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Two new cases of the Nipah virus have emerged in West Bengal, India, raising concerns due to its high fatality rate, which ranges from 40% to 75%. Historically, the virus, carried by fruit bats, has led to significant outbreaks, including a deadly one in Malaysia in 1998 that resulted in over 100 deaths. Despite the seriousness of the disease, health experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), assess the risk of a global pandemic as low, citing the virus's unusual transmission methods and effective containment measures currently in place. The WHO is monitoring the situation closely, as Nipah outbreaks are seasonal, typically peaking between December and May. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, although research is ongoing, including a Phase II clinical trial for a vaccine candidate. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with bats and ensuring proper hygiene, particularly in agricultural settings. 
Published: Feb 04 2026, 11 pmeznews.inA new study from Skåne University Hospital in Sweden reveals that nearly half of all dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. The research indicates that conditions such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and smoking contribute to brain damage associated with vascular dementia. Notably, dementia symptoms can begin years before they manifest, suggesting that addressing risk factors early could prevent future cases. The study analyzed data from 494 participants and highlighted the roles of education, midlife health, and lifestyle choices in dementia risk. Experts stress that while genetic factors like the APOE ε4 allele are significant, adopting healthier habits—such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing cardiovascular health—can mitigate risks for both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This research underscores that proactive lifestyle changes can have lasting consequences for brain health.
Published: Feb 04 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* reveals that men are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) seven years earlier than women, with 5% of men affected by age 50.5 compared to women at 57.5. The divergence in risk begins as early as 35, prompting researchers to recommend more intensive screening for men during their third decade of life. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 participants in the CARDIA study, revealing that while men show higher rates of CVD and coronary heart disease, stroke incidence is similar across genders. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to mitigate heart disease risks. They advocate for early intervention and stress management, noting that dietary choices, particularly the consumption of processed foods, play a significant role in cardiovascular health.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 10 pmeznews.inA landmark study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reveals that nearly 40% of global cancer cases are preventable, highlighting the significant impact of lifestyle choices on cancer incidence. The analysis identifies 30 modifiable risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain infections, which account for approximately 7.1 million cases globally. Notably, men are disproportionately affected, with 45% of new cases linked to preventable causes, compared to 30% in women. The study also emphasizes the role of infections, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where access to preventive measures is limited. Researchers advocate for enhanced vaccination programs, lifestyle changes, and targeted policies to reduce these risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for gender-responsive cancer prevention strategies and comprehensive public health initiatives to address the distinct risk profiles of men and women.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at Tufts University have developed a new method to produce tagatose, a low-calorie sugar substitute that closely mimics the taste of table sugar but with fewer calories and a reduced impact on blood glucose and insulin levels. Using engineered *E. coli* bacteria, the team has created a more efficient and cost-effective biosynthetic process to convert glucose into tagatose, achieving yields of up to 95%. Tagatose, recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, offers potential health benefits, including improved gut health and minimal effects on blood sugar management. However, experts caution that large-scale human studies and regulatory evaluations are necessary before widespread adoption. While tagatose may help lower added sugar consumption, potential gastrointestinal side effects and its suitability for individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance should be considered. This research underscores a growing trend towards biotechnologically produced natural ingredients in the food industry.
Published: Feb 02 2026, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study from the Mayo Clinic suggests that combining menopausal hormone therapy with the medication tirzepatide may significantly enhance weight loss in postmenopausal women. The research analyzed data from 120 women aged around 56, revealing that those on both therapies lost approximately 35% more weight compared to those using tirzepatide alone. This finding highlights the potential of personalized treatment strategies that consider menopausal status when addressing obesity, a condition that poses increased cardiometabolic risks for this demographic. Researchers noted that hormonal changes during menopause complicate weight management, making effective strategies crucial. While these observational results suggest a beneficial interaction between the therapies, further prospective trials are planned to confirm the findings and explore their implications for metabolic health. Experts emphasize the importance of ongoing research to optimize treatment for the growing population of menopausal women facing weight management challenges.
Published: Feb 02 2026, 9 pmeznews.inA recent Australian study published in *Maturitas* suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the most effective exercise for older adults aiming to reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass. Conducted by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast, the study involved over 120 participants aged around 72, who engaged in structured exercise sessions three times a week for six months. While all groups experienced modest fat loss, only those in the HIIT group maintained their lean muscle mass, whereas moderate- and low-intensity groups showed slight declines. HIIT, characterized by short bursts of vigorous activity followed by recovery periods, places greater stress on muscles, signaling the body to retain muscle tissue. Although beneficial, the study notes that HIIT may not be suitable for everyone, and further research is needed to explore its long-term effects on diverse aging populations. Health professionals advise consulting before starting new exercise regimens.
Published: Feb 02 2026, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study has found that a two-day oatmeal-only diet can lead to significant reductions in LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, with a decrease of approximately 10% persisting for six weeks post-diet. Conducted with 32 participants, the trial revealed that those consuming 300 grams of oatmeal daily experienced weight loss and lower blood pressure. In contrast, a parallel study where participants replaced one meal with oats over six weeks did not yield similar cholesterol reductions. Researchers suggest that the intense, short-term consumption of oats triggers beneficial gut microbiome activity, enhancing cholesterol metabolism at the cellular level. While the findings indicate that brief, high-dose oat interventions may be effective, experts caution that regular oat consumption within a balanced diet remains essential for long-term cholesterol management. Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein emphasizes that oats should be part of a broader, heart-healthy eating pattern rather than a standalone solution.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIn the latest episode of the *MNT In Conversation* podcast, Dr. Lauren Waterman, a consultant psychiatrist, discusses the intricate relationship between sleep and mental health, particularly focusing on insomnia and depression. Research indicates that sleep issues often precede mental health disorders, with individuals experiencing varying sleep patterns—some sleep too little while others oversleep. Dr. Waterman emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between insomnia, where internal factors hinder sleep despite the opportunity, and sleep deprivation, caused by external disruptions. She advocates for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as an effective treatment, highlighting the significance of maintaining consistent wake-up times over going to bed at set hours. The podcast also addresses the potential ineffectiveness of over-the-counter melatonin supplements and underscores the role of light exposure in regulating sleep cycles. For those struggling with chronic insomnia, seeking professional help is crucial to prevent short-term issues from becoming long-term problems.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Cambridge has revealed concerning links between menopause and brain health, indicating a decline in gray matter volume in regions associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 125,000 women, compared cognitive performance and brain scans among pre-menopausal women, postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and those who were. Findings showed that both postmenopausal groups exhibited cognitive declines, with HRT users experiencing slightly improved reaction times but no significant reversal of brain changes. Notably, reductions in gray matter volume were more pronounced in women who used HRT. Experts highlight that while menopause may contribute to cognitive decline, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can mitigate some risks. They caution against alarm, noting that not all women will experience severe cognitive issues post-menopause, as many factors contribute to brain health.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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