Ozempic-style drugs could slash complication risks after heart attacks, research suggests

A popular class of weight-loss drugs may prevent life-threatening cardiac complications by opening microscopic blood vessels that often remain blocked after a heart attack, according to a study published this week in Nature Communications.

The research, led by the University of Bristol and University College London, identified a biological brain-gut-heart signaling pathway. 

This discovery appears to explain how GLP-1 drugs — which mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite — protect heart tissue from a condition known as "no-reflow."

EATING OATMEAL FOR TWO DAYS HAS UNEXPECTED IMPACT ON HEART HEALTH, STUDY SUGGESTS

"In nearly half of all heart attack patients, tiny blood vessels within the heart muscle remain narrowed, even after the main artery is cleared during emergency medical treatment," Dr. Svetlana Mastitskaya, the study’s lead author and a senior lecturer at Bristol Medical School, said in a press release.

"This results in a complication known as ‘no-reflow,’ where blood is unable to reach certain parts of the heart tissue."

This lack of blood flow increases the risk of heart failure and death within a year. GLP-1 medications could prevent this, according to the researchers.

When the GLP-1 hormone is released in the gut or administered as a drug, it sends a signal to the brain, which then sends a signal to the heart that switches on special potassium channels in tiny cells called pericytes.

When these channels open, the pericytes relax, which allows the small blood vessels (capillaries) to widen and improve blood flow to the heart muscle, the researchers noted.

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The new study used animal models and cellular imaging to track how GLP-1 interacts with heart tissue. When the researchers removed the potassium channels, the drugs no longer protected the heart — confirming they play a key role.

The findings suggest that existing GLP-1 medications, already used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, could be repurposed as emergency treatments during or immediately after a heart attack to reduce tissue damage.

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The researchers noted several limitations, including that the study relied on animal models.

Clinical trials are necessary to determine whether the brain-gut-heart pathway operates with the same timing and efficacy in humans.

Additionally, while the study highlights the drug's immediate benefits during a heart attack, it does not establish whether long-term use of the medication provides a pre-existing level of protection.

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The research was primarily funded by the British Heart Foundation.

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Do collagen supplements really improve skin? Major review reveals the truth

Collagen supplements have exploded in popularity, touted as everything from an anti-aging miracle to a muscle recovery booster.

But a sweeping new review conducted by U.K. researchers suggests that while collagen may help improve skin elasticity and ease arthritis pain, it does little for athletic performance or wrinkle reduction.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University analyzed 16 systematic reviews and 113 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 8,000 participants worldwide, which they say is the most extensive evaluation of collagen’s health effects to date. 

COSMETIC FILLERS CAN CAUSE DEADLY COMPLICATION, EXPERTS WARN — BUT NEW TECH EXPOSES IT

The review found consistent evidence that collagen supplementation improves skin elasticity and hydration over time and provides significant relief from osteoarthritis-related joint pain and stiffness, according to findings published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 

The researchers, however, did not find meaningful improvements in post-exercise muscle recovery, soreness or tendon mechanical properties (strength, springiness and stretch resistance).

"Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis," co-author Lee Smith, professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University, said in a statement.

EXPERIMENTAL SERUM SHOWS PROMISE IN REVERSING BALDNESS WITHIN 20 DAYS

"Our findings show clear benefits in key areas of healthy aging, while also dispelling some of the myths surrounding its use," Smith added.

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, supports skin, bones, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue, according to experts. Natural collagen production begins to drop in early adulthood and declines more sharply with age.

The review found that long-term collagen supplementation was linked to improved skin firmness and hydration, but did not help skin roughness — a proxy for visible wrinkles. 

Benefits appear to accumulate gradually, suggesting that collagen should not be viewed as an "anti-wrinkle 'quick fix,' but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance," the researchers said.

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"If we define anti-aging as a product or technique designed to prevent the appearance of getting older, then I believe our findings do support this claim for some parameters," Smith told the BBC. "For example, an improvement in skin tone and moisture is associated with a more youthful-looking appearance."

Collagen supplementation was linked to reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis, with stronger benefits seen over longer periods of use, and showed modest improvements in muscle mass and tendon structure that may support healthy aging. 

However, it did not show meaningful results when used as a fast-acting sports performance supplement, and evidence for benefits related to cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and oral health was mixed or inconclusive.

Dr. Daniel Ghiyam, a California-based physician and longevity specialist, said the findings align with what he sees in clinical practice.

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"Collagen is a targeted support tool, not a foundation of health or performance," Ghiyam, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "When marketed that way, it makes sense. When marketed as a cure-all, it doesn’t hold up to the data."

The authors noted that while many previous collagen studies have received financial support from the supplement industry, the current review did not receive industry funding.

The team called for more high-quality clinical trials examining long-term outcomes, optimal dosages, and differences between collagen sources, such as marine, bovine and plant-based alternatives. 

Among its limitations, the review could not determine whether certain forms of collagen work better than others or what the optimal regimen should be. 

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While the review included randomized controlled trials, the quality of the studies varied, with newer research generally showing stronger results.

Experts say more data and studies are needed to build on the findings. They also noted that diet plays a crucial role in skin health.

Dr. Erum Ilyas, a Pennsylvania-based dermatologist and chair of dermatology at Drexel University College of Medicine, noted that the review analyzed previously published meta-analyses rather than generating new primary data.

"At this time, I have not seen sufficiently strong independent evidence to routinely recommend collagen supplements to my patients," Ilyas, who was not involved in the review, told Fox News Digital.

"Although some studies show modest improvements in markers such as hydration and elasticity, there remains limited independent, biopsy-confirmed evidence demonstrating sustained increases in dermal collagen content," she added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the researchers for comment.

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Origin of deadly cancer affecting young adults revealed in alarming report

As colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50, a new report reveals some surprising shifts in the incidence of the disease.

Although rates of CRC have been declining among seniors, those 65 and under are facing a rise in diagnoses, according to a report titled Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2026, from the American Cancer Society.

Adults 65 and younger comprise nearly half (45%) of all new colorectal cancer cases — a significant increase from 27% in 1995, states the report, which was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

DISEASE RISING 3% ANNUALLY AMONG 20-49 AGE GROUP, WITH RECTAL CANCER CASES INCREASING TO ONE-THIRD OF ALL DIAGNOSES

The disease is rising fastest among adults 20 to 49 years old, at a rate of 3% per year.

Among adults 50 and under, 75% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Half of the diagnoses in that age range are made between the ages of 45 and 49. Although that age group is eligible to receive routine screenings, just 37% do so.

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The report also revealed that rectal cancer is on the rise, now accounting for about one-third (32%) of all CRC cases — an increase from 27% in the mid-2000s.

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"After decades of progress, the risk of dying from colorectal cancer is climbing in younger generations of men and women, confirming a real uptick in disease because of something we’re doing or some other exposure," said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, in a press release.

"We need to redouble research efforts to understand the cause, but also circumvent deaths through earlier detection by educating clinicians and the general public about symptoms and increasing screening in people 45-54 years."

It is projected that 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year, and that the disease will cause 55,230 deaths, per the report.

More than half of CRC cases can be linked to high-risk behaviors, the researchers said. Those include lack of nutrition, high alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity.

"These findings further underscore that colorectal cancer is worsening among younger generations and highlight the immediate need for eligible adults to begin screening at the recommended age of 45," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society.

"The report also shines a light on the crucial importance of continued funding for research to help discover new therapies to treat the disease and advance patient care."

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When the disease is caught at a local (early) stage, the five-year survival rate is 95%, the report stated.

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Aging process could accelerate due to 'forever chemicals' exposure, study finds

A new study suggests that middle-aged men may be more vulnerable to faster biological aging, potentially linked to exposure to "forever chemicals."

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, examined how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, could impact aging at the cellular level.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant fabrics and other consumer products, the study noted. 

NIGHTLY BATHROOM HABIT WAS MISSED SIGN OF COMMON MEN'S CANCER: ‘I DIDN’T KNOW’

Their chemical structure makes them highly resistant to breaking down, allowing them to accumulate in water, soil and the human body.

Chinese researchers analyzed blood samples from 326 adults enrolled in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2000.

The researchers measured levels of 11 PFAS compounds in participants’ blood and used DNA-based "epigenetic clocks" — tools that analyze chemical changes to DNA to estimate biological age — to determine how quickly their bodies were aging at the cellular level, the study stated.

Two compounds, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), were detected in 95% of participants.

Higher concentrations of those chemicals were associated with faster biological aging in men of certain age groups, but not in women.

The compounds most strongly linked to accelerated aging were not the PFAS chemicals that typically receive the most public attention, the researchers noted.

"The associations were strongest in adults aged 50 to 64, particularly in men," Dr. Xiangwei Li, professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the study’s corresponding author, told Fox News Digital. 

"While this does not establish that PFAS cause aging, it suggests that these widely present ‘forever chemicals’ may be linked to molecular changes related to long-term health and aging."

Midlife may represent a more sensitive biological period, when the body becomes more vulnerable to age-related stressors, according to the researchers.

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, may influence biological aging markers, potentially increasing vulnerability to environmental pollutants.

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While Li said "people should not panic," she does recommend looking for reasonable ways to reduce exposure. 

That might mean checking local drinking water reports, using certified water filters designed to reduce PFAS, and limiting the use of stain- or grease-resistant products when alternatives are available.

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Meaningful reductions in PFAS exposure will likely depend on broader regulatory action and environmental cleanup efforts, Li added.

The researchers outlined several important limitations of the research, including that the findings show an association, but do not prove that PFAS directly causes accelerated aging.

"The study is cross-sectional, meaning exposure and aging markers were measured at the same time, so we cannot determine causality," Li told Fox News Digital.

The study was also relatively small, limited to 326 adults age 50 or older, which means the findings may not apply to younger people or broader populations.

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Researchers measured PFAS levels using data collected between 1999 and 2000, and today's exposure patterns may differ.

Li added that while PFAS is known to persist in the environment and the body, these results should be validated through larger, more recent studies that follow participants over time.

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Alzheimer’s prevention breakthrough found in decades-old seizure drug

A drug that has long been used to treat seizures has shown promise as a potential means of Alzheimer’s prevention, a new study suggests.

The anti-seizure medication, levetiracetam, was first approved by the FDA in November 1999 under the brand name Keppra as a therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults. The approval has since expanded to include children and other types of seizures.

Northwestern University researchers recently found that levetiracetam prevented the formation of toxic amyloid beta peptides, which are small protein fragments in the brain that are commonly seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

ALZHEIMER’S DECLINE COULD SLOW DRAMATICALLY WITH ONE SIMPLE DAILY HABIT, STUDY FINDS

The medication was found to prevent the formation of amyloid-beta 42 in both animal models and cultured human neurons, according to the study findings, which were published in Science Translational Medicine.

The effect was also seen in post-mortem human brain tissue obtained from individuals with Down syndrome, who are at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

"While many of the Alzheimer’s drugs currently on the market, such as lecanemab and donanemab, are approved to clear existing amyloid plaques, we’ve identified this mechanism that prevents the production of the amyloid‑beta 42 peptides and amyloid plaques," said corresponding author Jeffrey Savas, associate professor of behavioral neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in a press release. 

"Our new results uncovered new biology while also opening doors for new drug targets."

HIDDEN BRAIN CONDITION MAY QUADRUPLE DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY SUGGESTS

The brain is better able to avoid the pathway that produces toxic amyloid‑beta 42 proteins in younger years, but the aging process gradually weakens that ability, Savas noted. 

"This is not a statement of disease; this is just a part of aging. But in brains developing Alzheimer’s, too many neurons go astray, and that’s when you get amyloid-beta 42 production," he said. 

That then leads to tau ("tangles") — abnormal clumps of protein inside brain neurons — which can kill brain cells, trigger neuroinflammation and lead to dementia.

In order for levetiracetam to function as an Alzheimer’s blocker, high-risk patients would have to start taking it "very, very early," Savas said — up to 20 years before elevated amyloid-beta 42 levels would be detected.

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"You couldn’t take this when you already have dementia, because the brain has already undergone a number of irreversible changes and a lot of cell death," the researcher noted.

The researchers also did a deep dive into previous human clinical data to determine whether Alzheimer’s patients who were taking the anti-seizure drug had slower cognitive decline. They reported that the patients in that category had a "significant delay" in the span from cognitive decline to death compared to those not taking the drug.

"Although the magnitude of change was small (on the scale of a few years), this analysis supports the positive effect of levetiracetam to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s pathology," Savas said.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to find people who have genetic forms of Alzheimer’s to participate in testing, Savas said.

The study had several limitations, including that it relied on animal models and cultured cells, with no human trials conducted.

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Because the study was observational in nature, it can’t prove that the medication caused the prevention of the toxic brain proteins, the researchers acknowledged.

Savas noted that levetiracetam "is not perfect," cautioning that it breaks down in the body very quickly.

The team is currently working to create a "better version" that would last longer in the body and "better target the mechanism that prevents the production of the plaques."

The medication’s common documented side effects include drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, irritability, headache, loss of appetite and nasal congestion.

It has also been linked to potential mood and behavior changes, including anxiety, depression, agitation and aggression, according to the prescribing information. In rare cases, it could lead to severe allergic reactions, skin reactions, blood disorders and suicidal ideation.

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Funding for the study was provided by the National Institutes of Health and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

Fox News Digital reached out to the drug manufacturer and the researchers for comment.

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Seniors over 80 who eat specific diet may be less likely to reach 100 years old

Older adults who avoid meat in their golden years may be less likely to reach age 100 than their meat-eating counterparts, new research suggests.

Researchers tracked more than 5,000 adults aged 80 or older who were enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Between 1998 and 2018, data showed that those who did not eat meat were less likely to reach their 100th birthday than those who consumed animal products regularly.

SCIENTISTS REVEAL THE ONE PRACTICE THAT COULD PREVENT DEMENTIA AS YOU AGE

The findings seem to contradict previous studies that have linked vegetarianism and plant-based diets to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.

Most evidence supporting the benefits of plant-based diets comes from studies tracking younger populations, the researchers noted. 

The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, points to losses in muscle mass and bone density with age, shifts that can increase the risk of malnutrition and frailty in the "oldest old."

As people enter their 80s and 90s, the nutritional priority often shifts from preventing long-term chronic diseases to maintaining day-to-day physical function, experts say.

HOW MUCH RED MEAT IS TOO MUCH? EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON FOOD PYRAMID UPDATES

"The headline ‘vegetarians over 80 less likely to reach 100’ sounds surprising, because it contrasts with decades of data linking plant‑forward diets to lower chronic disease risk earlier in life," Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, told Fox News Digital. 

"However, once you see that this research is limited to adults over the age of 80 who are also underweight — and that this link disappears with the consumption of eggs, dairy and fish — the results are less surprising."

In those over 80, restricting animal proteins may be less likely to promote longevity, according to Palinski-Wade, who was not involved in the study.

Eliminating all animal protein — particularly in a population that may already experience diminished hunger cues — can make it more difficult to meet adequate protein needs, potentially increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies, the nutritionist said.

ALZHEIMER'S SYMPTOMS COULD BE PREDICTED YEARS IN ADVANCE THROUGH ONE SIMPLE TEST

In addition to a higher tendency to be underweight, older populations also face a greater risk of bone fractures due to lower calcium and protein intake.

The lower rate of vegetarians reaching 100 was only observed in participants identified as underweight, the researchers noted. No such association was found in people who maintained a healthy weight.

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Because being underweight is already linked to greater frailty and mortality risk, the researchers noted that body weight may partly explain the findings, making it difficult to determine whether diet itself played a direct role.

Additionally, the shortened lifespans were not found in people who continued to eat non-meat animal products, such as fish, dairy and eggs. 

Older adults with these more flexible diets were just as likely to live to 100 as those eating meat, as these foods may provide the nutrients necessary for maintaining muscle and bone health, the researchers noted.

"This is an observational study, so it can only show associations, and does not prove that avoiding meat directly reduces the odds of reaching 100," Palinski-Wade added.

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The researchers suggested that including small amounts of animal-sourced foods could help older seniors maintain essential nutrients and avoid the muscle loss often seen in those who stick strictly to plants.

Palinski-Wade offered some guidance for those looking to optimize nutrition later in life.

"For adults in their 80s and beyond, especially anyone losing weight or muscle, the priority should be maintaining a healthy weight and meeting protein and micronutrient needs — even if that means adding or increasing fish, eggs, dairy or well‑planned, fortified plant proteins and supplements."

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Strict vegan or very low‑protein patterns at that age should be carefully monitored by a dietitian or clinician, with attention to B12, vitamin D, calcium and total protein, according to Palinski-Wade.

"Younger and healthier adults can still confidently use plant‑forward or vegetarian patterns to lower long‑term chronic disease risk," she added.

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Punch the monkey, viral star, experiences dramatic breakthrough among zoo mates

In a dramatic turn of events that's captured the attention of animal lovers worldwide, Punch — the young macaque at a zoo in Japan famous for his inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan toy — has reached a major milestone in his journey toward social integration.

On Thursday, visitors and staff at the Ichikawa Zoological and Botanical Garden witnessed a breakthrough: Punch was seen cuddling with and hitching a ride on the back of a fellow macaque.

Punch’s story began with hardship. He was abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth in July 2025 — and to ensure his survival, zookeepers stepped in to hand-rear the primate.

ORPHANED BABY MONKEY FINDS COMFORT IN STUFFED ANIMAL AFTER BEING ABANDONED BY MOTHER AT BIRTH

On Jan. 19, 2026, the zoo officially began the process of reintegrating Punch into the "monkey mountain" enclosure.

The transition was initially fraught with tension. 

As a hand-reared infant, Punch was bullied and ignored by the established group of monkeys.

He was often seen huddled alone with his orange plush companion while the rest of the troop interacted.

BABY MONKEY CARRIES FAITHFUL STUFFED COMPANION EVERYWHERE HE GOES, DRAWING CROWDS AT ZOO

In an official statement released Feb. 27, the Ichikawa Zoological and Botanical Garden detailed the meticulous care behind this process.

"From an animal welfare perspective, our primary goal is to reintegrate Punch with the troop," the zoo said. 

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The strategy involved nursing Punch within the enclosure, so the troop could recognize him as one of their own, and pairing him with a gentle young female macaque prior to his full release to build his confidence.

The latest footage, captured by X user @tate_gf, suggested the zoo's patience is paying off. 

The video shows Punch seeking physical contact not from his toy, but from another monkey — eventually climbing onto its back for a vital social behavior for young macaques: the "piggyback ride."

While Punch still carries his stuffed toy for comfort during moments of perceived danger, the zoo remains optimistic about his progress. 

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The organization cited the successful 2009 case of Otome, another hand-reared macaque who eventually outgrew her stuffed toy, successfully integrated — and went on to raise four offspring of her own.

The zoo has had crowds coming to see Punch, with hundreds of people lining up to get inside to see the young star, according to reports. 

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"I'm hoping Punch has a good life like everybody else does, and think he's a cute little guy," one person commented online. 

"Such a precious baby," another person wrote. 

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Diabetes breakthrough approach could protect cells and prevent disease

Researchers have developed an mRNA therapy that could help prevent or slow the development of type 1 diabetes.

With this chronic autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, according to the American Diabetes Association. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to survive and manage blood sugar levels.

Aiming to prevent the disease — which affects around 1.9 million Americans — University of Chicago researchers developed a "nanoparticle" system that sends genetic instructions (messenger RNA) directly to the cells that produce insulin, according to a press release.

TYPE 1 DIABETES REVERSED IN LANDMARK STUDY, PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMAN STUDIES

When the mRNA entered the cells, it triggered them to produce PD-L1, a protein that can protect against immune attacks. The protein has been shown to prevent autoimmune disease, inflammation and damage to healthy tissues during infection, the researchers noted.

In early animal testing, the nanoparticles reached the target cells and triggered the protective effect. The approach was also shown to be effective in animal models where human beta cells were transplanted into mice, the release stated.

The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

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"In this initial therapeutic proof of concept, we showed that we were able to deliver PD-L1 mRNA with our nanoparticle system, enable a delay in type 1 diabetes progression in mice, and also show potential translational relevance within human cells," said lead study author Jacob Enriquez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar at UChicago, in the release. 

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"So not only have we provided a vehicle for delivery to beta cells, which is innovative and exciting, but we've also shown that they can produce PD-L1 for immune protection."

The study’s main limitation was that it was conducted in laboratory and animal models and not in humans. It also did not explore long-term safety implications or how long the protection lasted.

Further testing is needed to confirm safety, dosing and effectiveness before human trials, the researchers noted.

If future human studies confirm these findings, the approach could serve as a new way to prevent or delay type 1 diabetes by protecting insulin-producing cells, the researchers stated. Current prevention strategies often involve broadly modifying the immune system to slow the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells.

"This is generating a new level of excitement, because now we're thinking about engineering beta cells with the knowledge we've accumulated over the years," said co-author Raghu G. Mirmira, who is also director of the UChicago Diabetes Research and Training Center.

"Going forward, it's a promising tool because we can target a specific cell type without harming other cells."

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The study received funding from Breakthrough T1D and the National Institutes of Health.

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Missiles above, newborns below: Israeli hospitals shift critical care underground

TEL AVIV, Israel: The Israeli Health Ministry reported Monday that 777 people have been evacuated to hospitals since the start of the joint Israeli-U.S. war against Iran.

At least 10 people were killed directly by Iranian missile attacks on Israel, and two died on their way to shelters.

Since fighting began Saturday morning, hospitals nationwide have restructured operations, relocating patients underground to maintain functionality.

TEL AVIV ANALYST SHELTERS FROM 30 MISSILE SIRENS IN 48 HOURS, SAYS IRAN WON’T 'RECOVER'

"See, this child," professor Efrat Bron-Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children's Medical Center, told Fox News Digital, pointing to a young patient. "This cart is his artificial heart. He has been living here while waiting for a heart transplant. He moved to the underground area together with 119 other children. This is not just a hospital — it’s his home."

Schneider Children’s Medical Center has so far treated three children injured as a result of the war. The greater challenge, Bron-Harlev said, is continuing to care for all existing patients as missile sirens sound across the country.

All patients have been relocated to level minus one. Standing in a corridor, Bron-Harlev explained that if a missile were to strike at that moment, those present would need to move behind the heavy doors of reinforced areas for protection.

Once sealed, she said, the fortified section is designed to withstand even a direct missile hit and continue operating as a unit for a limited time. "We have electricity supplied by large batteries located in another sheltered area, as well as oxygen and air," she said. "How long we could remain there would depend on the extent of damage to the overall building. A catastrophic strike on the oxygen tanks, for example, would affect how long we could stay."

Lessons learned from the June 2025, 12-day war include establishing a separate unit for bone marrow transplant patients with an independent ventilation system. Fresh air enters and exits the space without circulating from the regular ward, protecting the children not only from missile threats but also from potential infections from other patients.

HISTORIC US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN UNDERWAY AS TEHRAN FACES REGIME SURVIVAL TEST

In the event of a mass-casualty incident involving severely ill children, the hospital has prepared an intensive care unit capable of accommodating up to 20 patients at a time.

The staff’s underground dining room has been converted into a dormitory for parents. Although there was not enough time to construct fully fortified operating rooms, Bron-Harlev said part of the neonatal intensive care unit has been transformed into a restricted-access surgical area.

"We are performing only emergency surgeries," she said. "We have created two provisional but fortified operating rooms that will function until the permanent ones currently under construction are ready. Two are sufficient for now for emergency procedures. I hope we will not face a situation in which 10 children arrive from a major incident needing surgery, but even then, we could operate on them one after the other."

At the nearby adult hospital, which is part of the same complex — Rabin Medical Center —17 people were treated as a result of the war. The hospital has moved 500 beds 60 meters underground.

Schneider Children’s Medical Center and Rabin Medical Center are two of 14 hospitals operated by Clalit Health Services, the largest healthcare organization in Israel, providing day-to-day primary care, specialty care, and hospital care to over 5 million Israelis.

IRAN ‘TOP TARGET’ HIT IN $10M PRECISION STRIKE, US KAMIKAZE DRONES USED TO 'OVERWHELM'

During the 12-day war, Prof. Ran Balicer, Deputy Director General and Chief of Innovation at Clalit Health Services, told Fox News Digital that a missile targeted Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and hit a building that had fortunately been evacuated the day before.

"We’ve learned a lesson about the importance of preparing for attacks of Iranians targeting civilians in general and hospitals in particular," he said.

In the 24 hours following the start of the war, all patients not in safe areas were moved underground, where staff can focus on care despite the threats. The parking lot, Balicer explained, is more condensed than a normal ward.

"There are challenges from congestion to infection control and privacy, there are no windows, all of the noise and the pressure is in, it’s a mental and physical strain on the staff, but they are here to do what they vowed to do," he said.

The area includes stockpiles of food, oxygen, and medical supplies. The hospital also focuses on virtual care and digital health to provide effective care without requiring patients to come in.

War-associated wounds, Balicer said, include limb injuries and other severe trauma. "Our rate of mortality on the frontlines is the lowest compared to anywhere else in the world. As such we have to really be effective in rehabilitation work," he said.

The line between the frontlines and the homefront in terms of injuries is no longer clear-cut.

"They target civilians like they are on the frontlines, they aim deliberately to strike and hurt civilians with weapons that aim to inflict mass-casualty events," he said.

Israeli hospitals are also being secured by IDF soldiers deployed to assist with moving patients during missile alerts, if necessary, and to coordinate the arrival of casualties.

Major S., head of operations in the IDF’s search and rescue unit, told Fox News Digital that the forces are preparing for a prolonged campaign.

"The last operation lasted only 12 days, and it was very significant for our unit, but this time is different," she said.

"Our mindset is that this will not end until it is over for good. As the war continues, we are facing attacks from additional fronts, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and potentially the Houthis in Yemen. We are ready for every scenario," she added.

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ChatGPT could miss your serious medical emergency, new study suggests

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Artificial intelligence has been touted as a boon to healthcare, but a new study has revealed its potential shortcomings when it comes to giving medical advice.

In January, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, the medical-focused version of the popular chatbot tool. 

The company introduced the tool as "a dedicated experience that securely brings your health information and ChatGPT’s intelligence together, to help you feel more informed, prepared and confident navigating your health."

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But researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have found that the tool failed to recommend emergency care for a "significant number" of serious medical cases.

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine on Feb. 23, aimed to explore how ChatGPT Health — which is reported to have about 40 million users daily — handles situations where people are asking whether to seek emergency care.

"Right now, no independent body evaluates these products before they reach the public," lead author Ashwin Ramaswamy, M.D., instructor of urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"We wouldn't accept that for a medication or a medical device, and we shouldn't accept it for a product that tens of millions of people are using to make health decisions."

The team created 60 clinical scenarios across 21 medical specialties, ranging from minor conditions to true medical emergencies.

Three independent physicians then assigned an appropriate level of urgency for each case, based on published clinical practice guidelines in 56 medical societies.

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The researchers conducted 960 interactions with ChatGPT Health to see how the tool responded, taking into account gender, race, barriers to care and "social dynamics."

While "clear-cut emergencies" — such as stroke or severe allergy — were generally handled well, the researchers found that the tool "under-triaged" many urgent medical issues.  

For example, in one asthma scenario, the system acknowledged that the patient was showing early signs of respiratory failure — but still recommended waiting instead of seeking emergency care.

"ChatGPT Health performs well in medium-severity cases, but fails at both ends of the spectrum — the cases where getting it right matters most," Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital. "It under-triaged over half of genuine emergencies and over-triaged roughly two-thirds of mild cases that clinical guidelines say should be managed at home."

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Under-triage can be life-threatening, the doctor noted, while over-triage can overwhelm emergency departments and delay care for those in real need.

Researchers also identified inconsistencies in suicide risk alerts. In some cases, it directed users to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in lower-risk scenarios, and in others, it failed to offer that recommendation even when a person discussed suicidal ideations.

"The suicide guardrail failure was the most alarming," study co-author Girish N. Nadkarni, M.D., chief AI officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, told Fox News Digital.

ChatGPT Health is designed to show a crisis intervention banner when someone describes thoughts of self-harm, the researcher noted.

"We tested it with a 27-year-old patient who said he'd been thinking about taking a lot of pills," Nadkarni said. "When he described his symptoms alone, the banner appeared 100% of the time. Then we added normal lab results — same patient, same words, same severity — and the banner vanished." 

"A safety feature that works perfectly in one context and completely fails in a nearly identical context … is a fundamental safety problem."

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The researchers were also surprised by the social influence aspect.

"When a family member in the scenario said ‘it's nothing serious’ — which happens all the time in real life — the system became nearly 12 times more likely to downplay the patient's symptoms," Nadkarni said. "Everyone has a spouse or parent who tells them they're overreacting. The AI shouldn't be agreeing with them during a potential emergency."

Fox News Digital reached out to Open AI, creator of ChatGPT, requesting comment.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, called the new study "important." 

"It underlines the principle that while large language models can triage clear-cut emergencies, they have much more trouble with nuanced situations," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"This is where doctors and clinical judgment come in — knowing the nuances of a patient's history and how they report symptoms and their approach to health."

ChatGPT and other LLMs can be helpful tools, Siegel said, but they "should not be used to give medical direction."

"Machine learning and continued input of data can help, but will never compensate for the essential problem – human judgment is needed to decide whether something is a true emergency or not."

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Dr. Harvey Castro, an emergency physician and AI expert in Texas, echoed the importance of the study, calling it "exactly the kind of independent safety evaluation we need."

"Innovation moves fast. Oversight has to move just as fast," Castro, who also did not work on the study, told Fox News Digital. "In healthcare, the most dangerous mistakes happen at the extremes, when something looks mild but is actually catastrophic. That’s where clinical judgment matters most, and where AI must be stress-tested."

The researchers acknowledged some potential limitations in the study design.

"We used physician-written clinical scenarios rather than real patient conversations, and we tested at a single point in time — these systems update frequently, so performance may change," Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital.

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Additionally, most of the missed emergencies happened in situations where the danger depended on how the condition was changing over time. It’s not clear whether the same problem would happen with acute medical emergencies.

Because the system had to choose just one fixed urgency category, the test may not reflect the more nuanced advice it might give in a back-and-forth conversation, the researchers noted. 

Also, the study wasn’t large enough to confidently detect small differences in how recommendations might vary by race or gender.

"We need continuous auditing, not one-time studies," Castro noted. "These systems update frequently, so evaluation must be ongoing."

The researchers emphasized the importance of seeking immediate care for serious issues.

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"If something feels seriously wrong — chest pain, difficulty breathing, a severe allergic reaction, thoughts of self-harm — go to the emergency department or call 988," Ramaswamy advised. "Don't wait for an AI to tell you it's OK."

The researchers noted that they support the use of AI to improve healthcare access, and that they didn’t conduct the study to "tear down the technology."

"These tools can be genuinely useful for the right things — understanding a diagnosis you've already received, looking up what your medications do and their side effects, or getting answers to questions that didn't get fully addressed in a short doctor's visit," Ramaswamy said. 

"That's a very different use case from deciding whether you need emergency care. Treat them as a complement to your doctor, not a replacement."

Castro agreed that the benefits of AI health tools should be weighed against the risks.

"AI health tools can increase access, reduce unnecessary visits and empower patients with information," he said. "They are not inherently unsafe, but they are not yet substitutes for clinical judgment."

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"This study doesn’t mean we abandon AI in healthcare," he went on. "It means we mature it. Independent testing and stronger guardrails will determine whether AI becomes a safety net or a liability."

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Diabetes surge among Americans could be driven by 'healthy' breakfasts, doctor warns

Americans consume foods every day that are marketed as "healthy," when they could be quietly destroying their health, one doctor warns.

Dr. Mark Hyman, physician and co-founder of Function Health in California, says that much of America’s daily diet is filled with unhealthy ingredients.

"The amount of refined starches and sugars that are everywhere is just staggering to me, given what we know about how harmful they are," he shared in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I don't think people really understand."

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Hyman, author of the new book "Food Fix Uncensored," said he’s "astounded" by what people are eating, especially for breakfast.

"People just eat sugar for breakfast," he said. "They have muffins, they have bagels, they have croissants, they have sugar-sweetened coffees and teas."

In addition to the traditionally sweet options for breakfast, some cereal brands and breakfast staples have adopted new "protein-packed" menu items and products, following health trends that encourage eating more protein.

"Now, we're seeing this halo of protein in certain things," Hyman said, mentioning that many protein smoothies are "full of sugar."

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The doctor also noted that some popular cereals are now marketed as having protein in them. "My joke is, if it has a health claim on the label, it's definitely bad for you," he said.

Instead of starting the day with a "quick fix" or processed food, Hyman suggests choosing whole sources of protein and fat for breakfast, adding that "if there's a little carbohydrate in there, it's fine."

For his own breakfast, Hyman said he has a protein shake with whey protein, avocado and frozen berries. Eggs and avocados are also a great protein-and-fat combo option, he added.

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"It’s not that complicated — people need to just think about their breakfast not being dessert," he said. "No wonder we're in this cycle of obesity and diabetes. One in three teenage kids now has type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. That's just criminal."

Instead of counting calories and being in a caloric deficit as a way to lose weight and stay healthy, Hyman instead suggests focusing on how certain foods make you feel and how they impact your health.

"When you look at the way in which different types of calories affect your biology, you can just choose what you're eating, and then you don't have to worry about how much," he told Fox News Digital.

"For example, if you eat a diet that doesn't cause your insulin to spike — which is low in starch and sugar, higher in protein and fat — you won't develop those swings in blood sugar, you won't develop the spikes in insulin, you won't deposit hungry fat … You will break that cycle."

People are more likely to "self-regulate when they eat real food" instead of processed foods, which "bypasses the normal mechanisms of satiety, fullness and brain chemistry," according to Hyman.

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"Ultraprocessed food and junk food or highly processed food is not food," he said. "It doesn't support the health and well-being of an organism. It doesn't do that. It does the opposite."

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Scientists make startling discovery when examining prostate cancer tissue

Small fragments of plastic were found in the tumors of most prostate cancer patients, according to a new study from NYU Langone Health. 

In past studies, microplastics have been found in almost every human organ and in bodily fluids, but their impact on human health still isn’t fully understood.

The researchers analyzed tissue samples from 10 patients with prostate cancer who underwent surgery to remove the entire organ. 

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Using visuals of both benign samples and tumor samples, as well as specialized equipment, the scientists identified plastic particles in 90% of the tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue samples, according to the study press release.

The cancerous tissue contained on average more than double the amount of plastic as healthy prostate tissue samples, the study found. This equates to about 40 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue compared to 16 micrograms.

Researchers avoided contaminating the samples with other plastics by substituting standard tools with those made of aluminum, cotton and other non-plastic material, the release noted.

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The scientists say this is the first direct evidence linking microplastics to prostate cancer.

"By uncovering yet another potential health concern posed by plastic, our findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory measures to limit the public’s exposure to these substances, which are everywhere in the environment," said senior study author Vittorio Albergamo, assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release.

The study findings were presented during the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco on Feb. 26.

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"What is most striking is not that microplastics were detected, but that they were found embedded within tumor tissue itself," Dr. David Sidransky, oncologist and medical advisor at SpotitEarly, a startup that offers an at-home breath-based test to detect early-stage cancer, told Fox News Digital.

"We already know microplastics are present in water, air, blood and even placental tissue. Their detection in prostate tumors suggests systemic distribution and long-term bioaccumulation," added Maryland-based Sidransky, who was not involved in the study.

Albergamo cautioned that a larger sample is needed to confirm the findings. Additionally, Sidransky noted that the presence of microplastics alone does not prove they cause cancer.

"Tumors can act as 'biologic sinks,' meaning they may accumulate circulating particles simply because of altered vasculature and permeability," he said.

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A key unanswered question, according to the doctor, is whether microplastics are biologically active in ways that "promote DNA damage, immune modulation or chronic inflammation within the prostate."

About one in eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For those concerned about microplastics, Sidransky offered some insights.

"I believe the appropriate response is curiosity, not panic, and a commitment to understand more," he said.

"While complete avoidance is unrealistic, people can take practical steps to reduce exposure, such as minimizing heating food in plastic containers, reducing bottled water consumption when possible, and favoring glass or stainless steel alternatives."

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The most actionable step men can take, however, is getting appropriate screenings to help ensure early detection, according to the doctor. Screening discussions should be individualized based on age, family history and other risk factors.

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