Recent research has unveiled a fascinating connection between marathon running and brain health, revealing that this grueling endurance exercise can lead to a temporary reduction in myelin, the protective fatty substance that surrounds neurons. Conducted by a team from the University of the Basque Country and published in Nature Metabolism, this study provides new insights into the brain’s energy metabolism and its adaptive responses to extreme physical exertion.

Myelin plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication between neurons. It acts as an electrical insulator, enhancing the speed and efficiency of neural signaling. However, during a marathon, the body undergoes significant metabolic changes, primarily relying on carbohydrates and fats for energy. When glycogen stores are depleted, the body appears to tap into myelin lipids as an alternative energy source. This unexpected role of myelin sheds light on its importance not only in neural health but also in energy metabolism during strenuous activities.

Cinnamon is a beloved spice, known for its warm flavor and aromatic qualities that enhance everything from morning oatmeal to festive desserts. However, beyond its culinary appeal, cinnamon also has potential health benefits and risks, particularly when it comes to interactions with prescription medications. As more people turn to natural remedies, understanding how cinnamon may affect your health is crucial.

Cinnamon contains several compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde and coumarin, which can interact with various medications. Here are four key ways that cinnamon may affect your health, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of smartphone photography, Oppo has recently unveiled its latest flagship, the Find X8 Ultra. This device enters the market amid intense rivalry from other major players like Xiaomi and Vivo, all vying for the title of the best camera phone. However, Oppo has taken a unique approach by prioritizing a more manageable size without sacrificing camera quality.

While the Find X8 Ultra features a substantial 6.82-inch display and weighs in at 7.97 ounces, it distinguishes itself with a sleek thickness of just 8.78mm. This makes it noticeably thinner than its competitors, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Vivo X100 Ultra, both of which have opted for bulkier designs. Even with the upcoming X200 Ultra on the horizon, early indications suggest that it may not follow Oppo’s lead in reducing thickness.

In a dramatic series of events, President Donald Trump’s social media activity has come under scrutiny following his announcement to pause tariffs on most countries, which coincided with a significant surge in the stock market. On April 9, just hours before the announcement, Trump took to Truth Social to encourage his 9.4 million followers to invest, declaring, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT” at 9:37 a.m. Eastern Time. By 1 p.m., the president revealed the tariff pause, which led to a sharp recovery in the cratering stock markets.

In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike, Microsoft has begun testing a significant update to its Copilot app on Windows. This new feature, dubbed Copilot Vision, promises to elevate the way users interact with their applications by enabling screen sharing capabilities with the AI assistant. Initially limited to the Microsoft Edge browser, Copilot Vision is now set to extend its functionality across all applications on your PC.

As the political climate in the United States continues to evolve, businesses must stay informed and adaptable to thrive. With the potential for significant changes under the current administration, understanding the implications of these developments is crucial for business leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

One of the most pressing issues on the table is the ongoing discussion surrounding tariffs and trade policies. The current president has threatened a trade war, which could lead to increased tariffs on various goods. This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in the U.S. and abroad. Companies need to keep a close eye on these developments, as tariffs can impact supply chains, pricing strategies, and ultimately, profitability.

In a significant blow to public health efforts, the San Diego Epidemiology and Research for COVID Health program (SEARCH) has been forced to halt its wastewater analysis, a critical tool in monitoring viral outbreaks in the community. This decision comes in the wake of a nationwide reduction in federal public health funding, which has impacted local initiatives aimed at tracking infectious diseases.

Since its inception in February 2021, SEARCH has been a collaborative effort among UC San Diego, the Scripps Research Institute, and Rady Children’s Hospital. Utilizing advanced genomic techniques, the program analyzed wastewater samples from three treatment plants serving San Diego County’s 3.3 million residents. Initially focused on detecting the coronavirus, the program expanded to include other pathogens such as MPOX and is exploring methods to identify influenza, hepatitis, and measles.

In a groundbreaking endeavor, NASA, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), is gearing up for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, slated to transport rock and soil samples from Mars back to Earth in the 2030s. This mission aims to unlock the secrets of our neighboring planet and determine whether it harbored microbial life billions of years ago. As we await the arrival of these samples, let’s explore the mission’s intricate details and what scientists expect to discover.

In a striking exchange that highlights the ongoing tensions within the Trump administration, Elon Musk has publicly criticized Peter Navarro’s academic credentials, labeling a PhD in Economics from Harvard as a “bad thing.” This comment, made via an X post, underscores a broader disagreement between Musk and Navarro regarding trade policies and tariffs.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, directed his comments at Navarro, who serves as a senior advisor for trade and manufacturing under former President Donald Trump. Navarro, who has a background in academia with a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and advanced degrees from Harvard, has been a staunch advocate of the tariffs imposed by Trump on over 180 countries. These tariffs, which start at a baseline rate of 10%, are part of Trump’s strategy to “make America wealthy again” by revitalizing domestic manufacturing.

Ubisoft is venturing into new territory with the development of a turn-based tactics game set in the beloved Rainbow Six Siege universe. While details remain somewhat under wraps, sources indicate that this exciting new title is likely one to two years away from release, targeting current-generation consoles including the Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, PC, and potentially the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

The game is expected to feature a top-down camera perspective reminiscent of popular titles like Diablo 4 and XCOM. Players will take control of various operators from Rainbow Six Siege, each with unique skills and abilities. According to one source familiar with the project, “just watch some XCOM gameplay if you want to get an idea; I’d say it’s an updated version of that with cinematic cutscenes and so on.” This suggests a blend of strategic gameplay with engaging storytelling elements, a hallmark of Ubisoft’s recent offerings.