Unlike with COVID-19, the U.S. has candidate vaccines for the bird flu currently spreading in animals. Carlos Duarte/Getty Images The U.S. government has two candidate vaccine viruses for H5N1 bird flu that could be used to make vaccines. Studies suggest vaccines based on these would offer good protection against the bird flu virus circulating among cattle in the U.S. It would take months to produce and ship millions of doses, but experts worry that uptake will still be low. The H5N1 bird flu circulating in the U.S. remains far more dangerous for birds than for people. Currently, this strain ..read more

Cats have recently tested positive for bird flu in areas where outbreaks have been detected. Westend61/Getty Images Bird flu has been documented as jumping to other animals, including cats. In March 2024, it was detected in five cats that later died. Cats can become infected if they are around infected animals or contaminated areas. However, it is extremely unlikely that they will pass the virus to humans. To be safe, keep your cat indoors and wash your hands after handling it or its waste. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), avian influenza (“bird flu”) is a contagious v ..read more

A new study links having high levels of testosterone to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. SrdjanPav/Getty Images Healthy, older men with higher concentrations of testosterone were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, according to a new study. The findings follow a landmark 2023 trial that found that men using testosterone-replacement therapy had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation. Maintaining testosterone in a healthy, normal range appears to mitigate atrial fibrillation risk. Higher natural testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillatio ..read more

Linda Carrier, 61, has run more than 78 marathons and is the first woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons on seven continents in seven days) three times — and she’s done it all while living with type 1 diabetes. Image Provided by Linda Carrier Ultrarunner Linda Carrier shares how she runs marathons while managing type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14 years old, Carrier has lived with the condition for nearly 50 years. Carrier has witnessed significant advancements in diabetes management during her journey with the condition. 61-year-old ultrarunner Li ..read more

A new study looks at the potential health benefits of consuming olive oil. Adene Sanchez/Getty Images A new study finds consuming olive oil is linked to a lower risk of death related to dementia. The study tracked 92,383 people. The study found consumption of at least 7 grams a day of olive oil was associated with a 28% lower risk of death from dementia-related causes. Olive oil consumption was shown to be associated with a lower risk of death from dementia-related causes, a new study found. The study, published by JAMA, examined data from 1990 to 2018 and assessed olive oil consumption ever ..read more

New research suggests that psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, may be effective in treating depression symptoms. recep-bg/Getty Images A study has found that psilocybin appears to have antidepressant properties. Experts say it activates serotonin receptors. It might also work by increasing the brain’s neuroplasticity. Side effects are minimal, and it is regarded as non-addictive. “Magic mushrooms” are often used by people seeking their hallucinogenic effects. However, psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, might also have applications in treating depression, according ..read more

A new study found that people who combined time-restricted eating and high intensity exercise not only improved their cardiometabolic health but also achieved the most noticeable body composition changes. Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images A small study has found that combining time-restricted eating and high intensity exercise may improve cardiometabolic health and contribute to weight loss. Participants who combined this diet and exercise approach achieved the most noticeable body composition changes. Experts say this is because time-restricted eating can create a calorie deficit, and exercise c ..read more

Grains like millet, brown rice and oats can help lower cholesterol levels. eleonora galli/Getty Images A new review has found that ancient grains like oats and brown rice can improve type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to better understand the association between these grains and diabetes. Aside from incorporating more ancient grains in your diet, experts recommend portion control and eating more heart-healthy fats and lean protein. A new meta-analysis found that ancient grains (oats, brown rice, and millet) can improve health outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. The findings were p ..read more

Actress Busy Philipps was diagnosed with ADHD at the same time her daughter received her diagnosis. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Actress Busy Philipps is talking about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood and about 10% of children in the U.S. have the condition. ADHD symptoms include trouble organizing tasks, fidgeting, talking excessively, or having trouble waiting. ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that generally starts to present during childhood and affects nearly 10% of children in the U.S. But for some people, this conditi ..read more

Currently, most people over age 45 are recommended to get a colonoscopy once every 10 years. lechatnoir/Getty Images If you have had a negative colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and have no family history, you might not need another screening for 15 years. Ten years between colonoscopies is the typical guideline recommendation, but healthy individuals could be able to wait longer. Changing colorectal cancer guidelines would ideally reduce the cost and potential harm of unnecessary colonoscopies while still maintaining cancer prevention. Most colorectal cancer screening guidelines suggest a c ..read more