Mobile phones and endless screen time are the bane of parents the world over. But while technology is often blamed for poor health in children and teenagers, new University of South Australia research suggests that the same devices could also be part of the solution.

This review presents an innovative perspective on the replacement of conventional petrochemical-based surfactants with microbial biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids in shampoo formulations. It emphasizes the integration of green chemistry principles and circular bioeconomy concepts into personal care product development. Unlike synthetic surfactants like SLS, biosurfactants are biodegradable, skin-compatible, and eco-friendly, reducing both dermatological irritation and environmental pollution. The article innovatively links biotechnological fermentation processes with cosmetic formulation science, providing comparative analyses of cleansing efficacy, foam stability, biodegradability, and protein protection in skin models. Moreover, it explores formulation optimization strategies, including hybrid surfactant systems and pH buffering to overcome stability and cost barriers. By combining environmental metrics with dermatological performance, this review establishes a holistic framework for sustainable shampoo design. The innovative aspect lies in positioning biosurfactants not merely as replacements for synthetics, but as multifunctional active ingredients that enhance scalp microbiome health while advancing global sustainability goals in the cosmetics industry.

With an increasing intensity and severity of heat waves in the U.S., Rutgers Health researchers, in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), found that older workers, particularly Black, Latino and low-income individuals, face an increased risk of work disability because of exposure to extreme heat.

Decisions about the HPV vaccine among adolescents and their families are influenced by a web of social, cultural and trust-related factors, beyond simple awareness or access, a Cochrane review finds.

Veterans with Gulf War Illness experienced significant improvement in migraine symptoms after following a diet low in glutamate, a component of flavor enhancing food additives commonly found in processed foods, according to new research presented by Georgetown University and American University scientists. Brain scans also revealed decreased cortical thickness in patients on the diet — providing evidence, for the first time, that the improvement in symptoms was linked to measurable changes in the brain.  Because cortical thickening has previously been linked to migraines more broadly, the study also suggests that a low-glutamate diet could provide relief to a much larger population.