From what we eat to how we cope with fatigue and stress, new research is shedding light on everyday health influences. A study published in the International Journal of Consumer Studies finds that TikTok has become a powerful force in shaping young consumers’ dietary decisions. Content shared by influencers is influencing everything from recipe choices and eating habits to decisions about where to dine.
Meanwhile, researchers at Mass General Brigham are addressing a different modern challenge: exhaustion among early-morning shift workers. Clinical trials show that a drug called solriamfetol can significantly reduce excessive sleepiness in people whose workdays start before 7 a.m., a group often affected by fatigue that can impair focus, performance, and safety.
Finally, doctors are urging calm when it comes to cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone.” While cortisol levels do fluctuate naturally throughout the day, true cortisol disorders are rare and difficult to diagnose. Physicians advise against self-testing or taking unproven supplements, recommending instead that people concerned about stress or hormone levels speak directly with their healthcare provider.
Together, these findings highlight how science continues to refine our understanding of daily habits, health risks, and the importance of evidence-based guidance.