A new study reveals that Neanderthals produced and used birch tar not only as an adhesive but also as an antibacterial agent to treat wounds, predating modern medicine by 200,000 years. Researchers recreated birch tar using ancient methods and confirmed its antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting early medicinal practices among Neanderthals.

Oxford University’s comprehensive review of 14 systematic studies reveals that nicotine e-cigarettes consistently outperform traditional smoking cessation methods, with users being 1.5 to 2.4 times more likely to quit after six months. While safety data on serious adverse events remains uncertain due to limited study sizes, the research underscores significant gaps, including the absence of comparisons with medications like bupropion and cytisine and a predominance of data from wealthy countries.

New research involving over 4,200 Brazilian teens and their guardians shows that parental alcohol and tobacco use significantly increases the probability of adolescent substance use. Authoritative parenting emerges as the most effective style to reduce this risk, while permissive and neglectful approaches offer no protection. The study also warns that frequent parental drinking, even when normalized, elevates teens' chances of substance use.

A University of Washington study reveals that diets richer in plant foods correlate with slower DNA-based biological aging, highlighting whole grains as particularly beneficial and indicating that moderate dietary changes can contribute to longevity.

An international expert panel led by the Technical University of Munich finds that broad social media bans and surveillance on children often undermine trust and safety, recommending collaborative and educational approaches instead.

A German study involving 94 healthy adults found that consuming sugary drinks before a massage prevents full relaxation by maintaining elevated fight-or-flight nervous system activity. In contrast, water drinkers experienced complete stress withdrawal. The glucose group showed better attention afterward, suggesting a balance between mental focus and physical recovery.

A University of British Columbia study reveals that summers in North America and Europe have extended by about 30 days since the 1960s, with inland regions adding over six days per decade since 1990. The research highlights accelerated summer heat accumulation and abrupt seasonal transitions, impacting ecosystems and infrastructure.

A University of Ottawa study reveals that angry face emojis in workplace messaging lower perceptions of professionalism and competence, with messages lacking emojis rated highest in professionalism. The research also highlights gender differences in judging negative communications among coworkers.

A study analyzing nearly 400,000 adults reveals that while walking is the most common leisure exercise in the U.S., over one in five walkers do not meet any federal physical activity guidelines. Only 25% meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations, with rural adults showing lower compliance. Researchers suggest walking groups could enhance fitness by adding strength activities.

A large-scale Swedish study demonstrates that gaining weight before age 30 significantly increases the risk of death, with early obesity linked to multiple fatal diseases and a 70% higher mortality risk compared to those who avoid obesity by age 60.

A Minnesota gastroenterologist’s decades-long study, highlighted by Michael Levitt’s research and revisited by Trisha Pasricha, finds that women produce smellier gas while men emit larger amounts, resulting in a draw between the sexes in terms of offensive flatulence.

Subway is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on footlong sandwiches through April 28 for online orders in the U.S. Customers can order via the app or website using promo code FLBOGO to receive a free footlong with the purchase of one. The deal excludes Footlong Sidekicks and is limited to one order per person.