News Feed

Struggling to sleep when you stay somewhere new is surprisingly common. Scientists call it the “first-night effect,” a phenomenon in which people may take longer to fall asleep, wake more frequently and sleep less deeply during their first night in an unfamiliar environment. Researchers believe this could be an evolutionary response that keeps part of the brain more alert while assessing whether a new surroundings are safe. Studies suggest people may sleep around 20–30 minutes less on average, with the effect often becoming stronger with age or anxiety. Travel, unfamiliar sounds and changes in routine can also contribute. Experts recommend maintaining a familiar bedtime routine, reducing screen use and bringing comforting items such as a favourite pillow or blanket.

Scientists at MIT have found that blocking an inflammatory enzyme called caspase-1 may help prevent lung cancer from developing. In experiments involving mice at high risk of lung tumors, researchers found that caspase-1 was highly active in developing tumors. Treating the mice with a small-molecule drug that inhibits the enzyme significantly reduced the number and size of tumors. Combining the caspase-1 inhibitor with an antibody targeting the inflammatory molecule IL-1 beta prevented some mice from developing tumors altogether. The potential treatment is especially promising because caspase-1 inhibitors have already been tested in humans for other diseases. Researchers now hope to investigate whether these drugs could eventually be repurposed as preventive treatments for people at high risk of lung cancer.

A new study has revealed how glioma cells exploit normal communication between nerve cells and brain support cells to grow and spread. Researchers found that the protein neuroligin-3, released by active neurons, binds to a receptor called CSPG4 on glioma cells and healthy oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This interaction activates a mechanical signaling pathway involving PIEZO1 and ADAM10, encouraging cancer cells to multiply and invade surrounding brain tissue. When researchers removed CSPG4 or PIEZO1 from glioma cells, tumor growth was dramatically reduced in mice. The findings identify the NLGN3–CSPG4–PIEZO1 pathway as a potential target for future therapies, although scientists must determine whether it can be blocked without disrupting normal brain development and repair.

For fat loss, both outdoor walking and treadmill walking can be effective, and experts say consistency matters more than where you walk. Outdoor walking may burn slightly more calories because of wind resistance, uneven surfaces and changing terrain, while a treadmill allows precise control over speed, incline and workout duration. However, intensity is more important than location. Brisk walking, incline walking and longer sessions can increase calorie expenditure compared with a slow pace. Experts recommend combining regular walking with a balanced diet, adequate sleep and strength training for sustainable weight management. For many adults, brisk walking for 30–45 minutes on most days can be a practical starting point, making the best choice the one you can consistently maintain.

Having cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure does not automatically prevent someone from becoming an organ donor. Doctors say eligibility is assessed individually based on the person’s medical history, organ function and potential risks to the recipient. Cancer cases require careful evaluation because some cancers may carry a risk of transmission, while factors such as cancer type, treatment and disease-free period are considered. People with diabetes may still be eligible for deceased donation, although individual organs are assessed for damage. Those with well-controlled hypertension may also be considered if vital organs remain healthy. Living donation generally has stricter requirements because donor safety is the priority. Ultimately, transplant specialists make the final decision after detailed medical screening.

A surprising stress-related signal may play a role in helping the brain recover after injury. Researchers found that precursor cells responsible for producing myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers, rapidly release a stress hormone called CRH near damaged brain tissue. This signal appears to help regulate how these cells mature and support the rebuilding of myelin. Scientists also found that the same system influences brain development and myelin thickness later in life. The findings could provide new insights into how the brain responds to injury and how stress-related biological signals shape brain health. They may also help researchers better understand how exposure to stress early in life could contribute to certain psychiatric disorders.

Our bodies run on circadian rhythms that influence DNA repair, cell division, metabolism and immune activity, and researchers are exploring whether cancer treatment can be timed to these biological cycles. This approach, known as chronotherapy, aims to deliver treatments when cancer cells may be more vulnerable while healthy tissues are better able to tolerate them. Studies of chemotherapy have reported reduced treatment-related toxicity in some patients, although improvements in survival and treatment effectiveness have been inconsistent. The ideal treatment time may also depend on the cancer type, medication, sex and an individual’s biological clock. Researchers are now investigating biomarkers, wearable devices and AI to help personalize treatment timing, but chronotherapy remains an emerging area of cancer research.

A review of 38 experiments suggests that feeling threatened about masculinity may influence some men to adopt riskier health behaviors. Researchers found the clearest evidence around food choices: men experiencing masculinity threat were more likely to prefer meat, reject vegetarian foods and feel stronger emotional attachment to meat. Some studies also linked masculinity threat with increased alcohol or energy-drink consumption, physiological stress, anger and reduced empathy. Risk-taking behaviors showed more limited evidence, with some experiments reporting greater willingness to take health risks. However, responses varied widely between individuals, and most studies were conducted in Western populations. Researchers say more real-world research is needed to understand how masculinity pressures influence men’s long-term health.

Your 30s can bring career growth, financial pressure, relationships, children, ageing parents and a growing list of responsibilities, often leaving little time for genuine recovery. Experts say burnout may develop not from one major crisis but from the constant accumulation of demands and the pressure to remain productive. Psychotherapist Dr Chandni Tugnait describes this period as a “collision of responsibilities,” while health expert Dr Mickey Mehta says many people carry the effects of hustle culture into their 30s. Constant stress and limited recovery can affect sleep, mood, concentration and overall wellbeing. Experts recommend prioritising rest, sleep, movement and boundaries, while asking a more important question: “What is worth my energy?”

Eating stale or spoiled meat is primarily a food-safety risk, not a direct cancer risk, doctors say. Poorly stored meat can allow harmful bacteria and toxins to develop, potentially causing food poisoning and intestinal illness. However, cancer concerns are more strongly linked to regular consumption of processed meat, such as sausages and bacon. The IARC classifies processed meat as carcinogenic and red meat as probably carcinogenic, particularly with long-term consumption. High-temperature cooking, grilling and charring can also produce compounds such as HCAs and PAHs, although their cancer risk in humans remains uncertain. Experts advise discarding meat with an unusual smell, colour or texture rather than trying to rescue it through cooking.