Popular artificial sweetener linked to potentially dangerous heart risk

People who consume greater amounts of a popular artificial sweetener could face a greater risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests.

The research, which was presented at the ESC Cardiology Congress in Germany this week, showed that higher levels of xylitol in the blood were associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener and sugar substitute, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is often used in higher amounts to sweeten foods, drinks, chewing gum and dental care products.

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The researchers followed two large study cohorts of more than 17,700 Canadian and British participants.

Over a six-year follow-up, people in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with the highest xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of death, myocardial infarction or stroke related to cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels.

Over 30 years, participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk group with the highest xylitol levels had an 18% greater risk of MACE.

Both cohorts showed evidence of a dose-dependent association, in which higher blood xylitol concentrations corresponded to higher rates of cardiovascular events.

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These higher risks persisted even after the researchers adjusted for other factors like age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and lipid levels.

The study follows previous research that showed xylitol can enhance the ability of platelets to form clots, according to Dr. Marco Witkowski, the study presenter from Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany.

"Artificial sweeteners are consumed by people who think they are healthier than sugar, and they are generally regarded as safe by regulatory agencies," the doctor said in a statement.

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"Our long-term findings in the general population highlight how little we know about the cardiovascular safety of xylitol and indicate that further studies are warranted, especially as the amount of xylitol in products continues to increase."

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The study was observational and does not prove that xylitol causes cardiovascular events, as the researchers noted that more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

The report also does not establish whether high levels of xylitol in the blood necessarily reflect dietary consumption, as the sugar alcohol can also be produced naturally in the body as part of glucose metabolism.

"These disturbing findings with [a] plausible mechanism of xylitol increasing cardiovascular risk should be taken very seriously," Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and public health campaigner based in London, told Fox News Digital.

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"As a practicing cardiologist, I see many patients suffering from anxiety and palpitations that resolve as soon as they stop taking artificial sweeteners."

Malhotra, who was not involved in the study, noted that one of the most important dietary changes to reduce cardiovascular risk is to "unsweeten your sweet tooth."

"That’s why I advise all my patients to avoid all processed sugars and artificial sweeteners for six weeks to break the addiction," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to several food and beverage trade groups for comment.

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Dietitian reveals simple eating strategy for better sleep — and one habit to avoid

How you eat can influence how you sleep, according to experts.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, certified diabetes care specialist and author of "The Sleepdemic Solution," says certain foods can make, or break, a good night’s sleep.

"There are a number of foods that can help support sleep, and sometimes it's even a combination," she told Fox News Digital.

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Keeping blood sugar steady throughout the day may help prevent afternoon energy crashes and support more restorative sleep at night, Palinski-Wade said.

Waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to fall back asleep may not always be insomnia, she suggested, but could be linked to fluctuations in glucose levels.

Combining lean proteins, slow-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats in meals and snacks can help stabilize those levels — what Palinski-Wade called the "No. 1 way" to improve overall sleep.

Some small studies suggest tart cherry juice may support sleep, and the expert named tart cherries — or 100% tart cherry juice — as her top choice. 

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"Tart cherries [are] one of the foods that have the highest amount of melatonin naturally, but they also have compounds that help to really extend that melatonin in our bodies and our body's ability to use it," she said.

Still, research linking tart cherry consumption to modest improvements in sleep duration or quality is limited and mixed; a 2025 systematic review reached a similar conclusion.

For those who suffer from insomnia, Palinski-Wade recommends ingesting 4 to 6 ounces of 100% tart cherry juice, or about a quarter cup of dried tart cherries.

"It's a really, really great tool to improve your sleep – and it's really tasty, too," she said.

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Foods and drinks that may help reduce inflammation can also support sleep, the dietitian said.

"When we have more antioxidants in the body, more anti-inflammatory compounds, we're really helping our body to achieve that more restful state," Palinski-Wade said.

Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds — including nuts and seeds, olive oil and avocados — also provide healthy fats and other nutrients that may support sleep.

On the other hand, Palinski-Wade warned that caffeine intake can negatively impact sleep quality.

"So many of us have a poor night's sleep and the next day we reach for caffeine to give us a burst of energy," she said. "And there's nothing wrong with a little bit of caffeine, but you have to look at how much you're having and how close to bedtime."

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"And it's a stimulant, so it's harder to fall asleep," Palinski-Wade warned. "If you have foods or beverages with a large amount of caffeine, and you're having them in the afternoon or toward the evening, that is going to make it very hard to get restorative, restful sleep in the evening."

For those who do drink caffeine, it is best to stop about 10 hours before bedtime, the expert advised.

The "sweet spot" for daily caffeine intake is 300 milligrams or less, she said. Any more than that becomes a "stressor to our body." A cup of coffee, traditionally 8 ounces, is about 100 milligrams.

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The FDA says up to 400 milligrams daily is not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, although individual tolerance can vary depending on factors such as medications, health conditions and sensitivity to caffeine.

"We start to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, and that not only makes our body store fat versus burn it, but it also increases inflammation," Palinski-Wade noted. 

"So now you have the stimulant, you have this inflammation, and all those things go against quality sleep."

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Why Dolly Parton’s death can feel like losing someone you knew personally

The death of Dolly Parton has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans around the world, many of whom have shared that they feel like they’ve lost someone they knew personally.

Grief experts say it’s possible to experience genuine feelings of loss even if there wasn’t a personal relationship — particularly when the public figure has become woven into people’s memories and routines over a long period of time.

Psychologists refer to this type of loss as parasocial grief, according to licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Dara Houp.

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"When a celebrity shares their personal life – childhood experiences, hardships and victories – our brains register these bits of information through the same emotional and neural pathways utilized for our real-life friendships and a genuine attachment is developed," Houp, with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

When that perceived relationship comes to an end, people may experience the parasocial grief, she said.

Desiree Taranto, a licensed mental health counselor and clinical director at Empower Your Mind Therapy in New York City, said the widespread reaction also reflects "collective grief," a shared emotional response when a loss resonates across a community.

"Parton’s music, movies, philanthropy and public persona became part of many people’s family traditions, memories and difficult life moments," she told Fox News Digital.

"I honestly didn’t know I could react that way over someone I don’t even personally know," one user wrote in a grief support group on Reddit. "[Dolly] was a ray of sunshine in this dark world nowadays, and I just can’t help but cry and get so emotional about it."

Another user shared that "as each day passes, losing Dolly seems to hurt more instead of less. I have found myself crying and feeling this deep sadness that I just can’t shake."

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"I never met Dolly, and I know she didn’t know me, but I loved her for most of my life. That love was real, and so this grief feels real too."

Someone else in a different group referred to the feelings of sadness as "post-Parton depression."

"I don't know why I am taking Dolly Parton's death so hard," one user wrote. "I never met her… She didn't know me. But for some reason, I can't stop crying."

"I think the reason it's hard is because she was a light and just a wonderful human," someone else shared. "She is exactly who Jesus wanted us to be."

The emotions people experience when grieving a celebrity can feel as real as those felt after losing someone they knew personally, Houp said.

"Perceived relational intimacy, not whether we actually know an individual, is largely what determines the intensity of grief," she said. "The emotional connection your brain developed runs along the same neural pathways as real-life bonds."

It’s also possible that the deaths of certain celebrities — particularly those associated with childhood, family traditions or major life moments — are more likely to trigger an intense grief response, the expert noted.

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"When a celebrity’s life is connected to a personal milestone — such as a break-up or the birth of a child — their death permanently disrupts a living connection to who, what or where you used to be," Houp said. "Losing a celebrity can feel like losing a piece of your own history."

A song may be tied to someone who has died, a family memory or a difficult period when Parton’s work brought comfort, Taranto noted, making the loss feel connected to a person’s own life story.

Over decades in the public eye, Parton gave fans a window into her life, allowing them to form a sense of who she was, Houp said.

"For many who followed Dolly’s life, she represented resilience and ambition, authenticity and bold self-expression, and a rare, unconditional kindness," she said.

"We identified with the goodness we saw in Dolly and felt encouraged by her ability to overcome hardship – thereby furthering our sense of connection to her."

Taranto offered advice for those feeling the grief following Parton’s death.

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"Accept your feelings and know that it is okay to mourn someone you never met," she said. "Do not judge yourself or feel embarrassed because that person’s work, values or advocacy touched your life personally."

It can also help to reach out to others who are also grieving the loss.

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"Be there for each other and allow others to be there for you," Taranto advised. "Tell stories, listen to her music, watch her movies or journal about what she meant to you."

"Remember the positive impact she made in the world and the ways she used her platform for good. Shared grief can help us process a loss because it reminds us that we are not alone in it."

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Drug institute warns that Trump-shaped ecstasy pills contain potentially fatal ingredient

A respected drug treatment and mental health center in the Netherlands issued a warning against taking ecstasy pills that are shaped like President Donald Trump’s head, saying they could be fatal.

The Trimbos Institute warned in a "red alert" that the pills contain a high concentration of PMMA, also known as para-methoxymethamfetamine, which is similar to ecstasy’s active ingredient MDMA, but is slower acting.

The slow onset could encourage users to take more and potentially overdose.

The institute shared a photo of two of the pills, of which one was green on the front and one was yellow and they were red and blue on the back.

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The pills had a likeness of Trump’s face on the front and the name "Trump" and letter "NL" on the back.

"Absolutely do not use these pills," the institute urged.

In 2018, Indiana State police seized orange Trump-shaped ecstasy pills in an operation targeting small-time drug traffickers.

Those pills also had Trump’s face on the front and "great again" written on the back, an apparent reference to his Make America Great Again slogan.

In 2017, German police also seized thousands of Trump-shaped ecstasy pills, which also appeared to be orange, that had an estimated street value of nearly $46,000.

There have yet to be any reports of overdoses or deaths due to the drug, Spokesperson Anniek Groothuis told the Associated Press.

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"We do not know of any victims where PMMA was found in their blood," she said.

The clinic said that the pills had recently been handed in to some of their centers where they test drugs before people take them.

While ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, hundreds of thousands of people use the drug every year, according to the government.

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‘Quiet quitting’ in marriage: The subtle signs a spouse has emotionally checked out

"Quiet quitting," a workplace term for doing only the minimum required, has also been used to describe a pattern in some marriages.

In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.

Couples may continue managing day-to-day responsibilities, such as household tasks and parenting, even as one partner becomes emotionally and physically disengaged, relationship experts say.

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Discussion of the term has gained traction on social media, with users sharing videos and posts about remaining in a marriage while feeling checked out.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Brookes Kift, of Marin Therapy and Counseling in California, told Fox News Digital that a noticeable absence of friction can be an early warning sign.

"It’s a myth that an absence of arguing in a relationship automatically means the relationship is healthy," Kift said. "Many are conflict-avoidant and rather than address their feelings, opt to sweep them under the rug, which over the long term erodes the foundation of emotional safety."

Kift said a person’s attachment style — patterns of seeking closeness and support in relationships — can influence how they respond to marital distress.

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"An avoidant style may be more able to stay in their own lane — on their own island — to ride it out, because they are most comfortable resourcing in themselves," she said.

Those with a more secure attachment style are less likely to stay in that dynamic, as they may be more inclined to give a partner the benefit of the doubt and believe problems can be worked through, the expert noted.

These patterns can be shaped, in part, by early experiences involving trust, worthiness and whether a person’s emotional needs were met, according to Kift.

"What did they learn about whether their needs would be met? Whether the most important people to them could be trusted? That they were lovable for who they were and not what they did?" Kift asked.

When adult relationships appear to repeat those early disappointments, partners can lose hope, she added.

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"I’ve seen quite a few people in my therapy practice who have taken this stance, where there have been failed attempts to get emotional and other needs met, leading to hopelessness," Kift said.

Kift identified several early signs that a partner may be becoming emotionally disengaged.

Left unaddressed, the relationship could shift into what journalist Monica Corcoran Harel described on Oprah’s podcast as "parallel play" — a reference to toddlers playing side by side without meaningfully engaging with one another.

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Repairing a marriage requires both partners to re-engage, Kift said, which can be difficult once one spouse has become deeply emotionally detached.

"If one has fully checked out, they will not be open to repair," she said, adding that hypervigilance — remaining on guard for hurt or disappointment — can make it difficult for a person to recognize positive changes in their partner.

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For couples willing to work on the relationship, Kift suggests starting with a conversation that feels safe and communicates care.

As one example, she suggested saying: "I know it may not have looked like it, but you and our marriage are very important to me. Can we find a time to sit down and talk?"

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Measles deaths may have been 'fabricated,' RFK Jr claims after coroner raises questions

Days after Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles deaths, a public dispute has emerged about whether other factors played a role in the fatalities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the two "measles-associated" deaths on Tuesday, noting that both individuals were unvaccinated.

These were the state’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years, according to the release.

On Wednesday, the DOH revealed that one of the deaths was a newborn baby from Lancaster County. That confirmation came after the county coroner — physician Stephen Diamantoni — said the newborn died shortly after birth from a lacerated spleen and had tested positive for measles acquired before birth, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Diamantoni’s office was still investigating the newborn’s death, and the coroner said he was not aware of the other reported death, Axios reported.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health stated that not all deaths are referred to a coroner under state law.

The DOH says it uses the term "measles-associated" when laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles is present, even if a coroner or medical certifier does not identify measles as the immediate cause of death.

Measles can affect the spleen, potentially causing enlargement and, in rare cases, rupture, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.

Pregnant women, newborns and young infants can face a higher risk of serious measles complications, the doctor noted.

Infants who are too young to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can be especially vulnerable.

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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned whether Pennsylvania officials provided sufficient information to substantiate the two measles-associated deaths.

In a Wednesday post on X, after the coroner’s comments were made public, Kennedy alleged that Pennsylvania had not given the CDC relevant information and suggested the deaths could have been "fabricated."

"The announcement appears to have been premature, and the deaths may even have been altogether fabricated by one of the Governor's hopeful staffers," he wrote. "The Lancaster County Coroner says that it has no record of any measles deaths."

RFK also accused Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his office of "fearmongering, misinformation, finger-pointing and the weaponization of infectious disease fears for political gain."

Meanwhile, at a Tuesday press conference, Shapiro said the deaths showed the "real-life consequences" of misinformation about the measles vaccine.

In a subsequent X post, the governor claimed Kennedy had "stoked confusion amongst parents and others — and the result has been less protection from measles and more cases."

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In response to Kennedy’s comments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also spoke on X about the debate, expressing appreciation for RFK’s efforts to "clarify conflicting information" about the cause of the two reported deaths.

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"CDC is working to determine what actually occurred," the agency wrote. "These discrepancies raise important questions, particularly because the Governor’s Office has not provided CDC with information relevant to the outbreak and has declined our offers of assistance."

"Under President Trump’s and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, CDC will follow the facts and tell the American people the truth."

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen disputed the CDC’s account, saying the two deaths were reported to the agency’s measles response team early Tuesday morning.

In an X post from the Pennsylvania Department of Health account, Bogen said she had reviewed the case investigations and that state epidemiologists had thoroughly investigated both deaths. She confirmed that both individuals tested positive for measles.

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Meanwhile, Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons said he did not believe there was enough evidence to confirm the two deaths were caused by measles, citing information he said he received from the county coroner’s office, according to Local21 News.

Siegel noted that measles weakens the immune system and increases the risk of pneumonia, which can stem from measles itself or from a secondary bacterial infection.

"If the impact of measles on the immune system or stress on other major organs as a result of the disease leads to death, that would be a measles-associated death," he told Fox News Digital.

When a patient has both measles and another immediate cause of death, several considerations come into play when infectious disease specialists are determining whether the virus was a contributing factor.

"It has to do with whether the immediate cause of death is from measles itself, as in measles pneumonia, or due to damage to the immune system and secondary infections or other diseases that result," Siegel said.

Lancaster County is at the center of Pennsylvania’s current measles outbreak. As of Friday, the state had reported 424 confirmed cases and 73 hospitalizations.

Fox News Digital reached out to the involved government officials requesting comment.

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Common vaccine linked to 24% lower dementia risk in older adults

A recent study led by researchers at Brown University appears to strengthen the link between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of dementia diagnoses in older adults.

The study, published in The Annals of Internal Medicine, evaluated electronic health records and Medicare claims for more than 509,926 U.S. adults 66 and older who were admitted to skilled nursing facilities.

Individuals who received at least one dose of the recombinant shingles vaccine, commercially known as Shingrix, experienced a 24% relative reduction in dementia risk over a four-year period compared to people who did not receive the shot, the researchers found.

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However, the findings show an association and do not prove that the vaccine directly prevents dementia, the researchers noted.

Dr. Ajeet Sodhi, a clinical neurologist and neuro-interventionalist in Orlando, Florida, noted that while the finding is "remarkable," it builds upon a growing foundation of scientific literature rather than standing alone.

"This is maybe the third or fourth study, and they all came to the same conclusion," Sodhi, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "It seems that by giving patients the shingles vaccine called Shingrix, in the next couple of years, we see a clinically significant decline in the development of dementia."

Researchers have proposed several possible explanations for the association, including the vaccine's role in preventing shingles and its potential complications. The virus has also been linked to vascular events such as stroke, which can contribute to vascular dementia.

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Sodhi noted that recent medical literature continues to support larger cardiovascular benefits as well.

"In addition to the study that we're talking about today, there was a study published just this week that showed the shingles vaccine results in a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of both cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease," he told Fox News Digital.

"So that's heart attacks and strokes."

The neurologist emphasized that while the data shows a strong correlation, the vaccine is not currently classified as a direct therapeutic treatment for cognitive decline.

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"It's not at this time considered a treatment," he noted. "This association is ... very, very suggestive, but we can't say one-to-one it proves that this treats dementia. And this finding, honestly, is kind of like icing on the cake."

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, according to Mayo Clinic.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the brain and spinal cord, where it can reactivate decades later as a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters.

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The primary function of the vaccine remains the prevention of the severe nerve pain and rash caused by shingles reactivation.

Shingles can lead to severe complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia, a debilitating condition causing long-term nerve pain that persists after the rash clears, according to Cleveland Clinic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of Shingrix for adults 50 and older, as well as adults 19 and older who are or will be immunocompromised. The vaccine is FDA-approved to prevent shingles and related complications — not to prevent or treat dementia.

The study received funding from GSK, the maker of Shingrix; the authors stated that the company had no role in the study’s design, analysis or publication.

For individuals concerned about memory loss or family medical history, experts recommend consulting a doctor early.

"The common theme in all of this is the sooner you seek evaluation, the better it is for the treatment," Sodhi advised. "The treatment is more likely to work the earlier you are in the onset of the disease."

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Popular weight-loss strategy shows surprising potential for chronic pain relief

Intermittent fasting has grown in popularity as a weight-loss strategy, but it could also unlock new ways to manage chronic pain by altering how the gut communicates with the brain.

A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, revealed that the timing of meals affects the gut-brain axis, which is a communication system linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that focuses on when meals are consumed, typically involving extended periods without food, according to health institutions.

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Chronic pain, defined by Cleveland Clinic as pain persisting for longer than three months, is often accompanied by cognitive difficulties and anxiety.

While traditional treatments target inflammation or pain-signaling nerves, the new research suggests that meal timing may also influence chronic pain by changing gut bacteria and inflammation throughout the body.

Scientists at Zhengzhou University in China examined animal models during fasting cycles. They found that intermittent fasting strengthens the intestinal lining, which prevents inflammatory compounds from leaking into the bloodstream and reaching nervous system tissue.

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Analysis of the gut microbiome found that fasting increased levels of a bacterium called Alistipes finegoldii. When researchers administered the live bacteria to animals that were not fasting, they saw similar improvements in pain and cognitive function.

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The researchers found that the bacterium produces compounds that the body can convert into hippuric acid, a chemical messenger linked to the observed benefits.

At the cellular level, hippuric acid acts on an inflammatory pathway called STING, short for Stimulator of Interferon Genes. When this pathway becomes overactive in the nervous system, it can fuel inflammation that worsens pain and interferes with brain function.

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The study demonstrated that hippuric acid turns down STING activity, quieting inflammatory signaling in the central nervous system and resolving behavioral symptoms.

Despite the findings, the research carries a few limitations, the research team acknowledged.

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First, observational and early-stage studies can identify a link between intermittent fasting and changes in gut-brain signaling, but they cannot prove that fasting directly causes those changes.

Also, individual responses to intermittent fasting vary based on each person's gut microbiome, underlying health conditions, daily nutrient intake and genetics.

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It can also be challenging for some people to adhere to fasting protocols, as strict eating windows may not be safe or feasible for everyone.

While fasting is not a cure for chronic pain, researchers said the findings could help guide future treatments that target the gut-brain connection.

They added that further trials will be necessary to establish specific dietary protocols tailored to individual patient needs.

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3 common factors may be secretly speeding up the aging process, expert says

Lifestyle habits and environmental exposures may affect processes involved in cellular health and biological aging.

That's according to functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole, co-author of the upcoming book "Heal Your Cells," who believes modern lifestyle factors may contribute to cellular dysfunction, which can can influence inflammation, sleep and other processes tied to overall health.

"Our genetics haven't changed in thousands of years, but our world has changed dramatically in such a finite period of time," Pennsylvania-based Cole told Fox News Digital. "It’s the foods we're eating or not eating, it's environmental toxins that were never on the landscape before, it’s stress and trauma."

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Cole said these pressures may contribute to what he calls an "accelerated aging problem," in which biological age may differ from chronological age.

"Many people in their 20s, 30s and 40s have the cells of a senior citizen," he said. "That's common, [but] not normal."

Cole noted that people may normalize persistent symptoms, such as brain fog and fatigue, instead of discussing them with a health professional. Those symptoms are non-specific and can stem from a range of medical, lifestyle and mental-health factors.

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Cole said that, in some cases, changes tied to cellular dysfunction may begin years before a person receives a medical diagnosis — but that people often dismiss or push through early symptoms.

He identified the following three factors that can most disrupt cellular communication, creating "cellular noise" that may contribute to accelerated aging and disease.

Eating foods that "don’t love human body back" is the first agitator of cell health — particularly inflammatory foods, according to Cole.

Failing to stick to a consistent eating window — and instead eating over long stretches of the day without giving the body time to digest and fast — can also disrupt cellular balance, he said.

Cole cited certain environmental exposures, including pesticides, herbicides and PFAS — sometimes called "forever chemicals" — as potential concerns for overall health. The effects of an exposure depend on the substance, dose and duration of contact, experts say.

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He also pointed to infectious pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and exposure to mold as factors that can affect health.

Evening exposure to blue-enriched light can interfere with circadian timing for some people, while a consistent sleep-wake schedule and daytime light exposure may support healthy sleep and cellular health, Cole added.

Cole also pointed to chronic stress, unresolved trauma and a lack of social or spiritual connection as factors that could be linked to more cellular noise.

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Some observational research has linked religious or spiritual involvement with lower levels of certain inflammatory markers and better health outcomes, although such studies cannot prove that faith itself causes those effects.

"That's something that's not talked [about] a lot in the biohacking world," Cole said. "What's your relationship with God and how does that show up in the cells on a somatic level?"

"The research shows that people who have a ‘faith walk’ tend to live longer, healthier, more youthful, vibrant lives."

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Cole said a person may find similar benefits through any belief system or community that "shifts your state," as well as through a connection to nature.

Modern stressors may affect the body in ways that are not always immediately visible, Cole noted.

"The cell becomes confused and doesn't know how to function well and doesn't know how [to] repair itself," he said. "We just need to give our body a fighting chance to hear through the noise."

He added that addressing physical, mental-emotional and spiritual well-being may help reduce what he calls "epigenetic noise."

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FDA approves once-daily pill for deadly cancer after patients' survival rates nearly double

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a new cancer treatment pill on Wednesday.

Rasonque, manufactured by Revolution Medicines in California, is an inhibitor for the most common type of pancreatic cancer. The tablet, which is taken once daily, targets multiple forms of a protein called RAS that drives tumor growth.

In a press release, the FDA called Rasonque a "new treatment option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer," noting that the agency approved it more than six months ahead of its review deadline.

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"Today’s approval provides a critical new option for patients facing an extraordinarily difficult and historically hard-to-treat cancer. It is our fundamental duty to deliver more cures and meaningful treatments to patients as quickly as possible," said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D., in a press release.

"I am immensely proud of the dedicated FDA scientists whose fast, thorough review and relentless commitment made this groundbreaking milestone a reality," he added.

The authorization is for adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer that either did not respond to at least one prior treatment or could not receive certain combination drug therapies.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the deadliest forms of oncology in the U.S., accounting for up to 95% of the roughly 67,000 annual pancreatic cancer cases identified by the National Cancer Institute.

PATIENTS REMAIN CANCER-FREE NEARLY 3 YEARS AFTER RECEIVING EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOTHERAPY

While the disease makes up only 3.2% of total cancer diagnoses, it causes a disproportionately high number of cancer deaths because it is often found late and can spread quickly.

The new drug was approved after a randomized, open-label trial of 500 patients with pre-treated metastatic disease. Patients taking Rasonque achieved a median overall survival of 13.2 months, nearly double the 6.7-month survival rate seen in the standard chemotherapy control group.

"This drug showed unprecedented results in an area of high unmet need," said Angelo de Claro, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence.

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Regulators accelerated the medication's path to market by granting it Priority Review, Orphan Drug status and a Breakthrough Therapy designation.

Additionally, the filing was evaluated using the FDA commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program to speed up access to critical public health treatments.

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Ahead of the official green light, the agency issued a "safe to proceed" letter in May, opening an expanded access protocol that allowed patients to receive the drug before final approval.

Safety profiles show that the most frequent adverse events linked to Rasonque included rash, diarrhea, mouth sores (stomatitis), nausea, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, fluid retention (edema), reduced appetite and bleeding (hemorrhage).

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"Today’s landmark approval is the most significant advance we have seen in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease," said Anna Berkenblit, M.D., chief scientific and medical officer of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

"I believe this drug will transform how pancreatic cancer is treated, giving people the opportunity for more time with loved ones, the possibility of a better quality of life, and optimism that continued research may lead to even greater advances."

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Dolly Parton’s private cancer battle highlights why some patients don’t share their diagnoses

Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday followed a brief bout with cancer, according to statements from her family.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the family shared with People.

The revelation of the singer’s previously undisclosed cancer battle raises questions about why some patients choose to keep a diagnosis private, even as public figures’ health struggles can spark wider awareness.

DOLLY PARTON DEAD AT 80

Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center in Atlanta, surmised that Parton may have preferred for people to remember her for her "amazing career" and not for a diagnosis at the end of her life.

Keeping the disease private at first is a "very natural response," Higgins said, as a diagnosis can be very overwhelming.

"It's very natural to cling to that identity of being a healthy, vibrant person without a diagnosis of cancer," she told Fox News Digital.

"The patient really needs to acclimate to the idea of themselves having this disease, and then start to tell friends and family kind of slowly after they go through that adjustment process."

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In some cases, Higgins said, people may withhold a cancer diagnosis due to some degree of shame or embarrassment.

"Things like tobacco-related cancers, unfortunately, still carry a lot of stigma when diagnosed," she shared. "Patients may feel that it was their fault. And the reality is nobody deserves a cancer diagnosis."

There are some benefits, however, to eventually sharing a cancer diagnosis with friends, family and community who can rally around the patient, according to the doctor.

"For example, for people who are religious, letting their greater circle know about that diagnosis can be really helpful, as people will pray for them as they're going through the journey of treatment," Higgins said.

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"I think overall, it's a very beneficial thing to eventually tell as many people as possible so you can get that support."

The doctor also agreed that sharing a cancer journey can raise awareness and provide support to others facing the same challenge.

"If you are somebody with a cancer diagnosis and you're beating it and you are going through treatment successfully, other people seeing that — whether it's on social media or hearing it through a friend — that can be really helpful to an individual as they're facing a new cancer diagnosis," Higgins said.

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Another benefit of disclosing cancer is that it may open up more opportunities for treatment options.

"There are so many resources out there now … clinical trials are really what moved the needle in the cure rates for cancer, and finding out about these trials is not easy," Higgins noted.

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"So the more people who know about your diagnosis, you have all these cheerleaders out there rooting for you and you can get more information. You can hear more people's opinions about where you could seek the best cancer treatment."

The doctor emphasized that there is more hope than ever for people facing a cancer diagnosis.

"Our statistic is that 70% of people diagnosed with cancer will survive five years or more," she said. "And we can do it, we can get through it."

"I think that's the beauty of sharing this diagnosis with the world, is that we can get all the support we need."

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Eating less of common ingredient early in life may slash cancer risk decades later

Limiting sugar consumption during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception through a child’s second birthday, may result in slower biological aging and a lower risk of cancer up to five decades later.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences investigated how early-life sugar intake influences health in adulthood, examining data from over 64,000 participants in the UK Biobank born between 1951 and 1956.

The researchers leveraged a natural experiment from post-war Britain, when sugar rationing ended in September 1953.

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After rationing ended, average daily sugar consumption across the U.K. nearly doubled — from about 41 grams to 80 grams — while consumption of other major foods remained stable, according to historical National Food Survey data cited in the study.

People exposed to sugar rationing during their first 1,000 days of life were compared to those who were conceived after the policy ended. Researchers then examined cancer outcomes recorded about five decades later.

They found that people who spent more of their early lives under sugar rationing had lower rates of several cancers in adulthood, including liver, rectal, lung, prostate and breast cancers.

People exposed to early sugar limits also had longer leukocyte telomeres — protective caps on chromosomes that tend to shorten with age — equivalent to about two fewer years of biological aging. They also had lower levels of Granzyme B, a protein associated with long-term immune activation and inflammation.

EATING COMMON DAIRY FOOD EVERY DAY MAY SLOW BIOLOGICAL AGING, STUDY SUGGESTS

The study’s authors identified two key pathways that could explain these long-term benefits: a biological imprint and a persistent behavioral habit.

Five decades after rationing ended, adults who spent their earliest days under sugar restrictions were still consuming less sugar and eating healthier, more varied diets.

Experts said the findings add to ongoing research into how early diet may influence long-term health, though further research is needed to confirm the connection.

"What surprised me most was how persistent the effects were," study author Weilong Zhang of the University of Cambridge told Fox News Digital.

POPULAR DAILY DRINKING HABIT COULD NEARLY TRIPLE RISK OF DEADLY CANCER, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

"We might expect childhood diet to matter for health, but differences in sugar exposure during just the first 1,000 days were still reflected in people's diets and biological markers roughly five decades later."

"This suggests that early life may be an especially important period not only for biological development, but also for establishing long-lasting food preferences."

Dr. Brian Slomovitz, deputy director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, described the research as an "excellent hypothesis-generating study."

"Sugar consumption is something that we have been worrying about ... most importantly, inflammation, and how inflammation can lead to some cancers," Slomovitz, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

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High sugar intake has been linked to metabolic disruption, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, which may contribute to disease risk, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News.

Siegel said the lower cancer rates were consistent with the possibility that less early sugar exposure and healthier later-life diets played a role.

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However, outside oncologists note that natural experiments from decades past come with inherent research limitations.

"We're talking about the 1950s, so clearly there are some biases in data collection," Slomovitz noted. "Secondly, the numbers are very, very, very low. Of all the cancers, most of them had [fewer] than 100 cases ... to show a 70% decrease, I think is probably an ambitious conclusion."

The doctor also pointed out that while obesity-driven cancers align with metabolic pathways, other findings in the paper — such as reduced lung cancer risk — are traditionally tied to external factors like smoking rather than dietary sugar.

The researchers noted that, as a natural experiment rather than a randomized trial, the study could not rule out all other postwar factors.

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Additionally, the UK Biobank is not fully representative of the broader British population, and the researchers could not determine how much of the effect reflected early biological changes versus healthier diets maintained in adulthood.

Zhang cautioned against overinterpreting the findings as a reason for extreme dietary measures.

"I would not interpret our study as saying that parents should eliminate sugar completely," he said. "Rather, our findings support existing recommendations to limit added sugar, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood."

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Deadly measles outbreak hits Northeast as state records first deaths in 35 years

Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths on Tuesday, according to the state’s department of health.

This marks the first losses related to the highly contagious virus within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 35 years.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that both Lancaster County individuals were unvaccinated, noting that the best way to prevent measles infection is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

MEASLES SURGE HITS NEW MILESTONE AS US CASES SURPASS LAST YEAR'S TOTAL

The MMR vaccine administered over two doses can boost a person’s immune system and provide 97% lifetime protection, according to health officials.

In a press release, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen shared her "deepest sympathies" with the "loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss."

"Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness," she said in the statement. "We want to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities."

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"As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles."

The state's DOH has confirmed 393 cases of measles in 28 counties so far in 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, data shows.

The virus can cause long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles are hospitalized.

Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, spreading the virus through respiratory droplets. It can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person leaves the area, experts caution.

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Early measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading down to the rest of the body.

Symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure. Those who believe they were exposed to measles should contact a healthcare provider.

Dr. Jesse Goodman, former FDA chief scientist in Washington, D.C., spoke with Fox News Digital about the MMR vaccine, calling it "extremely safe and highly effective."

"The vaccine prevents millions of measles deaths worldwide annually, including hundreds that used to occur in the U.S.," he said. "There is no evidence that MMR vaccine causes any chronic illnesses, including autism."

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Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, Maryland, agreed that Pennsylvania's 35-year streak without a measles-related death "wasn't luck."

"It was the vaccine working so completely that an entire generation of parents grew up never seeing what this virus does to a child’s lungs or brain," he told Fox News Digital. "That protection is increasingly not valued, and this is the predictable result when the population turns their back on a life-saving technology."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, previously emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles amid elevated case counts across the U.S.

"Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to an infected person will become infected," he told Fox News Digital, stressing the importance of community protection. "We need a 95% vaccine coverage rate to ensure herd immunity," he said.

The herd immunity threshold is a mathematical estimate based on how contagious a disease is and how effectively immunity from vaccination or prior infection prevents its spread, according to Siegel.

"In this case, two-dose vaccination is almost 100% effective, and natural immunity after a measles infection is generally lifelong," the doctor said. "This isn’t about personal choice, it’s about community protection. We need to protect those who can’t have a live virus vaccine because they are immunocompromised or pregnant."

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Major brain changes that occur around age 50 could impact dementia risk

The brain may undergo a notable shift at midlife, as new research suggests that its protective immune cells begin to decline and are increasingly replaced by inflammatory cells at around age 50.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego; New York Genome Center; and University of California, Irvine, found that these brain changes may help explain why aging increases the chances of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease, including dementia.

The study analyzed postmortem tissue from the hippocampus – the portion of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory – in 40 neurologically healthy adults, ranging from 20 to 95 years of age.

THE 'AGE' OF YOUR BLOOD COULD PREDICT DEMENTIA RISK, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

"The most striking change was that after about age 50, the brain’s resident immune cells, called microglia, appear to be increasingly replaced by immune cells that enter from the bloodstream," first author Nathan Zemke, Ph.D., principal investigator at the UC San Diego Center for Epigenomics, told Fox News Digital.

"Microglia normally protect the brain by clearing debris and responding to injury, but the incoming cells carry stronger inflammatory signals."

The researchers believe this shift may contribute to chronic inflammation linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

They also noted the deterioration of cells involved in maintaining the blood-brain barrier – the protective filter that helps keep harmful substances out of the brain – as well as widespread changes in DNA and gene activity.

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One of the most exciting implications of the study, according to Zemke, is that the replacement immune cells originate in the blood, which means they are more accessible than cells already deep inside the brain.

"It may eventually be possible to modify blood-derived immune cells so that they are more protective and less inflammatory when in the brain," he said. "That could provide an entirely new way to approach Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases without having to directly manipulate cells within the central nervous system."

Although these findings are still in early stages, Zemke said, gaining a better understanding of why this immune-cell replacement happens – and why it happens earlier in some people than others – could lead to new strategies for preserving brain health during aging.

The study’s chief limitation is that it studied human brain tissue collected postmortem from different individuals across the adult lifespan, the researchers noted.

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"That allows us to identify strong age-related patterns, but it cannot directly show how the same person’s brain changes over decades or prove that a particular cellular change causes cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease," Zemke said.

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"We also do not yet know what triggers the influx of blood-derived immune cells into the brain. Determining whether changes in the blood-brain barrier, inflammation, genetics, lifestyle or other factors initiate this process will be an important next step."

The researcher emphasized, however, that he would not recommend that people make any specific medical or lifestyle changes based on this study alone. 

"These findings are primarily about understanding the biology of brain aging and identifying new directions for prevention and treatment," he said.

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The timing and extent of the brain changes varied considerably between individuals, suggesting that brain aging is not necessarily a fixed process that happens identically in everyone.

"The next challenge is to understand what drives that variation and whether some of those factors can be modified," Zemke added.

The study also included a small sample of just 40 people and examined tissue only from the hippocampus, meaning the findings may not reflect immune changes throughout the entire brain.

The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published in the journal Science.

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Anti-aging supplements taken by millions may undermine cancer treatment, study warns

Over-the-counter anti-aging supplements taken by millions of Americans to boost energy and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy may actually impair cancer treatments, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that popular vitamin B3 derivatives – including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide (NAM) – could help cancer cells survive chemotherapy.

Those compounds are used by the body to produce NAD+, a molecule that helps cells generate energy and repair damage.

IV THERAPY AND SUPPLEMENTS UNDER SCRUTINY AS EXPERTS WARN OF POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

The study, published in the journal Cancer Letters, examined how these supplements interact with treatments for pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly form of the disease with a 13% five-year survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society.

While boosting NAD+ levels through dietary supplements can offer health benefits to non-cancerous cells, pancreatic cancer cells may exploit the extra resources to repair damage caused by chemotherapy and avoid cell death, the researchers found.

In both laboratory settings and animal models, the supplements shielded cancer cells against three common chemotherapy drugs: oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine. As a result, tumors survived chemotherapy doses that typically would prove fatal to them.

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"Our findings highlight a potentially concerning role for NAD+-boosting supplements in the context of active cancer, especially when used in conjunction with chemotherapy," said study lead Jordan Winter, a professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, in the press release.

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"Our discovery is a call to action for the medical community."

The study notes that these B3 derivatives are not considered dangerous for healthy individuals using them for general wellness. However, the risk becomes significant for patients currently undergoing active cancer therapy.

"This research is a critical reminder that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe, especially in the complex biology of cancer treatment," Winter added.

In light of the findings, the research team recommends that oncology teams begin routinely screening patients for supplement use. They also called for more studies into how NAD+ precursors interact with cancer therapies.

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Winter urged patients currently in treatment to consult their oncologists before taking any over-the-counter supplements.

Because the study relied on laboratory cell cultures and animal models, the findings may not directly translate to how human patients process these supplements during treatment, the team noted.

Additionally, the research focused exclusively on pancreatic cancer, meaning the supplements may not have the same effect on chemotherapy for other cancer types or with different drug combinations.

The study also only evaluated short-term cellular responses under controlled laboratory conditions and not human clinical trials, so it remains unclear how these supplements could affect cancer patients over time.

Fox News Digital reached out to multiple NAD+ supplement manufacturers for comment.

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'Perfect' workout formula can take just 10 minutes a day, Hilaria Baldwin says

Being motivated to work out is one thing, but staying committed to a routine is what yields results, experts say.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, certified yoga and fitness instructor Hilaria Baldwin shared her tips for building an effective exercise routine – and sticking to it.

"One of the most important things about exercise is consistency," said the mother of seven. "For many of us, life gets in the way – we are parents and we work and all the chaos comes in, so bite-sized movements are really important."

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Baldwin revealed that her "perfect" workout routine trifecta always includes cardio, strength training and stretching, even if it’s just 10 minutes per day.

For lasting consistency, a fitness routine should fit naturally into one’s lifestyle and schedule, Baldwin said. She recommends setting aside kid-free, work-free blocks of time for movement and self-care.

Baldwin said she makes time for a daily run as her cardio, which she said helps "work out her lungs." She also incorporates stretching and strength training, which might include physically picking up her kids or toning with weights.

She has also started exercising with her children as a way to blend family time with physical activity.

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE

The instructor emphasized consistency without overcommitment, noting that doing too much, too soon can lead to burnout.

"If something's overwhelming, we're not going to do it," Baldwin said. "Ultimately, we are going to be creatures of habit … we are going do what we feel like needs to get done – but starting to think of a workout more like brushing our teeth is really important."

"People are not moving their bodies enough and then we get sick," she went on. "So, the question is, can we do a little bit to prevent that? And obviously not everything can be prevented, but we know that we should move our bodies most days."

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Baldwin advised against "biting off more than you can chew." For example, instead of running three miles as a response to being frustrated about your fitness goals, try running for just 10 minutes – or run for just two minutes at a time and take walking breaks.

"Doing something is better than thinking about it and doing nothing," she added.

The fitness instructor also suggested making exercise a family commitment, helping to reinforce that movement and self-care are priorities.

"As moms, we [often] put ourselves last," she said. "Everybody says put your oxygen mask on first, but we don't do that."

"I think showing our children that we are human and we are worth taking care of is really important – not just for our relationship with them, but how they will treat themselves when they're older."

When life gets busy, she said, it’s easy to make excuses for not working out. Baldwin admitted that on most days, especially in the summer heat, she has "zero interest" in going for a run.

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"But I know that I'm not going to regret it," she said. "It’s just about creating the habit and saying, ‘Okay, I'm going to do this, and it's going to be 30 minutes, and I might hate it, but I’m going to be happy to do it.’"

Baldwin added, "Showing up is the hardest thing. Once you do it and you create a commitment, it completely changes everything."

Baldwin encouraged the public, especially women, to tap into how "special and unique each person’s body is."

"Start loving yourself and loving your body, no matter what outside opinions you feel like people are directing at you," she said. "Feel capable and feel strong and that you're worth investing in."

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Baldwin shared that she herself has struggled "tremendously" with this in her own life. "That is one of the reasons that I show up – to tell my body, ‘I love you, you're worth it.’"

She continued, "Nobody has ever existed who is exactly like you, and no one will ever be exactly like you again. So please live every single day cherishing your body, your unique self, and let's have fun and move together."

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Louisiana girl, 8, dies after contracting suspected brain-eating amoeba linked to lake swim

Lillian Smart, an 8-year-old girl who health officials believe contracted a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in a northern Louisiana lake, died Saturday at a Ruston hospital from an infection linked to the pathogen.

Lillian died one day after celebrating her eighth birthday.

"The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little body to recover from," the Smart family said in a statement posted Sunday morning on Facebook. "Everyone did everything they could to keep her here. We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next. How do we put one foot in front of the other without our girl?"

MICHIGAN REPORTS 2 DEATHS IN RARE PARASITE OUTBREAK THAT HAS SICKENED MORE THAN 11,000

The Louisiana Department of Health announced Wednesday that a state resident had been hospitalized after becoming infected with Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba that can cause a rare and often deadly brain infection.

State health officials have not publicly identified Lillian as the patient referenced in the announcement. Her family, however, said on social media that she had been admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at a Ruston hospital and identified Naegleria fowleri as the cause of her illness.

The health department said the infection in the case it announced was most likely acquired while the patient was swimming in Lake Claiborne shortly before becoming ill.

BEACHGOERS WARNED AFTER DEADLY 'FLESH-EATING' BACTERIA KILLS 5 IN SOUTHERN STATE

A representative for the Louisiana Department of Health did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Louisiana Department of Health records identify three previous deaths associated with Naegleria fowleri in the state since 2011.

Two happened in 2011. A 20-year-old man in St. Bernard Parish died after using tap water to rinse his sinuses, while a 51-year-old woman in DeSoto Parish died after using tap water for a similar purpose.

In 2013, a 4-year-old boy contracted the amoeba while visiting a home in St. Bernard Parish, where he had played on a slip-and-slide. State officials later reported that CDC testing detected Naegleria fowleri in the parish water system.

DEADLY BACTERIA FOUND IN WATERS NEAR LUXURY VACATION DESTINATION AHEAD OF SUMMER

Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, an extremely rare brain infection that can develop when contaminated water enters the nose and the amoeba travels to the brain. People cannot become infected by swallowing contaminated water.

The amoeba is not found in saltwater or properly chlorinated swimming pools.

Symptoms typically begin with headache, fever, nausea and vomiting before progressing to a stiff neck, seizures and coma. Symptoms generally appear about five days after infection, and the disease can lead to death within about one to two weeks.

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About 97% of people who develop PAM die from the infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported two PAM cases nationwide last year. Of the 173 infections documented over roughly the past 90 years, nearly 91% occurred in July and August.

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Popular erectile dysfunction drug linked to eye disease that can cause irreversible vision loss

A drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms may raise the risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can cause gradual vision loss, according to new research. 

An international team of researchers analyzed health records from nearly 74,000 men ages 40 and older with lower urinary tract symptoms to examine whether long-term tadalafil use was associated with a greater risk of glaucoma. 

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, compared about 37,000 men prescribed tadalafil with a similar group who did not use phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, the drug class that includes Cialis.

Researchers followed the men for up to five years and looked for new cases of glaucoma and high pressure inside the eye, along with whether patients needed treatment for glaucoma.

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Men who used tadalafil were 22% more likely to develop glaucoma than those who did not use the drugs, according to the findings.

They were also 32% more likely to develop high pressure inside the eye and 33% more likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of the disease.

Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist at the Illinois Eye Institute who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that glaucoma can be difficult to notice in its early stages.

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"Glaucoma is an eye condition that especially in its early stages often does not present with visual symptoms," Kattouf said.

As glaucoma progresses, people may gradually lose their side, or peripheral, vision, she said.

"Clinical findings of glaucoma are best detected in a comprehensive vision evaluation," Kattouf added.

Kattouf said people with a family history of glaucoma, high pressure inside the eye or severe nearsightedness may face a higher risk. Those who take Cialis daily over a long period of time may also warrant closer monitoring, she said.

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People who regularly use the medication should have a comprehensive eye exam to establish a baseline for their eye health, according to Kattouf. Doctors can check pressure inside the eyes and perform other tests to look for changes that could signal glaucoma.

The researchers noted several limitations to the study.

The study was observational, meaning it found a link between tadalafil use and glaucoma but could not prove that the medication caused the condition.

Researchers also could not account for changes in medication use or other health conditions that developed over time.

The researchers stressed that the findings do not mean people should stop taking tadalafil. Instead, they said, patients who use the medication long term, particularly those with existing glaucoma risk factors, may benefit from regular eye monitoring.

Fox News Digital reached out to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cialis, and the study’s researchers for comment.

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