DARK SECRETS: 8 - The Real Truth

It's harder to poop in space. Scientists may finally know why

Spaceflight can do strange things to the human body — including making it harder for astronauts to poop.

Space · Aug 18

52 astronauts left Earth for months in orbit, and within weeks their gut bacteria changed how they processed food, revealing why spaceflight can trigger constipation and potentially affect brain health

Constipation in space is more than an uncomfortable side effect. Astronauts often face it during long missions, but scientists have not fully understood why. Now, blood tests from 52 astronauts reveal a possible clue. Their gut bacteria began fermenting more protein within weeks of reaching the International Space Station. The…

The Economic Times · Aug 17

From gut bacteria to the brain, a chemical, sodium butyrate traveled through the bloodstream after traumatic injury, where 4 months of treatment helped scientists reduce inflammation, protect brain cells and made seizures less frequent

Post-traumatic epilepsy treatment: Researchers are exploring sodium butyrate to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy after brain injuries. This gut-produced chemical reduces brain inflammation and promotes cell survival. Four months of treatment showed fewer and less intense seizures in animal studies.

The Economic Times · Aug 17

Gut viruses are evolving new tricks to beat bacteria — and could help fight superbugs

Scientists have found that some viruses can deliberately generate genetic diversity to evade bacterial defences, offering a potential new clue for developing treatments when antibiotics fail.

Euronews · Aug 15

New York Tightens Cooling Tower Rules After a Legionnaires' Outbreak That Killed Seven

New York enacted stricter cooling tower certification rules after a Legionnaires' outbreak that killed seven people on the Upper East Side.

Medical Daily · Aug 15

Bacteria Shed Tiny Bubbles Once Dismissed as Waste, and They Just Painted a Target on Tumors

Engineered bacterial vesicles boosted CAR-T cells against solid tumors in mice, even killing cancer cells that lacked the target antigen.

Medical Daily · Aug 14

Family Celebration Takes A Dark Turn As Marine Vet Gets Brain Damage After Eating Raw Oysters

Joe Belgio survived a tour of duty in Iraq and spent years running into burning buildings as a firefighter. He went out for a celebratory dinner with his family in June 2025, ordered oysters, and has not come home since. He is bedridden, permanently brain-damaged, and has over a million…

Bored Panda · Aug 14

Illnesses in the Egg Salmonella Outbreak Began More Than Six Months Before the Recalled Eggs Were Laid

The recalled eggs cover only 28 days of production, but illnesses in this multistate Salmonella outbreak began in November 2025.

Medical Daily · Aug 13

Louisiana Vibrio vulnificus kills 5: Are oysters linked to the flesh-eating bacteria? Where is the outbreak spreading?

Vibrio Vulnificus Louisiana Outbreak: Louisiana has reported five deaths linked toVibrio vulnificusinfections, raising concerns about the flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Here is what to know about the outbreak, oysters, symptoms and safety precautions.

The Economic Times · Aug 13

Tired of smelly shoes after a long day? Here’s how baking soda and vinegar can be your best friends to get rid of the odor

Smelly shoes are a common issue, and simple solutions exist for this problem. Letting shoes air out completely helps reduce moisture and bacteria growth. Baking soda sachets can absorb humidity and eliminate unpleasant smells from footwear. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar tackles stubborn odors effectively. Regular care…

The Economic Times · Aug 13