If you get butt pain you might want to take notes (Picture: Getty) Experiencing a sudden, sharp zap of pain shooting into your rectum? You’re not alone. Increasingly, Brits are reporting this sensation, dubbed ‘lightning bum’ – a surprisingly common, yet often underreported, medical phenomenon. What Exactly *Is* Lightning Bum? Doctor Hana Patel describes ‘lightning … Read more
Boxing Beyond the Ring: A New Prescription for Heart Health? A surprising new ally in the fight against hypertension is emerging: the boxing gym. Recent research from The University of Texas at El Paso reveals that just six weeks of boxing training can significantly lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health in young adults with … Read more
The Whale of a Discovery: How Bowhead Whale DNA Holds Keys to Human Longevity For centuries, the Iñupiat people of Alaska have observed that bowhead whales live exceptionally long lives – often exceeding two human lifetimes. Now, science confirms this oral tradition, revealing these marine mammals can survive for over 200 years, making them the … Read more
The Gut-Muscle Connection: Could Bacteria Be the Key to Strength in Aging? Grip strength, often an overlooked indicator of overall health, can signal the beginning of physical decline in older adults. This decline is frequently linked to sarcopenia – the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength – and increases the risk of falls and … Read more
The Silent Stress: How Pregnancy Complications Can Impact Long-Term Heart Health A new study published in Hypertension reveals a concerning link between stress experienced during and after pregnancy complications and an increased risk of high blood pressure years later. Researchers followed over 3,000 women experiencing their first pregnancy, uncovering a pattern where persistent stress correlated … Read more
Maine’s Maternal Care Crisis: A Bangor Practice Closure Signals Wider Trends The closure of Downeast OB/GYN in Bangor, Maine, on July 2, 2026, is the latest sign of a growing challenge in maternal healthcare access across the state. This follows the closure of at least ten hospital birthing centers in Maine over the past decade, … Read more
Measles Elimination Status in the US Under Review as Cases Surge The United States could lose its “measles eliminated” status, a designation held since 2000, due to significant outbreaks in 2025 and continuing into 2026. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a regional branch of the World Health Organization, has delayed a review of the … Read more
E-Waste Chemicals Found in Dolphin and Porpoise Brains: A Growing Threat to Ocean Health New research reveals a disturbing trend: chemicals from everyday electronics are accumulating in the brains of dolphins and porpoises. This discovery, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the pervasive reach of electronic waste (e-waste) pollution and its potential impact on … Read more
Teen Cannabis Use Linked to Doubled Risk of Psychosis and Bipolar Disorders: A Growing Concern A new study published February 20, 2026, in JAMA Health Forum reveals a concerning link between adolescent cannabis use and a significantly increased risk of serious mental health conditions. Researchers followed over 463,000 teenagers from ages 13 to 26 and … Read more
Understanding Aortic Stenosis: A Growing Concern for an Aging Population Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, is a serious and progressive condition increasingly affecting older adults. While often asymptomatic in its early stages, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and even sudden cardiac death. According to Dr. Ahmed Elkaryoni, a … Read more