From weighted vests and protein-maxxing to beef tallow and creatine supplements, 2025 was rife with wellness trends. But are any of them worthy of taking into the new year? NPR's science team dove deep into some of last year's most pervasive health fads, delivering verdicts on which ones you might want to pay attention to and which you can leave in 2025.
Never understood 6-7? Good news, it's so last year — along with these other words
Culture
Say Hello to the 3 Latest Dog Breeds Recognized by the American Kennel Club
chrisuk1/iStock
The American Kennel Club's pack just got bigger — and objectively cuter. Last week, the organization added three new dog breeds to its official roster: a wavy-coated toy pup, a French hound, and a terrier named after the 26th U.S. president. Although the Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, basset Fauve de Bretagne (pictured), and Teddy Roosevelt terrier aren't new to the world, they are newly recognized by the AKC due to the breeds becoming more prominent in the U.S. "Each of these breeds offers a unique set of characteristics that make them stand out as first-rate companions," AKC's announcement read. "Personable and cheerful in disposition, the new-to-AKC breeds are trustworthy companions who thrive on serving their owners, but they're not newly developed." As for what this means for the breeds, they're now eligible to compete in events such as the AKC National Championship and the annual Thanksgiving National Dog Show. Meet the pooches.
Together With LMNT
Kickstart the New Year With Proper Hydration
The holidays are over and the new year is in full swing. After weeks of disrupted sleep and extra-packed schedules, your body could use some extra support to get back on track. LMNT helps bring your body back to balance with electrolytes. The drink mix contains a science-backed ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help you feel your best. Proper hydration supports better sleep, sharper focus, and sustained energy — exactly what you need to reset after the holidays. With flavors like Citrus Salt and Watermelon Salt, it's a delicious addition to your daily routine. Plus, LMNT includes a free sample pack with every order.
Breakthrough MS Study May Pave the Way for Earlier Intervention
nopparit/iStock
Multiple sclerosis has long been diagnosed through its telltale symptoms — overwhelming fatigue, slurred speech, and muscle weakness among them. However, a new study may help revolutionize the typical approaches to detection and treatment. Researchers at University College London and Queen Square Analytics analyzed more than 600 patients with MS and used AI to pinpoint two distinct biological subtypes of the disease. Instead of relying solely on symptoms, this method identifies underlying brain patterns and blood markers to help doctors spot disease progression earlier and deliver more personalized treatments. "By using an AI model combined with a highly available blood marker with MRI, we have been able to show two clear biological patterns of MS for the first time," lead author Arman Eshaghi said in a press release. "This will help clinicians understand where a person sits on the disease pathway and who may need closer monitoring or earlier, targeted treatment." MS is a complex disease, so the more research the better, Caitlin Astbury, with the MS Society, told The Guardian. "This is an exciting development in our understanding of MS," she said, adding, "The more we learn about the condition, the more likely we will be able to find treatments that can stop disease progression."
Environment
In the Arctic, Drones Are Collecting Whale Breath for Health Monitoring
Gerald Corsi/iStock
Some drones hovering above the Arctic Circle aren't taking photos or transporting supplies — they're collecting whale breath. "Drone blow sampling" involves the devices collecting exhaled spray from wild humpback, sperm, and fin whales' blowholes, providing a non-invasive way for researchers to monitor their health. In a recent study, scientists specifically checked for cetacean morbillivirus, a virus that's been linked to mass strandings of whales and dolphins around the globe. Between 2016 and 2025, the team gathered blow samples, along with skin biopsies and one organ sample, from whales across the Northeast Atlantic. After screening the samples for pathogens, the researchers were able to confirm for the first time that the virus is circulating north of the Arctic Circle — and with further drone blow sampling, they hope to be able to support whales' health through early detection of the virus. The method is a "game-changer," study co-author Terry Dawson said in a news release. "It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems."
In Other News
Denver's homicide rate dropped about 48% from 2024 to 2025, marking a near-record low (read more)
CES, the massive tech trade show, kicks off today — see the gadgets making headlines (read more)
USA Hockey unveiled the Winter Olympics rosters for the men's, women's, and sled hockey teams (read more)
A critically endangered bird was seen for the first time since 2020 in a remote Samoan rainforest (read more)
Hollywood is off to a bright start this year, with Avatar: Fire and Ash dominating the box office (read more)
Inspiring Story
A step forward
Last summer, Ra-Jon James became paralyzed due to a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome. After months of hospital care, the Virginia resident has regained the ability to walk — and is now sharing his story to raise awareness of the condition's warning signs.
Photo of the Day
Leon Neal/Getty Images
The Twelfth Night, marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, was yesterday, but the U.K.'s Lions part theater company celebrated the occasion in London on Sunday. The troupe held its 31st Twelfth Night revels, an old-timey folk festival in which the verdant "Holly Man" makes an appearance on the River Thames — 'twas a joyous spectacle, it seemed.
Cozy Up With Chocolate Salt Electrolytes From LMNT
Electrolytes are essential for feeling your best. LMNT's science-backed ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium is a simple way to always know you're properly hydrated. This winter, warm up with Chocolate Salt — the LMNT flavor designed to be enjoyed hot. It's the perfect pick-me-up on chilly days, with all the hydration your body needs.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
Odds & Ends
🎢 A record-breaking coaster at the new Six Flags 🥞 Bottomless pancakes are back at IHOP 🚶 Forget restrictive diets, try this science-backed method instead* ❄️ This video will make you smile (and maybe appreciate snow more) *Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Quote of the Day
"It ain't the roads we take; it's what's inside of us that makes us turn out the way we do."
No comments:
Post a Comment