebration for many of us, but a terrifying time for most pets. That’s why it’s best to leave your buddy at home in a quiet, comfortable indoor spot with the windows and curtains closed and the air conditioning on as needed. Remove any items your pet may destroy if agitated, and plan ahead with your veterinarian if your pet needs stress-calming medication.

Finally, keep your pet away from festive foods that could be harmful, like chocolate, sugar-free or rich foods, onions, grapes and — of course — alcohol.

Pet vaccinations: the basics Jul 03, 2025

For nearly a century, widespread vaccinations have saved the lives of countless animals. Beyond that obvious benefit, vaccinations are often required by pet boarding and daycare facilities, as well as local and state laws. But which vaccinations does each pet need?

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats unless there’s a medical risk to vaccination. In contrast, non-core vaccines are only important for certain animals, based on their risk of disease by way of their location or lifestyle. These vaccinations may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s situation.

Remember that the first series of vaccinations is recommended during the first few months of a puppy’s or kitten’s life. From then on, your veterinarian can recommend your pet’s vaccination schedule.

Equine skin tumors: when is a lump something more? Jul 03, 2025

Equine lumps and bumps can appear alike whether they’re benign or cancerous — and skin tumors can affect any age or breed of horse.

Sarcoids, most common in Quarter Horses and related breeds, can occur anywhere on the body as flat ulcers, small nodules or large fleshy masses. Squamous cell carcinomas can also be ulcerative or fleshy growths, but they’re likely to affect white or pink areas of skin. Melanomas — another of the three most common equine skin tumors — appear almost exclusively, but not only, on older gray horses, usually around the eyelids, under the tail or throat, or in the perianal or genital areas. They may be black masses or just raised lumps under the skin.

Anything that looks abnormal should be assessed by an equine veterinarian as early as possible for the best outcome.

Why it can be dangerous to feed horses grass clippings and yard trimmings Jul 03, 2025

Because horses are natural grazers, many people don’t know that seemingly benign vegetation might be dangerous.

Take grass clippings, for example. They’re so tasty that horses may bolt them down, risking esophageal obstruction. What’s more, their high digestibility causes rapid hindgut fermentation that could result in laminitis. Clippings that mold in wet weather can also increase the risk of colic.

Trimmings from certain shrubs and trees are highly toxic as well. Yew tops the list, but rhododendrons and azaleas are poisonous too. Oak and red maple are also dangerous, and there’s a long list of toxic ornamental plants and weeds.

So, be sure to do your research—and then caution your family, neighbors and gardeners not to treat your horse to anything you haven’t approved.

The first legal drug to treat fish for a common parasite Jul 03, 2025

This spring, the US Food and Drug Administration made legally available a treatment for a parasitic disease that commonly affects fish often kept in home aquariums and outdoor ponds.

Informally known as “ich,” pronounced ‘ick,’ or “white spot disease,” this condition causes white spots on a fish’s skin or gills, lethargy and decreased appetite. Ich is highly contagious and can kill all fish in a tank in a short period of time. It’s easily introduced into water by adding new fish or using equipment from an area housing infected fish.

The FDA has added Faunamor to its Index of Legally Marketed Unapproved New Animal Drugs for Minor Species. That makes Faunamor the only legal drug currently on the market to treat Ich. It’s available over the counter as a liquid to be added to tank water as directed.

Don’t let your dog wreak havoc on the environment Jul 03, 2025

Chances are you’ve heard about the environmental impacts of free-roaming domestic cats — but that doesn’t mean our pooches are off the hook.

An Australian review of existing studies recently reported that pet dogs have a far more troubling impact on the environment than was recently known. The study calls out dogs as the large carnivore most commonly implicated in killing and disturbing native wildlife, especially shore birds. Indirect effects are rampant too, particularly involving dog waste, which affects soil chemistry and plant growth as well as leaving odors that scare off other animals.

These problems are easily remedied — if pooch parents would walk their dogs, leash them in restricted areas, keep them away from wildlife and pick up after them.

Early diagnosis is key to managing feline CKD Jul 03, 2025

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is the most common cause of death in senior cats. Unfortunately, it’s usually not diagnosed until symptoms are advanced. But when it’s caught early, targeted treatments can keep your cat happy and active for as long as possible.

As CKD progresses, cellular toxins build up and increased amounts of fluid are lost in the urine. These processes can be measured by blood and urine testing.

Annual testing is recommended when your cat reaches four years of age. By the age of seven, screening should be ramped up to every six months.

There’s no cure for CKD, but there are more treatments than ever before to help manage its progress and symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner your veterinarian can develop a treatment plan for your feline friend.

FDA opts for alternatives to animal testing for certain drugs Jul 03, 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration recently announced that, for the development of certain drugs, it will be phasing out animal testing in favor of more effective, human-centered methods — like AI-based models, organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems.

Artificial intelligence can predict a drug’s behavior in the human body. Organoids are clusters of lab-grown human cells that mimic individual organs, which can be used to assess a drug’s safety. Organs-on-a-chip are thumb drive sized translucent chips that contain tiny channels lined with organ-specific human cells. They’re designed to recreate the physiology of the organ, such as the flow of blood or air, making them exquisite models for diseases and drugs.

Not only will these systems be human-specific — they’ll save countless animals’ lives.

Careers and Training in Aquatic Animal Health Jul 03, 2025

Aquatic animals are fascinating, and many opportunities exist for training in a variety of disciplines relating to aquatic animal health. Veterinary students at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine who hope for careers in the field can tailor their curriculum by pursuing a certificate in aquatic animal health; others, including graduate students and other professionals can hone their knowledge in areas such as aquatic animal care and conservation. On this show, Dr. Iske Larkin, director of UF’s Aquatic Animal Health program, will discuss the variety of training opportunities available to those who aspire to work with the intriguing creatures that inhabit our oceans and aquariums.

Does it matter what you drink? Jul 02, 2025

Several years ago, researchers at the University of Oxford studied the relationship between people’s self-reported alcohol intake and their brains. They concluded that, when it comes to brain health, there is no such thing as a safe level of alcohol to drink.

More bad news to follow: At the end of the day, alcohol is alcohol, and any amount is bad for our health. Part of this is due to what happens when you have a drink. Your body turns ethanol from alcohol into a substance that can damage your DNA.

Many tissues in our body — including those in the mouth, throat, liver and breasts — can be harmed by this process. In most cases, our body repairs the damaged DNA, but sometimes cancerous mutations can occur. Consequently, excessive drinking ups the risk for developing certain cancers.

As if that weren’t enough, excessive alcohol use is also linked to heart and liver disease, depression, anxiety and memory problems.

Although no alcohol is better than some, there are factors to keep in mind when trying to reduce your exposure to ethanol while drinking responsibly. Beer has less ethanol than wine per ounce, and wine has less than liquors such as vodka and tequila.

Choosing drinks with lower alcohol by volume is a better bet, as is avoiding mixed drinks like cocktails that make it difficult to calculate how much ethanol you’re consuming. Ordering an alcoholic drink that is mixed with caffeine, like an espresso martini, is also not recommended — the energy boost may trick you into misjudging how inebriated you are, leading to overconsumption.

More often than not, opting for something like a diet soda or seltzer can be a much simpler choice.

The real impacts of artificial intelligence Jul 01, 2025

Artificial intelligence, or AI, went from a science-fiction trope to a pervasive phenomenon found in people’s daily lives in the blink of an eye. And while this new, digital-based intelligence may be artificial, the impact it can have on developing brains is very real.

That’s why the American Psychological Association recently issued a report calling for education on the potential dangers of AI and for guardrails to be put into place. The report focuses on young people, ages 10 to 25, and points out that while AI offers exciting new opportunities and efficiencies, its impact on adolescents is nuanced and complex.

The report compares the realm of emerging AI to social media, stating that neither are inherently good nor bad. But proper safeguards were not in place to protect adolescents during the early days of social media, and the APA believes there is an opportunity to avoid making the same mistakes with AI.

The report recommends that adolescents be taught how to maintain healthy boundaries with AI bots, which often simulate real human relationships. It also calls for privacy settings, including age-appropriate limits on the types of interactions young people can have within AI platforms. This includes protecting adolescents from harmful and inaccurate content.

The report also states the importance of protecting young people’s data and likenesses, including limiting the use of targeted data for advertising purposes.

Overall, education is key for all involved. The development of AI offers a world of new possibilities, but it’s important to remember that it is, well, artificial, and humans should play a very real role in shaping this new technology.

Compare yourself less for academic success Jun 30, 2025

Much like feeling behind in class, comparing how hard you work to everyone else doesn’t always help — and a new study suggests it might even hurt.

Researchers at The Ohio State University surveyed nearly 700 students in an introductory chemistry course and found something surprising: Students who believed they had to work harder than their peers were less likely to believe they were good at science. This effect, called comparative effort, was harmful for both men and women, especially when it made students question whether they truly belonged in science.

But here’s a twist: When students thought they were working hard without comparing themselves to others — referred to as criterion effort — it helped, especially for women. In fact, women who believed in their effort and its merit tended to perform better and develop a stronger science self-concept over time.

Why the difference? Well, researchers suggest that for women, working hard may feel like pushing back against stereotypes — so effort becomes empowering.

For men, on the other hand, confidence seemed to come more from previous performance, not effort alone. Notably, this study is the first of its kind to look at these two types of effort in real classrooms. It shows how students think about effort can shape how they perform, and how they see themselves, in science.

The takeaway? Believing your hard work matters is good. Believing it means you’re worse than everyone else? Not so much.

The next time you feel like you’re trying harder than everyone else, try not to take it personally. It might just mean you’re doing the work that matters.

How to manage chronic migraines Jun 27, 2025

Do you feel that?

It starts with a throbbing pain in your head and becomes so much more. The headache leads to nausea, a ringing sensation in your ears, maybe even a sensitivity to light. You might feel like you’re going to vomit.

The only way to tamp down these symptoms is to go to a dark room and get horizontal, an ice pack on your head.

The Cleveland Clinic says somewhere between 1 and 2% of people worldwide suffer from chronic migraines. More women get them than men.

But there are several steps to take to lessen their severity.

The American Migraine Foundation says stress triggers nearly 70% of migraines. Breathing exercises and physical activity can help. A 2011 study found that 40 minutes of exercise three days a week was just as effective in helping adults with migraines as relaxation therapy.

Most of us don’t get enough sleep, and if your sleep schedule is irregular, you could be more prone to migraine attacks. Try to be consistent with how much you sleep and what time you go to bed.

Keep tabs on foods you’ve eaten shortly before your migraines begin. Cured meats, pickled items, anything with MSG, chocolate and aged cheeses are among many culprits.

Cutting back on coffee and alcohol might also help. Certain types of alcohol are more likely to cause a headache than others. Looking at you, red wine.

Some people find a cup of coffee can help fight off a migraine. But overdoing it on caffeine, for some, can cause migraines.

And lastly, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can trigger migraines for some. Our bodies need water to move nutrients, eliminate waste, protect our joints and maintain the right temperature. So, drink up!

All-female diving team shows biological adaptations to cold Jun 26, 2025

Some people are just built differently. In the case of the Haenyeo [hen-yeo], however, the formula is a little nature, a little nurture and a whole lot of cold water.

The Haenyeo are all-female divers from Jeju [jee-joo] Island, South Korea, known for freediving in frigid seas without any breathing gear. Sometimes, they even do it during pregnancy. A new study looked at why their bodies can do this, and found the answer lies in their DNA — and a lifetime of practice.

Researchers compared 30 Haenyeo divers with similarly aged women from Jeju and mainland Korea, measuring heart rate and blood pressure during “simulated dives.” In these simulations, participants were asked to hold their breath while dunking their face in cold water as a stand-in for what the Haenyeo typically experience during one of their excursions.

Everyone’s heart rate slowed down, but the Haenyeos’ dropped much more, decreasing by nearly 19 beats per minute, on average. One diver’s heart rate fell by over 40 bpm in just 15 seconds.

That heart-slowing reflex, known as bradycardia, seems to come from decades of daily diving. But genetics plays a role as well. Notably, two gene variants stood out in the Haenyeo: one linked to cold tolerance and one to lower blood pressure. Both could help protect against the physical strain of diving, especially during pregnancy.

According to the study, all Jeju islanders, divers or not, seem to share a distinct genetic background. However, only the Haenyeo push their bodies to these frigid limits.

The takeaway? Evolution and endurance make a powerful pair — especially when your job is at the bottom of the sea.

Trick yourself into falling asleep Jun 25, 2025

We’ve all been there. You climb into bed, needing to sleep before a big day at work. Your mind races, one thought interrupting another. Hours go by while you toss and turn, but your mind is still running like a treadmill. Will your thoughts ever cease?

Some doctors say there may be a solution and a way to turn your brain off, so you can get some much-needed shut-eye. It’s called cognitive shuffling.

Cognitive shuffling is essentially a word game, created by a cognitive scientist in 2009 who had his own bouts with insomnia.

You pick a word at random and for each letter of that word, you think of as many words as you can for 5 to 10 seconds before moving to the next letter.

For example, if you chose the word “baseball,” you might start with brave, bottom, Baltimore … before moving on to ace, angel, athletic — which all start with the letter ‘A’. Then, you’d go to the letter ‘S’ and so on, until you’ve gone through all the letters in the word.

The method might sound strange, but it can take your mind off lingering thoughts and intrusive worries so you can get some rest.

People who try cognitive shuffling typically report falling asleep within five to 15 minutes. Some people may take longer if they’re highly stressed or if they are someone who chronically overthinks.

You shouldn’t only rely on cognitive shuffling. By sticking to a bedtime routine … think a warm shower, limited screen time, no alcohol a few hours before sleep and a bedroom that’s quiet, dark and cool, you increase your chances of a full night’s sleep.

So, give cognitive shuffling a try. You may be out like a light before you know it.

The dangers of yawning Jun 24, 2025

You do it at work. You do it at home. Sometimes you even do it while out with friends or family.

Everyone knows that yawning is a common sign of sleepiness, but you may not know it can also be a sign of a serious sleep deficit that may jeopardize your long-term health.

When you fail to get a good night’s sleep of at least seven hours, experts say you increase your likelihood of several conditions, including diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, obesity and even stroke.

The truth is our body does some peculiar things when it’s continually sleep-deprived. It’s more than dozing off and staring off into space. Your brain might take microsleeps, which are brief mini naps spanning a handful of seconds. The frightening part is you might not even realize you’re doing it, and it could happen at a crucial time, like when you’re behind the wheel.

But how do you know if your drowsiness has entered the danger zone? Droopy eyelids, slumping and the inability to stay upright are tell-tale signs. Shaky hands and feeling like the room is spinning are severe symptoms.

Of course, sleep disorders like apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome all contribute to sleepiness. So do lifestyles.

Too much caffeine, alcohol and marijuana can negatively impact your sleep. To be clear, alcohol and marijuana do not improve sleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but you won’t get good rest. Marijuana can cause insomnia.

If you suspect you might be nearing the too-little-sleep danger zone, search the internet for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a quick quiz that gauges problematic patterns.

Why going on vacation is good for you Jun 23, 2025

Close your eyes. When you think of the word “vacation,” where are you?

A tropical island, lying on the beach with a drink in your hand as waves gently wash ashore? Maybe you’re on the trails, hiking through nature at a national park. How about another country, soaking in the history and sampling decadent cuisine?

From planning your itinerary to the expense and then the avalanche of emails and work when you return, sometimes a vacation can seem like too much trouble.

But your health depends on it.

The Journal of Applied Psychology recently published a review on the immediate and long-lasting impact of going on vacation.

Among the findings: people who take vacations not only reduce their stress and levels of exhaustion and depression, but they lower their overall risk of death as well as complications from heart disease and metabolic issues, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar. And, of course, you rest more, which is beneficial if you find yourself sleep-deprived.

There are several ways to maximize the positive effects of taking a trip.

It all starts with unplugging from work. That means deleting your email app on your phone if need be. You should limit the time you spend taking work calls or answering emails to once a day or better yet, not at all.

Be active on vacation. The more physical activity you get, the better the health outcomes.

It’s about living in the moment, making memories and cherishing the time you spend with loved ones. Even if it’s hard to get away for one long vacation, schedule several short ones throughout the year.

Your family will thank you, and so will your body.

Itchy, Ouchy Ears: Relief for Your Dog’s Ear Troubles Jun 20, 2025

Join us on Animal Airwaves-Live as we welcome Dr. Chi-Yen Wu, a veterinary dermatology specialist, to discuss ear infections in dogs. Dr. Wu will explore why dogs suffer from itchy, painful ears, focusing on allergies as the primary trigger. He’ll help pet owners recognize signs of ear trouble and explain when to seek veterinary care and how specialists can help with persistent cases. Listeners will learn about advanced treatment options for chronic ear problems that haven’t responded to standard approaches.

Early bedtimes and more sleep boost teens’ brain health Jun 20, 2025

Anybody who’s ever tried to rouse a sleeping teenager (or who has been a teenager themselves) is probably aware that it can be a tough task. But it’s not without good reason. Research has shown that adolescents require more sleep than adults and children.

Now, a new study drives home just how crucial the amount and quality of sleep is to teens’ brain health.

The sleep patterns of more than 3,000 adolescents were studied, with researchers classifying the teens into three categories. The first included teens who stayed up the latest, had the highest sleeping heart rates and slept the least. The second category featured teens who had a moderate amount of sleep and sleep quality. And the third included teens who went to bed early, had lower sleeping heart rates and slept longest.

The teens with the earliest bedtimes and longest sleep duration consistently displayed better cognitive performance than other participants.

Those who slept least fared the worst in cognitive performance and were shown to have weaker connections between key parts of the brain, and smaller brain volume, in general.

The study showed these results remained consistent as researchers followed the adolescents from ages 9 to 10 through age 14. Researchers said this suggests the sleep patterns established during these years can shape brain function for years to come, so developing and maintaining healthy habits in early adolescence is extremely important.

This research offers clear evidence of how vital sleep is to teens. Perhaps future studies can explore ways to safely wake a sleeping teenager.

Could a vitamin D nasal spray help recover lost sense of smell? Jun 19, 2025

For years, the longstanding medical treatment for inflammation-related lost sense of smell was to prescribe oral vitamin D supplements.

But sometimes you just have to turn convention on its head.

Researchers at the University of Florida and Northwestern University, in a study published earlier this year, reduced nasal inflammation and improved the sense of smell in mice by using a vitamin D nasal spray.

The inflammation was caused by cigarette smoke. But the researchers said the potential treatment, an active form of vitamin D called calcitriol [kal-suh-tray-ahl] might be effective for treating nasal inflammation caused by other conditions, including COVID-19.

Although the study involved an animal model, researchers noted that their previous work using human tissue bolsters confidence that the treatment might work for people, too. There remain years of research ahead, including potential human trials.

Previous studies have shown that vitamin D is deficient in smokers’ nasal tissue.

In the recent study, the mice received intranasal treatment three times a week for one month. When placed in a maze, the treated mice avoided areas with an unpleasant smell. The unstreated mice didn’t notice the odor at all.

CT scans confirmed that the treated mice had much less nasal tissue blockage than their untreated counterparts.

If the spray can be used in humans, it would vastly improve treatment options, which are limited mostly to supplements, surgery or pricey lab-produced antibodies.

And it would improve quality of life for those who miss catching a whiff of gardenia, garlic and onion sizzling in a pan or cookies coming out of the oven.

Sauerkraut could help soothe a sour stomach Jun 18, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a heaping portion of sauerkraut to accompany a nice sausage or potato dish. While the tangy, fermented cabbage dish is deeply rooted in German culture today, it has actually been consumed by humans for at least 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Rome.

Besides its appealing salty-tangy combo punch and preservative qualities cultivated in the fermenting process, a new study shows how sauerkraut is also good for our gut microbiome. Its health benefits might also be a testament to why the dish has been around for millennia.

Researchers explored the fermentation process and compared the nutritional profile of sauerkraut with raw cabbage as well as the liquid brine left from fermentation.

Their findings indicated that sauerkraut, whether bought at the grocery or made in their lab, helped protect intestinal cells from inflammation-related damage, while the raw cabbage and leftover brine did not have the same effect.

The researchers explained that some of the metabolites found in sauerkraut are the same kinds made by the gut microbiome, strengthening the evidence that sauerkraut can benefit gut health.

In recent years, scientists have gained a better understanding of just how important a properly balanced gut microbiome can be for overall health. The researchers in the current study recommend eating more fermented foods alongside fruits and vegetables to help optimize gut health.

Rather than relegating sauerkraut to a lowly topping, promote it to a full-on side dish and relish its rich tangy goodness tangy goodness … while giving your gut health a boost.

They’re looking through you — the Beatles and the CT scan Jun 17, 2025

It’s June, and that means it’s Paul McCartney’s birthday. On June 18, the former Beatle turns 83. Happy birthday, Paul.

So, it’s a great time to remind the world about the obscure if important role played by the Beatles in an unlikely field — medicine.

The scientist who is thought to have been most responsible for the invention of the CT scanner is Godfrey Hounsfield. Many millions of people have received a CT scan, widely called a CAT scan.

A computed tomography scan helps doctors diagnose many illnesses or injuries. It’s undoubtedly saved many lives by using X-rays in thin slices to provide a view inside your body.

Hounsfield worked for a company called English Musical Industries, or EMI. One part of the company sold records under the Parlophone label. Other divisions, however, produced a variety of products.

Hounsfield was an engineer on the nonmusical side of the business and worked at EMI through the 1960s.

As any Beatles fan can recite chapter and verse, a Parlophone producer, George Martin, signed the Fab Four to a recording contract in 1962. What followed was a string of hits and nearly 200 million records sold through the rest of the decade. EMI profits doubled.

Many argue that this rich vein of money allowed EMI to generously fund new product research. Hounsfield started work on his project in 1967, the year the Beatles’ made their seminal album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Sitting on loads of cash, EMI hardly blinked at funding Hounsfield’s big idea.

Hounsfield would be awarded a Nobel Prize for work he accomplished, perhaps with a little help from his friends.

Protein for every meal could make you stronger Jun 16, 2025

Does a big, juicy steak for breakfast sound appealing? Perhaps not, but finding ways to boost your protein intake during breakfast and lunch might be a good idea.

A new study suggests spreading your protein intake more evenly across three meals is crucial to keeping your muscles strong as you age.

For three years, researchers led by McGill University studied more than 1,700 Canadians between the ages of 67 and 84. They measured participants’ physical performance once each year with two tests. One evaluated muscle strength through hand grip, arm and leg exercises, while the other assessed mobility through walking speed, chair stands and timed walking tests.

The researchers also conducted six 24-hour food recalls — three at the beginning of the study and three at Year 2 — to collect dietary information.

Women with the most balanced protein intake averaged 18 grams at breakfast, 23 grams at lunch and 23 grams at dinner. Men averaged 21 grams at breakfast, 29 grams at lunch and 30 grams at dinner.

These participants showed significantly higher muscle strength throughout the study, regardless of how much protein they consumed, compared with those whose protein intake was less consistent. However, the researchers also found that the rate of decline in muscle strength was not affected by protein distribution.

This suggests it might be important to do what you can to boost your muscle strength now, since we all will gradually lose it as we age.

So, no, you don’t have to eat a rare steak for breakfast. But if you want to improve your muscle strength, you might want to consider having an egg or two with your cereal.

Topic: The Eyes Have It: Detecting and Treating Cataracts Across Species Jun 13, 2025

Join us on Animal Airwaves-Live as Dr. Caryn Plummer, veterinary ophthalmology specialist from UF, discusses cataracts across pets and horses. She’ll help owners identify early signs like eye cloudiness and changes in navigation, explain the difference between normal aging and cataracts, and outline modern treatment options. Dr. Plummer will share insights on surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and species-specific considerations, equipping owners with knowledge to protect their companions’ vision and quality of life whether they have hooves or paws.

Painting away bacterial infection Jun 13, 2025

What if we put a bit of the stuff found in antiseptic mouthwash on our walls to protect our health?

That may sound like a harebrained scheme or like a bit of quackery found in the dark corners of the internet. A recent British study, however, tested an idea that does just that.

The pharmacy researchers found that adding a common antiseptic to paint containing epoxy resin can transform a surface into a deathtrap for harmful bacteria.

The scientists envision this paint being a boon to hospital infection control. Might an antiseptic paint for home use one day be found on the shelf of your local paint shop?

Experiments indicate the paint completely eradicates E. coli and candida and destroys 99.9% of antibiotic-resistant bacteria generally known as MRSA [MUR-suh].

The researchers say the paint is relatively cheap, although it will probably be a little more expensive than other resin-epoxy paints without antimicrobial properties.

The study found the paint retains the power to kill bacteria for months and does not appear to lose much strength as it ages.

The paint is combined with chlorhexidine digluconate [klor-HEX-ih-deen dye-GLOO-kuh-nate], a widely used antiseptic. It is, for example, a skin prep used before surgery. And as mentioned, it’s in mouthwash, too.

The antiseptic agent remains embedded in the resin and won’t wash off.

Touching a contaminated surface is a common way to pick up an infectious bacterium. MRSA, for example, has been shown to remain on glass and steel surfaces for six weeks. On plastic, it’s 90 days.

Someday, perhaps a doctor will send you to the hardware store instead of the pharmacy to prevent an infection.

Analysis finds more gravely obese than expected Jun 12, 2025

In the last two decades, the average rate of obesity among adults in the United States has risen about 30%.

But the rate of those with the most serious, life-threatening forms of obesity —those with a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 60 — increased by a startling 210%.

Researchers from Lousiana State University analyzed national health survey data of adults from 2001 to 2023.

For those of us who don’t feel like solving our BMIs by hand, the internet is littered with calculators for the metric. If you plug in your height and weight, a widget will let you know if you’re underweight, which is a BMI under 18, within a healthy range, overweight, or obese, which is a BMI of 30 or higher.

Much scientific attention is being paid to those who are obese, but the researchers say there’s not nearly enough for the extremely obese.

According to the study, such high BMIs were presumed to be exceptionally rare, because most prior surveys lumped everyone with a BMI over 30 into one category.

For context, someone with a BMI of 30 may be 30 or 40 pounds overweight. But someone with a BMI of 60 is likely carrying 200 extra pounds.

The latter’s health is more in peril. They often need help walking, turning to motorized carts, and are hospitalized frequently. They are often disabled.

There are 850,000 or more people in the U.S. in this category — a grave concern. They also exceed weight limits for standard medical equipment, which makes imaging, surgeries and anesthesia more challenging.

The researchers said they hope their study sends an urgent message to health care providers and policymakers not to overlook this previously unnoticed group.

How old is your heart? Jun 11, 2025

Wrinkles on one’s face are an obvious, unavoidable sign of aging. But your heart might be aging, too, faster than you think — and now, scientists have a way to check.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia [An-glee-uh] have developed a new MRI-based method to reveal your heart’s functional age, or a measure of how well your heart is really doing, regardless of how many years you’ve lived on this planet.

Why does this matter?

Well, for people with high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity, that number can be much higher than their actual age.

Here’s how it works: Using MRI scans from more than 500 people, scientists measured data points like the size and strength of the heart’s chambers. Then, they built a formula that calculates heart age and compared it with hearts from healthy people to verify accuracy. For those without health issues, heart age and “real” age usually matched. But in patients with conditions like hypertension or diabetes, the heart was often 5, 10, even 20 years older than expected — like a 50-year-old who is living their day-to-day routine with the heart of a 55-year-old.

That’s not just trivia. It’s a warning sign.

After all, knowing your heart’s true age could help doctors spot heart disease before symptoms appear. And for patients, it might just be the wake-up call they need to change course, eat better and move more. With heart disease one of the world’s top killers, a tool that can identify cardiac risk early and give people time to turn things around is most welcome.

In the case of our hearts, we want them to act their age. And know if they’re precocious in the wrong way.

Little things may be key to mental health Jun 10, 2025

Much like sleep or sunlight, good mental health may come down to the little things we do every day — like chatting with a friend or taking a moment to step outside.

In a new study from researchers at Curtin University, a team looked at the habits of 600 adults in Western Australia and found that simple, everyday behaviors were strongly tied to better mental health.

In one instance, daily conversations with others stood out. Folks who talked to someone every day scored a whopping 10 points higher on a standard mental health scale than those who only did so once a week or less.

Nature helped, too. Spending time outdoors daily gave people a five-point mental health boost. Other feel-good habits included regular catchups with friends, physical activity, spiritual practices and mentally engaging tasks like reading or learning something new.

The takeaway? These aren’t expensive interventions or therapy sessions. They’re small things most of us can do that consistently make a difference. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social contact was limited, most participants showed no signs of psychological distress. Their mental well-being scores were on par with global prepandemic levels.

Although these ideas aren’t exactly groundbreaking, they demonstrate something even more important than sheer novelty or excitement: Daily habits and routines matter quite a bit.

A walk in the park, a quick chat, a crossword — they might seem small, but they add up. Each day is a building block that makes up what your life looks like, ultimately making the little things a big deal.

And hey … maybe that catch-up coffee really does count as self-care.

Can sound help in the fight against fat? Jun 09, 2025

Finding ways to shed a few pounds has become an American obsession. Now, researchers have hit on an idea that will be music to the ears of anyone trying to trim the waistline.

It involves something of note to any musician — the sound frequency 440 Hertz.

For the less musically inclined, that frequency is the note A-4, or A in the fourth octave. It’s sometimes called “Concert A” because it is the standard tuning pitch for instruments. Once A is calibrated, it can be used as a reference point to tune other notes.

This frequency, it turns out, might help control fat in the human body.

Japanese researchers found in a recent study that exposing cells to this and other frequencies reduced fat cell formation by 15%. The finding is based on mouse cells in a laboratory, not in the human body, so don’t press your belly against a stereo speaker just yet.

The findings, however, suggest that sound therapies might one day be a new weapon in the fight against obesity.

Sound waves can cause physical reactions in cells. The study showed that at 440 Hertz, vibrations triggered production of a specific protein that causes a chain reaction of sorts.

One of the downstream effects is the production of a hormone-like substance tied to inflammation. The end result in experiments is that fewer fat cells develop and many that do fail to mature. And they stored less fat.

Different frequencies produced other cellular impacts. Scientists say these impacts raise questions about how the sounds in the environment might influence health.

Perhaps one day weight loss will be as easy as turning up the volume.

The Big Picture: The Important Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Veterinary Medicine Jun 06, 2025

Advanced diagnostic imaging tools can be life-saving for large and small animals. Expertise in this key area of veterinary medicine is critical for both pinpointing diseases and guiding the treatment process.

On this show, Dr. Federico Vilaplana Grosso, a clinical associate professor and diagnostic imaging specialist, will discuss some of the tools used most frequently these days in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases. He’ll also discuss how veterinary specialists can supplement what general practitioners are able to do when the need for diagnostic images arises, and how technology has evolved to enable the veterinary care team to obtain faster and ever more accurate diagnoses in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet or horse.

Poor diets lead to poor brain function Jun 06, 2025

There’s nothing quite like slipping into our ugliest, most comfortable sweatpants and settling in to binge a new TV show while snacking on the tastiest-but-unhealthiest foods possible.

But let’s face it, as fun as it can be, eating refined carbohydrates, high-fat foods and sugary snacks can result in becoming overweight and having poor physical health, in general.

If that’s not enough motivation to jettison the junk food, new research from Australia highlights how fatty, sugary diets can also negatively affect our cognitive ability.

That’s right, those sweet snacks and saturated fats aren’t just adding inches to waistlines, they’re bringing down our brains as well.

The new study focused on spatial navigation, or learning and remembering how to get from one location to another, which is known to approximate the health of the brain’s hippocampus [hip-puh-KAM-pus].

Participants were tasked with successfully navigating a virtual reality maze six times to find a treasure chest. The treasure chest was then removed, and participants were asked to locate where the chest had been in earlier rounds.

Researchers found that those whose diets included less fat and sugar were able to more accurately pinpoint where the treasure chest had been.

While the evidence is clear, the researchers said the good news is that brain health can easily be improved by altering one’s diet, which can in turn improve the health of the hippocampus.

Americans have access to more high-fat and sugary snacks than ever before, but exercising a little self-control can go a long way, especially for our spatial navigation skills.

How else will we find our way to the pantry?

Dad’s depression might cause problems for children Jun 05, 2025

Lots of studies have looked at how mom’s mood can affect childhood behavior and development, but what about Dad?

A new study suggests paternal depression during a child’s first year of school can significantly impact their behavior and social skills down the road.

Researchers from Rutgers University studied data from more than 1,400 children who were part of a national cohort of births from various U.S. cities between 1998 and 2000. Most of the children’s mothers were unmarried.

The researchers assessed fathers’ depression when the children were 5 years old and entering kindergarten, using a screening tool from the World Health Organization.

When the children reached 9 years old, their teachers assessed their behavior using two scales that measured hyperactivity, cooperation, self-control and other behaviors.

The results showed that children whose fathers had been depressed had significantly more behavioral problems than those whose fathers were not. The children with depressed fathers had 25% higher ADHD scores, 37% higher hyperactivity scores and 36% higher rates of oppositional behavior — behavior characterized by hostility and defiance toward authority figures.

These children also had 11% lower scores in social skills, and they continued to have behavioral struggles through fourth grade. What’s more, these results held even after the researchers adjusted for maternal depression and other child and family characteristics.

Raising perfect, socially adept kids can be difficult, but supporting dad’s mental health is one way for parents to support their child’s social and academic success for years to come.

Service dogs lovingly trained by incarcerated individuals Jun 04, 2025

NEADS Service Dogs receive a unique form of training. After early socialization, each 12-week-old pup is assigned to live with a handler in the Prison PUP Program — that is, with an incarcerated person who has met strict behavioral criteria and commits to the 12- to 18-month training program.

Each pup accompanies their handler everywhere — to obedience classes, grooming sessions and dining halls — and they sleep in their handler’s dormitory-style room. On weekends, outside volunteers take the dogs home and introduce them to the wider world.

It’s a win-win-win situation. The dogs receive excellent care, and disabled people adopt well-trained companions. As for the incarcerated handlers, experiencing the unconditional love of a dog is often life-changing.

You can learn more about the program at www.neads.org.

Some summer hazards for pets Jun 04, 2025

As we ease into summer, it’s time to take stock of pet hazards that come with the season.

Of course, there’s the danger of heat in closed cars — even with a window or two left open — so don’t leave pets unattended. And while in cars or trucks, always secure a pet passenger in a crate or a well-fitting harness. Also, never let them ride in the bed of a pickup truck or stick their head out the window of a moving vehicle.

Back home, make sure to install secure, intact screens in all windows to prevent life-threatening falls. And while doing home improvement or gardening, keep toxic products away from inquisitive paws and tongues. Also steer clear of toxic plants, like lilies, rhododendrons and azaleas.

There are more ways to keep summer safe for pets, but these few tips are a good start.

Magnetic fields, quantum mechanics and bird migrations Jun 04, 2025

Bird migration is a monumental and mysterious process — especially given that most birds fly solo and overnight.

Migration behavior varies across bird species, and it’s presumed to be at least partly inherited. The Earth’s magnetic field is thought to be another factor that helps birds migrate so precisely.

Amazingly, quantum mechanics may play a role too. Simply put, unpaired electrons, or free radicals, in cells have a property called “spin,” which is especially sensitive to magnetic fields. Light is one way to stimulate free radical production, and a protein called cryptochrome 4 is important as well. That protein is higher in migrating versus nonmigrating birds.

It’s all too complex to fully cover here, but it sure gives the term “bird brain” a whole new meaning.

Play it safe to avoid heartworm disease Jun 04, 2025

Summer means mosquitoes, and that can signal problems for pets in the form of heartworm disease. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states.

You may travel with your pet to a locale that has a higher incidence of heartworm disease than your own — or the disease may land on your doorstep when heartworm-positive pets are adopted from elsewhere.

Stray dogs and wildlife — like coyotes, foxes and wolves — may be heartworm-positive too. Infected mosquitos can even be blown by the wind from other areas.

Because risk factors for heartworm disease are so difficult to predict, it’s best to get your pet tested yearly for heartworm and keep them on heartworm prevention throughout the year.

Discovery of a genetic mutation linked to PRA in Labrador retrievers Jun 04, 2025

A group of international researchers has recently identified a genetic mutation associated with progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, a disease that can cause blindness in Labrador retrievers.

Three littermates with PRA were brought to the attention of the researchers by a foundation that breeds service dogs for visually impaired individuals. The researchers identified a genetic mutation in the three affected dogs that wasn’t found in the general U.S. population of Labrador retrievers. They also found 19 Labrador retrievers from the same kennel that carried the gene but were clinically unaffected.

Now that a gene has been identified, the goal is to develop a diagnostic test to help prevent genetic carriers from being used in breeding.

Approval of a drug for cardiomyopathy in cats Jun 04, 2025

Felycin-CA1 [fel-i-sin C-A-1], or sirolimus [si-ro·-li-mus] delayed release tablets, recently received conditional approval for the management of ventricular hypertrophy [high-PER-trō-fee] in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, and HCM causes thickening of the heart’s left ventricle — that’s the lower left chamber of the heart, which pumps blood out to most of the body. HCM is a progressive disease that’s one of the most common causes of feline deaths. Cats with subclinical disease have thickening of the left ventricle but are not showing clinical signs.

Conditional approval may be granted if a drug addresses a serious or life-threatening disease and clinical trials would be especially difficult to implement.

Felycin-CA1 [fel-i-sin C-A-1] is only available by prescription from a veterinarian.

What chewing does for dogs Jun 04, 2025

When you find a munched-on pair of shoes, does it make you wonder why dogs have the urge to chew?

Wild dogs stay nourished by chewing carcasses, nuts, berries and bugs. But chewing also confers other physical, psychological and emotional benefits.

The abrasive action of chewing is beneficial for a dog’s dental health, while between-meal chewing can aid digestion and help maintain a healthy gut microbial population.

Chewing also has the ability to both stimulate a bored dog and calm an anxious pooch. Chewing even helps maintain cognitive function in our dogs as they’re living longer.

You can embrace your pup’s penchant for chewing by providing canine-safe, chewable objects. Ask your veterinarian for tips.

Creative ways to help shelter animals find forever homes Jun 04, 2025

Shelters inundated with animals are nothing new — but increasingly ingenious methods are being used to find them homes.

One TikTok personality promoting an animal shelter down south has conjured some creative names for various canine breeds. For example, a curly-furred dog became a “Himalayan fur goblin,” which joined other imagined breeds, like the “Teacup werewolf” and the “Creamsicle push-up pup.” Then, to promote the shelter’s population of pit-bull mixes, she sang “I Want a Pitt-o-potomous for Christmas.”

Judging by the numbers, it’s working. Between 2021 and 2024, the shelter’s adoption rate jumped by over 25%.

Another shelter created “Diary of a Shelter Dog” on social media. Still others waive adoption fees — all to help animals find their forever homes.

Catching canine osteoarthritis early Jun 04, 2025

Canine osteoarthritis — or OA — affects about 20% of dogs older than one year and up to 80% of dogs over eight years of age. However, only about one in 8 pooch parents knows much about it.

OA is a chronic inflammatory disease that progressively damages a dog’s joints, causing pain, reduced activity and lost mobility. Certain breeds and dogs with early injuries are most at risk. Pooch parents should be aware of early subtle signs, like unusual postures, hesitancy in climbing stairs —even changes in a dog’s sleeping habits. It’s important to communicate any of these changes to your veterinarian.

Frequent wellness exams also help your veterinarian pinpoint signs. Remember — the earlier OA is detected, the more effective treatment is likely to be.

Pampered animals may be developing more allergies Jun 04, 2025

Allergies in captive animals appear to be on the rise — just as they are in people, especially urbanites in Western countries. That’s probably no coincidence.

This phenomenon isn’t just affecting pets and domestic animals. From bats and rhinos to dolphins and bears, more animals in zoos are itchy than ever before. Researchers suggest this is linked to animals being raised in manmade environments where they have decreased exposure to natural antigens. The result can be a faulty immune system that overreacts to harmless substances. The same may be said for people.

Another factor that could be driving allergies is climate change, which leads to higher pollen counts during longer allergy seasons.

Most allergies can be treated — but wouldn’t it be even better to nip this trend in the bud?

Individualized immunotherapy for canine osteosarcoma Jun 04, 2025

A personalized immunotherapy has recently been approved for canine osteosarcoma, a bone cancer diagnosed in about 10,000 dogs each year.

The first step of production involves collecting some of the patient’s cancer cells, which the manufacturer uses to create vaccine unique to that dog’s cancer.

Next, some of the dog’s T cells are collected once they’ve been exposed to the cancer vaccine’s antigens. These T cells are sent to the manufacturer where their cancer cell-fighting properties are unleashed. These super-primed T cells are then delivered intravenously back to the patient, followed by another immune-boosting agent.

The goal is that the dog’s immune system then would recognize and destroy osteosarcoma cells.

Animals administering first aid Jun 04, 2025

Did you know that many wild animals have ways to administer first aid?

For example, mice may tug on the tongues of their unconscious brethren and clear their mouths to help open their airways.

Elsewhere, chimpanzees with intestinal parasites munch on bitter leaves from the Aspilia [ass-PILL-ee-ya] plant, and brown bears eat razor-sharp grass to help clear tapeworms.

Closer to home, some urban songbirds weave cigarette butts into their nests to leverage tobacco’s mite-killing properties.

Even termite-hunting African ants have impressive first-aid routines. During their large-scale raids, those injured by termites are carried back to their nests, where caretaker ants lick their wounds with antibiotic-rich saliva.

These are just some of the many ways animals take care of their own.

Women have the advantage in Arctic endurance events Jun 04, 2025

Men have a distinct advantage over women in physical strength. But a new study from scientists in a couple of cold-weather states discovered something surprising.

In extremely cold weather, female metabolism appears to be more efficient. That makes them more resistant to fatigue than men during prolonged periods of exertion in frigid temperatures.

Scientists at the state universities in Montana and Wisconsin traveled to Alaska to monitor the performance of men and women participating in the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic. The competition occurs in the spring.

This isn’t a leisurely romp on a bunny slope. Participants ski 136 to 161 miles in unforgiving terrain. They traverse mountain ranges under Arctic conditions. Even in spring, temperatures drop as low as minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Researchers tracked a group of volunteer participants by giving them water containing harmless but traceable nonradioactive isotopes. By measuring these isotopes in urine, sweat and respiration, an athlete’s energy expenditure can be measured.

The study notes that women were getting more mileage from each calorie.

Some unrelated studies by the military suggest women might also be more fatigue-resistant than men during warm weather ultra-endurance events. But that’s far from settled science.

This doesn’t mean a physically stronger male athlete would be bested by a female participant in an extreme competition like the Alaskan event. Size and strength still give men a clear advantage.

But they might be more fatigued than women at the finish line, even if they reach it first.

Lower your blood pressure with a banana Jun 03, 2025

If your doctor has told you to lower your blood pressure, you might want to consider buying bananas in bulk. A new study suggests potassium can lower blood pressure, even if your sodium intake is high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, a condition called hypertension that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and other serious complications.

Researchers from Canada wanted to see if a monkey’s favorite fruit offers a simple solution.

The team used computer models to simulate the effect of potassium and sodium on blood pressure throughout the body. They accounted for biological differences between men and women. They then ran simulations, factoring in varying levels of potassium and sodium intake and different types of hypertension. Each model evaluated the interactions between the kidneys, heart, digestive system and regulatory systems.

They found that high sodium intake raised blood pressure in both men and women while high potassium intake reduced it.

Doubling the dose of potassium lowered blood pressure by up to 14 millimeters of mercury in men and 10 millimeters of mercury in women. That’s about the same reduction that many who take blood pressure medications achieve.

Even when sodium intake remained high, potassium still did its job to prevent blood pressure spikes. The researchers suggested that in the long term, increasing potassium can help your body eliminate more sodium.

So the next time you find yourself staring into the bottom of an empty potato chip bag, make a banana — maybe two — your next snack.

Antivenom developed from one man may act as panacea Jun 02, 2025

The way we create snake antivenom hasn’t changed much in a century. Using the standard methods leaves us with a concoction of antivenom that gets the job done. But there can be side effects, and some treatments only work to treat bites from certain snakes in specific regions.

Now, scientists may have found a better way — thanks to a man who spent years letting snakes bite him, as well as injecting himself with escalating doses of snake venom.

Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist, developed a kind of hyperimmunity to venom from snakes like the king cobra and black mamba, whose venom is so potent it can take out a horse.

When researchers analyzed his blood, they discovered antibodies that could neutralize a surprising number of deadly snake toxins. Using those antibodies, they created what may be one of the most broadly effective antivenoms to date.

The researchers gathered 19 of the world’s deadliest elapid [ell-uh-pidd] snakes — a group that includes cobras, mambas, krait [krite] and coral snakes. Then, they tested antibodies from Friede’s blood.

The result? A three-part cocktail: two human antibodies added to a small-molecule toxin-blocker. Together, it protected mice from all 19 snake venoms.

Any new treatments for snakebites are welcome. Some 600 species cause more than 100,000 deaths and 300,000 permanent disabilities in humans every year.

The team plans to apply the cocktail to dogs who come in for snake bite treatment in Australia. They hope to develop a second antivenom targeting vipers — the other major snake family.

Normally, nothing good comes from being bitten by a snake — but this may be a notable exception.

Sugary drinks are reprogramming your body May 30, 2025

If you’re struggling to curb sugar cravings, you might have your intestines to blame. A new study has found that a high consumption of soda and other sugary drinks can rewire your intestines, causing them to favor sugar absorption over other nutrients.

Researchers from India used two groups of mice to study the impact of sugar on metabolism. One group was put on a diet of regular food and water while the other group received regular food and water with 10% sucrose, resembling the sugar content in soda. The mice were allowed to eat and drink freely for three months.

During the study, the researchers monitored the mice’s weight, blood sugar levels, and food and water intake. After three months, they evaluated the mice’s metabolic health by looking at how the mice processed sugar and responded to insulin. They took tissue samples from the liver, intestines and muscles to see how the sugar impacted the mice at the molecular level.

Results showed that the group of mice that drank sugary water had significantly higher blood sugar levels, increased levels of insulin resistance and increased liver glucose production compared with the group that drank regular water.

The small intestine of the mice in the sugar water group also changed. The number of sugar transporters — proteins in the intestines that help absorb sugar — increased, whereas transporters for other nutrients like fats and amino acids decreased. The researchers also noticed a change in muscle function at the cellular level.

So the next time your favorite soda starts calling your name, consider the fact that a sugar addiction goes deeper than your tongue.

Wasabi might boost memory May 29, 2025

For those who love sushi, here’s something to remember: Japanese wasabi might boost short- and long-term memory in older adults.

We all know the sushi condiment from the often-pungent blast that punches the nose more than our taste buds. Wasabi cultivation dates to the eighth century. But it only became better known in the United States after 1980 with the rising popularity of sushi.

We already know from work in the laboratory that wasabi might improve cognition. Yet, studies were few and improved intellectual capabilities had not been tested in older adults. So, Japanese researchers took a closer look.

They recruited 72 people ages 60 to 80 and separated them into two equal groups. One group took a 100-milligram wasabi tablet every day for three months. The second group got a placebo.

Afterward, the cognition of volunteers was measured, including language and reasoning skills, concentration and memory.

Scientists discovered that the wasabi group’s long- and short-term memory improved significantly compared with the control group. They found no effect in other cognitive functions.

More testing is being done to explore wasabi’s benefits. Physicians aren’t writing wasabi prescriptions just yet.

The spice is also known for being rich in vitamin C and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, researchers say wasabi might reduce inflammation in the area of the brain responsible for memory.

It’s important to remember that diet and exercise also play an important part in keeping our minds sharp. There is no single elixir for good brain health.

In the meantime, a sushi lunch just might hit the spot.

Tree layout might affect mortality risk in neighborhoods May 28, 2025

A green, leafy canopy benefits more than just the birds. Trees planted along the street, or in high numbers across a neighborhood, are pleasing to the eye and offer much-needed shade when temperatures climb.

Now, a new study from scientists in Switzerland credits another benefit to our arboreal companions: lowering our mortality.

That’s right — numerous, well-arranged trees in neighborhoods are linked to lower mortality risks than other areas.

We specify “well-arranged” because the study seeks to answer a question many urban planners face: How do you add trees when space for new ones is in short supply?

Over the 10-0year period from 2010 to 2019, researchers addressed this question in Switzerland and Singapore. They looked at high-resolution tree canopy data to understand green spaces close to peoples’ homes — and the placement of the trees themselves. Then, they calculated the survival rates of more than 6 million people by neighborhood. The researchers focused only on deaths from natural causes.

Data showed that tree canopy cover in residential areas, and the trees’ spatial arrangement, had a correlation with mortality. Folks who lived in neighborhoods with large, contiguous tree canopies had a lower mortality risk than those who didn’t — a contrast especially evident in highly developed urban areas with poor air quality and high temperatures.

The specific mechanisms, however, bear examination. For now, the team intends to distill its results into specific recommendations for urban planners … helping to create a future where anyone can be a tree-hugger if they want to be.

Might caffeine and apples relieve ringing in the ears? May 27, 2025

Millions of Americans battle a persistent, annoying ringing in their ears. The malady, known as tinnitus [tin-nuh-tuhs], receives relatively little research funding and has no consistently effective treatment.

Tinnitus has numerous causes. Exposure to loud noises, especially over a prolonged period, is one trigger. A long list of musical legends reports the condition, from Eric Clapton to Barbra Streisand.

History overflows with supposed remedies, usually ineffective. In an earlier age, even bloodletting might have been prescribed. But don’t reach for the leeches. This bit of quackery is a bust.

Hearing loss that occurs with age is another cause. Sometimes, a hearing aid can help alleviate the sharpness of the ringing but not eliminate it.

Now, a Chinese study has found four things in our diets that might help reduce that mind-numbing ringing — caffeine, fruits, high-fiber foods and dairy products.

Researchers analyzed data from 300,000 participants in 10 previous studies on tinnitus. They found that a diet including regular fruit lowered the risk of the disorder by 35%. The other diets reduced the risk from about 17% to 9%.

The caffeine finding is a bit baffling. Doctors have long warned those with tinnitus to avoid caffeine because a lack of sleep worsens the condition. But the study indicates it also might lower anxiety, making the ringing easier to bear.

A healthy diet improves insulin sensitivity, which helps protect our hearing. It also maintains blood vessel function, another auditory plus.

As treatments go, this tinnitus diet beats a bloodletting any day of the week. An apple and a coffee just might help unring this bell.

Be wary of a secret ingredient in tattoo ink May 26, 2025

Tattoos are now mainstream. Once relegated to tough guys and the biceps of sailors who wanted to celebrate anchors and good ol’ Ma, those days are over.

Today, they are a means of personal expression to people of all walks of life. An art form.

That art, however, can come with a secret ingredient.

Researchers at Binghamton University in New York found that inks commonly sold in the United States often contain substances not listed on their labels. They analyzed the ink of 10 U.S. manufacturers, large and small.

About 90% of the 54 inks they studied had unlisted additives. While some of these pose no threat to health, others do. The study noted half the inks contained polyethylene glycol, which can cause organ damage with repeated exposure. Some contained allergens. Researchers even found antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections.

It’s hard to know who is responsible for the mislabeling. Manufacturers, for example, might get ingredients that have been unknowingly contaminated elsewhere.

The health implications are unclear. The study notes that allergic reactions on the skin can occur, especially with red pigments. And these can sometimes be quite severe.

European tattoo ink is less troublesome because it is more tightly regulated. Congress didn’t authorize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate ink here until 2022.

The researchers say their goal is to empower tattoo artists and their customers. They urge the ink industry to re-evaluate production processes and implement better labeling.

The industry, after all, doesn’t want a stain on its reputation.

Managing Common Diseases of Wild and Farmed Deer May 23, 2025

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is a pathogen transmitted by midges that causes significant economic loss in the white-tailed deer farming industry and affects wild deer as well. On this show, Dr. Juan Campos Krauer, an assistant professor and a research and extension veterinarian whose interests include animal health, disease ecology and wildlife ecology and conservation, will discuss common diseases facing deer in Florida and nationally, and what he and his team are doing to help deer farmers as well as deer in the wild.

Sun and alcohol are a bad beach combo May 23, 2025

Liquor and sunbathing are a bad beach combo. As with many activities matched with alcohol, the danger comes in how it changes our behavior.

And like getting behind the wheel when intoxicated, the result can be deadly.

You don’t toy with the most-powerful star in our sky: the sun.

A study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that more than 1 in 5 people who get a sunburn were drinking alcohol when they got scorched. That’s according to data from 6,000 people.

It’s not that the alcohol itself makes someone more susceptible to a bad sunburn. Instead, drinkers tend to forget to apply sunscreen or put on too little. They fall asleep in the sun or get confused and spend too much time in the sun without realizing it.

The study also found that affluent folks, or those earning more than $200,000 a year, get sunburned more often than poorer folks. That makes sense when you remember that people with money can afford expensive activities that expose them to more sun, like boating, skiing or spending a week or two on a beach vacation.

Men are also more likely to get sunburned than women, and younger folks ages 18 to 39 more likely than older adults.

It adds up to booming times for skin cancer. It’s the nation’s most common cancer, and perhaps the type that is feared the least. Skin cancer costs U.S. health care $9 billion annually, by one estimate. And it claims thousands of lives.

Even so, only 10% of people surveyed say the prospect of skin cancer is extremely worrisome to them. Nearly 1 in 3 call it just slightly concerning.

It’s best to be attuned to the sobering reality that repeated sunburns can be lethal.

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