What Is Melatonin and How Does It Work? Melatonin is a hormone made by the brain, primarily in response to darkness. It plays a central role in regulating your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal 24-hour clock—and helps signal when it is time to sleep. Exposure to light at night can interfere with the body’s natural production of melatonin. Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin may influence other bodily processes. Researchers continue to study these potential effects, but many of

What Are Meditation and Mindfulness? Meditation is a practice with roots that stretch back thousands of years, particularly within Eastern traditions. Today, the term describes a wide range of techniques designed to connect the mind and body, promote mental clarity, and support overall well-being. Some forms of meditation involve concentrating on a single point of focus, such as breathing, a repeated word or phrase (mantra), a sound, or a visual image. Other approaches emphasize mindfulness,

Health Capsule Certain medications act on the brain and nervous system. These drugs can raise the risk of side effects such as confusion, falls, and even hospitalization. The danger is especially great for people living with dementia, a condition that affects memory and thinking abilities. A recent study found that a significant number of individuals with dementia are using medications that may not be safe for them. In the study, researchers reviewed the medical records of around 4,800 adults

Health Capsule Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most lethal forms of cancer. A major reason for its high death rate is that it is often discovered only after it has already spread to other areas of the body. Once the disease has advanced, available treatments are far less effective. At present, there are no routine screening tools that reliably detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages. However, a recent study explored new methods aimed at identifying the disease sooner.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has hosted the first-ever Global Forum of Collaborating Centres, marking a historic gathering of one of the largest and most diverse networks in global public health. The event brought together representatives from more than 800 institutions officially designated as WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs), spanning over 80 countries. During the Forum, experts underscored the growing health risks emerging in an increasingly fragmented global landscape. These complex

Breathe Easier, Inside and Outside Most air pollution is invisible. You usually can’t smell it or see it drifting through the air. Yet contaminated air—whether outdoors or inside your home—can still have serious effects on your health. “Almost everyone around the world breathes unhealthy air at some point,” says Dr. Stavros Garantziotis, a lung specialist and NIH researcher. Breathing polluted air doesn’t only harm the lungs. Because the lungs are directly connected to the bloodstream, harmful

image: Anna Lövgren, Associate Professor, Department of Odontology, Umeå University Credit: Photo: Hamdija Comic Facial pain is among the most widespread types of chronic pain. Even so, there has been no common standard for measuring its overall burden, including its effects on individuals and healthcare systems across different countries, or how it compares with other medical conditions. An international research team led by scientists at Umeå University has now created clear lay descriptions

DLD Can Be Easy to Miss Many children begin speaking later than parents expect. In most cases, they gradually catch up to others their age. However, some continue to struggle with language as they grow. Ongoing language challenges may point to developmental language disorder, or DLD. DLD is a lifelong communication condition. It affects how a person learns, understands, and uses language, often continuing into adulthood. “DLD is extremely common, yet it often goes unrecognized,” says Dr. Mary

Mayors and high-level representatives of local governments from across the globe convened in Lyon today to inaugurate an international coalition of cities dedicated to applying the One Health approach at the municipal level. The announcement was made during the One Health Summit hosted by France. The International Forum of Local Leaders on One Health, jointly organized by the WHO as an official partner event of the Summit, gathered around 50 mayors and senior local officials from cities

What is massage therapy used for? Massage therapy is a hands-on practice used to support health and overall well-being. It involves working with the body’s soft tissues—such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments—to ease discomfort, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. Massage has been part of healing traditions across both Eastern and Western cultures for centuries and was among the earliest methods people relied on to relieve pain. What are the different types of massage? The phrase “massage

WHO announces revisions to several recommendations in its upcoming guidelines on the treatment of opioid dependence and the community-based management of opioid overdose. Opioid dependence continues to be a significant driver of illness and death worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 316 million people globally used drugs, including about 61 million who reported non-medical use of opioids. Opioids remain responsible for the greatest share of drug-related harm, particularly fatal overdoses. Of the

Lebanon’s health system remains operational despite escalating conflict, widespread displacement and repeated strikes affecting health care. However, without immediate measures and sustained international backing, access to vital medical services is becoming increasingly fragile. Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, has completed a three-day mission to Lebanon, reiterating WHO’s commitment to supporting the country’s health emergency response. “I was

As noncommunicable diseases and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of deaths worldwide, leading urban health authorities gathered in Rio de Janeiro this week for the 2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit, closing the event with a strengthened pledge to intensify life-saving measures in cities. Jointly organized by the World Health Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Vital Strategies and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro, the Summit convened health leaders,

image: Study co-corresponding author Maria Rescigno Credit: ÖAW/Natascha Unkart The tumor microbiota — encompassing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms found within tumor tissue — is increasingly recognized as a key element of the tumor microenvironment. An international consensus paper published in Cancer Cell brings together leading institutions from the United States, Israel, Austria, and Italy that are advancing research in this rapidly evolving field. Among the

We are living in a period when the foundations that once sustained global cooperation are being tested, when power can overshadow principle, when norms are bent and when a rules‑based, values‑driven order appears increasingly fragile. The effects are evident across health systems worldwide: care withheld, science disregarded, services interrupted and fundamental rights reduced to empty language. Health is treated as discretionary. Women’s autonomy is challenged. Children’s wellbeing is placed

image: Direct electrochemical splitting of liquid ammonia enables efficient on-site hydrogen production at room temperature and low pressure (

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to prolong negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Formal talks will resume from 27 April to 1 May, preceded by informal intersessional discussions, ahead of the annex’s planned review at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. The choice to extend discussions highlights the determination of WHO Member States to finalize the PABS annex, which represents a central pillar

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What Types of Magnets Are Used for Pain? Magnets and magnetic-based therapies have been used for centuries to address pain conditions such as arthritis and headaches. Today, magnetic devices are widely marketed, most often for pain relief, inflammation, and wound support. Two main categories of magnets have been researched for pain management: • Static (permanent) magnets: These are made from metals or metal alloys and continuously emit a magnetic field. Their strength can vary from low to

image: Students at ESMT Berlin Credit: ESMT Berlin The collaboration between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin is entering its fifth year. In 2026, the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship will once again empower emerging leaders who are committed to driving digital transformation. The fellowship opportunities are offered within ESMT’s Full-time MBA, MSc programs, and the Global Online MBA. For the next academic cycle, a total of eight fellowships will be granted: • two fellowships for the Full-time MBA