8 Kitchen Items Shedding Microplastics Into Your Food
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Every day we publish stories that cut through the noise with expert insights, science-backed advice, recipes, and thoughtful tips for living well. These are the ones we think you should read.
Hormonal Health 
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Your Calcium Supplement May Not Be as Helpful as You Think
Supplements 
Doomscrolling at Work Could Cost You More Than Time
Down the Rabbit Hole: Is there actually a good time or place for doomscrolling? That’s unclear, but it’s certainly not at your workplace. It’s not just a productivity issue, either. Consuming bad news stories one in rapid succession affects how engaged we are at work, according to new research from Texas A&M University. The Study: The researchers looked at two studies, reviewing survey answers from workers in the U.S. and the UK about their levels of doomscrolling, rumination, and workplace engagement. The research found prolonged doomscrolling can lead to rumination about negative news — and the lingering after-effects of consuming distressing news can then negatively affect workplace engagement. People with higher levels of neuroticism — a personality trait characterized by long-term anxiety, worry, and stress — were more affected by their doomscrolling. The Takeaway: Staying informed is good, but letting news overwhelm you isn’t. Designate certain times of day to catch up on news and social media, like during breaks or after work (but not right before bed). Limit the temptation to peek at your phone by stowing it out of sight and out of reach during work. Keep in Mind: The survey questions were very broad, and the participants’ answers […]
Mindfulness 
“Voicemaxxing” Is the New Looksmaxxing
The Trend: Gen Z’s infamous “maxxing” trend continues with the development of “voicemaxxing.” Closely linked to “looksmaxxing,” this viral trend has young men humming, practicing diaphragmatic breathing, and hydrating to achieve their “best” voice. This might not sound so bad until you factor in the mewing, neck crunches, mouth-taping, and other speculative practices encouraged by downloadable guides and AI voicemaxxing apps that are profiting off of insecurity. What People Are Saying: Singing teachers may approve of humming and breathing exercises, but the proof stops there. Adding depth and volume to your voice comes from releasing tension in your jaw, not building up your neck muscles like some guides promote. And while studies have shown that women tend to prefer deeper voices in men, they also suggest that faking a deeper voice does not make men more attractive to women. What to Know: Ranging from “bigorexia” to literal bone-breaking surgery to unnecessary TRT, men are facing more appearance-focused troubles than ever. If you’re experiencing anxiety over your voice, appearance, or age, it’s worth visiting a mental health professional. And try to resist the urge to give your money to an AI app that tells you what’s “wrong” with your face or […]
Beauty 
Box Breathing: The Navy SEAL Trick to Calm Yourself Down
Mindfulness 
The Best Breads for Steady Blood Sugar
Told to swear off the bread basket? You probably don't have to. The right loaf barely touches your blood sugar, and here's how to spot it.
Nutrition 
This Is What Science Says About Optimism & Your Health
Optimism is more than a mindset: new research suggests it may meaningfully improve healthspan, from lower dementia risk to reduced mortality from heart disease and cancer.
Mindfulness
Fitness
Nutrition
Sleep
Your Genes May Decide If Caffeine Actually Boosts Your Workout
Rise and Grind: Lots of gym goers swear by caffeine to give their workouts an extra boost, while others drink a cup of coffee before lifting and feel nothing. Research has shown that caffeine can improve athletic performance and focus, but if you’re not seeing much of a difference, it may not be all in your head. A new study looked into why caffeine affects people differently during workouts and suggests the answer may trace back to genetics. The Study: Researchers ran a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 94 resistance-trained men and women, sorted into three groups based on which version of the CYP1A2 gene they carried, which influences how quickly the liver metabolizes caffeine. Each participant then took three milligrams per kilogram of caffeine or a placebo before bench press and squat tests, and researchers measured how fast they moved the weight. Caffeine improved strength and endurance performance overall, but those with the fast-metabolizing version of the gene saw the biggest gains. The Takeaway: If your coffee never seems to hit before a workout, that might be your biology talking, not a lack of effort. Keep in Mind: This research focused on one specific caffeine dose and two specific […]
Fitness 
You Don’t Need a Gym to Get Fitter
Home Work: It’s easy to come up with reasons not to exercise. We might not have much free time or feel comfortable working out at a gym or have room in the budget for a trainer or membership. But it is possible to get a solid workout at home, according to a new study of older adults. The Study: Researchers set out to eliminate one main exercise obstacle — going to the gym — to see if participants could get results on their own at home. 20 healthy participants aged 61 to 74 (11 women and nine men) first spent eight weeks following their usual routines and levels of activity. As a comparison, they then spent eight weeks doing a short but challenging HIIT workout on a non-weight-bearing ergometer (think at-home rower or stationary bike) four days a week, supervised with video monitoring. Researchers did body-fat scans and measured their V02 max before and after each period. The Takeaway: Fitness levels declined in the first period, but then increased during the HIIT phase. The participants also lost some fat and pounds during the HIIT period. All of this indicates that people in their older age can still see fitness gains — […]
Fitness 
Running Gets a Luxury Makeover
The Trend: Running, historically one of the most affordable forms of fitness, is being positioned as a luxury lifestyle. Fueled by gorpcore-esque brands like Bandit, Satisfy, and District Vision that cater to affluent customers with an angle toward exclusivity, running has taken on an identity unattainable by many (or most). What People Are Saying: Luxury running brands selling high-ticket athleisure are really selling more than the clothes. The appeal of these brands is partly performance, but also design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. District Vision, for example, has built a cult following around minimalist aesthetics and highly technical products, while Satisfy leans into a punk-inspired, rebellious identity. As runners increasingly see their gear as part of a broader lifestyle, not just something worn for exercise, they are willing to spend more: some reports say runners spend nearly $1,500 per year on the sport, when the true essentials cost much less. What to Know: Running is still accessible and affordable. You can still lace up your old kicks and run out the door in whatever athletic clothes you own. If you can afford luxury running clothes and want to try them, that’s fine, too — just remember that luxury gear might make running […]
Fitness 
This Is The Best Workout for PMOS, Study Finds
A Real Pain: PMOS (formerly called PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can cause irregular or absent periods, elevated androgens, acne, excess facial or body hair, and difficulty with ovulation. It’s also associated with insulin resistance and a higher risk of cardiometabolic problems. Exercise is already recommended as part of PMOS management — but does the type matter? According to one new study, yes. The Study: Researchers reviewed 19 studies involving 1,018 women with PMOS, comparing different exercise approaches — aerobic, resistance training, or both combined — with one another. They looked at how each exercise type affected levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Exercise in general lowered testosterone across all 19 studies, but aerobic exercise led to a larger drop compared to resistance or mixed training. Takeaway: If you have PMOS, you don’t necessarily need a “hormone-balancing” workout a la TikTok. Regular exercise is beneficial, and incorporating some aerobic work specifically may help lessen symptoms associated with high testosterone in women. Keep in Mind: The findings also don’t mean specific workouts are automatically better for everyone. Physical activity should be sustainable and based on your preferences, goals, and abilities.
Fitness 
6 Supplements That Might Help Lower Cortisol or Ease Stress — and What to Know Before Trying Them
Ashwagandha, magnesium, omega-3s, and more all claim to lower cortisol, but does the research back it up? Here's what six popular supplements to reduce cortisol can (and can't) do, plus the lifestyle habits that may matter more.
Nutrition 
Should You Drink Coffee Before or After Breakfast?
Coffee before or after breakfast: does the order really matter? Here's what the science actually says about energy, digestion, and blood sugar, plus how to keep your daily cup healthy either way.
Nutrition 
High-Protein Vegetarian Meals: 8 Easy, Filling Ideas
From Buffalo tofu wraps to tempeh noodles, these 8 high-protein vegetarian meals pack 25+ grams of protein per serving. Easy to make, easy to prep ahead, and built to keep you full.
Nutrition 
Could Your Kitchen Cleaning Habits Be Making You Sick?
Scrub Up: Avoiding nasty pathogens that can cause salmonella poisoning, cyclosporiasis, and other illnesses are top of mind for many of us these days. Handling, washing, and cooking food properly does a lot to decrease the risk. Deep-cleaning the space where you prepare that food — your kitchen — is also crucial. How to Do It: Certain parts of the kitchen are germ magnets. Ditch the sponge for a dish-scrubbing brush: Their bristles dry faster and are therefore less hospitable to germs, and they can be sanitized in a hot dishwasher cycle. Wipe countertops with paper towels or reusable cloths that are sanitized often in the dishwasher or washing machine. Disinfect your sink at least once a week with diluted bleach. Let it sit for a few minutes, then unplug the sink so it can run down the drain. Boil or run metal drain baskets through a dishwasher at least once a week. Cold doesn’t kill all germs, so two to three times a year, empty and disinfect your ice maker. It’s obvious, but bears repeating: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly when cooking. The Benefits: Cases of foodborne illnesses are increasing. Keeping your kitchen clean can prevent pathogens from lingering […]
Nutrition 
Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night?
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? It's an even split among Americans — and both camps have science on their side. Here's what each does for your body.
Sleep 
Using Cannabis for Stress Relief? Study Says It Might Backfire
Cannabis-Cortisol Connection: Frequent cannabis use may be linked to changes in the body’s natural stress response, according to new research from Oregon State University. The study found that people who frequently used cannabis had higher levels of cortisol — the hormone involved in regulating stress — when they first woke up than people who didn’t use cannabis. The Study: Researchers focused on the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a normal surge in cortisol that occurs shortly after waking and helps prepare the body for the demands of the day. Interestingly, the size of that cortisol increase was similar between cannabis users and nonusers. The difference was that frequent users started the morning with more cortisol already circulating in their bodies, and then still experienced the increase. Takeaway: Frequent cannabis use could disrupt the body’s natural stress response. Stress is also one of the most common reasons people report using cannabis, raising the possibility of a feedback loop in which cannabis use and stress regulation influence each other. Keep in Mind: The study does not prove that cannabis causes elevated cortisol, nor that elevated cortisol causes people to use cannabis. More long-term research is needed to understand the relationship. However, the findings […]
Sleep 
Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Bed First Thing
You Should Know: Making your bed may give you a sense of accomplishment and order to start the day, but there’s a case for leaving it unmade for a little while. Overnight, your body releases moisture through sweat and breathing (as much as 700 mL!), and immediately covering that damp bedding can create a warmer, more humid environment where dust mites thrive. Experts suggest pulling back the covers and letting your bed air out for 30 to 60 minutes before making it. Going Deeper: The gross-out factor may be bigger than the actual health threat. Dust mites are microscopic creatures found in many homes, and their droppings and body fragments can trigger allergies and asthma, but they don’t generally make healthy people sick. The bigger concern is for people who are sensitive to them, like those with severe allergies. Keeping indoor humidity below 50%, washing bedding weekly, and using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers can help reduce exposure. Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between a tidy bedroom and a healthier sleep environment. Simply make your bed later — after you’ve showered, had coffee, or have otherwise given your bedding some time to breathe. Bottom Line: Making your bed isn’t […]
Sleep 
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Hot Summer Nights
It’s a Hot One: The summer of 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest summers on record, per the NOAA. Most of the U.S. has a heat index forecast for August of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some parts of the U.S. are expected to fall into “extreme caution” and “danger” zones. If you live in an area where air conditioning isn’t the norm (hi, SoCal) you may have noticed that it’s hard to sleep in this heat. We’ve got a few tricks to help. How to Sleep Well in the Heat: Invest in sun-blocking drapes and keep them drawn in the afternoon to prevent your home from warming up too much before bedtime. Use fabrics like bamboo or linen for bedding — same for pajamas (we really like this brand). Consider stashing your pillowcase in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before bed (yes, it works!). And if you find yourself getting frustrated, don’t lie in bed and suffer. Try reading, coloring, or another low-stim activity until you feel sleepy again. The Benefits: Sleep deprivation, even a mild case, can lead to brain fog, low mood, irritability, memory problems, weakened immunity, and more. When you sleep well, […]
Sleep
Mindfulness
Beauty
Personal Growth
How to Be More Optimistic (According to Science)
New research links optimism to lower disease risk and a longer life, and a simple five-minute daily exercise called Best Possible Self (BPS) can help you build it, according to recent studies.
Mindfulness 
On the Road? Here’s How to Prevent Motion Sickness
Feeling Queasy: Whether it’s happened while riding in a car or on a boat, or even playing a virtual reality game, most people have experienced motion sickness and the nausea, sweating, dizziness, and vomiting it causes. It happens because of a disconnect between what we see and what we feel when we’re in motion and how the brain registers this movement. Children are more susceptible to it, as are people who get vestibular migraines. Plenty of medications and products promise to quell the queasiness, but is it possible to prevent motion sickness all together? How to Do It: Yes, with some planning. Antihistamines (like Dramamine) are effective, but they must be taken ahead of time to work and can cause drowsiness. Driving yourself or riding shotgun can help prevent motion sickness in a car. On a boat, plane, or train, choose a seat where you can see the horizon — like the middle of a boat, over the wing of a plane, or facing forward on a train. Or try prescription scopolamine patches, which can be worn behind the ear for several days. The Benefits: Motion sickness can keep people from doing activities they either want or need to do. When […]
Mindfulness 
This Is What Science Says About Optimism & Your Health
Mindfulness 
Can One Bad Sunburn Really Increase Your Skin Cancer Risk?
You Should Know: It’s a pretty common summertime sight: kids’ lathered with sunscreen and donning sun hats and long-sleeve swim shirts at the beach. Parents may be mostly concerned with preventing the immediate pain and discomfort of a bad sunburn — but it may also have a long-term benefit. Research suggests even one bad sunburn in childhood and adolescence can increase your risk of skin cancer later in life. Going Deeper: The damage from a severe sunburn goes far deeper than just redness on the skin’s surface. Dermatologists call bad sunburns — the ones that cause blistering and peeling skin — “life-changing sunburns.” That’s because they can cause extensive DNA damage and mutations, which accumulate over time and can lead to skin cancer. The risk of getting deadly melanoma as an adult more than doubles with five or more sunburns or even one severe childhood sunburn. Takeaway: Adults and kids alike should protect their skin from UV rays, but children are more vulnerable to life-changing sunburns. They tend to spend more time outside, and their skin pigment–producing cells are biologically different from adult cells. Bottom Line: Be vigilant with children’s sun protection; apply (and reapply) sunscreen regularly, dress them in […]
Beauty 
From Spray Tans to Peptides: The Rise of Tanning Without UV Exposure
The Trend: Lots of us love the look of a tan, but not the skin damage and risk of cancer that can come with it. For Gen Z especially, tanning is back, but so is the desire to get that bronzed look without the UV exposure. That may help explain the rise of sunless tanning techniques, from classic lotions and spray tans, to peptides that claim to stimulate pigment-producing cells. What People Are Saying: Experts say spray tanning is experiencing a boom — and it’s getting more popular among men. They’re certainly safer for your skin than the sun’s rays, but they can also come with a hefty price tag (sometimes running around $500 a session), and often don’t last more than a few days. Another sunless trend? The “Barbie peptide,” which is an injectable called melanotan II that can darken your skin without UV exposure. Fans claim it can give you a tan “from the inside out,” but it’s still unregulated, under-researched, and can cause unpleasant (and dangerous) side effects. What to Know: Sun exposure is a major cause of premature skin aging — the exact opposite of the youthful glow many tanning fans are trying to achieve. So […]
Beauty 
What “Biotech Beauty” Actually Means
Beauty 
8 Things Dentists Wish You’d Stop Doing to Your Teeth
From skipping floss to sipping soda all day, these are the everyday habits quietly wearing down your enamel, plus the simple swaps dentists recommend instead.
Personal Growth 
Heat Waves May Age Your Body Faster, New Study Suggests
Heating Up: If you’ve been feeling anxious about heatwaves recently, we’re sorry to report that a new study suggests that heatwaves may age your body faster. The Study: Repeated heat-wave exposure may accelerate biological aging, potentially by disrupting metabolism. Researchers analyzed data from 2,318 adults in China, with an average age of 58.7, using health measurements collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. They compared participants’ exposure to heat waves with changes in their biological age, using biomarkers like cholesterol and HbA1c. The more heat waves people experienced, the greater their biological age acceleration. Under the study’s definition — a heat wave lasting at least four days with temperatures above the local 97.5th percentile — each additional heat-wave event was associated with about six months of biological aging. This echoes the findings in an earlier study published in Nature Climate Change in 2025, which followed 24,922 adults in Taiwan from 2008 to 2022. Takeaway: It’s hot out there, and that might be bad for our bodies. It’s possible that “heat training” can help us adapt to increasingly severe weather, but it’s also important to take steps to stay cool and hydrated each day. Keep In Mind: Other factors, […]
Personal Growth 
Starting a Hobby Is Good for Brain and Body
Personal Growth