Highlighted Website Enjoy exploring topics related to health, science, and the natural world around us. This informative site offers fun and educational content that’s perfect for kids, parents, and educators alike. Try out interactive games, tackle fun puzzles, and discover how to protect our shared environment. Find out ways you can help too. Explore the site: kids.niehs.nih.gov

Health Capsule Omega-3 fatty acids—often simply called “omega-3s”—are essential for maintaining good health. They contribute to the development of brain cells and help support the proper function of your heart and other vital organs. Because your body doesn't produce omega-3s on its own, you must get them through your diet or supplements. Fish such as salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3s called DHA and EPA. These beneficial fats are also found in shellfish like oysters and

Health Capsule Cervical cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect in its early stages. However, a screening test is available to identify the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. This virus, known as human papillomavirus or HPV, can be detected early through testing, allowing for timely treatment that may prevent the disease and save lives. Despite this, many women either skip regular screenings or have never been screened.

Image: RV Kronprins Haakon navigating through Arctic sea ice Photo credit: Dimitri Kalenitchenko/UiT Expedition Overview Between August 16 and September 19, 2025, the Norwegian research ship R/V Kronprins Haakon will set out into the Arctic Ocean as part of a major scientific mission funded by the European Research Council’s Synergy Grant, known as “i2B – Into The Blue.” Gathering a team of 25 scientists, the expedition will seek to uncover geological data from the seafloor, offering new

video: Three North American river otters are seen frolicking in the snow on the docks at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, caught on video using the center’s night-vision wildlife cameras. Courtesy: Karen McDonald, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center North American river otters aren't known for cleanliness—often eating, playing, and relieving themselves in the same areas. However, this less-than-ideal hygiene has a silver lining. Researchers say these habits can offer

image: With the help of AI-driven infrared imaging, the area of interest around the eye was clearly identified (highlighted in green hatching). Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University Conventional veterinary methods commonly rely on rectal thermometers to check an animal's body temperature. While well-established, this technique can be distressing for animals and does not allow for continuous temperature monitoring. Advances in infrared thermography now offer a non-invasive way to gauge body

Common Names: butterbur, petasites, purple butterbur Scientific Names: Petasites hybridus (also referred to as Petasites officinalis or Tussilago hybrida) Background • Butterbur is a perennial shrub found throughout Europe, as well as parts of Asia and North America. The plant earned its name due to the historical use of its wide leaves in wrapping butter during warm weather. In some cultures, the name translates to "rain hat" or "hat plant" based on the traditional use of

Understanding a Newly Identified Illness Researchers have recently identified a rare condition known as VEXAS syndrome, which tends to develop unexpectedly during middle age. This disorder is marked by recurring episodes of inflammation—heat, swelling, and redness—which occur without an obvious cause. Scientists have discovered that the immune system, which typically protects the body, instead turns against the body's own cells in this condition. New studies are working to determine why

Common Names: bromelain, pineapple enzyme Scientific Name: Ananas comosus (pineapple plant) Background • Bromelain refers to a mix of protein-digesting enzymes mainly sourced from the stem and fruit of pineapple. • Pineapples have a long history of medicinal use in parts of Central and South America. • Today, bromelain is a popular supplement believed to support recovery from surgery, manage sinus inflammation, ease joint discomfort from arthritis, and lessen muscle soreness after intense

Image: Without FEN1, the protein 53BP1 builds up, hindering DNA repair. In the absence of 53BP1, other pathways take over to remove long DNA flaps and restore DNA integrity. Image credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University Tokyo, Japan – Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have identified a new cellular process that helps protect against the harmful effects of alovudine, a drug used in antiviral and cancer therapies. The research highlights the role of a DNA repair enzyme known as flap

WHO Expands List of WHO-Listed Authorities The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named Health Canada, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (MHLW/PMDA), and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as WHO-Listed Authorities (WLAs). This designation is awarded to national regulatory bodies that meet globally recognized standards for overseeing the safety and quality of medical products. With

Image: Dopamine signals boost the activity of auditory sensory neurons in Johnston's organs within unmated female fruit flies, heightening their ability to detect sounds—especially the mating songs of males. Credit: Issey Takahashi Many animal species, humans included, can adapt their hearing sensitivity depending on context. This flexibility helps them allocate attention to the most significant sounds, especially when brain resources are limited. Supporting this concept, a group of

Amid growing financial and structural challenges confronting health systems globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reinforced its dedication to supporting the world’s 70 million health professionals. Central to this mission is a commitment to innovative education and free, high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. Launched in 2024, the WHO Academy stands at the heart of this initiative, offering accessible training especially to healthcare providers in low- and middle-income

Philip Hyland: Understanding Human Response to Trauma Image: Philip Hyland, PhD, Maynooth University, Ireland Image credit: Philip Hyland, PhD, Maynooth University, Ireland DUBLIN, IRELAND, 5 August 2025 — In a new interview featured in Brain Medicine, Professor Philip Hyland shares a compelling story of transformation—from dealing with personal anxiety to leading the global conversation on trauma and mental health. His pioneering research into Complex PTSD has influenced updates to the World

Boswellia Overview Other Names: boswellia, boswellia serrata, boswella, boswellin, frankincense Botanical Name: Boswellia serrata Background • Boswellia serrata is a tree found in the rocky hills and dry regions of northern Africa, India, and parts of the Middle East. • The plant's gum resin is used to produce boswellia extract, which may be taken by mouth or used on the skin. • In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, boswellia has long been used to address arthritis, reduce swelling and pain,

Protect Your Lungs from Long-Term Illness Each time you inhale, your lungs bring in oxygen that fuels your entire body. This oxygen travels through your blood to nourish every cell. When you exhale, your body releases carbon dioxide, a waste product produced during energy use. If any part of your breathing process is disrupted, your health and daily routine can be affected. Lung conditions can appear through various symptoms. You might experience persistent coughing, wheezing, or have trouble

Jakarta, 1 August 2025 – In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week 2025, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are underscoring the importance of enhancing support systems for breastfeeding mothers throughout Indonesia. World Breastfeeding Week takes place globally from 1 to 7 August. In Indonesia, the campaign is extended to cover the entire month of August, with this year’s focus on: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”. UNICEF and WHO commend Indonesia’s

Why do athletes and bodybuilders use dietary supplements? Many athletes and bodybuilders turn to supplements in hopes of enhancing strength, endurance, and muscle size. Despite these goals, several of these products include potentially harmful substances. Additionally, some supplements like glutamine, choline, methoxyisoflavone, quercetin, zinc/magnesium aspartate, nitric oxide, and L-arginine have not been convincingly shown to boost physical performance. Which supplements are prohibited by

image: Illustration showing how materials and process technologies enable the fabrication of efficient and durable flexible perovskite solar cells that can withstand varying humidity throughout the year Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) The Energy & Environment Materials Research Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), led by Dr. Dong-chan Lim and Dr. So-yeon Kim, has succeeded in creating a highly durable and flexible perovskite solar cell material.

image: A cortical neuron highlighted with green fluorescent protein, captured within the brain of a living mouse using two-photon imaging. Credit: © Ronan Chéreau The cerebral cortex interprets sensory input through an intricate web of neuronal connections. But how are these incoming signals adjusted to sharpen perception? Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have uncovered a new mechanism in which specific projections from the thalamus influence the activity of neurons in the