Researchers from Emory University examined whether vitamin D supplement intake was associated with cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and disrupted sleep. The findings were published in the journal Sleep Medicine.

The study focused on 54 adults with diagnosed or suspected MCI who also reported sleep problems. MCI is a condition involving changes in memory and other thinking abilities that are greater than expected with normal aging but do not necessarily interfere significantly with daily activities.

Participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a screening tool commonly used to evaluate cognitive abilities. They also reported whether they took vitamin D supplements and, if so, the type and daily amount.

What the researchers found about vitamin D and cognition

Participants who reported taking 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D per day had higher MoCA scores than those who did not take vitamin D supplements. The association remained after researchers adjusted for factors including age, sex, body mass index, vitamin D type and education.

The researchers also found that the results did not significantly differ between people taking vitamin D2 and those taking vitamin D3. Lower doses of vitamin D were not significantly associated with differences in overall MoCA scores.

The study’s authors described the findings as an indication that higher daily vitamin D intake may be associated with better cognition in people experiencing both sleep disturbances and mild cognitive impairment. They said this population may represent an important stage for studying factors that could potentially be modified as cognitive changes emerge.

Sleep problems are particularly relevant in this population. The researchers noted that sleep disturbances affect a substantial proportion of people with MCI and that sleep problems and cognitive decline may be interconnected.

Scientific research suggests that the answer depends largely on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the microorganism being targeted and how long the surface remains in contact with the solution.

A study published in the Journal of Food Protection tested several household products against three foodborne pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Researchers tested hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 1.5% and 3%, along with vinegar, baking soda, bleach and other household compounds.

What science says about hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant

The study found that 3% hydrogen peroxide produced a greater than 5-log reduction in both Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157 after one minute at 25°C. A 5-log reduction corresponds to a reduction of 99.999% in the number of microorganisms under the conditions of the test.

However, the results were not identical for all three pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes was more resistant to the tested household compounds, and greater reductions were observed when the hydrogen peroxide treatment lasted 10 minutes at an initial temperature of 55°C.

The researchers compared the effectiveness of the products and found that, among the substances tested, household bleach was more effective than 3% hydrogen peroxide, followed by undiluted vinegar and other acidic compounds. Baking soda showed the lowest effectiveness against the pathogens tested.

The findings therefore suggest that hydrogen peroxide can have meaningful antimicrobial activity, but its effectiveness cannot be generalized to every type of bacteria or every household cleaning situation.

The CDC also recognizes hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists hydrogen peroxide among chemical disinfectants with documented germicidal activity. According to the agency, hydrogen peroxide has bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal and fungicidal properties and is active against a wide range of microorganisms.

The CDC explains that hydrogen peroxide works by producing destructive hydroxyl free radicals that can damage cell membranes, DNA and other essential components of microorganisms. The agency also notes that commercially available 3% hydrogen peroxide is a stable and effective disinfectant when used on inanimate surfaces.

The concentration and contact time are important. CDC-reviewed research found that a 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide formulation demonstrated bactericidal and virucidal activity within one minute and mycobactericidal and fungicidal activity within five minutes. Other studies cited by the agency found different exposure times depending on the concentration and microorganism involved.

This means that simply applying hydrogen peroxide to a surface and immediately wiping it away may not produce the same disinfecting effect observed in laboratory tests. The product’s concentration and the required contact time matter.

Unlike Earth, however, a year on Mars lasts almost twice as long. The planet needs 687 Earth days to complete one orbit around the Sun, meaning a Martian year lasts about 1.88 Earth years.

Why does Mars have its own calendar?

The Martian calendar is based on the planet’s movement around the Sun and its seasons. The beginning of a new Martian year coincides with the northern spring equinox, when spring begins in Mars’ northern hemisphere, and autumn begins in its southern hemisphere.

The current system for numbering Martian years dates back to 1955. That year was designated as the beginning of the first Martian year after a major global dust storm observed on the planet in 1956.

Mars also has four seasons, like Earth, but they do not all last the same amount of time. Because Mars follows a more elliptical orbit around the Sun, its seasons vary in length.

How long is a day on Mars?

A Martian day, known as a sol, is surprisingly similar to an Earth day. It lasts approximately 24 hours and 39 minutes, just over half an hour longer than a day on Earth.

The difference becomes much larger when measuring a full year. While Earth completes its orbit in about 365 days, Mars needs 687 Earth days. For someone living on Mars, birthdays and other annual events would therefore occur much less frequently than they do on Earth.

The next Martian New Year will not arrive until August 17, 2028, according to ESA’s calendar.

When choosing a tray in supermarkets, there are key differences that should be known to make an informed purchase, as well as recommendations on how to handle this type of meat.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that, although any food can contain pathogenic bacteria, grinding the meat allows them to be distributed throughout the product, which increases the risk of illness if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Buying ground meat: what you need to know before choosing a tray

The first point to consider is that meat labeled as “Hamburger” and that presented as “Ground Beef” are not the same: USDA explains that in the first case fat from the cow may be added to the product -although a maximum of 30% is allowed- while in ground beef trays this practice is prohibited.

“Both ground meat and ground meat may contain seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders are added,” it says.

In addition, to ensure that the product being purchased was inspected by the USDA, you must verify that the package shows the establishment number, presented as “EST” followed by the corresponding numerical combination.

Buying recommendations

In addition to the above considerations, it is recommended:

• Choose a tray that feels cold and is not broken
• Place the package in a plastic bag to avoid any incident with leaks
• Look for the product as one of the last steps of shopping
• In the cart, keep the tray separate from already cooked products
• Place it in a separate bag when transporting it

What are the risks of ground meat

The agency specifies that bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are present in foods of animal origin.

Grinding makes it easier for them to spread throughout the meat. In addition, the University of Connecticut explains that certain cuts are tenderized, a process in which needles are used that can transfer bacteria from the surface to the inside of the meat.

How to store ground meat properly

The general advice based on FSIS recommendations is to refrigerate or freeze the meat as soon as possible after purchase, since this can help not only preserve the product but also slow bacterial growth.

If it is placed directly in the refrigerator to be consumed, the recommended temperature is 4.4 °C -or less- and use it within no more than 48 hours.

If frozen, the advice is to consume it within no more than 4 months, although it is clarified that ground meat can be safe for consumption indefinitely if kept in the freezer.

How to thaw ground meat and at what temperature to cook it to avoid illness

The agency explains that keeping ground meat cold while it thaws is an essential point to prevent bacterial growth and, for this reason, the safest way to do it is to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator. If it is thawed in the microwave, it must be consumed immediately afterward.

Once all the recommendations detailed above have been followed, the most important point for destroying any pathogen is the cooking temperature, which must be at least 71 °C.

When does a tray of ground meat stop being fit for consumption?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States shared a clear rule to identify this moment, whether with ground meat or any other perishable food: if it remained at room temperature for 2 hours or more, it is no longer safe to consume.

In that context, although there are various risk factors that can favor this condition, there are also key lifestyle points that should be given special attention both to combat and to prevent this problem.

High blood pressure: when it occurs and what consequences it has

High blood pressure occurs when the force with which blood travels through the blood vessels is above healthy parameters.

Official data indicate that this condition is a risk factor for heart disease, which is currently the second leading cause of death among Hispanic women in the United States.

In addition, when it is not controlled, it can cause:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Eye problems
• Kidney failure
• Other severe health problems

The American Heart Association also notes that there is increasingly strong evidence that hypertension is linked to greater cognitive risk and dementia.

How to measure blood pressure correctly

The official recommendation is to always follow these steps when measuring these values at home:

1) Sit in a chair with a backrest

2) Keep both feet flat on the floor

3) Extend the arm on which the measurement will be taken and rest it at heart level

4) Stay still

What habits do experts recommend to keep blood pressure under control

If needed, in addition to taking the corresponding medication, health specialists indicate:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most weekdays
• Eat a healthy diet
• Reduce salt intake
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a good sleep schedule

“Many people can prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure by making lifestyle changes designed to lower it,” emphasizes MedlinePlus.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the United States explains that more than 150 million Americans have a refractive error and many of them do not know it.

Now, a new technique that was discovered completely by mistake could eventually replace this laser surgery, and the details were presented at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society.

What LASIK surgery is and what it consists of

The NEI explains that LASIK surgery is the most common type for correcting refractive errors.

During the procedure, a laser is used to shape the cornea and make vision clearer. It is usually used for adults with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, not for presbyopia.

“For LASIK to work properly, your vision must remain stable (that is, the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses stays the same over time),” it is explained. This is why many young people must “wait” to have surgery.

The new method that experts discovered by accident and could help correct vision

The technique is called electromechanical reshaping (EMR) and was presented as a gentler approach to shaping the cornea compared with LASIK surgery, whose procedure reduces corneal strength and carries the risks of a surgical procedure.

This new method was discovered accidentally by Brian Wong, a surgeon-engineer at the University of California, Irvine, who, while working on techniques to shape cartilage tissue, noticed that cartilage could change shape when electricity was applied to it.

The scientist teamed up with Michael Hill, a chemist at Occidental College, and they delved deeper into the effects this technique could have on different tissues.

What the new technique scientists are working on is like

The process, in simplified form, can be explained as follows

1. Small electrical pulses are applied to the cornea, generating a chemical reaction
2. The electricity temporarily alters its pH
3. This change affects collagen and makes the cornea much more moldable, temporarily
4. At that point, a mold, similar to a contact lens, is placed with the curvature that is desired
5. To finish, the pulses are stopped and the cornea’s pH returns to normal, so the tissue adopts the new shape

On January 12, 2023, the scientists published a paper in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering in which rabbit eyes were used to show that the cornea could be shaped without loss of optical transparency.

Hill says this was published to ask whether the method was really possible and, after more than two years of work, he says that the parameters were reviewed and that the technique can be carried out.

Wong, for his part, says this method may be cheaper than surgery because it does not depend on laser machinery. However, experts say there is still a long way to go before their finding can be implemented to correct the vision of human beings.

The affected product: when and where it was sold and how it was detected

The product is Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning, with UPC 794711005484. It is sold in 90-gram transparent plastic containers, packed in cases of six. The key identifier is the lot code GAP11304, printed on the side of the container, below the ingredient line.

According to the company, the product was distributed to retail stores, grocery stores, delis and supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Illinois. Distribution ran from November 18, 2025 to September 7, 2026.

The alert did not come from consumer complaints. The recall resulted from a sample collected and analyzed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), which found elevated levels of lead. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The company’s response

Galil Importing Corp immediately launched a voluntary recall. The company is notifying its customers to stop distributing and selling the product and to place remaining inventory on hold.

It has also opened a supplier investigation and put in place enhanced testing and supplier verification measures to prevent a recurrence.

Why lead is a concern

The announcement warns that short-term exposure to very low levels may cause no symptoms, and that elevated blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign. Signs and symptoms are more likely with acute exposure to high levels or with chronic exposure. The effects depend on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as age and body weight.

The greatest risk is to children. If a child is exposed over a prolonged period, from weeks to months, permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur, leading to learning disorders, developmental defects and other long-term health problems.

What consumers should do

The guidance is clear: do not consume the product. Anyone who has it at home should discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Questions can be directed to Galil Importing Corp at 1-516-496-7400, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time).

A team of physicists, led by Philip Walther of the University of Vienna, created a quantum photonic processor that uses individual particles of light to perform complex operations through compact optical hardware.

What is quantum computing and what is its goal?

Quantum computing is an area of computer science that uses principles of quantum mechanics to process information and solve certain problems that are too complex for traditional computers.

Its main goal is to address certain complex calculations in a much more efficient way than classical computing, particularly those related to:

• The simulation of physical systems.
• The analysis of large spaces of possibilities.
• The identification of patterns.

Among its possible applications are chemistry and drug development, materials science, biology, and finance.

A quantum computer in space: How does it work and what was it used for?

According to the published research, the milestone consists of having successfully operated a programmable photonic quantum processor in space for the first time, installed aboard a nanosatellite in low Earth orbit.

The device was launched on June 23, 2025, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and was tested during its first months in orbit. It differs from other quantum machines by using photons to process information.

The experiment managed to generate, manipulate, and detect quantum light directly in orbit and observed a phenomenon known as two-photon interference, which showed that quantum states can be used as a processing resource even under the extreme conditions of space.

A breakthrough for quantum computing: Why is this advance important and what problem could it solve?

One of the current problems with satellites is the amount of information they generate. Normally, raw data must be sent to ground stations to be analyzed, but transmission capacity is limited and can create bottlenecks due to available bandwidth.

The possibility of incorporating quantum processing inside satellites aims to change this logic. Instead of transmitting all the information, the device could analyze it beforehand, select the relevant data, or perform certain calculations before sending them to Earth.

The challenges posed by quantum computing: What do the experts say?

The experiment also highlighted the obstacles this technology faces. Quantum systems are very sensitive to the external conditions to which they are exposed, and space is a particularly hostile environment.

According to the study, after launch three of the six photon detectors that had originally been installed stopped working. Despite this setback, the planned tests were completed.

To these technical challenges is added the global cybersecurity problem. Quantum computers that reach a sufficient level of development could compromise some algorithms that currently protect web pages, banking operations, passwords, and digital communications.

For this reason, post-quantum cryptography is being developed, which seeks to design algorithms capable of resisting possible attacks carried out using quantum computers.

The company initiated the voluntary recall on September 3, 2026, after the tablets failed to meet dissolution specifications. The FDA classified the recall on September 17, meaning patients should check their medication to determine whether their prescription is part of the affected lot.

Which blood pressure medication was recalled?

The recall involves Chlorthalidone Tablets, USP, 25 mg, sold in bottles containing 100 tablets. The medication is manufactured by Inventia Healthcare Limited, a company based in India, and was distributed nationwide in the US.

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, which can lower blood pressure.

Patients should not assume that every chlorthalidone prescription is affected. The FDA recall applies to a specific product and lot.

Why was the medication recalled?

According to the FDA, the tablets failed dissolution specifications. Dissolution testing measures how a medication breaks down and releases its active ingredient. If a tablet does not dissolve as expected, the amount of medication available for absorption can be affected.

The recall involves approximately 13,567 bottles, each containing 100 tablets. The affected product can be identified using the following information:

• Medication: Chlorthalidone Tablets, USP, 25 mg.
• NDC: 64980-599-01.
• Lot number: RISA24002.
• Expiration date: April 2027.
• Recall number: D-0852-2026.
• Manufacturer: Inventia Healthcare Limited.

The FDA classified the recall as Class II. According to the agency’s classification system, this category applies when use of or exposure to a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or when the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.

What should patients do if they have this medication?

Patients taking chlorthalidone should check the information on their prescription bottle against the affected lot and expiration date. If the medication was repackaged by a pharmacy, the original lot number may not appear on the prescription label, so patients can contact their pharmacist to verify whether their medication is affected.

Patients should not stop taking a prescribed blood pressure medication without first speaking with a doctor or pharmacist. A health care professional can determine whether the medication should be replaced and what alternative treatment, if any, is appropriate.

The recall remains ongoing. Patients and health care professionals with concerns about the affected product can also report problems or adverse events through the FDA’s MedWatch program.

A 2024 study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine examined injury patterns among 1,049 runners preparing for and participating in the New York City Marathon. Researchers found that 42.6% of the runners reported an injury during the training period or the race, with the foot and knee among the most commonly affected areas.

The research highlights how common injuries can be among marathon runners. More recently, sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, and running coaches interviewed by The New York Times identified several habits that can help runners reduce their risk of injury.

Build mileage gradually

Increasing your running distance too quickly can place more stress on the body than it can safely handle. Sports medicine experts recommend gradually increasing weekly mileage rather than making large jumps in training volume.

One general guideline cited by experts is to increase total weekly mileage by no more than 10% to 20%. Runners preparing for a marathon may also benefit from giving their bodies at least 12 to 16 weeks to adapt to the increased workload, particularly if they are new to the distance.

Keep easy runs at an easy pace

Not every training session needs to be intense. Experts recommend keeping most long runs at a genuinely easy pace, allowing runners to build aerobic endurance without constantly placing their bodies under high stress.

One practical way to measure the effort is the ability to maintain a conversation without struggling for breath. Runners training with a group or using fitness apps may feel pressure to increase their pace, but matching someone else’s speed is not necessarily appropriate for every workout.

Make time for rest and recovery

Rest is an important part of training because the body needs time to recover after physical stress. Experts recommend including recovery days rather than filling every day with demanding workouts.

Sleep is also part of recovery. According to sports medicine experts, adequate sleep can help the muscles and bones repair themselves and may also affect athletic performance.

Add strength training to your routine

Running alone does not necessarily develop all of the strength needed to support the body during training. Experts recommend strengthening the legs, glutes, and core to address weaknesses and improve stability.

Exercises such as squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts, glute bridges, and planks can target these areas. A simple routine performed at least twice a week can be enough to complement running, with the difficulty gradually increasing over time.

Do not ignore persistent pain

Continuing to train through recurring pain can allow a minor problem to become more serious. Experts recommend paying attention when discomfort persists or worsens during training rather than simply hoping it disappears.

Persistent pain can also affect a runner’s gait, potentially placing additional stress on other parts of the body. If pain continues or gets worse, sports medicine specialists recommend having it evaluated.

Use fitness trackers as a tool, not a coach

Running watches and fitness apps can help runners monitor distance, heart rate, and other training information. However, experts caution against relying exclusively on metrics such as a device’s “readiness score” to determine how hard to train.

Technology cannot account for every factor affecting performance and recovery, including weather, terrain, and other forms of physical or life stress. Experts recommend paying attention to how your body feels and adjusting training accordingly.

The 2024 marathon study underscores why injury prevention matters: injuries were reported by 38.4% of runners during training, while 14.1% of those who started the marathon reported an injury that affected their finishing time or required medical care afterward. Overall, 50.1% of the runners who reported an injury received medical care.

This year, the new guideline from the American Collage of Cardiology/American Heart Association changed the game as far as LDL cholesterol is concerned: a cardiovascular risk calculator was added and the goals were adjusted according to each patient’s risk.

Within the field of health, a common goal is to keep these levels regulated through lifestyle. However, a new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham published on July 20 in JAMA revealed a concerning picture: in the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults without prior illnesses do not meet the recommended values.

“The gap between where the country’s cholesterol levels actually are and where the new guidelines say they should be is much wider than most people imagine,” the study’s lead author, Shady Abohashem, an instructor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, told Harvard Gazette.

The “bad cholesterol” values changed and the study revealed a clear problem in the United States

The research not only revealed that nearly 1 in 3 adult Americans without disease could not align with the new recommendations, but also showed that 4 in 5 adults who had previously suffered cardiovascular events also did not meet the recommendations.

The problem raised by the research is not limited to values being exceeded, but also shows that not enough is being done to reduce this “bad cholesterol”: among the group that exceeds the values, approximately 3 in 4 people are not in treatment.

In the case of those who had previously had illnesses, around 62% were already receiving treatment, but they were not reaching their goals at their lowest level and the remaining 35% were not treating their cholesterol.

“The new guidelines give us a clearer target than ever. For clinicians, that means reassessing patients against the updated goals. And for the public, the message is simpler: know your LDL number, know your personal goal, and if you do not know either, ask your doctor,” Abohashem says.

How this study was conducted

The researchers analyzed data from around 2,300 adults across the United States who were between 30 and 79 years old and participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021-2023, which is understood to be representative of 178 million American adults.

The experts explained that the new guidelines indicate that the higher a patient’s cardiovascular risk is, the lower their LDL levels should be.

In the case of adults at low risk, specific goals are not set; instead, the levels at which medication is recommended are indicated, which for adults between 30 and 59 years old at low risk is an LDL of 160 to 189 mg/dL, while when there is high risk the value is 55 mg/dL.

It is important to consider that high cholesterol does not present symptoms, so it is essential to always get all the tests done.

“Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in this country,” the experts explain, and in that context, keeping all checkups up to date is the key to early prevention.

Despite the large number of myths surrounding this behavior, specialists say it is not necessarily harmful to health, but rather its real effect will depend on the pressure exerted on the joints.

What experts say about cracking your fingers

“Research tells us that there are no definitive reasons to believe that cracking your knuckles can have negative consequences”, says sports medicine specialist Wesley Baker, in an article by the Cleveland Clinic.

According to the expert, what matters is not feeling pain or swelling after doing it.

What happens in the body when a person cracks their fingers

A 2015 study published in Plos One and cited by the institution contradicted the established idea that the sound caused by the typical crack occurs as a consequence of the change in pressure in the stretched joints. This research suggests that when the joint is separated, a gas-filled cavity forms and that process produces the “crack”.

However, the fact that it is not always harmful does not mean that it cannot have consequences. Applying more pressure than you should can cause injuries and even dislocations.

The expert’s recommendation is not to induce the sound by stretching the fingers or applying too much force on the bone.

Cracking your fingers: what Harvard says about this practice

An article written by Robert H. Shmerling, former clinical chief of the rheumatology division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and member of Harvard Medical School, explains that one of the “most convincing tests” that cracking knuckles has no consequences is based on an experiment carried out by a California doctor.

Throughout his life he cracked the knuckles of only one of his hands so that x-rays could be reviewed for decades of this behavior. There were no differences between the hand that had been cracked and the one that had not.

“If you want to crack your knuckles, it is unlikely to harm you. But if you want someone to stop cracking their knuckles, you will need a better reason than telling them they are wrecking their joints,” says the expert.

In addition to having been one of the favorites for years, it is also one of the most controversial in the field of health, with conflicting opinions about its effects.

In this sense, a new study by APC Microbiome Ireland, a research center at University College Cork, sheds light on the effects of coffee -both with and without caffeine- on the gut microbiome, stress and mood.

The work was published in Nature Communications and was sponsored by the Scientific Information Institute on Coffee (ISIC).

How this study of coffee’s effects was carried out

The study analyzed the behavior of 31 coffee consumers (who drank between 3 and 5 cups a day) and 31 non-consumers through psychological tests, urine tests, stool samples and diaries of their consumption.

To evaluate the effects, the coffee consumers went two weeks without drinking coffee, continuously carrying out all the aforementioned evaluations.

Then this beverage was reintroduced into their diet, but without specifying who drank decaffeinated coffee and who had caffeine.

What the experts observed with this coffee study

The specialists explain that during the period in which coffee consumers did not drink the beverage, important changes occurred in the substances associated with the activity of microorganisms in the gut.

One of the most striking findings is that at the moment coffee returned to the participants’ daily routine, both those who drank caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee reported lower levels of stress and self-reported depressive symptoms.

“Reintroduction of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee significantly reduces impulsivity, while decaffeinated coffee alone reduces emotional reactivity. Caffeinated coffee improved anxiety and some aspects of cognitive performance, while decaffeinated coffee improved memory, sleep quality and physical activity, which suggests distinct benefits depending on the type of coffee,” the study says.

The study emphasizes the importance of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee being associated with different positive factors, given that this may have implications for health recommendations.

As for its effects on the microbiota, the bacteria associated with the secretion of intestinal gastric acids and bile acid synthesis increased in those who consumed coffee compared with those who did not.

Experts explain that Firmicutes bacteria, associated with positive emotions in women, also increased.

“As the public continues to reflect on dietary changes to achieve the proper digestive balance, coffee also has the potential to be leveraged as an additional intervention within a healthy and balanced diet,” says John Cyran, author of the study and researcher at APC Microbiome Ireland.

Not all coffee is the same

A publication from the Harvard School of Public Health explains that to take advantage of coffee’s benefits, other factors should be considered, such as

• Sugar
• Extra calories
• Saturated fats

All of these additives “can offset any health benefit that may be found in a basic black coffee,” experts explain.

Gias Foods, based in New York, is recalling two lots of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The company’s announcement was posted by the FDA on September 15, 2026. As the agency itself makes clear, it publishes these notices as a public service and does not endorse either the product or the company.

What the product is

It is a frozen pasta sold under the bettergoods brand and distributed nationwide at Walmart stores. Its popularity is explained by its reach: it made its way onto shelves across the country. The affected product can be identified as follows:

• Yellow plastic package, 22 oz.
• UPC 194346442706.
• Lot L6079C or L6080C.
• Expiration date 09/19/2027 or 09/20/2027, stamped on the back of the package.

How the problem was detected

The recall did not stem from consumer complaints. According to the company, it resulted from a routine sampling program run by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Those tests indicated the finished product may contain the bacteria. Gias Foods has stopped distribution, and both the FDA and the company are still investigating what caused the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly or frail people, and those with weakened immune systems. In healthy people it usually causes short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, however, the infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

As the FDA notes, this bacterium can survive and grow even under refrigeration. The CDC describes two forms of illness. One is a milder gastrointestinal form, with fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting one to three days. The other is an invasive form, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the intestines and can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.

This second form is especially dangerous for newborns, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. During pregnancy, symptoms may be mild or go unnoticed and still have serious consequences.

What consumers should do

1. Check the freezer. Look for a 22 oz tray of this fettuccine and verify the UPC, lot number and date on the back of the package.
2. Don’t eat it if it matches. Anyone with a product from the listed lots should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Contact the company. Questions can be sent to sales@giasfoods.com, with a response promised within 24 hours.
4. Watch for symptoms. Anyone who has eaten the product, especially those in a high-risk group, should monitor for symptoms and consult a health professional if any appear.

Of the more than 6,300 exoplanets cataloged so far, most do not meet the condition of being rocky, and only in some were signs of an atmosphere detected.

Scientist Brandon Park Coy, from the University of Chicago, leads a research group that managed to study a particular case that could help investigate what primitive Earth was like. It is a rocky super-Earth located about 154 light-years away, in the constellation Pisces.

What is the exoplanet that astronomers encountered during their research like?

The exoplanet was named HD 3167 b. It orbits so close to its star that it completes one orbit in just one Earth day, which is why it also receives enormous amounts of radiation and has extreme temperatures.

Its equilibrium temperature is around 1,786 K, about 1,510 °C, while the temperature it would reach directly beneath the star is even higher.

The researchers classified it as a “lava world” because it receives enough radiation from its star for the silicates on its surface to melt on the day side.

What is the particular feature of this exoplanet according to astronomers?

The main feature is that there is evidence that HD 3167 b retains an atmosphere despite the extreme conditions it is subjected to. Planets located so close to their stars receive huge amounts of radiation, which in principle could facilitate the loss of their atmospheric gases.

The discovery helps define a possible transition between lava worlds that appear to be bare rocks and those capable of maintaining dense or highly reflective atmospheres.

How is it determined whether an exoplanet has an atmosphere?

During the eclipse analysis, the value turned out to be lower than would be expected from a dark rock with no atmosphere, heated to the maximum by its star.

An atmosphere can explain that cooling in two ways:

• It can transport part of the heat from the day side to the night side.
• It could contain clouds or highly reflective components that send part of the star’s radiation back into space.

The study still could not determine what that atmosphere is made of. The models consider scenarios with rock vapor mixed with volatile substances such as water, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.

What is the importance of this discovery and how does it affect the history of our planet?

The discovery is important because it allows researchers to investigate under what conditions extremely hot rocky planets can retain atmospheres.

It also provides information to study a stage that the rocky planets of the Solar System probably went through. During their formation, the primitive Earth had large amounts of molten rock and went through a magma ocean phase. In that stage, the interaction between the molten interior and the gases released by the planet was fundamental to the evolution of its first atmospheres.

These worlds function as natural laboratories to study how a magma surface exchanges materials with an atmosphere, how gases are released from the interior, and under what conditions those gases can remain around a rocky planet.

That information can help reconstruct processes that were also important during the early stages of Earth’s evolution.