VTT Coming up in our program today, we’ll be discussing is a common herbicide a player in neurodegeneration? Next, a coffee compound may aid weight loss. And last, how Choosing solitude can free your mind and lift your mood. Welcome to the Daily News. First, could a common herbicide used in agriculture parks and even home gardens contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s? Well, new research suggests that chronic exposure to glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide may be linked to damaging changes in the brain. The findings published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation indicate that even exposure at regulated levels can lead to persistent neuroinflammation and accelerated Alzheimer’s like pathology and mice. Researchers from Arizona State University dosed mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s and control mice with low and high levels of glyphosate over a 13 week period. They then observed the mice for six months after exposure ended. Glyphosate exposure had Alzheimer’s like effects on both types of mice, though the genetically predisposed mice were more affected. The study’s co-author said More research is needed to understand the consequences of glyphosate exposure to the brain in humans, and to determine appropriate exposure limits to minimize detrimental outcomes. The mice exposed to glyphosate also showed behavioral changes such as heightened anxiety and reduced survival rates. These findings come amid ongoing debate about glyphosate safety. The US Environmental Protection Agency maintains that glyphosate poses no risks to human health when used as directed. On the other hand, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans. In summary, the study highlights the fact that chemicals like glyphosate once considered safe may pose health risks particularly to brain health. While more research is needed, it raises critical questions about long-term safety and the hidden risks in everyday chemicals. Next, a new study reported in medical news today suggests that a compound found in unfiltered coffee could help with weight loss. The compound called calf stall may reduce body weight and fat. One scientist who is not involved in this study explained that calf stall may work by enhancing fat metabolism leading to weight loss and visceral fat reduction. The research conducted in Denmark tested calf on people with higher risks for metabolic issues. Participants took six milligrams twice daily for 12 weeks. Those who took calf stall lost a small amount of weight and visceral fat compared to a placebo group. However, the study found no improvement in how the body responds to insulin and glucose balance in the human trials as they had done earlier in animal trials, calf stall is naturally found in coffee that does not use a paper filter like French press or espresso. Participants who took calf stall lost around 880 grams of weight and also saw reductions in visceral fat and liver enzyme levels. Those on the placebo gained weight. Still, more research is needed. Although capol may work by enhancing fat metabolism, the study’s dosage may not have been enough to see significant changes in other metabolic markers. Experts refer to in the article, recommend that we drink unfiltered or organic coffee in moderation for potential benefits, but they advise us to avoid sugar and high fat creamers, which could counter any health advantages. Now for our last story, an article from the Washington Post explores the benefits of spending time alone. Several studies on the topic reveal that solitude can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even boost creativity. The article highlights how solitude when chosen can help your brain reset. Psychologists say it’s not about being loner, it’s about giving yourself a break from social input. Experts explain that alone. Time allows us to process emotions and think more clearly. In fact, studies show that people who choose solitude experience less anxiety and irritation, and it’s not just for introverts. Extroverts also benefit from taking time alone to recharge. But here’s the catch. Solitude works best when you choose it. When it’s forced, it can feel isolating, but when you embrace it, it becomes a powerful way to reset your mind. The article offers tips on how to make your alone time meaningful. The key is to plan, whether it’s a quiet walk reading or just listening to music. The only rule according to the article is being mindful of your phone use. The article suggests that it’s okay to read or listen to music on your phone, but not to scroll on social media, and there is encouragement to mute notifications as well. As an expert quoted in the article said, one of the clearest findings on solitude is if it’s chosen for the value that it has, it’s going to be a more positive experience. So if you are looking for a mental reset, choosing some meaningful alone time might just be what you need. Those were our top stories for today. Thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.