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Walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial, but when you move may also affect your health. Experts say taking all your steps in one session may not fully offset the effects of sitting for long periods. Short walks after meals, especially lunch and dinner, can help muscles use glucose more efficiently and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Regular movement breaks throughout the day may therefore support metabolic health more effectively than concentrating all activity into one walk. Morning walks remain valuable for fitness and well-being, but for people with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, spreading activity across the day and walking after meals may provide additional benefits.

Scientists have found that the longevity-linked APOE2 gene may help protect brain cells from the effects of ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. The gene appears to reduce DNA damage and help neurons recover from cellular stress, potentially strengthening the brain’s natural defence mechanisms. Researchers believe these findings could lead to new treatments designed to mimic the protective effects of APOE2 in people who have a higher genetic risk of Alzheimer’s. Although more research is needed, the discovery offers a promising new direction for understanding how certain genetic variants may support brain health and protect against age-related neurological decline.

Sleeping with pets is generally safe for most healthy adults and may provide comfort and reduce stress, but it can also worsen allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Pet dander, saliva, dust, pollen and other allergens can accumulate on bedding and trigger sneezing, coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties. Pets may also disturb sleep or carry dirt, parasites and bacteria into the bed. People with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions and consult a doctor. Experts recommend regular grooming, vaccinations, parasite prevention and veterinary check-ups. If your pet is healthy and does not disrupt your sleep, sharing a bed is unlikely to cause problems for most people.

Researchers have identified a sulfur-based compound called LASSS that may help aging muscles repair themselves more effectively. The compound appears to protect and enhance the activity of hepatocyte growth factor, or HGF, a key protein involved in muscle regeneration and repair. By creating what researchers describe as a potential “Super HGF,” LASSS could offer a new approach to slowing age-related muscle loss and preserving strength. Although the discovery is still at the research stage, it could eventually contribute to treatments designed to improve muscle recovery and maintain physical function as people age.

Scientists have discovered a unique CRISPR enzyme called Cas12a2 that can be programmed to recognise specific RNA molecules produced by cancer cells. Once activated, the enzyme indiscriminately shreds the cell’s DNA, causing the cancer cell to stop growing and self-destruct. Researchers are exploring this approach as a potential way to target cancers driven by difficult-to-treat mutations in genes such as TP53 and KRAS, which are involved in many cancers. The technology could act like a programmable molecular kill switch, selectively destroying cells carrying specific cancer-related signals. Although the approach is still in early research and development, it could eventually offer a new strategy for treating cancers considered “undruggable.”

Quitting tea for 30 days can cause noticeable changes as the body adjusts to lower caffeine intake. During the first few days, some people may experience headaches, low mood, tiredness and difficulty concentrating, but these symptoms usually improve within a week. Over time, reducing caffeine, especially later in the day, may improve sleep quality. Stopping tea can also help the body absorb more iron from plant-based foods, while reducing tannin-related teeth staining. Replacing tea with water may slightly improve hydration. However, experts say quitting tea does not “detox” the body, as the liver and kidneys already remove waste naturally. The effects vary from person to person.

Prolonged fasting causes the body to undergo time-dependent metabolic changes that can bring both potential effects and serious risks. After around three days, glycogen stores are largely depleted and the body increasingly turns to fat and ketones for energy, often causing headaches, dizziness and poor concentration. By five days, ketosis becomes more pronounced, but water, muscle and electrolyte losses can occur. After seven days, muscle breakdown and reduced endurance may become more significant. Fasting for 10 days or longer increases the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, heart rhythm problems and dangerous refeeding complications. Experts stress that prolonged fasting should only be undertaken under medical supervision.

A large UK study involving nearly 155,000 adults with clinical obesity found that people following a pescatarian diet had better survival than regular meat-eaters, while a similar benefit was not seen among vegetarians and vegans. Researchers suggest fish may provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids while reducing intake of red and processed meat. However, experts caution that the findings do not mean vegetarians should start eating fish. For Indians, a well-planned vegetarian diet can provide adequate protein through pulses, soy, dairy and nuts. Ultimately, overall diet quality, physical activity and weight management matter more than simply choosing a dietary label.

Organ donation can save multiple lives, yet widespread myths continue to discourage people from considering it. A transplant specialist explains that organs cannot be retrieved without the family’s consent, even if a person had pledged to donate. Coma is not the same as brain stem death, and donation is considered only after brain stem death is officially certified under strict medical protocols. Organ retrieval does not prevent traditional funeral rites or disfigure the body. Donors also do not need to be young or perfectly healthy, as organ suitability is assessed individually. Finally, organ allocation follows regulated criteria such as urgency, compatibility and waiting time to ensure fairness.

Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilli peppers their heat, may offer several potential health benefits, including modest improvements in metabolism, appetite control, inflammation and cardiovascular health. Studies have also linked regular spicy food consumption with lower overall mortality, although experts stress that these findings do not prove chilli alone increases lifespan. Moderate chilli consumption is generally safe for healthy adults, but people with conditions such as GERD, active gastritis, ulcers or certain bowel disorders may need to limit spicy foods. Experts recommend viewing chilli and other spices as part of a balanced diet rich in vegetables, pulses, whole foods and adequate protein.