New data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that sexually transmitted infections reached record levels across Europe in 2024, driven by sharp rises in gonorrhoea and syphilis, and widening gaps in testing and prevention. Targeted action is urgently needed to prevent further spread, including among women of reproductive age.

Teenagers who view exercise as fun, social and beneficial to their health are significantly fitter by age 17 than those motivated by competition or pressure. Tracking more than 1,000 adolescents, the study found early attitudes strongly predict later fitness. Intrinsic motivations were key, especially for girls, while fear of judgement reduced fitness. Researchers suggest programs should prioritise enjoyment, inclusion and wellbeing over competition.

Launching today at the 79^th World Health Assembly, the Lancet MedZero platform (www.medzerocarbon.com) is the first to provide comprehensive carbon analytics across the full spectrum of healthcare, from pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments to chest X-rays and blood tests.

Convened by The Lancet and developed by an international academic consortium, it has been designed by clinicians, for clinicians, with over 14,000 entries at launch.

Eating foods that contain common preservative food additives may increase the risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to research published in the European Heart Journal.

Reusable urinary catheters are just as safe as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of UTIs, scientists have found. By switching to reusable options, patients used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics, which could save the NHS millions and significantly reduce plastic waste.