UF Health Podcasts

Midlife weight loss can lead to a longer life Aug 29, 2025

Losing weight in your 40s can help you fit back into your favorite-but-increasingly-snug-jeans. Beyond flattering your figure, however, midlife weight loss carries a host of other benefits — like adding years to your life.

A recent study found even modest weight loss in your 40s can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health issues and increase life expectancy. Researchers tracked more than 23,000 adults in their 40s for up to 35 years, gaining insight into the effects of midlife weight loss. Participants who went from overweight to a healthy weight saw a 48% reduced risk of chronic disease and a 19% lower risk of death.

Notably, even modest weight loss was shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health issues while still conveying the benefits of a longer life.

The study was conducted before many of today’s newest surgical and medicinal weight loss interventions were available. That means the study results apply to those who lost weight the old-fashioned way — via diet and exercise.

Losing weight and keeping it off can be a challenge, but researchers emphasized the benefits of putting in the work. As an added incentive, the study found that those who lost weight also typically had lower blood pressure and cholesterol compared with those who remained overweight.

But patience is key. Researchers noted that realizing the full benefit of even modest weight loss in your 40s can take decades to be realized.

So, if you’ve noticed your jeans fitting a bit tighter, know that losing weight could be more than just a cosmetic improvement. It just might be a step toward a longer, healthier life — and it’s never too late to get in shape.

From pharaoh’s tomb to a potential lifesaver Aug 28, 2025

This is a story of tomb curses and a deadly fungus. It’s also a lesson in how science, funded by the federal government, provides hope in the search for new treatments against a cancer that can strike anyone, leukemia.

The fungus is Aspergillus flavus (Pronounced ASS-per-JILL-us FLAY-vus), or A. flavus (A FLAY-vus). It grows worldwide, even in the inky darkness of the tomb.

In the 1920s, a series of untimely deaths by the team that opened the tomb of King Tutankhamun (TOO-tan-KAH-mun) created the myth of a curse that followed anyone entering Tut’s burial chamber.

Decades later, some suggested the curse was actually the work of A. flavus, which is toxic and sometimes deadly.

Then, in the 1970s, a group of 12 scientists entered the tomb of the 15th Century Polish king, Casimir IV (KAZ-uh-meer the Fourth), in Kraków after receiving permission from the local archbishop. Within months, 10 were dead. Again, talk turned to a deadly curse. But scientists found A. flavus around the king’s remains.

More recently, a team led by University of Pennsylvania scientists on the hunt for cancer-killing compounds had a look at this fungal villain. Not a bad idea, considering mold gave us penicillin.

The team’s recent study shows that compounds in the fungus can be modified to enhance its anticancer properties.

Essentially, these modified compounds might block the uncontrolled cell division that is cancer’s signature. The molecules identified were shown to affect leukemia cells.

The researchers say they’re explorers, learning how to defeat disease from nature’s pharmacy. While it’s no supernatural solution, there is poetic justice in working toward a possible cure for the future from a (debunked) curse of the past.

Stress-checking dental floss is in the works Aug 27, 2025

You’ve flossed your teeth and are putting final touches on your makeup when you get an alert letting you know your stress is off the charts.

In a brilliant twist on multitasking, scientists at Tufts University say they have created a dental floss with that can sense and measure the stress hormone cortisol in saliva.

And it does so with extreme accuracy. Down to forty-eight thousandths of picograms (PEE-koh-gram) per milliliter. A picogram, in case you were wondering, is one-trillionth of a gram.

While the product is in its infancy, smart floss could be a game-changer in stress testing. Chronic stress is a big health problem. It contributes to heart disease, mental health issues and weakens immunity.

Doctors typically measure a patient’s stress with psychiatric tests or questionnaires. But some become nervous around doctors and the results aren’t necessarily scientific.

For a more exact measure, the gold standard recommendation is for a patient to take a blood test. While accurate, that’s hardly convenient.

Here’s how the floss works: The FDA-approved suture thread contains tiny molecular templates designed to recognize cortisol. When cortisol binds to them, it alters the sensor’s electrical signal.

In its current state, the signal goes to a small portable device for analysis. For consumers, a much smaller version of the device must be developed. And it needs to be tested by home users, rather than in a lab.

Still, the researchers believe smart floss could someday be used to screen for a host of health issues from the comfort of our bathroom. And that kind of convenience is a stress buster.

Seniors’ marijuana use grows Aug 26, 2025

Papa and Nana may be lighting up, and they aren’t the only ones.

Record numbers of older adults are getting high on marijuana. A recent New York University analysis of survey results found that in 2023, 7% of adults 65 and older reported using marijuana in the past month.

That number is up almost 46% from 2021, when just 4.8% reported using cannabis.

Back in 2006 and 2007, only about 1% of older adults reported using the drug in the past month.

The trend is hardly surprising: Most Americans now live in a state that has legalized marijuana use for medical or recreational use. Or both.

It’s important because many adults with chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure, reported using marijuana, which can complicate the management of those diseases.

The study relied upon answers from more than 15,000 people who took part in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The NYU researchers noted sharper increases in marijuana use by white, married, college-degree holders and those with an income of at least $75,000 a year.

Older women also saw a steep increase in use, although older men remain more likely to use the drug.

The researchers made no judgment about whether older adults’ increasing marijuana use is good or bad. But they noted that the physiological changes accompanying aging can include more sensitivity to psychoactive substances, so using the drug can be dangerous if the user isn’t aware of the risks.

Also important to know: Marijuana can also interact with prescription medicines in a way that may cause unwanted side effects or make them less effective.

A new pairing: hallucinogenic mushrooms and therapy Aug 25, 2025

An unorthodox combination may someday help relieve cancer patients’ depression and anxiety.

A treatment with one dose of psilocybin [sai-luh-sai-bin] — a psychedelic, natural chemical found in mushrooms — along with therapy, gave cancer patients relief from depression and anxiety for more than two years.

In the phase 2 clinical trial in Maryland, 28 patients with cancer and major depression had supervision and support from a therapist before, during and after one “trip” on a 25-milligram dose of psilocybin. The study was published in the journal Cancer.

That dose is enough to cause hallucinations and other effects, such as altered consciousness, visual distortion and deep introspective thoughts, for several hours.

Cancer is a life-threatening diagnosis. Estimates of how many cancer patients also then live with anxiety or depression, or both, range between 20 and 50%.

Of the patients in the study, 54% showed a significant reduction in their depression, as noted in clinical interviews two years later. And 50% saw a sustained reduction in their depression and were in remission. Forty-three percent of the patients reported reduced anxiety after two years.

An ongoing randomized, double-blind trial is now evaluating how two 25-milligram doses of psilocybin work against depression and anxiety versus a placebo.

The mental strain of depression and anxiety can affect how well one follows medical treatment as well as quality of life. Other studies have found that being depressed results makes dying from cancer more likely.

So, while it may feel like a throwback to the 1960s, the method may be a modern way to help cancer patients.

Eye on the Fly: What to Know About the Emerging Risk of New World Screwworm Aug 22, 2025

The New World screwworm (NWS) is forecast to reach the United States later this year. Eradicated from the country in 1966, this flesh-eating parasitic fly affects all warm-blooded mammals and animals, has the potential to cause massive harm to the livestock industry, and would cost millions, potentially billions, of dollars to eradicate again. Animal owners throughout the southern U.S. are urged to stay vigilant to identify potential cases. In this episode, Dr. Sally Denotta, UF Veterinary Medicine equine medicine specialist, and Dr. Ted Burgess, UF/IFAS veterinary entomologist, discuss the NWS, what to look for in identifying a screwworm infection and who to call if they suspect their animals or livestock may be affected.

The health cost of a hot dog, soda Aug 22, 2025

Baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. Does it get any better?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these American summertime staples aren’t the best for your health — especially when it comes to the humble hot dog.

A study published in Nature Medicine emphasizes that there is no safe amount of processed meat to eat. In fact, nutrition experts say that the habitual eating of processed meat leads to an elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer.

The cost of eating one hot dog a day is a steep one, equaling an 11% greater risk of Type 2 diabetes and a 7% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with those who don’t eat any.

The fizzy companion of most processed meat meals is no stranger to health complications, either. Even one 12-ounce soda per day can be linked to an 8% increase in Type 2 diabetes risk.

There are several reasons why these foods are associated with health issues. Sugary beverages and processed meat, which includes bacon, salami and burgers, can increase inflammation, which plays a big part in a variety of chronic diseases.

These foods can also contain trans fatty acids, which reduce your good cholesterol and increase the bad type. This leads to the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries and heart disease.

If you’re worried about avoiding what we’ve come to know as the good stuff, there are plenty of tasty alternative options. Roasted vegetables pack a savory punch, and smoothies heavy on fruit are an easy way to visit some of the most nutrient dense tiers of the food pyramid.

An occasional hot dog won’t be the end of the world, but you might find you miss them less and less.

Muscle fixation leads some to disordered eating Aug 21, 2025

In the 1940s, comic book ads urged “97-pound weaklings” to spend 10 cents on bodybuilder Charles Atlas’ famed workout, bulk up and defend themselves against musclebound beach bullies.

Some 85 years later, it seems young men, especially, still feel intense pressure to sport a muscular physique.

A University of Westminster researcher wrote recently that a social media culture that pushes the idea of having a perfect body via exercise, diet and supplements is leading some to a new kind of disordered eating.

Muscularity oriented disordered eating, or Mode, is a set of problematic eating habits hyperfocused on building muscle. It mostly affects young men and, like anorexia or bulimia, can have serious negative consequences.

Social media produces endless “fitspiration” content, often made by those selling muscle-building supplements, diets or workouts.

Mode-disordered eating includes binging and orthorexia nervosa, a pathological focus on “healthy eating.”

One U.S. study from 2022 showed that more than 80% of male college students reported having used whey protein powders or shakes and more than 50% had used creatine monohydrate, a muscle-building supplement.

Other research estimates that between 3 and 4 million American men have used anabolic-androgenic steroids. That’s synthetic testosterone.

Not all workouts require a protein boost and not all protein supplements are good for you.

It’s a safe bet that most men who sent away for a Charles Atlas workout back in the day didn’t become bodybuilders. And likely, neither will most who guzzle protein shakes today.

Maybe the biggest threat isn’t a sand-kicking bully, but our own egos.

Llama named Winter lends antibodies Aug 20, 2025

A fluffy, long-necked cousin of the camel might be the key to protecting against SARS-like viruses. Yes, you heard that correctly.

In a new study from researchers in Belgium, a team discovered a special antibody that could help protect against a wide range of SARS coronaviruses, including variants of COVID-19.

But what makes these antibodies different? For starters, they’re tiny. And they come from llamas — specifically, one named Winter.

These llama antibodies are much smaller than human antibodies. Appropriately referred to as nanobodies, the tiny protectors pack a big punch. Instead of going after parts of the virus that constantly mutate, like the receptor binding site of a spike protein, the part of the virus that enables it to infect human cells, these nanobodies take a different approach. They latch onto a hidden, essential section at the base of the spike protein. This section is vital because the virus can’t change it without weakening itself.

One way to think about it is to consider these nanobodies like clamps. Once attached, they lock the spike protein into a closed shape, stopping the virus from fusing with and entering human cells. Thus far, they have worked in lab animals at low doses, making it difficult for a virus needing to mutate to escape. Notably, the few successful variants that did escape were less infectious.

While most antibodies are outmaneuvered by new variants, these llama-derived nanobodies might just be one step ahead. By targeting a stable, hard-to-mutate region, researchers say they offer a promising path toward long-lasting antiviral therapies.

How’s that for interspecies collaboration?

Lefties no more creative than righties, study suggests Aug 19, 2025

Much like the belief that artists must suffer for their craft, the idea that left-handed people are born brimming with more creativity than their right-handed counterparts has endured for decades. Now, a new analysis from Cornell University suggests this urban legend is just that — more myth than fact.

After analyzing over a century of studies on handedness and creativity, researchers found no solid evidence that lefties have an edge in creative thinking. In fact, in some lab tests, right-handed individuals scored slightly higher. And when researchers looked at careers that demand the most creativity, like writing, architecture and design, righties were overrepresented.

So why has the lefty-creativity link held on for so long? Well, the study points to a few likely culprits. One is what researchers call “left-handed exceptionalism,” or the idea that rare traits, like being left-handed and being a creative genius, must somehow go together.

Another is the romanticized “tortured artist” stereotype. Since the study found lefties are more likely to work in the arts and to experience conditions like depression or schizophrenia, it’s tempting to connect the dots.

But like most things that come together too easily, those faulty links are a classic case of cherry-picking, according to the study. By focusing on a handful of left-handed painters and musicians and ignoring the broader data, people draw the wrong conclusion. When you zoom out and look at many kinds of jobs, study authors said, the supposed creative advantage disappears.

The takeaway? Being left-handed doesn’t make you more creative. It just makes you, well, left-handed. And sometimes, that’s all there is to it.

Which drink is best for hydration? Aug 18, 2025

The summer sun is beating down on you as you wipe the sweat from your brow. You passed thirsty a mile ago and you’re headed straight for parched. You need liquid — fast.

Your first thought is a cool glass of water. It’s tried, true and certainly reliable. But is that your best option?

Researchers from St. Andrews University in Scotland believe otherwise.

While the study found that water, both still and sparkling, offers quick hydration, certain drinks with a slight amount of sugar, fat or protein perform a more adequate job of replenishing us for longer.

It all has to do with how our bodies digest. The more liquid you drink, the faster it empties from your stomach before being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Another aspect to consider is a beverage’s nutrient composition. In the case of milk, for example, the study found it to be more hydrating than water because it contains a sugar (lactose), protein and fat. These three elements digest slowly and lead to longer-lasting hydration, rather than the tidal wave of rapid absorption associated with drinking water.

You might be wondering how sugar-heavy drinks, like fruit juices and sodas, measure up. Yes, the sugar spends more time in your stomach compared with unmodified water, but its contents and calories don’t fill us up nearly as well. Avoid these beverages, along with alcohol, which acts as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more.

Though more sobering than a martini, caffeine has a similar impact on hydration. More than 300 milligrams of coffee could cause a short-term diuretic effect, leading to lost fluids.

So as the summer ends, consider what you choose to quench your thirst. And if you panic, a glass of water will still do the trick.

Veterinary Community Outreach Program Bridges Education and Community Service Aug 15, 2025

The University of Florida’s Veterinary Community Outreach Program provides valuable synergy between veterinary education and supporting local animal welfare. Veterinary students gain crucial hands-on surgical and medical experience while simultaneously offering services that reduce pet overpopulation, improve shelter animal health, facilitate adoptions and educate the community on responsible pet ownership. On this archived episode, Dr. Simone Guerios will discuss how the program benefits not only the students’ clinical training but also the local sheltering community.

Safe summer hikes and high heat Aug 15, 2025

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors, go hiking and explore nature. Kids are out of school and vacation season is in full swing.

But so is the heat.

High temperatures are no joke and can make any hike dangerous — even deadly. Each year, multiple people die from heat exhaustion during hikes and hundreds more are rescued.

By taking a few safety precautions to heart, you can greatly reduce your chances of injury or death when hiking in hot temperatures.

Be prepared physically. If you know will be undertaking a long, strenuous hike, be confident that you are in good enough physical shape to complete the trek. You can acclimate to the heat by taking shorter, low-impact hikes in warm weather and gradually work up to more difficult hikes in hot weather.

Hikers should also know their sweat rate, which can be determined by weighing yourself before and after a hike. Experts say you shouldn’t lose more than 2% of your body weight during a hike.

Speaking of sweating — an abundant amount of water is critical in high temperatures. A water filter and electrolytes, in the form of tablets or drinks, can also help replace salt and minerals lost from perspiration.

Hikers should wear light, loose clothing to help prevent sunburn and keep body temperatures down. Experts recommend bringing a fully charged phone, extra battery and a friend if possible.

It can be easy to underestimate just how challenging a hike can be when temperatures soar. The reward doesn’t outweigh the risk.

And don’t ignore what your instinct tells you. If you think it’s too hot to hike, turn back.

Chronic-pain relief from a bug? Aug 14, 2025

If you’ve ever swatted a fly, it’s unlikely you wondered before or after the act, “Do flies feel pain?” Scientists think they do, in a sense.

And this fact might help a species that doesn’t sport wings — humans.

Australian researchers discovered that fruit flies that have lost a leg begin to behave as if they are suffering pain. Injured flies will jump frantically off surfaces that wouldn’t normally trigger their escape response.

This behavior shows the fly sensing and avoiding what it perceives as stimuli that can be dangerous. Researchers say it mimics a state of chronic pain.

It isn’t the exact equivalent of human pain. But it’s close.

The heightened escape response even occurred when scientists stimulated the opposite, healthy leg. That made scientists think the fly’s chronic pain response was tied to their central nervous system, not the site of the injury. This, too, is true in humans.

Researchers discovered that the injury triggered the death of cells in the fly’s nervous system that worked to keep the insect’s pain responses in check. They learned that if they kept these specialized cells alive, the flies did not develop this chronic pain-mimicking response.

The biological mechanisms involved in a fly’s chronic pain are similar to those seen in humans. Scientists think that compounds and proteins involved in producing the fruit fly’s response might someday be used to alleviate suffering in people.

Which, when you think about it, is pretty good work for an insect that tends to spend most of its time investigating the clump of bananas you forgot about on your kitchen counter.

Intermittent fasting, calorie counting yield similar results Aug 13, 2025

Some people swear by the keto diet. Others can’t make it past lunchtime without a carb-heavy snack. We know weight loss is far from a one-size-fits-all approach. Now, a new review of nearly 100 clinical trials is evaluating how certain methods measure up against each other.

Of note? Intermittent fasting, where you eat within a specific window of time, might work just as well as traditional calorie counting.

Researchers looked at data from more than 6,500 adults and found that all forms of intermittent fasting, like time-restricted eating, whole-day fasting and alternate-day fasting, led to small drops in weight and corresponding improvements in heart health markers. But one method stood out: alternate-day fasting.

This approach, which involves fasting every other day, showed slightly better weight loss results than both standard calorie restriction and other fasting methods.

Still, there’s a catch. Even the best-performing diets didn’t quite hit the minimum threshold for “clinically important” weight loss, which the study defined as about 4.4 pounds. And when it came to other health markers like blood sugar or “good” cholesterol, no clear winner emerged.

What’s more, most trials were short, about 12 weeks on average, and varied widely in quality. So, while the early results are promising, they’re not definitive.

The take home? Yes, intermittent fasting might work just as well as counting calories, and alternate-day fasting could offer a slight edge. But don’t ditch your diet just yet. The best plan is still the one you can stick with … and one that supports sustainable change.

Many Americans are exhausted even before day begins Aug 12, 2025

A new survey of Americans reveals that a third of us are exhausted even after rolling out of bed in the morning. By lunch, the average person’s energy levels begin to rapidly fade.

In a sense, their workday ends hours before they leave the workplace.

Physicians worry that the continual grind of life in the computer age, with its endless electronic distractions and duties, takes a cumulative toll on the body. If we don’t spend time winding down and relaxing effectively, the stress builds and can adversely affect our health.

The representative survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research, a market research firm, shows about half report they feel wiped even after a day off.

How respondents try to combat that midday energy drain is instructive. A quarter of those whose energy is spent by noon turn to caffeine. Another 15% turn up the music on their earbuds. Surprisingly, about the same number sneak off for a nap.

Indeed, a quarter of those polled believe that a minor change in habit, such as drinking more water, can rejuvenate them.

The experts insist that maintaining our energy stores requires we actively seek out what works best to keep us energized. Hydration, better quality sleep and meaningful downtime can, for example, make a significant impact.

The poll also shows that many Americans blame their fatigue on endless household chores, financial woes, bad weather and dull social interactions.

It doesn’t hurt if you love your work. Boredom or lack of enthusiasm is an energy vampire. Happy people, science has shown, live healthier and longer lives.

Cortisone shots for arthritic knees may cause damage Aug 11, 2025

Anyone who’s struggled to stand up straight after a long car ride or felt restless while sitting through a movie knows that arthritic knees are no fun.

And while more than 10% of knee arthritis patients get cortisone or other shots to relieve the pain, a new study suggests the practice may be linked to faster joint damage in the long run.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed data from more than 200 patients who were part of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a project that tracked Americans with knee problems from 2004 to 2015.

The team used detailed MRI scans to assess knee-joint health. They evaluated images from two years before injections, at the time of injections and two years after.

Then, they performed a comprehensive assessment of cartilage, bone marrow, meniscus, ligaments and fluid buildup.

Researchers found that patients who received cortisone shots showed more signs of arthritis progression compared with those who either got no treatment at all or a different type of injection.

Meanwhile, patients who got hyaluronic acid injections — a gel-like lubricant for joints — avoided signs of worsening arthritis and showed less disease progression on MRI scans.

The researchers made clear, however, that the findings do not prove steroid injections cause arthritis to progress faster. Their study was observational and could not account for all differences between patients. Still, the results raise important questions.

Current guidelines call for cortisone shots for short-term pain relief and advise against the routine use of hyaluronic acid injections.

Next steps, as they say: Before you go for the needle, talk to your doctor.

Pet Pain Decoded: How to Tell When Your Pet is Hurting Aug 08, 2025

Has your pet shown abnormal behavior lately, such as hiding or growling? Our animals can’t tell us when they’re hurting and assessing pain in our pets can be difficult. It’s important that pet owners are in tune with any changes in behavior, including the way your pet stands, walks or even looks at you. On this archived show, Dr. Elizabeth Maxwell, a surgical oncology specialist, will discuss why pain assessment is so important, why contacting your veterinarian is critical if you suspect your pet is in pain and different methods of pain management.

The life-extending benefits of black coffee Aug 08, 2025

There are those who live to drink coffee, and those who drink coffee to live. Now, a new study suggests that a cup of joe could be doing more than just jumpstarting the day — it could be extending your life.

Adults who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had between a 14% to 17% lower risk of dying early, compared with those who skipped coffee entirely.

The study analyzed data from 46,000 adults ages 20 years and older, and categorized consumption based on preferences like whether participants drank their coffee black or added cream and sugar.

Notably, the strongest benefits showed up in those who drank their coffee black or with only small amounts of cream or sugar. When people added large quantities of those tasty extras to their coffee, the longevity benefits disappeared. Additionally, those who drank more than three cups of black coffee per day did not see the same lower mortality risk, especially when it came to heart disease.

With nearly half of Americans reporting that they drink at least one cup of coffee per day, understanding how it impacts our health is important, according to the study. Researchers also pointed out that the health benefits of black coffee are likely derived from the drink’s naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

The study emphasizes that while coffee does convey health benefits, how the coffee is prepared and how much you consume is heavily associated with how much you could profit.

So if coffee is already part of your morning routine, consider keeping it simple. A little less cream and sugar today might mean a few more years to enjoy coffee tomorrow.

Less cheese, better dreams? Aug 07, 2025

There are plenty of old wives’ tales about food before bed. What to eat, what not to eat and whether you should eat all. Now, a new study from researchers in Canada is adding a point against eating cheese just ahead of going to sleep.

The team of scientists studied how diets influence our dreams. In a study that included more than 1,000 participants, 40% reported that certain foods impacted their sleep. One of the standout culprits? Cheese.

The dairy product was associated with some not-so-gouda effects. Specifically, cheese consumption was linked to folks reporting more nightmares than sweet dreams, especially if a participant was lactose intolerant.

Why? Well, it all comes down to digestion.

Cheese is challenging to break down. The amount of fat and protein each morsel of muenster contains means its journey through the digestive tract is slow. At night, we are also not well equipped to digest food. Sleep is an activity that requires your body’s attention in full to achieve its list of hearty benefits. Add in some complicated digestion to the mix, and the focus becomes split between two areas. This affects your sleep quality … and what you get out of it.

Notably, cheese isn’t the only dairy product to impact our sleep. A warm glass of milk before bed can have a benefit. It is easier to digest than cheese, and it possesses the amino acid tryptophan, which helps promote solid shut-eye.

Generally, sleep experts recommend avoiding meals at least two hours before bed. And, if you are lactose intolerant, reconsider dairy consumption of any kind before you hit the hay — it’ll save you the nightmare of a late-night trip to the bathroom.

Obese cats tell a tale Aug 06, 2025

Who knew a bunch of fat cats could teach us so much?

These chunky cats, however, might just help us shed the pounds.

Got an obese cat? You aren’t alone in overindulging your pet. Six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight. Cats don’t know better. Their humans feed them, after all, and have their own problems walking by the food bowl without stopping.

Researchers at The Ohio State University recently found that dieting cats undergo a significant change in the populations of bacteria in their gut. In fact, it’s thought to be like what happens in their people.

Now, it’s important to understand that a cat just doesn’t step on a scale or look in the mirror and decide they need to trim down to fit into that old collar they wore during their lean, stray years.

No, researchers put a group of the overweight, wannabe tigers on a calorie-restricted diet.

The cats dieted in phases for 12 weeks. Investigators tested the kitty litter poop to find out what bacteria live in their gut.

They found increased levels of a short-chain fatty acid that, in other mammals, is known to regulate appetite and reduce fat. It also offers protection against diabetes and obesity. As levels of the fatty acid rose, so too did levels of a certain bacteria linked to weight loss.

This work suggests the human gut might also be altered with therapeutics in overweight individuals. One idea is that probiotics might be found to help. Scientists are studying the question.

Now, don’t be fooled. If your cat insists on extra treats in the name of science — she’s probably just pulling your paw.

Socializing feral kittens: it’s all about timing Aug 05, 2025

A position statement from the Feline Veterinary Medical Association has explained why some feral kittens respond to socialization better than others.

Strong cat-human bonds are usually forged when kittens are socialized before a certain age. For companion kittens — that is, kittens already used to some human contact — that’s before nine weeks of age. If these kittens don’t have positive interactions with people before then, they may be afraid of humans for the rest of their lives.

When it comes to feral kittens that aren’t used to any human contact, attempted socialization is not recommended after four months of age because of the likely emotional distress. Instead, the association recommends using a trap-neuter-release process, where kittens are captured, neutered and returned outdoors.

Can we fight infections without antibiotics? Aug 05, 2025

With antibiotic resistance growing all the time, researchers are looking for alternatives to fight infections — in people and animals, too. They just may have found some hope in a molecule made by pigs.

Swine dysentery is a bacterial infection that causes serious clinical signs and death in growing pigs. There’s no preventative vaccine — only antibiotics to treat the disease.

After years of analysis, researchers found that pigs that produce more of an immune defense peptide called pBD-5 were less likely to get sick from the bacteria. After the researchers created pBD-5 in the lab, they showed that the synthetic version also inhibited bacterial growth.

In pigs, at least, this discovery may help to boost immunity to fight infections, without having to rely on antibiotics.

Catching up with cataracts in dogs and cats Aug 05, 2025

A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that, although not inherently painful, can lead to bigger issues.

An early cataract is often just an incidental finding on your pet’s veterinary exam — like a pinpoint lesion that’s not causing a problem. However, cataracts grow to involve more of the lens, causing a progressive loss of vision. Cataracts can cause other problems too, like increased pressure or inflammation in the eye, which can be painful.

The most common causes of canine cataracts are hereditary disease and diabetes. In cats, chronic intraocular inflammation is most often to blame.

Other problems can cause the eye to appear cloudy, and any of them warrant a veterinary visit. Treatment is available, but it’s most effective sooner versus later.

Pet care plans become employee perk Aug 05, 2025

In the world of competitive employee benefits packages, pet care has become a valuable perk.

With 70% of U.S. workers being pet parents, pet care costs can take a significant bite out of wages. Balancing work with pet care can also be stressful and adversely impact employee productivity. Now, an increasing number of companies are taking note and offering pet-related benefits and pet-friendly work policies.

These days, employee benefit packages may include pet insurance or stipends to apply toward pet food, supplies or day care costs. And some companies have created pet-friendly environments so employees can bring their fur babies to work. Flexible work hours and increased remote time can also help employees balance work and pet care responsibilities.

Urban peregrine falcons are thriving Aug 05, 2025

Peregrine [peh·ruh·gruhn] falcons are one of nature’s marvels. Achieving speeds of at least 200 miles per hour in a hunting dive, they’re the world’s fastest birds. They’ve also learned to thrive in cities, making nests high on bridges and buildings.

Decades ago, their numbers were decimated by pesticides, and now they’re in another struggle.

This time, the culprit is avian flu. Peregrines hunt other birds, and along the coasts, those include ducks, geese and other waterfowl — the birds most often infected with avian flu. Ironically, while coastal populations of peregrines are declining, their urban brethren that live on songbirds and pigeons are faring much better.

In fact, New York City, with its 30 nesting pairs, may now have the world’s most concentrated population of peregrine falcons.

With young wildlife, hands-off is best approach Aug 05, 2025

In our well-meaning attempts to help wildlife, we often do more harm than good — like when we try to rescue what we assume are abandoned offspring. Most of these animals aren’t abandoned at all.

Many wild animals leave their young alone for relatively long periods as they search for food. For example, cottontail rabbits and deer may check in with their young only every 12 hours or so. And sometimes, fledgling birds and baby squirrels fall out of their nests when their parents are away.

Wildlife parents rarely abandon healthy offspring. If you think a fledgling or another youngster has been abandoned, monitor it from afar for several hours to see if a parent returns. If an animal has an obvious injury or is still on its own, contact your veterinarian or local Fish and Wildlife office.

Equine vaccinations: the basics Aug 05, 2025

Vaccination is one of the best ways to keep your horse healthy. But which vaccinations are necessary?

Every horse needs what are called core vaccinations to protect against highly contagious and often fatal diseases. These include rabies, tetanus, West Nile virus and equine encephalitis. In contrast, risk-based vaccinations may be recommended based on location, activities and exposure risk. Some examples include vaccination against influenza, rhinopneumonitis or Strep equi [Strĕp EE-kwee].

Be sure to follow a vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Annual rabies vaccinations are the rule, while other core vaccines are generally administered twice a year. The timing of risk-based vaccinations depends in large part on your horse’s exposure risk.

Mycotoxicosis presents lethal dangers to horses Aug 05, 2025

During a single month in the spring of 2025, sixteen horses in Delaware died soon after showing neurologic signs. Testing ruled out infection, and postmortem findings pointed to a toxin. Feed analysis finally revealed the culprit: fumonisin [foo-MON-ah-sin], a fungal toxin.

Fumonisin is produced by mold growing on corn — that is, it’s a type of mycotoxin [my-koh-tock-sin]. Although mycotoxins can harm all kinds of animals, horses are among the most sensitive. Telltale damage involves softening of the brain, which causes a variety of symptoms — like head pressing, blindness and a lack of coordination — and can be fatal.

The only treatment is supportive care, so prevention is crucial. That includes buying feed guaranteed to be mycotoxin-free and storing all feed appropriately.

An innovative way to help horses with asthma Aug 05, 2025

Most horses in the U.S. have some degree of asthma and nearly 15 percent have a severe case. But now, thanks to collaboration between a medical school and a veterinary college, a specially designed equine respirator may help these horses while cutting down on their medications.

Although human respirators cover the mouth and nose, a horse needs its mouth free to graze and drink. After considering many approaches, researchers eventually designed a respirator that covers only a horse’s nose by snuggly fitting on its bridle. A flexible silicone seal keeps it in place, and a foam filter reduces the amount of dust the horse inhales.

Most horses get used to wearing the respirator all the time. That’s important, since they’re constantly exposed to particulate irritants in hay.

Recognizing the threat of H5N1 avian flu Aug 05, 2025

A recent article in a medical journal highlighted the looming threat of the H5N1 avian flu. Virologists from over 40 countries signed on, urging global leaders to increase surveillance, boost biosecurity and prepare for person-to-person transmission.

The paper’s authors cited some sobering facts. Over 995 dairy herds and at least 70 people have been infected with bird flu. Some cases have been severe and at least one person has died.

Among the suggested mitigation strategies are continuous animal and caretaker surveillance, tracking H5N1 evolution that could lead to human-to-human transmission, self-administered diagnostic testing and vaccine development.

The good news is that past pandemics have left us with many tools for preventing viruses’ spread.

How nonprofit helps animals in Indigenous communities Aug 05, 2025

Dogs are an integral part of most Native American communities, but in low-income environments, veterinary needs often run up against financial challenges. That’s when First Nations Vet steps in.

Also known as Friends of the Rez Dogs, this nonprofit group offers free exams, spay and neuter services and wellness care — like vaccinations and flea and tick preventatives — to both dogs and cats. Even microchipping is covered. In addition, First Nations partners with Fences for Fido, which sets up free fences and insulated dog houses.

Grant funding helps First Nations Vet volunteers travel to reservations, where their work prevents about 300 animal births per reservation. This reduces cases of aggression and pet surrenders due to overpopulation, benefiting both pets and people.

Ehrlichiosis: what to know to protect your dog Aug 05, 2025

Ehrlichiosis [air-leek-ee-OH-sis] is a tickborne disease, particularly affecting dogs in Southeastern and Southwestern states.

Rickettsial organisms — a genus of bacteria — spread the disease. The most common carrier is the brown dog tick, but other tick species can also be carriers.

Most dogs are diagnosed in the acute stage of disease, when they may have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, bleeding disorders or neurologic signs. From there, they may clear the infection or progress to a relatively symptom-free stage. The final stage, chronic ehrlichiosis, is associated with a wide range of serious clinical signs.

Prevention of ehrlichiosis is much easier than treatment. That’s why canine tick preventatives are crucial year-round.

Butter isn’t always better Aug 05, 2025

What’s better than butter? Well, probably a longer lifespan.

A major study tracked more than 220,000 Americans over 33 years to learn about how butter and plant-based oils impact mortality. When it came down to the age-old question of buttering or not, the results were clear.

Those who opted to consume butter saw a 15% higher chance of early death versus those who opted for plant-based oils like olive, soybean or canola oil. In fact, the oil-inclined participants even saw a 16% reduction in mortality risk.

That being said, there is some good news for butter-based bakers out there. The study did not find any correlation between using butter in baked goods and an increase in risk of mortality.

For those who like to spread a bit of butter on their bread, swapping out two teaspoons of butter for certain plant oils can reduce the risk of mortality by 17%. Olive, soybean and canola oils were linked to lower mortality risk. Corn and safflower oils did not demonstrate notable benefits.

Researchers also noted that butter intake was associated specifically with higher risk of cancer and heart disease. This could be due to saturated fats in butter increasing harmful cholesterol and promoting inflammation.

The study highlights how dietary substitutions can be important and reminds us that it’s not always about eating less of something — but considering what we might replace it with instead.

The researchers said that even cutting back on butter and adding more plant-based oils to daily diets can deliver real health benefits in the long run.

So remember: When it comes to choosing between butter and plant-based oils for your dinner rolls, it’s OK to spread the love.

Scientists discover ‘youth molecule’ Aug 04, 2025

As the story goes, Ponce de León never found the fabled Fountain of Youth. The Spanish explorer, however, didn’t have a molecular biologist on his team.

He could have used one.

That’s because a modern team of them recently found that a protein released by our muscles can reverse some age-related declines in muscle and bone. As you might expect, the protein surges during exercise.

The protein is composed of the cardiotrophin-like cytokine [Pronounced CAR-dee-oh-troh-fin-like SIGH-toh-kine] factor 1 molecule, or CLCF1. And scientists say it can help even an active 80-year-old outperform a sedentary person half their age.

The hope is that the “youth molecule” might eventually lead to treatments for age-related muscle loss and osteoporosis.

Our CLCF1 levels fall as we age. But even then, exercise can temporarily revive production to more youthful heights.

A team of South Korean scientists recently published a study in which they gave elderly mice the protein. A 20-month-old mouse, by the way, is the equivalent of an 80-year-old human. The mice were then able to regain the bone density and muscle strength of much younger members of their species.

Researchers also learned that, by blocking the protein, exercise lost its anti-aging benefits.

While this is a mouse study, researchers are confident the effects of the protein apply to humans as well. For example, just as in mice, the protein levels decline with age.

That might explain why bones and muscles become weaker as we get older. Supplementing the body’s store of this protein, however, helps counter that natural depletion over time.

Perhaps the Fountain of Youth does exist. It’s in your local gym.

Comparing and Understanding Labels: Pet Food Versus Human Food Aug 01, 2025

Pet food labeling is regulated at the federal and state levels to ensure product safety, but there are key differences in how human food and pet food are labeled, contributing to consumer confusion about what they’re really feeding their animals. On this archive episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Richard Hill, a veterinary internal medicine and nutrition specialist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, explains key differences in pet and human food labeling, how to understand what to look for, and what’s most important to keep in mind when choosing a pet food to ensure your dog or cat is receiving optimal nutrition to meet dietary needs.

AI falls behind human brain in key area Aug 01, 2025

Ever looked at a photo of a river and instinctively known you would be able to swim in it? Or seen a trail on your drive to work and thought, “I could walk there”? It’s a neat trick our brains do without us consciously asking them to — and one that AI struggles to emulate.

A new study from researchers in Amsterdam shows that our brains automatically recognize “affordances,” a term used to describe opportunities for action, when we look at scenes in the world around us. Common ways this manifests might include the knowledge of climbing stairs or cycling down a path, or even being aware when you should not move forward.

Using MRI scans, researchers tracked brain activity while participants viewed photos of various settings, like mountain trails and city streets. Then, they pressed buttons to indicate how they thought they could move through each scene. Even without explicit instruction to think about moving, participants’ brains still lit up in ways that suggested they were evaluating different possibilities of action.

Specifically, parts of the visual cortex activated based not only on what the participant saw, but what they could envision doing. So, while you’re looking at that forest trail, your brain is already considering your next step — literally.

The kicker? Researchers also tested how well AI models performed at the same test. The result? Not great. While AI could label objects, it struggled to “see” what humans see: action, movement, potential.

Why does this matter? Well, as we build AI for real-world tasks, like disaster-response robots or self-driving cars, understanding how we move through space has the potential to make systems more efficient … and more like how a human would behave.

It’s July, time to review UV safety Jul 31, 2025

July is the peak of the heat. The month brings the scorching “dog days” of summer, a season of perspiration.

When most of the northern hemisphere isn’t taking refuge in air-conditioned places, it’s a time many of us spend outdoors, at barbecues, pool parties or trips to the beach.

Hence this reminder that July is also UV Safety Month.

Ultraviolet rays cause most skin cancers. Groups like the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society offer plenty of tips for protecting yourself from the sun’s penetrating rays.

First, the basics: Find the shade and stay in it when you can. Wear clothing that protects you from the sun and liberally apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. And reapply as the manufacturer’s instructions suggest.

There’s more to it than that, of course.

Know that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you’re in or on the water, sand or snow, the sun’s rays will be reflected and more intense. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and wear UV-blocking clothing. Rule of thumb: If you can see through a garment, it’s too sheer to protect you. For those with the fairest complexions who are most vulnerable to the sun, some companies make clothing that’s both comfortable and protective.

Even on a cloudy day, UV rays still cause problems. Watch for forecasts that include a UV index. In general, the higher the number, the more caution you need to take.

So, get your sun-protection game in order this month and get through summer safely. And don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears. They burn, too.

Watch out for sleep-deprived teen drivers Jul 30, 2025

The next time you curse out the driver who cut you off or mutter expletives at the speed demon next to you, consider the fact that the driver might be a sleepy teen.

A National Sleep Foundation study found that the large number of teens who drive while tired poses a serious health concern.

The study surveyed U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 to assess the prevalence, frequency and perceived risk of drowsy driving. They were asked if they had driven while so tired they struggled to keep their eyes open and how often. They were also asked about their beliefs on drowsy driving and what prevented them from getting the necessary sleep to stay alert.

The study found that 1 in 6 teen drivers reported having driven while drowsy and estimated that over 400,000 teens drive drowsy at least once a week. Those with paying jobs were twice as likely to admit to drowsy driving compared with teens who didn’t work.

The study also found that 95% of teens agree that drowsy driving is risky, but they ranked it as having the lowest risk of death or serious injury behind drunken, drugged and distracted driving. In reality, drowsy driving accounts for a large portion of crashes. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 21% of fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver.

Study participants blamed work and school schedules for their lack of sleep. Researchers found that these time demands mean about 1.7 million teens have driven droopy-eyed and are at greater risk for drowsy driving-related consequences.

Vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death among U.S. teens, but accidents caused by drowsy driving are preventable.

Before your teen hits the road, make sure they hit the hay.

A Mediterranean berry shows promise for calming gut inflammation Jul 29, 2025

Ulcerative colitis is one of those chronic conditions that doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can deeply disrupt daily life, with symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and weight loss.

Now, scientists may have found a surprising potential ally in the fight: the strawberry tree, a traditional Mediterranean plant more commonly known for its fruit than its medicinal power.

In a recent study, researchers gave lab rats an extract made from strawberry tree fruit (likely not the strawberries you’re used to picturing) and found that it significantly protected against a form of colitis, that, for the purposes of the study, mimicked the sort found in people. The extract didn’t just reduce visible damage to the colon; it also lowered inflammation and preserved antioxidant enzyme levels. In short, the rats were in better shape after treatment, especially at higher doses.

Initially, researchers put rats into groups, with some receiving different doses of the plant extract and others getting a common anti-inflammatory drug. A third group just water. Those treated with the highest dose of extract saw nearly the same protection as the drug-treated group — 80% versus 75%.

And it wasn’t just about markers of inflammation. The extract also helped maintain the colon’s antioxidant defenses and reduced signs of oxidative stress.

But before you rush to brew strawberry tree tea, it’s worth noting that researchers intend to study this extract in people, too. More research is needed before we can say if this fruit has a future on the pharmacy shelf. For now, it’s a promising start — with a lot left to learn.

Stepping up to a longer life Jul 28, 2025

Walking up a flight of stairs won’t just get you to the second floor. It might also help get you to your golden years.

The elevator apparently doesn’t stop on that floor.

It’s not surprising that such exercise is healthy. Carrying the groceries up to a third-floor apartment might not sound like a workout at the gym. But taking the stairs works the leg muscles intensively and gets the heart beating faster. And walking up a staircase can be a more convenient way to fit some physical activity into a busy day.

British scientists recently decided to see just how much of a health benefit stair-steppers enjoy. The degree of the boost to the heart in particular raised investigators’ eyebrows.

They analyzed health data from 480,000 adults from their mid-30s into their 80s. The study found that those who habitually climbed stairs were almost 40% less likely to die of heart disease compared with folks who didn’t regularly do so. The risk of dying from any cause was also reduced by 24%.

This was an observational study. So, scientists warn about drawing any conclusions of cause and effect.

One of the study’s authors says the type of movement required to walk up stairs takes nearly 10 times more energy than sitting. Overcoming gravity, they say, is no easy feat. Ask any Saturn Five rocket.

Other exercises like swimming, rowing and bicycling, done vigorously, can probably achieve the same result, the study says. As always, check with a doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen, especially if you face health challenges.

So, don’t pass a stairway by. Save the elevator for the Empire State Building’s observation deck.

Paw-sitive Preparedness: Tips for Animal Disaster Preparedness from UF VETS Jul 25, 2025

With hurricane season in full swing, Dr. Larry Garcia, Clinical Associate Professor and Medical Director of UF’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS), is roaring the readiness alert on disaster preparedness and the importance of planning for the safety of pets before disaster strikes. Every tail, paw, hoof and claw deserves a disaster plan that includes evacuation plans, pet-friendly shelters, an emergency evacuation kit and more. Under Garcia, the UF VETS team is composed of experienced professionals who provide disaster response and animal technical rescue in the face of emergencies like hurricanes, disease outbreaks and more. When a state of emergency knocks, UF VETS doesn’t just answer – they show up for our agricultural and animal companions with the boots, brains, skills and strategic expertise to deliver critical logistical support and mutual aid.

Nutrition could make or break sleep quality Jul 25, 2025

Are you feeling sleepy today? Already on your second cup of coffee and still fighting a yawn? You may be inclined to think it stems from tossing and turning on your pillow for hours, but others are beginning to believe that a good night’s sleep begins first thing in the morning … during breakfast.

Foods with the right nutrients can help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to start your day.

As with many other health-related problems, the solution is eating your fruits and vegetables. That’s right — research indicates a balanced, whole-food diet is the most conducive for deep, restful sleep. That means fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber and protein. And the lower in saturated fat, the better.

Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds and beans, which are all good sources of the amino acid tryptophan (trip-toe-fan), benefit you as well. You’ve likely heard of melatonin, key player in falling asleep, you’ll be interested to know that its production relies on tryptophan.

And there’s no shortcuts here: As a supplement, melatonin doesn’t necessarily provide the right dosage to optimize your sleep. Like most naturally occurring vitamins, nutrients work best when paired together, and supplements often supply the nutrients by themselves.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. You don’t need a massive overhaul of your life to sleep better. Small changes geared toward a healthier life are often additive. Adjusting one meal here and another snack there can make a great difference … one night of sleep at a time.

Sitting at work is healthier than sitting at home Jul 24, 2025

You might want to sit down for this. It turns out, while too much sitting can be bad for your health, not all kinds of sitting are equal.

How’s that? We’ve all been told that sitting too long raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. But research suggests that leisure-time sitting has a greater risk of heart disease than sitting at work.

For more than eight years, Columbia University researchers followed nearly 4,000 people who reported how much time they spent sitting at home and how much they sat at work. They also reported how much time they spent exercising each week.

Those who watched TV for four or more hours a day had a 50% greater risk of heart problems and death compared with those who spent less than two hours a day in front of the TV. But those who sat the most at work had the same health risks as those who sat the least.

The difference appears to be what you do when you’re not sitting. Even moderate exercise like walking cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those who spent the most time sitting around at home. And those who exercised the recommended 150 minutes or more each week had no greater health risks even if they were glued to the tube for four or more hours a day.

The researchers said it could be that people who watch TV for hours rarely get up, while those at work move around more. Any kind of exercise, even walking around at work, is beneficial.

As for those workers who can’t get up and stretch, like truck drivers, the key may be to offset those down hours with as much physical activity as possible. What you do outside of work may be what really counts.

Morning showers are better. And here’s why. Jul 23, 2025

It takes a microbiologist to answer this one. For good hygiene and health, what is better, showering in the morning or the evening?

Think there isn’t a difference? Not according to science.

Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist from Great Britain, notes in a recent online essay published on the website, The Conversation, that mornings are best for keeping squeaky clean. You can try to “wash the day away” right before bed as a coping mechanism for a stressful day.

But Freestone says you’ll wake up a little less clean.

First off, a shower is never a bad thing. Take one at 7 a.m. or midnight or any other hour. Whatever the time, you’ll wash dirt and oil from your skin. And that will help prevent skin rashes and infections, reduce sweat and keep body odor at bay.

Freestone notes that odor isn’t actually caused by sweat. She says sweat is actually odorless. The real culprit is the bacteria on our skin.

Showering at bedtime won’t do anything for any sweating during sleep. Whether it’s hot or cold, humans do this. We can’t help it. So, even if you’re freshly showered, skin microbes are going to digest that sweat and cause body odor.

You also leave microbes on the bedsheets. Unless you are changing the sheets each night, that compounds the problem, especially as it accumulates over several nights.

A morning shower, by contrast, washes away the sweat and bacteria you’ve slept with.

Is it the end of the world if you keep to a nocturnal wash? No, of course not. But Freestone suggests regularly changing the bed linen regardless of your routine.

Either that, or take two showers a day.

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.

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