A new study analyzing diet, average plasma sugar levels and cancer prevalence in some 273 vertebrate species showed surprising results. The study found no significant link between diet and plasma sugar levels across nonhuman vertebrate species, suggesting that glucose regulation is likely influenced more by evolutionary and physiological adaptations than diet alone. Birds in particular did not suffer increased cancer rates compared with mammals and reptiles, despite having higher blood glucose levels, which are associated with increased cancer risk in other animals, including humans.

A new analysis reveals complex linkages among the United Nations’ (UN’s) 17 Sustainable Development Goals—which include such objectives as gender equality and quality education—and finds that no country is on track to meet all 17 goals by the target year of 2030. Alberto García-Rodríguez of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS One on March 12, 2025.

Adolescent boys who experience violence have up to 8 times the odds of perpetrating physical and sexual intimate partner violence that same day, per South African study collecting real-time data over mobile phones

Digital exclusion is a growing public health concern that disproportionately affects older adults, limiting their access to online resources and social connections. A new study published in Health Data Science analyzed data from five major aging cohort studies across 24 countries, revealing that older adults without internet access are at a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms. The research highlights that individuals in lower wealth quintiles and those with infrequent contact with their children are particularly vulnerable. With digital exclusion rates ranging from 21.1% in Denmark to 96.9% in China, the findings underscore the urgent need for policies that address internet accessibility and digital literacy among aging populations.

 

The study’s authors emphasize that bridging the digital divide is essential for improving mental well-being and social inclusion among older adults. Ensuring equitable access to digital technologies can help mitigate depression risks, particularly for those with limited familial support and financial resources. The researchers advocate for coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare organizations, and communities to implement targeted interventions that facilitate digital inclusion. As internet use becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, integrating older populations into the digital world is not just about technological access—it is a critical step toward enhancing their overall quality of life.