Top cosmetic procedures revealed in new report: What's trending and why

Americans continue to invest in their aesthetic health.

A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows steady growth in cosmetic procedures last year, particularly in body contouring and minimally invasive treatments. 

The report's data, detailed below, reveals where people are spending their money.

Of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2024, liposuction and breast augmentation topped the list.

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"Surgical procedures grew by 1% from 2023," ASPS President Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, a general plastic surgeon based in Charlottesville, Virginia, shared in a press release, noting that body contouring procedures saw the highest increase. 

Thigh and buttock lifts were up 3%, while arm and neck lifts rose 2%. 

WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY TRUMPS POPULAR OZEMPIC TREATMENT IN SHOCKING NEW COMPARISON

Surgeons believe this may reflect the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can lead to sagging skin.

Minimally invasive procedures continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million performed last year. The top five listed below led the pack.

"These treatments remain strong due to their affordability and low downtime," said ASPS member surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a general plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, in the release.

"Despite so-called ‘filler fatigue,’ HA fillers continue to top the list — when done naturally, they’re extremely effective," she added.

For the first time, ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, noting that over 837,000 prescriptions were written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. 

Of those patients, 20% had already undergone surgery, 39% were considering surgery and 41% were exploring non-surgical options, the report shared.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS’ IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDY

"These medications are helping patients reach a healthy weight before surgery," Dr. Heather Faulkner, a cosmetic plastic surgeon based in Atlanta, Goergia, said in the release. 

"But they’re not substitutes — you must be near your goal weight before considering procedures like tummy tucks or lifts."

A number of factors could contribute to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, according to experts.

"Maybe it’s greater exposure through social media or a general decrease in taboos," said Hollenbeck. "Either way, patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health."

Surgeons agree that aesthetic procedures go beyond vanity, suggesting they are about feeling strong, confident and healthy. 

Many also see them as part of a holistic self-care routine, alongside diet, fitness and mental well-being.

Social media is also helping to normalize aesthetic care, making procedures more accessible and less stigmatized, the report stated.

Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results.

"There’s a trend toward the ‘ballerina body,’" Dr. Michele Shermak, a general plastic surgeon based in Baltimore, Maryland, said in the report. 

"Smaller implants, lifted silhouettes — women want to look refined, not overdone."

Cosmetic procedures weren’t the only area of growth. Over one million reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2024, including the most common ones listed below. 

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"Plastic surgeons are also innovators in complex wound care," said Dr. Sara Dickie, general plastic surgeon based in Morton Grove, Illinois, according to the report. 

"Whether it’s trauma, dog bites or tumor removal, our work goes beyond aesthetics."

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While trends may come and go, ASPS emphasizes that safety should always come first, recommending that procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with the appropriate training and experience.

"Patients want to look and feel their best," Hollenbeck added. "And when done right, aesthetic care can support mental and physical well-being in truly meaningful ways."

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Living near a golf course is linked to Parkinson’s risk in new study as some cite limitations

If living near a golf course seems scenic and relaxing, it may also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a surprising new study that comes with some limitations.

Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with Mayo Clinic, the study found that the greatest risk was found among those who live within one to three miles of a golf course.

"The strongest effects were in municipal water service areas with a golf course and in regions with vulnerable groundwater based on the bedrock and topography," lead study author Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Barrow Neurological Institute, told Fox News Digital.

EAR WAX COULD OFFER CLUES OF EARLY PARKINSON'S DISEASE, STUDY SUGGESTS

"These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of PD [Parkinson's disease] for nearby residents," the researchers concluded in the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open.

The case-control study analyzed data from 419 Parkinson’s patients averaging 73 years of age and living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

They then made comparisons to control data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project from 1991 to 2015.

"We had accurate data on golf course locations, and we could accurately determine the source of an individual's drinking water – whether that be municipal water or private well water," Krzyzanowski noted.

Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found.

People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s compared with individuals in water service areas without golf courses.

Those living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions had an 82% higher risk, according to the findings.

(Vulnerable groundwater is more susceptible to contamination from human activities and environmental factors.)

The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, which suggests there could be something more than demographics driving the relationship between golf course proximity and risk of Parkinson’s disease, Krzyzanowski noted. 

"We speculate that pesticides might play a role; however, we didn’t include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what’s going on," she said.

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Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, was not involved in the study but shared her opinion of the findings.

"There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson's disease and environmental agents such as pesticides," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Further research is needed with larger groups of patients, but this study does increase the concern about the association between pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson's, especially within a one- to three-mile radius and groundwater and well vulnerability."

Airborne exposure to the pesticides was also a factor, she added.  

The main limitation of the study is that it is not possible to quantify the amount of exposure each person receives, according to Dr. Rodolfo Savica, Mayo Clinic neurologist and senior author of the study.

"Unfortunately, there are many other aspects as well that can interfere with developing a disease," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Despite that, we are trying our best to contemplate and adjust for any possible additional information, but sometimes that is not possible."

The study was limited to a region with hot and humid summers, specifically southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where golf courses may have applied pesticides with more frequency compared to other geographic regions. 

"Therefore, our results might not generalize to other areas," the study lead noted.

Other relevant Parkinson's risk factors, such as head trauma history and genetic predisposition, were not accounted for, Picone noted.

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Krzyzanowski also pointed out that Parkinson’s disease develops many decades after exposure, so the study aimed to estimate exposure from long ago. 

"If pesticides were involved, they would be the ones sprayed a long time ago and that might be different from what’s being sprayed today," she said.

Picone agreed that because this study looked back to 2013, it is possible that different pesticides used before 2013 were not tracked.  

"However, this study does provide evidence for an association between living on a golf course and pesticide groundwater exposure and risk of Parkinson’s development, and does raise concern and the need for larger population sample research," she shared with Fox News Digital.

Krzyzanowski added that because this was an observational study, the researchers couldn't make causal conclusions about the results.

"If you’re worried about exposure of any kind, you should consult with your doctor," she advised.

A spokesperson from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the study.

"Public health experts and researchers who have reviewed the study have noted that the study’s methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data. As noted by the authors of the study, the role of pesticide exposure from golf courses in Parkinson’s disease risk remains unclear. Without the methodological gaps being filled, the hypothesis linking golf-course pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s Disease remains speculative."

The spokesperson noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rigorously tests and registers the pesticides that the golf industry uses to maintain healthy golf course turf. 

"Pesticides registered by the EPA do not, according to the top researchers in their field, create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions," the spokesperson continued.

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"Golf course superintendents are leading practitioners of integrated pest management, a philosophy that reduces the potential environmental risks of pesticide usage."

Mayo Clinic's Savica recommended that older adults continue to stay active, which is crucial for their well-being. 

"I recommend people continue to play sports outdoors and enjoy the sociality of any activity, including playing golf," he said. 

"On the other hand, I would recommend that people be very careful and avoid exposure to places where we know there can be an interaction between pesticides and contaminants."

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4 tips to get a better night’s sleep during sweltering summer temperatures

Sleeping during the hot summer months can be a struggle for some.

It’s necessary for the body to cool down for optimal rest — so what’s the best way to harness a good night’s sleep during periods of extreme heat?

Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep science at the sleep app Sleep Cycle in Australia, shared some tips with Fox News Digital.

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The body naturally releases heat from the hands, feet and face when preparing for sleep, according to the expert.

When the environment is too warm, the body cannot shed heat effectively, making it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.

"Overheating during the night also disrupts sleep, in the form of more frequent awakenings, night sweats and/or reduced sleep quality," Gradisar said.

"And for those already prone to rumination or insomnia, high nighttime temperatures act as an added stressor, making it even more likely they'll wake up and struggle to drift off again." 

This can result in fragmented sleep and groggy mornings, he warned.

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To increase sleep quality despite the heat, Gradisar offered the following guidance.

To keep the room well-regulated for sleep, Gradisar suggested opening the windows early in the evening to let in cooler air and closing them before bedtime to reduce noise.

"Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet," he advised.

Using a fan or air conditioning to circulate air will also support heat transfer from your body and help prevent night sweats, according to Gradisar.

While drinking water is great for internal hydration on hot nights, Gradisar also suggested taking a cool shower or bath — or going for an evening swim — before bed.

Immersing yourself in cool water will help lower the body’s core temperature, he said.

If your bedding gets too warm, the expert suggested removing your blanket for 30 to 60 seconds, then re-covering once cooled.

When sleeping with a partner, sharing the same duvet or blanket means also sharing each other’s body heat.

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Gradisar recommended considering the Scandinavian sleep method, in which a couple uses separate duvets to avoid sharing too much heat.

The expert also urged caution when using cooling blankets, as the "scientific evidence of their effectiveness is small."

Wearing breathable pajamas and using natural, "heat-wicking" bedding will help keep you cooler, he said.

Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol before bed increases the likelihood of waking up during the night, according to Gradisar.

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Alcohol intake also speeds up the heart rate and widens blood vessels, bringing an initial warmth to the skin, and impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, research has shown.

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Controversial seed oils may offer unexpected health benefits, new research shows

Amid MAHA-inspired efforts to reduce ultraprocessed food consumption, seed oils have come under tough scrutiny in recent months — but a new study suggests they may not be all bad.

Researchers from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found that linoleic acid — a common omega-6 fatty acid found in a variety of seed oils — could help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Linoleic acid is found in seed oils such as soybean and corn oil, as well as plant foods, according to a press release from the American Society for Nutrition.

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"There has been increasing attention on seed oils, with some claiming these oils promote inflammation and raise cardiometabolic risk," said Kevin C. Maki, Ph.D., adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and chief scientist at Midwest Biomedical Research, in the release. 

"Our study, based on almost 1,900 people, found that higher linoleic acid in blood plasma was associated with lower levels of biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk, including those related to inflammation." 

While previous studies have explored the link between linoleic acid and cardiovascular risk factors, this latest research used "objective biomarkers" instead of relying on participants’ self-reported dietary habits, according to Maki.

"We also measured a range of markers of inflammation and indicators of glucose metabolism," he noted.

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People with higher levels of linoleic acid were found to have lower levels of glucose, insulin and markers of inflammation, the researchers found.

"We saw consistent results across the different biomarkers measured," Maki said. "People with higher levels of linoleic acid in their blood tended to have a healthier overall risk profile for heart disease and diabetes."

The findings were presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition that was held May 31-June 3 in Orlando — although the results were preliminary.

"Abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2025 were evaluated and selected by a committee of experts, but have not generally undergone the same peer review process required for publication in a scientific journal," the release stated. 

"As such, the findings presented should be considered preliminary until a peer-reviewed publication is available."

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Based on the findings, the researchers called for additional study to confirm whether greater intake of linoleic acid intake reduces the chances of heart attacks, stroke and type 2 diabetes, the release stated.

The team also aims to determine the impact of specific types of oils.

Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, was not involved in the study but shared reaction to the findings.

"As a cardiovascular dietitian, I think this study reinforces what evidence has long suggested: Seed oils are not harmful — in fact, they may be protective of cardiometabolic health," she told Fox News Digital. 

"By using blood biomarkers, the research shows that higher linoleic acid levels are linked to lower inflammation and better cardiometabolic health."

Routhenstein noted that linoleic acid has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy cell membranes.

"It is also associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers like CRP (C-reactive protein)," she said. "These biological effects help explain its cardiometabolic benefits."

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"This study supports including seed oils, used in appropriate amounts, as part of a heart-healthy diet."

In a Dec. 2024 study published in the medical journal Gut, the plant-based cooking oils — which are often used in processed, packaged foods — were linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, although dietitians pointed to limitations.

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Meanwhile, California chef and restaurant owner Andrew Gruel has shared his staunch opposition to seed oils in interviews with Fox News Digital, saying the "switch away from seed oils shows this movement is here to stay."

"People have researched the effects of seed oils, tried the alternatives and are now demanding their favorite brands make the switch," Gruel said.

Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, suggested the cautions about seed oils may be exaggerated, but did recommend choosing wisely.

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In terms of cooking oils, Collins recommended using olive oil, noting there’s a "significant body of evidence" for its use as part of a Mediterranean approach to eating.

"Extra-virgin olive oil can be a wonderful, versatile oil to use in low-medium heat cooking. It tastes great and has a very good fatty acid profile," she previously told Fox News Digital. 

"For higher-heat cooking, I like avocado and peanut oils for their high smoke point and neutral flavor, and they, too, have good fatty acid profiles." 

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Indiana University researchers for comment.

Peter Burke of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

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Ancient 'pharaoh's curse' fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells

A potentially deadly fungus known as "pharaoh's curse fungus" could offer an unexpected path to fighting cancer, recent research shows.

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania modified molecules from the fungus — which is officially called Aspergillus flavus — to create a new compound and enhance its cancer-killing properties.

"Fungi gave us penicillin," said Dr. Xue (Sherry) Gao, an associate professor at UPenn and leader of the study, in a press release. "These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found."

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The findings were published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

Aspergillus flavus is found in decaying leaves and compost, as well as on trees, plants and some crops, according to Mayo Clinic.

While the fungus doesn't endanger most healthy people, it can cause respiratory issues for those who have weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications.

Some of the more severe complications of the fungus can include bleeding in the lungs and life-threatening infections in the brain, heart and kidneys, Mayo Clinic stated.

After archaeologists opened King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s, multiple members of the excavation team died suddenly, fueling rumors of a "curse" upon those who dared interfere with the pharaoh’s rest, according to the UPenn press release.

Decades later, doctors hypothesized that fungal spores, which had been dormant for thousands of years, could have infected the team.

In the 1970s, it happened again, the university stated. 

A dozen scientists entered another tomb, this time in Poland — and 10 died within a few weeks. Later investigations were said to reveal the presence of Aspergillus flavus in the tomb.

Now, the same fungus linked to King Tut's tomb could have the capability to fight leukemia in a new form of cancer therapy.

"There are a variety of compounds able to be produced by fungus," Gao told Fox News Digital.

These compounds can be toxic to different cells, she noted, depending on the "biological management we are able to mitigate."

CANCER COULD BE DETECTED THREE YEARS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS WITH EXPERIMENTAL BLOOD TEST

The study aimed to find a specific kind of compound — ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, or "RiPPs" — within Aspergillus flavus, which was previously shown to be a good source.

When this compound is able to enter cancer cells, Gao said, it may be able to stop their growth.

"Cancer cells divide uncontrollably," Gao said in the release. "These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division."

When mixed with human cancer cells, two variants of the molecules within these RiPPS were found to have potent effects against leukemia cells, the researchers found.

Another variant performed as well as two FDA-approved drugs that have been used for decades to treat leukemia (cytarabine and daunorubicin).

Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, M.D., a medical oncologist and cancer care consultant based in New York, cautioned that this study, which was performed on cell cultures, is still in the very early stages.

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"It's still very far away from being applicable to use in humans with leukemia," Troso-Sandoval, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Speaking about RiPPs, the doctor told Fox News Digital, "What they're referring to [in the study] is basically a rare type of bioactive molecule that they have isolated from this fungus."

There are multiple subtypes of leukemia, Troso-Sandoval pointed out, including acute and chronic forms.

"One treatment might not work on [another] type of leukemia," she noted. Further testing is needed to determine which subtypes may contain the active molecule.

The compound explored in the study had little to no effect on breast, liver or lung cancer cells, the researchers noted.

This suggests that its disruptive effects only work on certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications.

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Looking ahead, the researchers plan to test the fungus' potential in animal models and, ultimately, human trials.

Gao told Fox News Digital she is "excited about what nature can create and how it can benefit our society."

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The study received support from the National Institutes of Health, the University of Pennsylvania, the Welch Foundation, the Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Program, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the National Science Foundation.

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Billionaire's death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction

On June 12, a prominent billionaire from India, Sunjay Kapur, died suddenly at the age of 53 in Windsor, England, according to multiple reports.

Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, an Indian automotive components manufacturer.

His close friend, business consultant Suhel Seth, confirmed Kapur's death in a post on X that same day.

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"Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar …Om Shanti," Seth wrote.

In the following days, it was revealed that Kapur died while playing polo. Multiple outlets reported that he collapsed after swallowing a bee mid-match, potentially triggering a fatal heart attack.

No official source for the billionaire confirmed that a bee caused the heart attack. Fox News Digital reached out to Sona Comstar for comment.

"It’s not possible to comment with any specificity about this particular case without a thorough review of the forensics," Dr. Nishant Kalra, an Ohio cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution — an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals — told Fox News Digital.

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Swallowing a bee can, in very rare cases, precipitate a heart attack, he confirmed — "but only through specific mechanisms."

The primary risk is not from the act of swallowing itself, but from the possibility of a bee sting to either the upper airway or the oropharynx (the part of the mouth that includes the back of the tongue, tonsils and soft palate), which can introduce venom into the body, according to Kalra.

If the individual is allergic, this can trigger anaphylaxis, which may cause "profound hypotension, arrhythmias or even acute coronary syndromes," Kalra said — a phenomenon known as Kounis syndrome. 

This syndrome can result from a coronary event (any adverse medical event related to the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart) occurring in combination with anaphylactic or allergic reactions. 

This can pose a risk even to individuals who do not have pre-existing coronary artery disease. 

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that cardiac anaphylaxis can cause reduced blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) when triggered by an allergy to insect venom.

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However, these cases are incredibly rare, according to experts.

"The general population should not be concerned about this as a common risk," Kapur told Fox News Digital. "Fatal cardiac events following bee stings are rare and typically occur in individuals with known venom hypersensitivity or underlying cardiac disease."

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Most bee stings, even in the oropharynx, result in local reactions, though airway compromise is a concern if significant swelling occurs, he added.

Those who experience allergic symptoms following a sting should seek immediate medical attention.

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Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say

Body mass index (BMI) may not be the most accurate predictor of death risk.

A new study from the University of Florida found that BMI — a measurement that is commonly used to determine whether a person’s weight is in a healthy range for their height — is "deeply flawed" in terms of predicting mortality.

Instead, one’s level of body fat is "far more accurate," concluded the study, which was published this week in the Annals of Family Medicine.

BMI IS WRONG WAY TO MEASURE OBESITY, RESEARCHERS SAY

To measure participants’ body fat, the researchers used a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which uses a device to measure the resistance of body tissue to a small electrical current.

Over a 15-year period, those who had high body fat were found to be 78% more likely to die than those who had healthy body fat levels, researchers found.

They were also more than three times as likely to die of heart disease, the study noted. 

BMI — which is calculated by dividing weight by height, squared — was described as "entirely unreliable" in predicting the risk of death over a 15-year period from any cause.

The study included 4,252 people in the U.S. and pulled data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

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BMI should not be relied upon as a "vital sign" of health, according to senior author Frank Orlando, M.D., medical director of UF Health Family Medicine in Springhill.

"I’m a family physician, and on a regular basis, we’re faced with patients who have diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions that are related to obesity," Orlando said in a press release for the study.

"One of the routine measures we take alongside traditional vital signs is BMI. We use BMI to screen for a person having an issue with their body composition, but it’s not as accurate for everyone as vital signs are," he added.

BMI has been the international standard for measuring obesity since the 1980s, according to many sources, though some experts have questioned its validity. 

An individual is considered obese if their BMI is 30 or above, overweight if it is between 25 and 29.9, of "normal" weight in the range of 18.5 to 24.9, or underweight if lower than 18.5.

While BMI is easy to calculate, one of its main limitations is that it cannot distinguish between muscle and fat mass, the researchers noted.

"For example, people who are bodybuilders can really elevate their body mass index," Orlando said. "But they’re healthy even with a BMI indicating that they’re obese."

"BMI is just so ingrained in how we think about body fat," Mainous added. "I think the study shows it’s time to go to an alternative that is now proven to be far better at the job."

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Other methods, such as a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, may be even more accurate than BIA, but are much more expensive and not as accessible, the researchers noted.

"If you talk to obesity researchers, they’re going to say you have to use the DEXA scan because it’s the most accurate," Mainous said in the release. "And that’s probably true. But it’s never going to be viable in a doctor’s office or family practice."

Dr. Stephen Vogel — a family medicine physician with PlushCare, a virtual health platform with primary care, therapy and weight management options — echoed the limitations of BMI.

"It has been an easy measurement tool that helps us understand at-risk groups across various populations and demographics, but it doesn't provide accurate data from patient to patient," the North Carolina-based doctor, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"These findings don't challenge the assumptions about BMI — they strengthen the message that new standards, delivered in a consistent and low-cost way, would provide better nuance for the individual when it comes to their overall physical health."

"The main strengths of this study are a better correlation to an individual's risk of morbidity and mortality — however, the limitations lie in the fact that we don't have enough data to determine the right cutoff for these numbers, or to identify the right tools that will be both accurate and precise across the population," Vogel said.

The researchers also acknowledged that body fat percentage thresholds haven’t yet been as standardized as BMI and waist circumference.

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Also, the age range of the participants in the study was limited by the data source.

"Future studies should extend this comparison of body fat to BMI in older adults," the researchers wrote.

The study was also limited by focusing only on mortality as an outcome, they noted, without taking into account any developing diseases — such as heart failure or cancer — that could deepen the understanding of body fat as a risk factor. 

The goal, according to Vogel, is to have a cost-effective, consistent method that can be used across the population with reliable accuracy.

"Benefits would come in the form of a more detailed list of information that helps providers and patients make informed decisions about the patient’s health, which is ideal," Vogel noted.

"I'm hopeful there's enough buzz around these measures that steps will continue to be taken toward regular implementation."

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The researchers are hopeful that once standards are validated, measuring body fat percentage with bioelectrical impedance analysis could become standard of care. 

They added, "These data will drive better discussions in the doctor’s office, as well as public health initiatives with the goal of improving the health of all."

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Extreme heat affects the brain — here's how to protect your cognitive health

Summer heat has swept the U.S., with warnings issued across the East Coast and Midwest.

In addition to putting stress on the body, hot weather can also take a toll on the brain and mental health.

Dr. Jace Reed, director of emergency psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, emphasized in an interview with Fox News Digital that the brain is a major organ that can be greatly affected by heat.

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Extreme heat can cause mental health changes like increased irritability and anxiety, along with decreased memory, attention and reaction time.

This can affect daily interactions socially and professionally, the expert cautioned.

"You may be slower at completing your task or remembering what someone just told you," he told Fox News Digital. "Those can be initial early signs that the heat is affecting your brain and your mental abilities."

Symptoms like extreme confusion could mark the beginning of a heat stroke, which could require hospitalization, the psychiatrist warned.

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In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Thea Gallagher, a doctor of psychology and director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health, noted that when the body overheats, it struggles to regulate internal balance.

This can lead to disrupted sleep, fatigue and poor concentration, as well as impaired cognitive function, slow reaction times and struggles with decision-making.

The heat can also increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, Gallagher added, which can potentially damage neurons, worsen existing neurological conditions and raise stroke risk.

"Heat exposure may trigger an inflammatory response in the brain," she said. "In cases like heatstroke, inflammation is believed to contribute to symptoms such as confusion and delirium."

NEGATIVE THOUGHTS MIGHT BE CHANGING YOUR BRAIN IN SURPRISING WAYS, STUDY SUGGESTS

Excessive heat can also weaken the protective blood-brain barrier, according to the expert, which makes the brain more vulnerable to toxins and pathogens.

Higher temperatures are also associated with disturbances in mood and violent behavior, especially during prolonged heatwaves.

Psychiatric emergency visits for anxiety, depression and substance use also rise significantly on the hottest days, Gallagher confirmed.

Below are some of the main mental symptoms that can worsen in hot weather, experts cautioned.

People who suffer from mental health conditions such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety or even dementia are more vulnerable in hot weather.

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Some psychiatric medications could make it difficult for the body to regulate temperature or stay hydrated, Gallagher noted, while heat can "intensify" symptoms like agitation or paranoia.

"People with cognitive impairments may not recognize the signs of overheating," she added.

"Some SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can suppress sweat production, which is the body’s primary cooling mechanism. This raises the risk of overheating, dehydration and even heat stroke."

"Paradoxically, SSRIs can also cause excessive sweating in some individuals — a side effect known as ‘SSRI sweats,’" she went on. "While this might seem like it would help with cooling, it can actually lead to dehydration if fluid intake doesn’t keep up."

The experts recommended the following practices to protect brain health in extreme heat.

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"Days are also longer and there are more activities, which can be exhausting," Gallagher noted. "Therefore, it is good to prioritize sleep and rest … and [find] ways to slow down when you can."

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CDC committee moves to phase out controversial mercury ingredient from flu vaccines

A vaccine ingredient is in the spotlight this week, as a preservative called thimerosal was included on the agenda for a meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

"Presentation regarding thimerosal in vaccines" was listed as an agenda item for Thursday, June 26, followed by "Proposed recommendations regarding thimerosal-containing influenza vaccine."

Thimerosal (also spelled thiomersal) is a mercury‑based preservative that has been used in multi-dose vaccines and medications since the 1930s as a means of preventing contamination, according to the CDC.

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The ingredient is intended to prevent contamination by stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi, the same source states.

Due to growing concerns about potential mercury exposure, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Public Health Service agencies and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be "reduced or eliminated in vaccines."

In 2001, thimerosal was removed from all vaccines recommended for children 6 and younger — except for influenza.

Today, multi-dose flu vaccines still contain thimerosal, but other versions are available without the ingredient.

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At the June 27 meeting, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend that all adults (including pregnant women) and all children 18 years and younger should receive seasonal influenza vaccines only in single-dose formulations that do not contain thimerosal, according to meeting notes published by the CDC.

Despite these recommendations, the CDC and other health agencies have claimed there is no evidence that thimerosal poses health risks.

"Thimerosal use in medical products has a record of being very safe," the agency’s website states. "Data from many studies show no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines."

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, reiterated that American children have not been receiving thimerosal for over 20 years in their vaccines, but that it remains in some multi-use vial vaccines, mostly outside the U.S.

"We support any effort to remove it entirely — there are other preservatives that are not based on mercury," Glanville told Fox News Digital. 

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Glanville noted that his company’s vaccines never contain mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, or pig- or cow-derived materials.

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Disposable vapes more toxic and carcinogenic than cigarettes, study shows

Illegal disposable e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, may present a greater danger than traditional cigarettes, according to a study from the University of California (UC) Davis.

The research, published in the journal ACS Central Science, found that hazardous levels of several toxic heavy metals in illegal vapes could present a high cancer risk.

Researchers used a special instrument to test the puffs from three popular vape brands — ELF Bar, Flum Pebble and Esco — that are not FDA-authorized for use in the U.S., but are widely sold by retailers.

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Three heavy metals — lead, nickel and antimony — were detected in all heavily flavored and lightly flavored devices that were tested. 

These metals are classified as carcinogens, potentially leading to various types of cancers, such as skin, lung and kidney, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

All vapors exceeded the cancer risk limits for nickel, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, asthma, lung fibrosis and respiratory tract cancer, per NIH.

Brett Poulin, senior study author and assistant professor at the UC Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology, told Fox News Digital that he was shocked at the levels of toxic metals.

"When I analyzed the first samples, the lead concentrations were so high that I genuinely thought the instrument was broken," he said. "The levels far exceeded anything in our past data, or even the published literature."

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One of the brands tested exposes users to as much lead as smoking 19 packs of cigarettes, the researchers discovered.

Additionally, most of the disposable e-cigarettes tested in the study were found to contain greater levels of metals and metalloids than older refillable vapes.

At one point, Poulin said, he physically opened a device and discovered that it was using leaded copper alloys, which are metals made primarily of copper with small amounts of lead.

"These materials leached dangerous levels of lead into the e-liquid, even without the device being used," Poulin told Fox News Digital.

"It remains unclear whether this was an intentional design choice, a cost-cutting measure or a manufacturing oversight."

There is no known safe level of lead exposure, according to Poulin.

"This neurotoxin poses serious health risks, particularly to children and adolescents, who are especially vulnerable."

Daniel Sterman, M.D., director of the Pulmonary Oncology Program at the NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, told Fox News Digital that the study "clearly" demonstrates high concentrations of metal.

"There are several health risks of vaping that we enumerate for our patients and their family members, [such as] risks of various lung diseases, including asthma, COPD and lung cancer," said Sterman, who was not involved in the study.

The doctor noted that while it is challenging to establish a direct link of causation between disposable vapes and cancer, he does see cancer patients who use the devices.

"Disposable vapes should be highly regulated by local, state and federal agencies, and restricted to those individuals 21 years or older," Sterman recommends.

The doctor also called for the packaging on disposable vapes to clearly outline the many health risks, "particularly to teenagers and young adults."

One of the primary limitations of the study was that only three disposable e-cigarette brands were tested out of the hundreds currently on the market. 

There are distinct differences in the metal leaching and profiles across all three brands, Poulin shared. 

"We still know very little about the metal content in the vast majority of untested disposable e-cigarette products," he said. "This gap in knowledge poses a significant public health concern, especially given the popularity of these devices."

A spokesperson for the China-based brand, ELFBAR, told Fox News Digital that they refute the results of the study, claiming that they stopped shipments in May 2023.

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Due to ongoing trademark litigation, they are unable to market or sell products in the U.S., the company stated.

"This market void has led to a surge in counterfeits, imitations and illicit variations misusing our brand name," the spokesperson said. "As such, we have every reason to believe the devices tested in this study are not genuine and were not manufactured by ELFBAR."

The spokesperson acknowledged that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, noting that the recent study "continues to undermine public understanding of smoking cessation."

The other two brands tested in the study did not respond to requests for comment.

Electronic cigarette use among adults increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Men are more likely to vape than women, while 15.5% of young adults between the ages of 21 and 24 reported using e-cigarettes, the above source states.

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The UC Davis study received support from the University of California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program Grant and the California Agricultural Experiment Station.

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Heart attack deaths have plummeted in US, but new cardiovascular threats emerge

Heart attack deaths have plummeted in recent years — but other types of cardiovascular disease still pose a major threat.

A new study by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that overall heart disease-related death rates have declined by 66%, and heart attack deaths have dropped by almost 90%.

While heart attacks are no longer the most fatal form of heart disease, there have been increases in other types — heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and hypertensive heart disease (long-term high blood pressure).

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The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Heart Association.

In the study, researchers analyzed more than 50 years of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on heart disease deaths among adults aged 25 and older.

In 1970, heart attacks — also known as ischemic heart disease — represented more than half (54%) of all heart disease deaths, the study found.

As of 2022, only 29% of heart disease deaths were caused by heart attacks.

Other types of heart disease deaths — such as heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmia — have risen during that timeframe, however.

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In 2022, these other types were responsible for 47% of heart disease deaths, up from just 9% in 1970, the study found.

"This distribution shift in the types of heart disease people were dying from the most was very interesting to us," said the study’s first author, Sara King, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident in the department of medicine at Stanford School of Medicine in Stanford, California, in the release. 

"This evolution over the past 50 years reflects incredible successes in the way heart attacks and other types of ischemic heart disease are managed," she went on.

"However, the substantial increase in deaths from other types of heart conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias, poses emerging challenges the medical community must address."

Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, happen when electrical impulses to the heart are too fast, slow or erratic, according to the AHA. One common example of an arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which begins in the upper chambers of the heart.

Heart failure is defined as a "chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen."

Hypertensive heart disease describes damage to the heart caused by long-term, unaddressed high blood pressure, the AHA stated.

Sadiya S. Khan, MD, a cardiologist and associate professor at Northwestern University in Chicago, was not involved in the study but commented on the "important analysis."

"Fortunately, this study suggests important progress in a preventable cause of death — heart attacks," she told Fox News Digital.

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"Unfortunately, it suggests that there is a smoldering crisis of other types of heart disease deaths that may be in part related to heart attacks, but speak to the growing burden of obesity that results in more heart failure and arrhythmia-related deaths."

"The increase in other types of heart disease leading to death has offset the wins from deaths from heart attacks declining."

The researchers presented several possible reasons for the decrease in heart attack deaths, primarily advancements in treatment for sudden and acute cardiac events.

"From the establishment and increased use of bystander CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting, to the creation of systems of care that promote early recognition of and quick procedural and medical intervention to treat heart attacks, there have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence," King said in the release.

The researchers also touted several other medical advancements, including coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac imaging and many new heart disease medications.

Healthy lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly and managing cholesterol and blood pressure, have also contributed to the reduced heart attack deaths, the AHA report stated.

Khan added, "It is important to note that this doesn’t mean the heart attack may still not have been the driver, if someone with a heart attack developed heart failure and that is now called a heart failure death."

Despite the improvements, the researchers cautioned that several other heart disease risk factors — including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and physical inactivity — are still fueling cases.

Obesity in particular has risen from 15% to 40% during the study timeframe, and type 2 diabetes affects nearly half of U.S. adults, according to the report.

Increased life expectancy is another factor — as people are living longer, a larger aging population is more likely to experience various types of heart disease.

"We’ve won major battles against heart attacks; however, the war against heart disease isn’t over," King said. "We now need to tackle heart failure and other chronic conditions that affect people as they age."

"The next frontier in heart health must focus on preventing heart attacks, and also on helping people age with healthier hearts and avoiding chronic heart conditions later in life."

The AHA calculates heart health based on an individual’s score for what it calls "Life’s Essential 8."

Those who score high in those eight areas are, on average, six years younger biologically than their actual age. 

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The eight lifestyle behaviors for optimal heart health are listed below.

The researchers pointed out several limitations of their study, including that they did not analyze data by age, sex, race, ethnicity, region or urbanization.

There could also be potential inconsistencies and "miscoding" of data over the years, they noted.

It’s also possible that the "true burden" of heart attacks is "underestimated" in the findings, according to the researchers.

"Certain conditions including heart failure, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias — and, in particular, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest — may be overly simplistic," they wrote. "Many of these cases likely have underlying causes that cannot be precisely differentiated using current or past ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes."

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Khan pointed out that despite the decrease in direct heart attack deaths, heart disease overall is still the leading cause of mortality in the U.S., accounting for more than 900,000 deaths in 2022.

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Ear wax could offer clues of early Parkinson's disease, study suggests

Ear wax may provide an unexpected early warning of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to new research.

In particular, its odor could help clinicians detect the progressive neurological movement disorder, researchers noted in the study, which was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed after an individual demonstrates symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement) and gait changes, according to health experts.

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The study suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which are released by sebum (oily secretions that help lubricate and protect skin) in the ear wax of individuals with Parkinson’s — have a certain distinctive smell.

The odor is the result of systemic inflammation, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress related to disease progression, as noted in the report from the American Chemical Society.

"There is evidence that patients with Parkinson’s disease produce excess sebum, and other research groups have demonstrated that there are particular chemical profiles of this sebum compared to patients without PD," Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, medical director of movement disorders, neuromodulation and brain circuit therapeutics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

(Jimenez-Shahed was not affiliated with the study.)

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In this recent study, researchers in China analyzed wax swabbed from the ear canals of 209 participants, 108 of whom had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. 

Using specialized methods to analyze chemicals in the wax, the investigators found that four of the VOCs in people with the disease were significantly different from those who had not been diagnosed, the study detailed.  

They concluded that four VOCs — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane) — may serve as potential biomarkers for PD.

The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs.

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According to the report, the AIO system showed 94% accuracy with ear wax samples from people with and without Parkinson’s.

The study authors suggested that the AIO system could eventually be used as a first-line screening tool for early Parkinson’s detection, allowing for earlier treatment of the disease.

Most current treatments only manage symptoms and help maintain quality of life, but don’t stop or reverse the disease, which makes early diagnosis and treatment vital, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

The report also noted that current tests for Parkinson’s — such as imaging studies and clinical rating scales — can be costly and subjective. 

This potential detection system could provide an easy and inexpensive way to test for the disease, although experts pointed out that more testing is needed.

The study was performed on a small scale in a single clinic in China, according to Hao Dong, one of the study authors at the Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies in China.

"The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value," Dong said in a news release. 

Jimenez-Shahed noted that ideally, this new method could serve as an early diagnostic test, potentially easier than using spinal fluid, skin biopsies or specialized scans.

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The above expert, who is also an associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, cautioned that the particular profiles of ear wax VOCs reported in the recent study may differ from findings from other studies. 

"There needs to be replication and/or expansion of sample size before determining the specific diagnostic potential of a test like this," he added.

Those who are concerned about potential Parkinson’s risk should consult with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist, Jimenez-Shahed advised.

A specialist can carefully screen the individual for early warning signs and determine the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The study was funded by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of Science, Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang Province, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for further comment.

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Mouth taping touted by some for better sleep as experts cite safety concerns

Mouth taping has again become a popular bedtime trend on social media — just as it trended a few years ago.

The idea is to tape the mouth shut at night to promote nasal breathing, which some experts claim can have health benefits.

Others, however, warn of potential risks and questionable results.

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The Sleep Foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, says the benefits of mouth taping are "mostly anecdotal," with few studies backing up the benefits.

"The main proposed benefit of mouth taping is promoting nasal breathing, which helps filter and humidify air and may reduce snoring or dry mouth for some individuals," sleep expert Wendy Troxel, Ph.D. — a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah — told Fox News Digital.

Breathing through the nose helps people absorb more oxygen, according to Todd Anderson, sleep and wellness expert and founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville.

When you breathe out through your mouth all night, you're expelling most of the carbon dioxide in your body, Anderson said — but it can be beneficial to have some CO2 in the system.

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"When you start exercising, you're under stress and your CO2 starts to rise," he told Fox News Digital. 

"So the more comfortable you are with carbon dioxide in your system, the more adaptable to stress your body is."

Anderson said breath is like the "steering wheel" of the nervous system, as breathing through the nose promotes longer exhalations and relaxes the body.

"Your nose [also] produces nitric oxide, which you breathe down into your lungs. That expands your blood vessels and relaxes your cardiovascular system," he said. "Top to bottom, it calms your body down. That's why it impacts sleep in such a positive way."

Some claim that using the tape could also help achieve a more defined jaw structure and could protect dental health, Anderson noted, as mouth breathing leads to dryness and more acidity, which can break down tooth enamel.

Sleep expert Troxel said she approaches mouth taping with "considerable caution" — as scientific evidence shows that its effectiveness is "limited."

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"While some people report less snoring or better sleep, most of these claims are anecdotal and not well-supported by rigorous research with large and diverse samples," she told Fox News Digital.

While there is some "preliminary evidence" that mouth taping can reduce snoring for some sleep apnea patients, Troxel noted that the overall effect is "modest."

She added there is "no strong evidence" that mouth taping changes jaw shape.

For those who have nasal congestion, blockages or allergies, Troxel and Anderson agreed that mouth taping is not recommended, as it can make it harder to breathe at night.

"This can lead to feelings of anxiety and disrupted sleep — and in some cases, it may lower oxygen levels while sleeping," Troxel warned. 

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One big concern is that using mouth tape may delay or prevent people from getting proper treatment for sleep apnea, she added, which could pose serious health risks.

Anderson also recommended against mouth taping for people who are overweight, those who drink alcohol or other substances, and those who are feeling sick.

Troxel encouraged those who experience mouth breathing or snoring to consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues.

"Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut," she said.

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"For otherwise healthy, low-risk individuals who do not have sleep apnea and want to experiment with mouth taping, I suggest approaching it scientifically and with caution."

For those who do decide to try it, Troxel suggested testing the tape on the skin first to check for irritation, using medical-grade tape, or considering a tape with a slit so that the mouth is not fully covered.

Anderson added that consumers should consider where the mouth tape is made and what adhesive is used, to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions. 

The Sleep Foundation cautions on its website that some side effects of mouth taping include difficulty breathing, skin irritation and anxiety.

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Using a sleep tracker before and during the use of mouth tape for a few weeks could help gauge how it’s working, Troxel advised.

"If you do not see improvements, that’s your answer — it may not be effective for you," she said. "Always stop immediately if you experience discomfort or difficulty breathing."

There are other ways to promote nasal breathing, according to Troxel — including targeted exercises.

"Alternating nostril breathing or belly breathing during the day can help train your body to breathe through your nose more naturally at night," she said. 

"It's also a great strategy to manage stress and promote relaxation."

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ChatGPT could be silently rewiring your brain as experts urge caution for long-term use

Using ChatGPT on a long-term basis could have negative effects on brain function.

That’s according to a study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which found that using a large language model (LLM) to write multiple essays over a four-month period could hamper cognitive abilities.

In the study, 54 participants were divided into three groups.

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One group used ChatGPT, an LLM product made by OpenAI, to write an essay. 

The second group used only a search engine, and the third group used only their own brains, according to a press release from MIT.

The participants underwent three sessions where they completed the same assignment. Then, in the fourth session, the LLM group was asked to write an essay without any tools, and the "brain-only" group was asked to use an LLM for assistance.

During each session, the researchers recorded the participants’ brain activity using an EEG monitor to assess their "cognitive engagement and cognitive load" and to determine their neural activity, the release stated.

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The participants also provided their own individual feedback during interviews.

Human teachers and an artificial intelligence agent scored the assessments.

"EEG analysis presented robust evidence that LLM, search engine and brain-only groups had significantly different neural connectivity patterns, reflecting divergent cognitive strategies," the researchers wrote.

Participants showed less brain connectivity when they used the tools to help write their essays, the study found.

"The brain‑only group exhibited the strongest, widest‑ranging networks; the search engine group showed intermediate engagement; and LLM assistance elicited the weakest overall coupling," the researchers wrote.

In the fourth session, the participants who switched from LLM to brain-only showed "weaker neural connectivity" and less cognitive engagement. 

The LLM group also had less ability to recall information from the essays they had just written.

Those who switched from brain-only to LLM had "higher memory recall" and greater cognitive engagement.

Based on these findings, the researchers said there could be a "possible decrease in learning skills" among LLM users. 

"The use of LLM had a measurable impact on our participants, and while the benefits were initially apparent, as we demonstrated over the course of four sessions … the LLM group's participants performed worse than their counterparts in the brain-only group at all levels: neural, linguistic [and] scoring," they wrote.

The findings have been uploaded to Arxiv, a preprint service, but have not yet been peer-reviewed, as the researchers noted that "all conclusions are to be treated with caution and as preliminary."

There were also a limited number of participants who were all from the same geographical area.

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"For future work, it will be important to include a larger number of participants coming from diverse backgrounds, like professionals in different areas and age groups, as well as ensure that the study is more gender-balanced," the researchers noted.

Only ChatGPT was used in the study; future research could incorporate other LLMs.

The EEG technology used to analyze brain connectivity could also have some limitations, as the researchers shared plans to use fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) in future studies.

"Our findings are context-dependent and are focused on writing an essay in an educational setting and may not generalize across tasks," they also stated.

"Future studies should also consider exploring longitudinal impacts of tool usage on memory retention, creativity and writing fluency."

Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and "AI futurist" based in Texas, said he sees this study as a "neuro-wake-up call," especially for younger brains.

"ChatGPT can make you 60% faster, but that speed comes at the price of neuro-engagement," Castro, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"Brain connectivity collapses from 79 neural links to just 42, and 83% of users can't quote their own essays minutes later. Neuroplasticity research tells us developing brains will feel this hit hardest."

In emergency medicine, Castro said, doctors call this "failure to encode."

"The brain isn't processing and storing information," he said. "When neural connectivity drops by nearly half, we're looking at what researchers call ‘cognitive debt.’"

For medical students, an inability to encode and recall information under pressure could have serious implications for clinical decision-making, Castro noted. 

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"The same neural networks that consolidate essay information are involved in diagnostic reasoning," he said.

Using LLMs for extended periods can be convenient, but could cause cognitive muscles to "atrophy" over time, the expert cautioned.

There was one encouraging finding, however.

"When people with strong foundational skills later used ChatGPT, they showed enhanced connectivity," Castro said. "The key isn't avoiding AI — it's building cognitive strength first."

In education, he emphasized the need for periods of "AI-free cognitive development."

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"Sometimes you act on preliminary data when the stakes are high enough, and an entire generation's brain development is high stakes."

Fox News Digital reached out to OpenAI for comment.

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RFK Jr to encourage Americans to use 'wearable' tech to track their health

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Tuesday that it is his vision "that every American is wearing a wearable within four years."

He made the comments regarding devices like smartwatches, smart rings and fitness trackers to members of Congress, adding that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is "about to launch one of the biggest advertising campaigns in HHS history to encourage Americans to use wearables."

Kennedy said during a hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Health that wearables are a way "people can take control of their own health."

"They can see, as you know, what food is doing to their glucose levels, their heart rates, and a number of other metrics as they eat it," he told members of Congress. "And they can begin to make good judgments about their diet, about their physical activity, about the way that they live their lives."

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The health secretary said he has had friends who have "utterly changed their lives just from wearing a glucose meter," who have lost weight while monitoring their diabetes. 

Shares of continuous glucose-monitoring device makers Abbott and Dexcom were up 3.6% and 10%, respectively, in afternoon trading, Reuters reported.

RFK JR'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MAHA REPORT PAINTS DISMAL STATE OF CHILD HEALTH, NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS

While he has been critical of the diabetes drug Ozempic, which is often used for weight-loss, he has expressed support for the prescription of such weight-loss drugs for adults with morbid obesity and diabetes, provided they are accompanied by exercise.

"You know the Ozempic is costing $1300 a month, if you can achieve the same thing with an $80 wearable, it's a lot better for the American people," Kennedy said, adding, "We're exploring ways of making sure that those costs can be paid for."

J.P. Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus commented, "We think it's premature to interpret this as a direct comment on whether Medicare and other commercial payors will move towards covering non-intensive Type II diabetes patients or other areas of proactive monitoring."

Kennedy has long promoted healthy eating over medicine as a way to combat obesity, and has been a prominent skeptic of vaccine safety.

He added, both in person and on X, that the forthcoming wearables campaign is "a key part of our mission to Make America Healthy Again."

Reuters contributed to this report. 

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