For the first time in the U.S., the cost of pre-owned electric vehicles (EVs) is nearly the same as that of used gasoline-engine cars. According to industry service provider Cox Automotive, in August of this year the average list price for a used EV was just under $35,000, down 2.6 percent from the same time last year even without the $4,000 federal tax credit that ended on September 30. This put used EVs within $900 of the average list price for a pre-owned gas-powered car—the lowest gap on record.

Of course there’s more to consider when buying your first car than price alone, like insurace costs and maintenance fees. But over the life of the car electric vehicles are cheaper to own and maintain by as much as 60 percent and 40 percent respectively, according to Consumer Reports. And with battery prices shrinking from year to year they only promise to become more affordable.

An international team of scientists recently determined that autism isn’t a single condition with one underlying cause. Their research, published this month in the journal Nature, used genetic data taken from more than 45,000 people in Europe and the United States and found differences between those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before age 6 and those diganosed after age 10.

People diagnosed earlier typically show behavioral difficulties from a very early age, while behavioral problems in people diganosed later are more likely to show up during adolescence. This latter group is also more prone to mental health issues like depression, and the test data revealed that their condition is genetically closer to ADHD and PTSD than to what is thought of as the “classical” autism found in young children. These findings could affect future treatments for people with the disorder.

In many schools, students are weighed during gym or health class to calculate BMI, a measure often used to track health. Supporters say this can help identify health risks early and encourage conversations about fitness and nutrition.

But critics argue that weigh-ins may do more harm than good, especially if they embarrass students or lead to body image issues. Experts suggest that if schools choose to weigh students, it should be done privately, respectfully, and alongside support for mental and physical well-being.

Finasteride, a common hair-loss drug, has long been tied to depression and suicide, but regulators ignored the warnings. Prof. Mayer Brezis’s review exposes global data showing psychiatric harm and a pattern of inaction by Merck and the FDA. Despite its cosmetic use, the drug’s effects on brain chemistry can be devastating. Brezis calls for urgent regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies to protect public health.

Women who undergo C-sections are more likely to experience debilitating pain and sleep disorders in the months after giving birth. Researchers found both qualitative and large-scale data supporting this link, including a 16% increase in sleep disorder diagnoses. Proper pain management and healthy sleep habits can reduce these risks, helping new mothers recover more smoothly and avoid complications like depression and fatigue.

Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized treatments that target pain at its brain source—offering hope for millions living with long-term pain.

What was intended to be a funny trend on TikTok has taken a serious turn. The new “Sleepytime Swirl” challenge, where teens mix cold meds like Benadryl and cough syrup to try to “nap hard,” has landed teens in the hospital with serious side effects like seizures and slowed heart rates.

Health experts say combining these drugs can lead to overdose or long-term damage. They are urging teens to skip risky challenges and to understand that misusing cold medicine isn’t harmless—it’s a form of drug abuse with potentially life-altering consequences.

Over 40% of fatal crash victims had THC levels far above legal limits, showing cannabis use before driving remains widespread. The rate didn’t drop after legalization, suggesting policy changes haven’t altered risky habits. Experts warn that the lack of public awareness around marijuana’s dangers behind the wheel is putting lives at risk.

Stanford scientists found that aging disrupts the brain’s internal navigation system in mice, mirroring spatial memory decline in humans. Older mice struggled to recall familiar locations, while a few “super-agers” retained youthful brain patterns. Genetic clues suggest some animals, and people, may be naturally resistant to cognitive aging. The discovery could pave the way for preventing memory loss in old age.

Morning sickness isn’t just random misery—it’s a biological defense system shaped by evolution to protect the fetus. By linking immune responses to nausea and food aversions, UCLA researchers show these symptoms are signs of a healthy pregnancy.

Researchers found that middle-aged adults, especially women, are far more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods than older generations. Marketing of diet-focused processed foods in the 1980s may have played a major role. Food addiction was linked to poor health, weight issues, and social isolation, highlighting long-term risks. Experts warn that children today could face even higher addiction rates in the future.

Kissing bugs might sound harmless, but these nighttime biters are showing up in more parts of the U.S.—and they can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can damage your heart over time. They usually bite people while they sleep, especially around the face.

To stay safe, experts say to seal up cracks in your home, use window screens, and keep pets indoors at night. Spot a bug with a long snout and orange stripes on the side? Snap a photo and report it—catching it early can make a big difference.

Researchers reviewing 46 studies found evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) exposure with higher risks of autism and ADHD. The FDA has since urged caution, echoing scientists’ advice that the drug be used only at the lowest effective dose and shortest duration. While important for managing fever and pain in pregnancy, prolonged use may pose risks to fetal development. Experts stress careful medical oversight and further investigation.

AI-powered analysis of routine blood tests can reveal hidden patterns that predict recovery and survival after spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough could make life-saving predictions affordable and accessible in hospitals worldwide.

A sweeping review from NYU Langone Health reveals that everyday exposure to plastics—especially during childhood—poses lasting risks for heart disease, infertility, asthma, and even brain development issues. These chemicals, found in packaging, cosmetics, and common household items, can disrupt hormones, ignite chronic inflammation, and lower IQ.

More high schoolers are ditching soda and fast food in favor of “clean” eating, red light therapy, and fluoride-free toothpaste—and they’re documenting it all online. Self-described “crunchy” teen influencers are gaining tens of thousands of followers by promoting wellness routines and health advice aimed at their peers.

But health experts are worried. While some teens say these habits help them feel better, doctors and dietitians warn that unverified advice and obsession with “clean living” can trigger anxiety, shame, and even eating disorders. Bottom line: If you’re into health trends, stay curious—but don’t let sensational posts replace real science.

For decades, scientists have puzzled over why smoking makes Crohn’s disease worse but seems to protect people from ulcerative colitis. Now, researchers at RIKEN have discovered that smoking creates metabolites like hydroquinone that allow mouth bacteria—especially Streptococcus mitis—to settle in the gut. These bacteria spark an immune response that reduces inflammation in colitis but worsens Crohn’s. The findings open the door to new therapies using probiotics or targeted compounds that mimic smoking’s protective effects without its deadly risks.

Switching clocks twice a year disrupts circadian rhythms in ways that harm health. Stanford scientists found permanent standard time would reduce obesity and stroke rates nationwide, making it the strongest option over permanent daylight saving time or seasonal shifts.

Thousands of women are using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss without contraception, leading to unintended pregnancies and potential risks for unborn babies. Experts warn clearer medical guidance is urgently needed.

A new study from Lurie Children’s Hospital found that bullying during the teen years has a stronger link to anxiety and depression than when it happens in childhood. But it also showed that teens who feel supported and connected at school are more likely to recover emotionally.

That means your relationships—with friends, classmates, and trusted adults—really matter. Even if you’ve been through bullying, you have the power to heal and grow, especially when you surround yourself with people who truly see and support you.