We get asked fairly regularly where people can actually buy decent CBD in the UK without ending up with overpriced rubbish or products that don’t match the label.

There are a lot of CBD companies now, and the gap in quality between brands can be huge.

One supplier i used myself and still do and had consistently good experiences with is:

CBD Leafline
https://cbdleafline.co.uk/

We originally tried them after being disappointed by a few other UK brands that either felt under-dosed or just seemed very obviously “marketing first”.

A few things we liked:

• Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum options
• Different strengths depending on whether you’re new to CBD or use it regularly
• Batch testing and third-party lab reports
• THC levels kept within UK legal limits
• Consistent quality between orders
• UK-based company with decent transparency overall

One thing worth saying honestly is that CBD affects people very differently.

Some people swear by it for helping them relax, improving sleep, reducing stress levels, or just taking the edge off day-to-day anxiety. Others barely notice much at all.

CBD is obviously not the same thing as prescription medical cannabis and it should not be viewed that way. Most legitimate CBD companies are careful not to make medical claims for a reason.

The bigger issue in the UK market right now is probably consistency.

There are products everywhere that:

• Don’t contain the advertised strength
• Have vague or missing lab testing
• Use confusing labelling
• Make claims they absolutely shouldn’t be making
• Seem heavily diluted compared to competitors

Thats why transparency is key with CBD.

Leafline also has one of the better educational/blog sections we have come across for beginners trying to understand things properly without loads of hype:
https://cbdleafline.co.uk/blog/

Curious what other UK CBD brands people here rate at the minute as well. Always interested to hear what people have genuinely found works for them.

In their paper published in Scientific Reports, Masahiro Hirai (L) and Akitaka Fujii (R) from Nagoya University's Graduate School of Informatics found evidence suggesting that people with higher autistic traits may try to cope with uncertainty by labeling their feelings. Credit: Merle Naidoo, Nagoya University

We feel more anxious when facing uncertain or unpredictable situations, but for those who score higher on autistic traits, this anxiety tends to be stronger. Published in Scientific Reports, a new study suggests uncertainty-driven anxiety plays a role in how people manage their emotions.

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan found evidence that people with higher autistic traits may try to cope with uncertainty by labeling their feelings. Offering support, such as the right words for what they feel, could play a role in managing anxiety.

Putting a name to a feeling could reduce emotional stress

Previous research has suggested that labeling an emotion, whether by writing it down or saying it out loud, can help us calm down. While the anxiety does not disappear, it becomes less overwhelming when the emotion has a name.

Autistic traits refer to characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder, such as differences in social communication and a preference for routine and predictability. These traits vary in degree across the general population.

A total of 505 Japanese adults aged 20 to 39 completed an online survey measuring autistic traits, discomfort with uncertainty, the tendency to put feelings into words, and anxiety levels.

"We measured autistic traits using a 50-item questionnaire called the Autism-Spectrum Quotient which covers five areas: social skills, the ability to shift attention, communication, imagination, and attention to detail," said first author and doctoral student Akitaka Fujii from the Graduate School of Informatics at Nagoya University.

The researchers found that people who scored higher on autistic traits also experience stronger anxiety in uncertain situations. This is known as intolerance of uncertainty, a tendency to react negatively when situations feel ambiguous or beyond one's control.

"Our findings suggest that discomfort with uncertainty is associated with a greater tendency to put feelings into words, and this is linked to lower anxiety levels," said Masahiro Hirai, co-author and associate professor from the Graduate School of Informatics.

Offering someone the right words to describe how they feel may help them manage their anxiety. For example, a teacher or family member might say, "I think you might be feeling anxious about that" when someone struggles to express distress. This perspective could inform future approaches in classroom and counseling settings.

Limitations and next steps

The researchers caution that these are early findings and more research is needed to confirm their theory. Because the study did not involve people with a clinical diagnosis of autism, the findings cannot be directly applied to autistic people.

The Hirai Lab is currently conducting a follow-up study with adults who have a clinical diagnosis of autism to test whether similar patterns are observed. The authors highlight the need for further studies that track participants over time to determine if these patterns reflect cause and effect.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-uncertainty-people-higher-autistic-traits.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter

A WashU Medicine-led clinical trial conducted at Siteman Cancer Center has found that a personalized vaccine to treat glioblastoma is safe and could potentially improve outcomes. Trial participant Kim Garland (left) reviews a scan with the study's primary investigator, Tanner Johanns, MD, Ph.D., a WashU Medicine oncologist. Credit: Scott Garland

A personalized vaccine to treat glioblastoma, a fast-growing and incurable brain cancer that affects four in 100,000 people in the U.S., is safe and elicits robust and broad immune responses that appear to increase recurrence-free survival in a subset of patients after surgery, according to an early-stage clinical trial co-led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

In patients with an especially aggressive form of glioblastoma, the vaccine caused no serious side effects and prolonged patients' overall survival compared to historical outcomes after standard-of-care surgery and chemoradiotherapy. One long-term survivor remains recurrence-free nearly five years later.

The results of the phase 1 trial, conducted at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, are published in Nature Cancer. The study was led jointly by Mass General Brigham and Geneos Therapeutics, a Philadelphia-based biotechnology company.

"We are extremely encouraged by these results," said Tanner M. Johanns, MD, Ph.D., lead author of the study and an assistant professor in the Division of Oncology in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine. "This kind of vaccine is a first for glioblastoma, and it is exciting to think about how we can leverage this individualized therapeutic DNA cancer vaccine platform to make a positive impact on the lives of patients who are fighting this disease. Additionally, combination therapies leveraging this personalized platform are currently being investigated at WashU to test if outcomes may be improved further."

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-personalized-vaccine-aggressive-brain-cancer.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter

The novel treatment uses engineered DNA molecules designed to stimulate the patient's immune system against the cancer. Each patient's tumor has unique proteins specific to that tumor, and this vaccine activates the patient's immune system to recognize those proteins and eliminate the tumor cells.

Johanns said that although some immunotherapies targeting glioblastoma have shown promise in previous studies, they ultimately are ineffective in significantly delaying or preventing recurrence. That's likely because glioblastoma can evolve and escape immune attack, but Johanns's vaccine was designed to help the immune system recognize many different targets on cancer cells. So even if the tumor loses several of these targets, the vaccine is still able to generate responses to many others.

Additionally, glioblastoma is termed a "cold" tumor, meaning that the tumor environment is able to hide from the immune system. The cancer vaccine that was used in this trial, developed by Geneos Therapeutics, transforms cold tumors into "hot" tumors that are then susceptible to immune-mediated eradication. The vaccine is thus able to improve the patient's immune response by targeting proteins on the cancer cell and by making the environment within the tumor more favorable to immune activation.

"We chose a DNA-based platform because it would allow us an opportunity to target more cancer proteins than any vaccine had targeted before," said Johanns, who treats patients at Siteman and is a research member there. "Our thinking was that if we could generate a broader range of immune responses against those proteins, then it might lead to a more potent vaccine compared to other vaccine platforms with more limited protein targets."

This DNA-based vaccine platform was able to activate each patient's immune system to seek out as many as 40 cancer proteins specific to each patient's tumor—twice as many as had been targeted by any cancer vaccine therapy to date.

More targets, more chances for success

The vaccine in the study, called GNOS-PV01, targets so-called neoantigens—proteins unique to an individual patient's cancer cells that their immune cells can recognize. The neoiantigens were identified and selected using an algorithm developed at WashU Medicine by computational biologists and co-authors Obi Griffith, Ph.D., a professor of medicine, and Malachi Griffith, Ph.D., an associate professor of medicine, both in the Division of Oncology and research members at Siteman. Johanns and his colleagues selected neoantigens from different regions of a patient's tumor, a method they incorporated to further increase the number of cancer cell proteins targeted by the vaccine.

A vaccine platform using a different DNA-based technology developed for breast cancer by co-author William Gillanders, MD, the Mary Culver Distinguished Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine who treats patients at Siteman, inspired the idea to bring Geneos' GNOS-PV01 vaccine to WashU Medicine for use against glioblastoma, Johanns said.

The trial enrolled nine adult patients who had recently been diagnosed with glioblastoma. All patients were treated at Siteman Cancer Center. The team prepared a synthetic DNA molecule encoding the unique information for each patient's tumor neoantigens. The vaccine was manufactured at the Biologic Therapy Core Facility at Siteman during the patient's postoperative recovery and subsequent radiation treatment.

The vaccine injections started, on average, 10 weeks after the patient's surgery and were administered every three weeks for a nine-week period, and then every nine weeks thereafter as long as patients were able to participate. All participants, except one who was taking an immune-suppressing steroid, showed an increase in immune-cell activity indicating a response to the vaccine intervention.

One-third of the patients had no progression of their cancer six months out from their surgeries, and two-thirds survived one year. Typically, around 40% of glioblastoma patients reach either milestone.

Two-thirds of the participants were still alive after two years, which is twice the historical survival rate for this patient population. One participant is still alive and recurrence-free today, almost five years after her initial diagnosis.

Scientists found strongest association between PMD and depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Credit: Alex Green:

Premenstrual disorders and psychiatric conditions often seem to flock together, and researchers now have data to make a case for it. A study involving over 3 million women revealed a striking two-way path between premenstrual disorders (PMDs)—premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—and common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

The association works in both directions: women with a history of mental health problems were about twice as likely to later develop a premenstrual disorder. In turn, women diagnosed with PMD faced roughly double the risk of developing a mental health condition down the line. These conditions appeared to fuel each other.

The findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

Havoc caused by hormones

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone naturally rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle. For many women, these fluctuations pass without causing noticeable changes in mood or health. In women with PMDs, the brain appears to respond differently, showing an unusual sensitivity to these otherwise normal hormonal shifts.

This matters because these hormones can directly influence key brain chemicals that regulate mood and cognition, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. These same neurotransmitter systems are also involved in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

It is not uncommon for women with PMD to experience debilitating symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and irritability during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs right after ovulation and stops before periods start, typically lasts for 12 to 14 days.

Studies have found that between 20% and 30% of women experience moderate to severe PMS, while severe PMDD affects up to 6%. pmdd is more than just feeling low. It can seriously affect a person's quality of life and is linked with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, depression during pregnancy, earlier menopause, and even a higher risk of death in younger people.

Dot-and-whisker plot of the bidirectional associations between premenstrual disorders and type-specific psychiatric disorders. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2026). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.11765

Unblurring the link

The relationship between premenstrual disorders (PMDs) and psychiatric disorders is still not well understood, particularly beyond depression and anxiety. This study looked beyond the usual suspects by including ADHD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, while trying to untangle why PMDs and mental health conditions so often show up together: what is the direction and strength of their association?

The study collected data spanning 22 years from Sweden's national health registers. Over 3.6 million women between the ages of 16 and 52 were included, of whom nearly 105,000 had been diagnosed with a PMD.

To get a clearer picture of how PMD and mental health are connected, researchers compared affected women with unaffected women of the same age and living in the same area, while also looking at comparisons within families by studying their sisters.

They found a strong bidirectional connection between the two issues. Women with a history of mental health issues were more likely to be diagnosed with a premenstrual disorder and vice versa. This two-way connection was most pronounced for conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, while no such link in either direction was found with schizophrenia.

The sister comparison revealed that while shared genetics and family environment did play a role, they didn't fully explain the link between PMDs and mental health conditions. Researchers suggested that the association may stem from shared biological mechanisms, particularly the brain's unusual response to hormone fluctuations that affect mood-regulating neurochemicals.

The strong connection between mental health and premenstrual issues calls for sex trafficing, menstrual cycle–informed care where doctors and health professionals take into consideration a woman's hormonal cycle when assessing and treating her mental health.

Further studies uncovering the biological mechanisms linking PMDs and psychiatric disorders are urgently needed, as better answers could transform diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for millions.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-street-overlapping-world-premenstrual-disorders.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter

Beverages, cereals, candies, drugs, cosmetics (excluding the eye area), and signs of an allergic reaction are important to be aware of. Food dye reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild reactions might cause flushing, headaches, hives, and itchy skin. Severe reactions could include swelling of the face or lips, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or wheezing, dizziness or fainting, a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, throat tightness, and trouble breathing. If you experience severe symptoms, call 911 immediately as this reaction can be life-threatening.

If you know you have a severe food dye allergy, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector. This is the first-line treatment for a severe food allergy reaction.

Allergy testing is usually done through a blood test or skin prick test to identify the allergen. However, there’s currently no test for food dye allergies. You might need to try and pinpoint the allergen through trial and error.

One method is to keep a food diary, noting everything you eat and any reactions you have. Then, avoid those foods for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

Another option is a food challenge. Your doctor will give you a series of foods, some of which may contain the suspected dye. You won’t know which ones. If you have a reaction, you’ll know the culprit.

To prevent an allergic reaction, avoid foods containing the allergen. This can be difficult because dyes can hide in unexpected places, even in medications and supplements.

Become a label detective and carefully read ingredient lists on every product you buy. If you’re unsure if a food or medication contains the dye, contact the manufacturer or avoid it and consider an alternative.

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/understanding-food-dye-allergies?slot_pos=5&utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=generalhealth&utm_content=2026-05-11&apid=&rvid=264b156481afa171237935f90ce33829851bbc3bd9621f487636106268da7428

A man who has survived four separate comas says medical cannabis is the one thing that finally gave him relief after decades of debilitating neurological symptoms that left doctors struggling for answers.

Eric Powers, 49, who now lives in Birkenhead, Merseyside in the UK, says cannabis “saved his life” after years of battling severe migraines, chronic nausea, temporary blindness and a rare neurological condition that developed following a childhood accident.

The former IT specialist, originally from Florida, said his health problems began after an accident on an inflatable slide when he was 13 years old in 1989.

Eric recalled being launched into the air before landing heavily on his head, leaving him in a coma for five days.

Following the accident, he says he began experiencing a series of unexplained neurological episodes that would continue for decades.

According to Eric, symptoms included convulsions, difficulty swallowing, insomnia, temporary blindness and repeated comas.

In total, he says he has slipped into four separate comas over the years, each lasting around three days on average.

Doctors were reportedly unable to fully explain the condition, which Eric described as terrifying and unpredictable.

“Nobody could explain what was happening to me,” he said.

During the early years after the accident, Eric explained the episodes occurred as often as once a month, dramatically affecting his quality of life.

He said he was prescribed numerous medications in an attempt to manage the symptoms, but many came with severe side effects.

Some treatments eased certain symptoms while making others worse, leaving him trapped in a cycle of pain, nausea and exhaustion.

Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis-based products, including oils, capsules, or dried plant material, prescribed by authorized doctors to treat symptoms of specific chronic or terminal illnesses.

Everything changed, he says, when he first tried cannabis at the age of 27 in 2003.

Eric described the experience as immediate and life-changing.

“It was almost an instant flip,” he said.

“I went from wanting to throw up constantly to actually being able to eat and feel better.”

He added that cannabis dramatically reduced his nausea and helped him regain a level of stability he had not experienced in years.

Later in life, Eric was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in his early 40s, adding another layer to his long-term health struggles.

MS is a lifelong condition affecting the brain and spinal cord which can cause symptoms including pain, fatigue, muscle problems and difficulties with mobility.

Eric says cannabis has continued to play a major role in helping him manage the condition, particularly chronic pain and nausea.

Now living in the UK after moving in 2025 following an online relationship that developed into love, he is speaking publicly about his experience in an effort to challenge what he believes is lingering stigma surrounding medical cannabis.

Eric said many people still misunderstand the drug and fail to recognise the positive impact it can have for some patients living with serious illnesses and chronic conditions.

While medical cannabis remains tightly regulated in the UK, specialist doctors can prescribe cannabis-based medicines in certain circumstances, including for some epilepsy patients, chemotherapy-related nausea and MS-related muscle stiffness.

Campaigners have increasingly called for broader access in recent years, arguing some patients experience significant improvements in quality of life when conventional treatments fail.

For Eric, the difference has been profound.

https://www.nova.ie/man-in-four-comas-reveals-the-one-thing-that-saved-his-life/

Our mums are often the people who guide us through life, offering support, reassurance, and plenty of advice along the way, from relationships and wellbeing to everyday health habits.

As we grow older, many of the things we learn about looking after ourselves come from watching the people around us. Sometimes it’s direct advice, and other times it’s the routines and habits we quietly pick up over the years.

In this article, we’ve gathered some of our favourite health and wellbeing tips that have been passed down through generations.

A note on personal experiences

This article includes personal stories and opinions. Everyone’s experience is different, and health journeys can vary from person to person. These quotes are included to offer insight and shared experiences, not medical advice.

Walk more whenever you can

Most adults are advised to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, and walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to do that.

Regular walking may help support:

• Better sleep
• Improved mental wellbeing
• Mobility as you age
• A lower risk of conditions such as:
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Dementia

Walking is also easy to build into everyday life, whether that’s a stroll around the neighbourhood, walking to the shops, or using a treadmill at the gym.

From Our Editors

“This was more of a habit I picked up from my mum than direct advice. She always went for long walks after work or after dinner, and I often tagged along. I’ve carried that into adult life and still love it now. I probably think of ‘walking distance’ very differently from most people, but it’s been brilliant for keeping active and mobile.”
— Jill, Editor

Learn more about the benefits of starting your day with a walk.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

You really are what you eat

What we eat plays a major role in our overall health. Food provides energy, nutrients, and can support long-term wellbeing when part of a balanced lifestyle.

Many health recommendations encourage eating plenty of fruit and vegetables each day. While guidance varies slightly, most suggest aiming for:

• Around 200 to 600g of vegetables daily
• Around 100 to 300g of fruit daily

From Our Readers

“My mum was a doctor, so we always grew up hearing about the importance of balance and nutrition. She constantly reminded us that we are what we eat and encouraged plenty of fruit and vegetables. Even though she practised traditional medicine, she also believed strongly in looking after the body naturally where possible.”
— Sunny Beutler

Are fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables healthier?

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Look after your skin

Good skincare is not just about appearance. Looking after your skin can help support overall skin health throughout life.

The best routine for you may depend on your skin type, age, lifestyle, and individual needs. If you are unsure where to start, speaking with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional may help.

From Our Readers

“My mum always told me to look after my skin because it’s something I carry with me every single day. That stuck with me. Now, years later, I realise it was about far more than skincare products. Hydration, nutrition, sleep, and self-respect all play a part.”
— Terry Tateossian

Learn how to build a skincare routine that works for you.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Dress warmly in colder weather

As we get older, colder temperatures can affect us more. Certain health conditions may also make it harder for the body to stay warm.

Simple habits like layering clothing properly can help maintain body temperature during colder months and reduce the risk of problems linked to getting too cold.

From Our Editors

“My grandmother always insisted we wore an extra layer under our clothes in winter. I ignored it for years until I moved into a freezing student house and realised she was absolutely right.”
— Amy, Editor

Read more tips for staying warm during winter.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Reset your day when things feel overwhelming

A difficult moment does not always have to define the rest of the day. Taking time to pause, reset, and refocus can sometimes make a big difference to your mindset.

Simple things like stepping outside, making a cup of tea, reading for a few minutes, or listening to music may help you feel more grounded again.

From Our Readers

“My mum always told me to ‘take back the day’. If things feel stressful or overwhelming, I try to pause and reset somehow, even if it’s only for a few minutes.”
— Jordyn Gorman

Try simple ways to reduce stress and reset mentally.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Pay attention to what goes into your food

Herbs and spices do more than add flavour. Many have been studied for their potential health-supporting properties.

For example:

• Turmeric is often linked with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Cinnamon has been studied for its possible role in blood sugar regulation
• Saffron has attracted interest for its antioxidant effects

From Our Readers

“My mum always believed cooking should be balanced and nourishing. Turmeric went into nearly everything we made, and meals were always built around balance and flavour.”
— Jaime Elder

Do spices lose their flavour or benefits over time?

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Honey can sometimes soothe a sore throat

Honey has long been used as a home remedy for coughs and sore throats. Some research suggests it may help soothe irritation and reduce coughing in certain upper respiratory infections.

Many people choose to mix honey into warm water or tea when feeling unwell.

From Our Editors

“My mum’s remedy for a sore throat was always honey mixed with black pepper. It definitely wasn’t my favourite taste growing up, but I still use it now.”
— Parisa, Editor

Explore natural remedies that may help soothe a sore throat.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

Every parenting journey looks different

There is no single ‘correct’ way to parent. Every child, family, and situation is different, and experiences can vary hugely from one household to another.

Giving yourself grace and avoiding comparisons can make the journey feel far less overwhelming.

From Our Readers

“My mum always reminded me there’s no handbook for being the perfect parent. That advice has stayed with me, especially as every child’s needs and personality can be completely different.”
— Chelsea Yolanda

Learn more about different parenting approaches and styles.

Quotes reflect individual experiences only. This content is for general information and should not replace medical advice.

In summary

Advice passed down through families often stays with us for life. Whether it’s remembering to walk more, eat well, slow down, or simply look after ourselves properly, many of the small habits we carry into adulthood begin at home.

And for those raising children themselves, it’s often those same little pieces of wisdom that continue to be passed on from one generation to the next.

https://www.healthline.com/health/tips-we-learned-from-our-mom?slot_pos=5&utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=generalhealth&utm_content=2026-05-08&apid=&rvid=264b156481afa171237935f90ce33829851bbc3bd9621f487636106268da7428

Men are more likely to take risks in tricky situations than women, but whether there is an inherent biological reason behind it is a question researchers have been asking for quite some time. A popular theory suggests that higher levels of the hormone testosterone are what make men less risk-averse. A recent study, however, debunked this notion.

A review spanning dozens of studies involving more than 17,000 participants found no reliable link between testosterone and how much risk a person chooses to take. Rather than being driven by a single hormone, risk-taking seems to stem from a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. A separate meta-analysis looking at sex differences found that testosterone's link to risk-taking behavior is no stronger in men than in women. The findings are published in Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews.

Testing the testosterone theory

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and plays a key role in male development. It is primarily produced in the testicles and helps drive changes during puberty, such as a deeper voice, facial and body hair growth, and increased muscle strength. Although men naturally have higher levels of testosterone, women also produce it in their gonads, the ovaries. Both men and women need testosterone to maintain bone strength, energy levels, muscle growth, and healthy red blood cell production.

Plot representing the distribution of effect sizes across different levels of testosterone measure. Credit: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106575

Many researchers have zeroed in on testosterone as a key driver of gender differences in risk aversion—a person's tendency to choose safer options with predictable outcomes rather than riskier choices that may offer greater rewards but involve uncertainty. This behavior shapes decisions both large and small, from how fast we drive, where we invest our money, and what activities we seek out on holiday, to high-stakes choices in politics, international relations, and economic policy.

Given the far-reaching impact of risk-taking and aversion, scientists have spent years trying to decode this complex aspect of human behavior. While some pointed to social and cultural factors, others focused on the potential biological driver. However, the evidence on testosterone has been very inconsistent. Some studies linked higher testosterone to greater risk-taking, while others found no relationship at all, and some even found the opposite.

To make sense of the existing literature on this topic, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 52 studies involving 17,340 participants that examined both testosterone and risk-taking. The studies they included used a wide range of testosterone measurement methods, including direct approaches such as blood and saliva tests, as well as hormone administration. Across the included studies, risk-taking was assessed using gambling tasks, lottery games, and personality questionnaires.

A statistical method called multilevel random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results across studies, accounting for differences in study design and the fact that many studies included multiple measurements. In addition, the researchers conducted a separate analysis to determine whether the findings differed between men and women or by task type.

Plot representing the distribution of effect sizes across different levels of risk measure. Credit: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106575

Even though men naturally have higher testosterone and often take more risks than women, testosterone does not explain this difference in behavior, as there was no clear association between the hormone and the behavior. The researchers noticed that a tiny link only appeared in studies that used lottery-style games, whereas other risk-taking measures showed no meaningful relationship. They also found that studies using direct measures often reported no link between the hormone and risk-taking levels, whereas studies using indirect methods, such as finger-length ratios (an indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure), were more likely to suggest a possible association.

The results make it quite evident that risk-taking is not driven by hormones alone. The researchers suggest that risk-taking likely depends on a biopsychosocial framework, involving a combination of the situation at hand, how a person thinks and feels, and the specific demands of the task. The debate is likely to remain open until future studies use larger sample sizes, standardized hormone testing methods, and more consistent measures of risk-taking.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-idea-testosterone-behavior.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter

With all the turmoil going on in Portugal cannabis over the last year, some other countries have been trying to seize the momentum and get part of Portugal's market share. Spain has been indicated as one of the spaces that will come out on top of Portugal. "The short answer to that is no," says Arnau Valdovinos, founder and analyst at Cannamonitor. "At the same time, the situation is much more nuanced than a simple 'no'."

Spain has the physical infrastructure to compete in European cannabis supply, but its regulatory framework, business models, and export patterns point toward a different lane entirely. Arnau has been tracking both markets through the structural shifts that followed German legalization and the regulatory turbulence in Portugal last year. "In terms of infrastructure, large-scale growers, if everything is set up, Spain can take a similar role to Portugal. But in terms of business models and strategies, that's where the difference is, and also the regulatory framework."

The regulatory gap is the most concrete constraint. In Portugal, operators can produce under GACP and ship product to a separate GMP facility for processing. Spain requires all of that to happen under one roof, inside the GMP facility itself. The practical effect is a higher barrier to entry for anyone looking to position the country as a processing and re-export hub, and a slower permitting environment on top of that, covering genetics imports and export authorizations as well as licensing. "In Portugal you can produce GACP and send it for GMP processing. In Spain, everything needs to happen in the GMP facility, and this makes it more burdensome. Spain's regulations are slower than in Portugal, also for importing genetics, for export permits."

Activity is still developing
Arnau mentions Extraction Solutions and Linneo Health as those operators in Spain that are building out GMP validation and analytical service lines for the Spanish market. On top of that, Curaleaf, operating a facility in Alicante, has registered medical devices with Somai Pharma that are manufactured there, a product category that did not previously exist in the Spanish output mix.

"Spain's export destination profile separates it structurally from Portugal. The majority of Spanish cannabis exports go to the UK. Portugal sends roughly 90% of its exports to Germany. That single data point clearly shows that Portugal built its model around Germany's demand and Germany's GMP import requirements. Spain has not, and the domestic market offers little additional logic. The Spanish market is, for now, an extract market at best. Spain will play a role in the international supply chain, but the focus is more diversified, a variety of business models, and not just conversion for German export."

The question of whether Spain can absorb supply chain activity that would otherwise go to Portugal also depends on what that activity actually is. Arnau explains that Portugal's dominant model has been trading: import raw or semi-processed material, run it through GMP, re-export. The countries positioned to take up that trading activity are Czechia and Malta. Both have established regulatory infrastructure, both are EU members, and both can move goods across borders without the complications that affect processors operating outside the bloc. Czechia has accelerated since German legalization, with hemp growers validating their operations to GMP standard, a short logistical step given the shared border with Germany. The cost differential between Czechia and Portugal, which was once meaningful, has narrowed considerably since energy prices climbed following the war in Ukraine. "Czechia and Malta have proper regulatory infrastructure, established markets and processes, and operators have been ramping up, especially in Czechia after German legalization. Growers are starting to validate their processes to grow medical cannabis at GMP standard for Germany. You only need to drive across the border to reach your market, after all."

Czechia has also developed a trading model of its own, importing and processing in a pattern that mirrors what Portugal did in its earlier phase. Malta draws from a more diverse origin base, Israel, South Africa, and Canada among them, and Canadian export data shows Malta as a consistent and growing destination. In some months in early 2025, Czechia exceeded Portugal in value of Canadian exports, though the picture shifts month to month.

Spain's clearest point of differentiation from both countries is its genetics sector. Several breeding-focused operators are selling varieties into Portugal, Spain, and other European markets, activity that does not depend on GMP processing infrastructure and is not directly comparable to the trading and conversion models that define the Portugal discussion.

"The role of Spain as of now is more diversified. There are more players working on genetics compared to Portugal. The main business is breeding, and selling genetics into Portugal and Spain and elsewhere. It will play a role in the international supply chain, but the focus is more diversified, a variety of business models," Arnau concludes.

https://www.mmjdaily.com/article/9836885/spain-diversifies-as-czechia-and-malta-emerge-alongside-portugal-in-europe-s-cannabis-supply-chain/?utm_medium=email

If you’ve ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you’re there after a few hits, you’ve experienced “weed brain.” It’s a classic trope, but for the modern consumer, it’s a genuine concern. Does this plant help us relax at the cost of our cognitive history?

The short answer? Yes, cannabis affects your memory—specifically the encoding of new information. However, the 2026 research reveals a “Recovery Framework” that proves most of this impact is reversible, manageable, and in some cases, even preventable.

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The Biology of Forgetting: THC vs. The Hippocampus

To understand what cannabis does to your memory, we have to look at the Hippocampus—the brain’s librarian. Its job is to take the “loose papers” of your daily experiences and file them into the “filing cabinets” of long-term memory.

The CB1 “Clog”

The hippocampus is saturated with CB1 receptors. When THC enters the system, it binds to these receptors with high affinity. This doesn’t “kill” brain cells; instead, it creates a “signal noise” that prevents Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).

LTP is the process of strengthening synapses based on recent patterns of activity. Think of it as the brain’s way of saying, “This is important; save it.” THC disrupts this “Save” command.

Encoding vs. Retrieval

This is the most misunderstood part of “weed brain.”

• Encoding (The Problem): You struggle to form new memories while high.
• Retrieval (The Safe Zone): Your ability to recall existing memories (your wedding day, your phone number) remains largely intact.

The “False Memory” Phenomenon (New 2026 Data)

As noted in recent reports by National Geographic and researcher Steve Midway, cannabis doesn’t just make you forget; it can make you misremember.

In a double-blind study, participants under the influence of high-THC cannabis were shown a series of images. Later, they were asked if they saw “lure” images (items that were similar but not actually present). The cannabis group was 1.5x more likely to claim they had seen the lure images with “high confidence.”

Why this happens: THC increases what psychologists call “Source Confusion.” Your brain remembers a thought you had about an object, but mistakenly tags that thought as a real-world observation. Cannabis disrupts the ‘Metadata’ of your memories.

The Age Paradox: Why 25 is the Magic Number

The most critical factor in cannabis-related memory loss isn’t how much you smoke, but when you started.

Adolescence (The Construction Zone)

Until age 25, the brain is undergoing “synaptic pruning.” It is essentially “wiring” itself for adulthood. Introducing heavy amounts of THC during this window can lead to a thinner hippocampal cortex.

The Senior Paradox (The Maintenance Phase)

In a shocking 2026 UK Biobank study, researchers found that in adults over 50, low-dose cannabis use was associated with better memory performance than non-users.

• The Theory: As we age, neuroinflammation increases. Low doses of cannabinoids may act as “brain cleaners,” reducing the inflammation that typically clouds senior memory.

The “Sleep Link”: How Cannabis Hijacks the Save Button

Most people use cannabis as a sleep aid, but this is a double-edged sword for memory.

Memory consolidation (moving short-term info to long-term storage) happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. THC is known to suppress REM sleep.

• The Result: Even if you learn something perfectly while sober, if you use high-THC products right before bed, your brain may fail to “upload” those memories to long-term storage overnight.

Memory-Safe Strain Guide

Strain Name	Ratio	Primary Terpene	Best For
Harlequin	5:2 (CBD:THC)	Myrcene/Pinene	Functional daytime focus
Jack Herer	High THC	Alpha-Pinene	Creative energy without the “fog”
Cannatonic	1:1	Myrcene	Medical relief with mental clarity
Durban Poison	High THC	Terpinolene	High-energy “clear” high

The “Protection & Recovery” Framework

You don’t have to choose between cannabis and your memory. By using the PrestoDoctor Protection Framework, you can mitigate 90% of the cognitive “fog.”

Protocol A: The CBD Buffer

A 2025 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD acts as a “non-competitive antagonist” to THC in the hippocampus.

• The Fix: Use products with at least a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio. CBD physically blocks THC from over-saturating the receptors responsible for memory encoding.

Protocol B: The Alpha-Pinene Strategy

Terpenes aren’t just for smell. Alpha-Pinene (the “forest scent”) is a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. * The Science: It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and focus.

• The Fix: Seek out strains like Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, or Blue Dream which are naturally high in Pinene.

Protocol C: The 72-Hour Reset

Memory impairment from cannabis is not permanent for the vast majority of adults.

• The Science: CB1 receptors “downregulate” (hide) when flooded with THC. When you stop for 72 hours, they “upregulate” (return to the surface).
• The Fix: Take a 3-day “T-Break” once a month. This “resets the librarian,” allowing your brain to regain its natural encoding speed.

During your 72-hour reset, continue your CBD regimen to maintain neuroprotection while allowing THC receptors to upregulate.

Lessons Learned: A Real-World Experience

Case Study: “Michael,” Software Engineer & PrestoDoctor Patient

Michael struggled with “Function Drift”—forgetting the logic of his code halfway through writing it. He was using 90% THC distillates.

Our Recommendation:

1. Shift to Flower: Vapes provide a “spike” of THC that overwhelms the hippocampus.
2. The Pinene Pivot: He switched to Jack Herer (High Pinene).
3. The “No-Smoke Window”: He stopped consumption 2 hours before bed to allow for REM sleep.

The Result: Within 14 days, Michael reported a “sharpening” of his mental landscape. He didn’t have to quit; he just had to optimize.

FAQs: What People Also Ask

Can cannabis cause permanent memory loss?

Does CBD help with memory?

Why do I have “false memories” when high?

How long does “weed brain” last after stopping?

What are the best “memory-safe” strains?

What is the “Memory Terpene”?

• If you’re looking to switch to a more balanced regimen, consult with a medical marijuana doctor to find a strain ratio that supports your cognitive health.
• Learn more about how to manage side effects in our guide to cannabis and brain aging.
• View the full National Geographic report on how cannabis affects false recall.
• Read the full study on Cannabis and False Memory Susceptibility here.

Key Terms to Know: A Cannabis & Memory Glossary

To understand how cannabis interacts with your brain, it helps to know the “language of the hippocampus.” Here are the high-level terms mentioned in this guide:

• What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)? LTP is the process by which synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation. In the world of neuroscience, this is known as the biological basis of learning and memory—essentially the brain’s way of “hard-wiring” new information.
• What is Acetylcholinesterase? This is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in focus and memory. Certain terpenes, like Alpha-Pinene, act as inhibitors to this enzyme, allowing more acetylcholine to remain available in the brain to support cognitive function.
• Hippocampus: A small, curved formation in the brain that plays a critical role in the formation of new memories and spatial navigation. It is the area most densely packed with CB1 receptors.
• CB1 Receptors: Part of the endocannabinoid system, these receptors are located primarily in the central nervous system. THC binds to these receptors to produce the “high,” but in the hippocampus, this binding can temporarily disrupt the memory-filing process.
• Source Confusion: A memory distortion that occurs when someone misattributes where a memory came from (e.g., remembering a fact but forgetting if it happened in real life, in a movie, or in a dream).

There are misconceptions about the addictiveness of cannabis and many users are struggling with dependency

Amy knew it wasn’t great. But there she was, at the bottom of a dumpster, desperately searching for the THC vape cartridge she’d thrown away just hours earlier.

Amy, 18, had previously tossed that same cartridge, known colloquially as a cart, into a public trash can. Passersby stared as she later rooted around to recover it. So she lifted the entire garbage bag and brought it back to her apartment, where she dug through a bunch of sloppy, stinking detritus before finding it and taking a grateful toke. Later that same week, she threw it into the dumpster – surely that would prevent her from going back. But she did.

“I’ve tried everything to stop,” said Amy (not her real name – all interviewees requested anonymity for this story). She’s been to rehab and discussed her cannabis use in therapy for years. She’s given carts away, made non-smoking friends, changed schools – but nothing has helped her quit. She said she’s trying every day.

“Especially after the dumpster situation,” she added. “That seriously scared me.”

I found Amy in r/leaves, a subreddit about quitting cannabis that has more than 400,000 followers. I joined the group late last year, having finally admitted that smoking weed almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day, might be ruining my life.

Recreational cannabis use is now legal in about half of US states; almost every state allows for medical use. According to a 2024 study, that year, for the first time in history, more Americans were consuming some form of cannabis daily than alcohol.

For a long time, I had been in deep denial – not just about my own dependency, but the possibility weed could be addictive at all. After all, it was perfectly “natural” and basically impossible to overdose on. Didn’t that mean it was pretty much safe?

But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 30% of cannabis users will become addicted. Cannabis use disorder (CUD), according to the DSM-5 and the CDC, is characterized by 12 months or more of continuing usage despite negative physical, social or psychological effects, spending a lot of time using or thinking about using, and trying and failing to quit.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive element of cannabis. It stimulates the brain’s reward system to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, giving the user a high. Those withdrawing from heavy usage will experience a sharp decrease in dopamine release, which might encourage continued use. Studies have shown the risk of developing CUD is greater for those who start using before the age of 25, as Amy did, and for those who use heavily or have pre-existing mental health issues or genetic predispositions to developing addiction.

I never received a formal diagnosis – my denial and fear that I’d be told to stop using kept me from bringing up my dependence to medical providers. But by my mid-30s I hit pretty much every single one of those criteria. According to recent research, “cannabis can affect the developing brain into one’s early 30s”, said Dr Kevin Hill, an addiction psychiatrist and leading clinical expert on cannabis policy and treatment.

>We can see clear changes in the brain in heavy cannabis users which reflect the consequences of ... THC over a period of time

Dr Deepak D’Souza

Like so many others, I went from dabbler to regular user at the start of the pandemic. My roommates and I all got sick with what was almost certainly Covid in March 2020, before testing became widely available in New York City. I was scared and bored, and it kind of felt like the world was ending. Why not get high?

There was something ritualistic and almost sacred about rolling a joint at the end of the day or popping a gummy and giggling with my roommates. I’d drift away into my own safe and silly reality. By the following year, New York had legalized recreational use, and grabbing THC seltzers on the way to a party became as casual as showing up with a six-pack of beer.

A few years later, I got laid off from my job. Both my self-worth and finances were at an all-time low. Weed had gone from something fun, social and stress-relieving to an almost exclusively solo necessity. I’d wake up in a panic, immediately running a mental tally of how much bud I had left; if I was running low and didn’t have the funds to re-up, I would spiral. I sold my belongings online to pay for the habit. I would pick weed over groceries.

My wife had never been a fan of my smoking, and she liked it even less when I went from a single, evening joint to constant vaping. She thought weed made me clumsy, inconsiderate, forgetful and aloof. (She was right.) And she hated how often I was somewhere else entirely, barely responsive. That is, if I was awake at all – toward the end, weed mostly just made me want to go to sleep. To check out. That was the best-case scenario; otherwise I got terribly paranoid, the way I had when I had first tried smoking more than 10 years earlier, or I experienced bouts of disorientation and derealization.

I had growing suspicions my dependence was also blunting my ambition and harming my memory. I felt sapped of the focus, inspiration and drive to make art, let alone a better life for myself. On my worst days I barely even felt like a human being. But I couldn’t, wouldn’t, stop.

I tried everything: restricting myself to evenings and weekends, moderation, breaks. Nothing worked.

This is an all too common tale on r/leaves.

Liam, a 33-year-old father, told me that cannabis initially helped him quit alcohol and other harmful drugs. “In a way I considered it a savior,” he said. But after his first child was born, he couldn’t shake the habit.

“I’ve destroyed bongs, cut contacts with dealers, but it has been futile,” he said. “Without cannabis I felt empty, as if there was nothing to life without it. And therefore I always came back.”

There’s a “persistent misunderstanding” about cannabis not being addictive, said Dr Jonathan Caulkins, a drug policy researcher and professor at Carnegie Mellon University who authored a 2024 study on changes in cannabis use. “We don’t need more research to know it’s a dependent-producing toxin,” he said.

But because “so many people use it without developing cannabis use disorder, lots of people know plenty of people who don’t become addicted”, he said. As with other drugs, some people can be casual dabblers; other people, well, can’t.

All of the experts I spoke with emphasized that today’s cannabis is not your hippie grandma’s weed. Half a century ago, the typical THC content was about 4%. “The reason why people didn’t believe that cannabis was addictive,” said Dr Deepak D’Souza, a professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and the director of the Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, is “because [of] the cannabis that was available then, and the studies that were done to look at cannabis addiction, suggested that only one in 10 people developed cannabis use disorder.”

>I have forgotten to answer messages for weeks, or canceled stuff because I was high and was embarrassed to go out

Liam

But nowadays, the THC content of street cannabis is closer to 20%; at a dispensary, you can buy concentrates as strong as 95% THC. “Newer studies are suggesting that one in three might have developed cannabis use disorder,” said D’Souza, who has conducted research on the biology of CUD. “We can see clear changes in the brain in heavy cannabis users which reflect the consequences of the brain being bombarded with THC over a period of time.”

According to Caulkins’ research, “a significant share of current cannabis users, including those who use frequently, self-report the consumption interferes with their lives in some consequential way”.

For instance, there are growing associations between high-THC consumption and psychosis, particularly for younger users. People may be increasingly showing up to emergency rooms with symptoms for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a rare but debilitating condition characterized by severe vomiting and abdominal pain. Frequent use is also associated with deleterious effects on memory and executive function.

Another contributing factor to the lasting cultural consensus against weed’s more unsavory effects, said Caulkins, is a different but equally powerful persistent belief “that the government exaggerates the harms and risks of all drugs, and cannabis in particular”. He mentions the infamous anti-marijuana propaganda film from the 1930s, Reefer Madness, in which unsuspecting high school students lured by drug pushers become so marijuana-crazed they commit crimes and hallucinate to the point of insanity; one character kills himself.

It’s understandable “that people have a lot of distrust” when it comes to institutional messaging on cannabis since the US, Australia, the UK and beyond have all criminalized drug use, even though “we know that drug use is a health problem. It’s not a criminal problem,” said Dr Jack Wilson, a postdoctoral fellow at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney.

Wilson co-wrote the largest review ever conducted on the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for treating mental health. It found no evidence that medical cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression or PTSD – three of the leading conditions for which it’s prescribed. Since it was published in March, he’s been accused of working for a pharmaceutical company, he said. “I find that funny, not only because I’m not funded by any industry – but because cannabis is big pharma now, whether people like it or not.”

Social media jokes about such findings being conspiracies are common: they’re funded by big alcohol! The Man doesn’t want us to unwind and be free! And yet, as D’Souza pointed out, “one of the most important dynamics in substance use disorders is denial and rationalization”.

I’ve been there. For years, I tried to convince myself that weed made me more creative, less inhibited and more in tune with the universe – even though I rarely followed through on bursts of stoned inspiration.

The same pattern happened with Liam. “With hobbies, it’s a double-edged sword,” he said. “At first, [cannabis] motivated me to go to the gym, play guitar and do martial arts. But as time passed … a week-long break from a hobby turned into a month, and that turned into half a year.”

When you prioritize weed, the rest of your life tends to pass you by. “It has caused me to not be there when a friend needed me, because I was mentally checked out,” said Liam. “I have forgotten to answer messages for weeks, or canceled stuff because I was high and was embarrassed to go out … I was never fully there.”

Weed helped me to feel, however temporarily, content with less. Being broke, depressed and unfulfilled was more tolerable while stoned. Weed was something to look forward to, and it lulled me into complacency.

I knew that, if I wanted to live the kind of life I wanted, I would have to quit eventually. But I wouldn’t have had the courage or motivation if my doctor hadn’t said I needed 30 days weed-free before I could start medication for my newly diagnosed ADHD. It was off-limits once I started on the meds, too – mixing cannabis and stimulants is really dangerous for the heart. Even then, the only thing that helped me stop was the promise of another drug.

>I still crave it. I still feel a bit sad and lost … I’m being confronted with all the obligations that I ignored when I was always stoned

Marianne

For a frequent user, stopping cold turkey really, really sucks. Marianne, a 22-year-old who’s recently quit, had many symptoms associated with cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS), which is now included in the DSM-5. The inability to sleep, night sweats, no appetite and irritability were “really difficult”, she said. All of that eased after a few days, but “feeling empty and emotionally flat can take weeks and months to go away”.

My first couple weeks without THC were hell. I couldn’t eat or sleep. I had crazy, vivid dreams that almost always morphed into night terrors. I felt empty, like life would never be fun again.

But I made it through, passing into what some call the pink cloud: a period in early sobriety marked by overconfidence and optimism, an almost overwhelming sense of euphoria and freedom. It’s now been a few months since I last ingested any form of cannabis, and though the pink cloud effect has faded somewhat, quitting has changed every aspect of my life for the better.

The ADHD meds I trialed didn’t work out, but even without them, I have the attention span for art again; I’ve crafted more in 2026 than I have in years.

The boring healthy stuff has slowly helped me heal: qigong workouts and eating well. I fill my evenings with sewing classes, dancing and hikes – anecdotally, activities to look forward to are essential for preventing relapse. And the depression and anxiety I thought I was treating with weed has since lessened considerably.

Even though there is little to no evidence that medical cannabis helps with mental health conditions, D’Souza acknowledges the possibility that the immediate effects of marijuana relieve some psychological distress. “But not long term,” he said. “It’s like if we gave people Valium for everything – it may relieve some degree of distress and anxiety, but it really doesn’t do much for the underlying condition.”

I do have moments of missing my longtime crutch, as does Marianne. “I am still in the preliminary stages,” she said, “so I’m still struggling to feel normal. I still crave it. I still feel a bit sad and lost. I’m trying to replace it with other things, but I’m being confronted with all the obligations that I ignored when I was always stoned.” I relate to that so strongly: without weed, you can’t hide from yourself anymore.

EB used regularly for more than 40 years; she recently quit in her mid-60s. Her advice for others trying to kick the habit: “Get at the root of why you’re using in the first place. Deal with the pain. Once you deal with the pain, you don’t need the Band-Aid any more.”

As a child, EB really wanted to learn to play drums, but her father wouldn’t let her. Now, she’s planning to take lessons. “I love [EB] 2.0,” she said.

I told her that had been a childhood dream of mine too. “It’s not too late for you to learn, either,” she told me. “We’re grownups now, and we’re in charge.”

• Shannon Keating is a Liverpool-based freelance writer

https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/may/08/cannabis-addiction-recovery

Cardiologist Eric Topol says resistance training, not just exercise, is key to longevity.

Capuski/Getty Images

It's a strange moment for growing old. Longevity is a cultural obsession: Biohackers plunge into ice baths, influencers push peptides, and tech elites pour ungodly sums into chasing immortality. Medical breakthroughs using AI promise to help us predict and prevent disease before it begins. But what actually helps us age well?

Cardiologist Eric Topol says the answer begins by rethinking what we're trying to optimize: not lifespan, or how long we live, but health span, the years free from major age-related diseases like heart disease, cancer or neurodegenerative illness.

"The average American health span is 64," Topol says, referring to when disease is likely to set in. "But lifespan is 79 on average. So you've got a big gap of about 15 years where your health span has ended and your lifespan continues."

Topol studies what determines one's health span and how we can change our experience of old age.

At Scripps Research Translational Institute, where Topol is the founder and director, he studied the DNA of people over 80 who hadn't contracted a major chronic disease. Topol called them "Super Agers" and compared their genomes with the average population to uncover what advantages could be found in their genes.

But Topol's team didn't find anything.

"The stunning result was while there were some small differences, otherwise there was not much to be able to say this was a genetic story at all," Topol says. There was no secret DNA to a better elderly life. Topol discovered that what mattered more was a web of factors: exercise, sleep, social connection, de-inflammation, immune system health and preventive medicine. His findings suggest healthy aging may be shaped less by fate than by choices and, increasingly, by better predictive tools.

He has become a champion for the ways that artificial intelligence will transform preventive medicine. From retinal scans that can flag risks for Parkinson's or heart disease, to models that may help predict Alzheimer's decades early, Topol sees AI shifting medicine from reacting to disease to getting ahead of it.

Dr. Eric Topol stands onstage for his TED Talk "Can AI Catch What Doctors Miss?"

Gene X Hwang/TED

"In the years ahead, we will regard AI's most important contribution as facilitating prevention," he predicts.

But he is equally excited that the foundations of healthy aging are surprisingly low-tech. Exercise matters, with resistance and balance training. So does regular deep sleep. Staying socially engaged and spending time in nature both prove to be preventive factors.

Topol points to emerging evidence that even some vaccines can help support immune resilience; for instance, he says, "We've learned that the shingles vaccine reduces Alzheimer's and dementia by at least 20 to 25 percent," purely by the ways it protects the immune system.

So the most powerful longevity tools may not be glamorous quick fixes found in the links of an influencer's bio, which is why Topol is so skeptical of the tens of billions of dollars flooding the anti-aging industry.

Whether it's cold plunges, "protein maxxing" or experimental peptides, he sees a marketplace growing faster than evidence can keep up. Specious claims about unregulated products, he says, are "just completely out of control."

His advice is less seductive than a biohacker's blueprint, maybe, but more durable: Be wary of optimization fads. Stick to evidence-based opinions, "not eminence-based" opinions. Invest in habits, not miracles. Healthy aging isn't reserved for people with lucky DNA or elite resources. Even if one starts in midlife, evidence suggests lifestyle changes can add years of healthy living.

Getting older, Topol argues in his book Super Agers, doesn't have to mean passively waiting for decline or believing the fate of your ancestors portends your own. It is something you can shape — perhaps not immortality, but more vibrant, enjoyable years.

This episode of TED Radio Hour was produced by Phoebe Lett, with production support from James Delahoussaye. It was edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour and Manoush Zomorodi. The digital story was written by Phoebe Lett.

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/01/nx-s1-5770418/expert-super-aging-science-anti-aging?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20260510&utm_term=10750212&utm_campaign=health&utm_id=80764704&orgid=&uniquet=dW7fDh6XgY_CGmx7hErK8w&utm_att1=