Many of us believe that we are great drinkers and that alcohol does not affect us as much. People who are able to drink without showing any sign of inebriation are known as social drinkers. In short, they are not addicted to alcohol but will not turn down the opportunity to have a good time! While it may seem like it doesn’t affect you, new studies suggest that it is just an illusion, even if you have high tolerance, alcohol affects your cognitive and motor functions more than you think.

The study reveals the below implications and techniques:

• Researchers used a new MRI technique to precisely measure brain electrical activity.
• By comparing brain scans before and after drinking, scientists identified specific areas affected by alcohol and how much brain activity slowed down.
• Participants were chosen to be regular social drinkers without alcohol addiction, ensuring the study focused on the effects of alcohol alone.
• MRI technology provided reliable data on brain activity changes caused by alcohol consumption.

How does the brain react to alcohol?

Think of it as the foundation for your brain's performance. When brain conductivity is high, information flows smoothly, and that helps your brain in rapid processing and response. On the other hand, low conductivity can hinder cognitive function, leading to slower thinking, impaired memory, and difficulties with coordination.

A study conducted at the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Science unveiled a startling connection between alcohol consumption and brain conductivity.

What is the connection between alcohol consumption and brain activity?

While many people brush off the effects of alcohol as temporary changes in behaviour, the reality is much more complex. Beyond the obvious impacts on coordination and judgment, alcohol significantly alters brain function. Alcohol dramatically slowed down brain activity, especially in areas responsible for decision-making, planning, and physical coordination. This decline was so significant that it resembled the brain changes seen in normal ageing. This means even one drink could temporarily accelerate the ageing process of your brain.

Alcohol and Brain activity: What does the study Imply?

The implications of this research are far-reaching. It provides compelling evidence that alcohol consumption has a direct and measurable impact on brain function. The discovery that alcohol can significantly reduce brain conductivity opens new avenues for understanding the neurocognitive effects of alcohol abuse and dependence. While you may not feel like alcohol is affecting you and you have a high tolerance, it most definitely changes and affects your decision-making abilities and impulse control.

Furthermore, the MRI technique employed in the study could be a valuable tool for assessing the impact of other substances on the brain and for developing interventions to mitigate alcohol-related brain damage.

A North Carolina teen is reportedly critically ill after being infected with a rare “brain-eating” amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, according to health officials.

The case comes barely a week after an 8-year-old Louisiana girl died after contracting the infection.

North Carolina Teen Critically Ill

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on August 27 that a teen resident had been infected with the rare amoeba, which is commonly found in freshwater. The teen is critically ill and receiving medical care.

The department said it is not releasing further information to protect the family’s privacy. The source of the infection is under investigation.

“While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the US,” North Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in a statement.

What Happened To The Louisiana Girl?

Eight-year-old Lillian Smart of Ruston died on August 22, just one day after her eighth birthday. She had been hospitalised since August 15 after developing the infection, which was believed to have been acquired while swimming in Lake Claiborne.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the case on August 19 but did not publicly identify the child.

One of the biggest challenges is the speed at which the infection progresses. According to recent CDC data cited in coverage of the Louisiana case, 173 Naegleria fowleri infections were documented in the US between 1937 and 2025, with only four known survivors. This puts the fatality rate at roughly 97%.

What Is Naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba naturally present in warm freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers. It is not found in salt water or properly maintained and chlorinated pools.

The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed. However, it can be fatal if water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose and reaches the brain. This can happen during activities such as jumping into water, diving and water-skiing.

Symptoms Of Naegleria fowleri Infection

The infection caused by N. fowleri, also called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), starts with symptoms including:

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The infection can then progress to:

• Stiff neck
• Seizures
• Coma

These rare infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods, leading to higher water temperatures and lower water levels. Naegleria fowleri grows best at higher temperatures, up to 115°F.

How To Stay Safe?

While there is no way to eliminate the amoeba from the environment, some safety measures can reduce the risk:

• Prevent water from going up your nose by holding your nose shut, using nose clips or keeping your head above water during warm freshwater activities.
• Avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and thermal waters.
• Avoid jumping or diving into warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.
• Avoid digging in or stirring up sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow.

Norway's King Harald V died on Friday at an Oslo hospital where he was undergoing treatment for a rare blood disorder. He was 89.

“King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday 28 August, 0635 (local time, 0435 GMT),” the Royal Palace said on its website.

Harald, who was Europe's oldest living monarch, had been hospitalized on August 17. He was initially being treated for complications related to hemolytic anemia — a blood condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. He later developed an infection.

King Harald V’s Health Deteriorated

Harald's condition worsened in recent days after he was admitted to hospital with fluid accumulation in the body linked to a blood disorder. He subsequently developed an infection.

Family members were called to his bedside on Thursday as his condition deteriorated at Oslo University Hospital.

Following his death, the royal flag was flown at half-mast on the palace roof.

Harald had faced several medical setbacks in recent years. He underwent heart surgeries in 2005 and 2020 and was hospitalised multiple times for infections.

What Is Hemolytic Anemia?

According to Johns Hopkins, haemolytic anaemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. The destruction of red blood cells is known as haemolysis.

Red blood cells normally carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When they are destroyed prematurely and faster than the bone marrow can replace them, the number of circulating red blood cells falls.

This can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues and cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hemolytic Anemia?

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Abnormally pale skin
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Fever
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Reduced ability to tolerate physical activity
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Heart murmur

These symptoms can also occur with other blood conditions or health problems. A healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis.

How Is Haemolytic Anaemia Diagnosed And Treated?

Diagnosis may involve tests such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urine test
• Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Blood transfusions
• Corticosteroid medicines
• Intravenous immune globulin to help regulate the immune system
• Rituximab

In more severe cases, treatment may include surgery to remove the spleen or immunosuppressive therapy to reduce immune-system activity.

King Harald V’s Family

Harald leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, his son and new King Haakon, daughter Princess Märtha Louise and six grandchildren.

Harald V was the first Norwegian-born prince in 567 years.

Following Harald's death, hundreds of people gathered outside the palace in Oslo to lay flowers, while the government declared nationwide mourning until after his funeral.

Harald's 53-year-old son will become Norway's new king, Haakon VIII, while Haakon's 22-year-old daughter Ingrid Alexandra becomes crown princess.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced recalls of multiple injectable drugs from Baxter International over potential contamination with fiberglass and stainless-steel particles.

Baxter voluntarily recalled:

• two injections used to provide nutrition, water, and electrolytes to patients.
• an injectable anticoagulant — a substance used to slow blood clotting — was also recalled, but the affected product was distributed to only one customer.

In a notice, the FDA said the medications could be contaminated with fiberglass or stainless-steel particles. Injecting contaminated products intravenously may lead to serious adverse health consequences.

“Particulate matter can cause blockage and clotting in blood vessels, which can cut off blood flow to vital organs, lead to a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause permanent organ damage or death,” the FDA said.

“Additionally, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, and allergic

reactions,” it added. Baxter said it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the issue.

Which Medications Were Recalled?

The recalled Baxter medications include:

• 70% Dextrose Injection, USP, 2000 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container.

• 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 500 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container.

• Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution USP, 250 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container. The FDA noted that this product was distributed to only one customer.

Nutrition Injection Recalled

The 70% Dextrose Injection is a liquid solution mixed with other fluids to provide calories and nutrition through a person's veins when they cannot get necessary nutrients by mouth or through a feeding tube, USA Today reported.

The impacted products were sold between July 25 and July 28 to healthcare providers and distributors in several states, including Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. No adverse reactions have been reported.

Water And Electrolyte Injection Recalled

The 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is commonly used as a source of water and electrolytes. It is administered through the veins when a person cannot get adequate amounts through eating, drinking or other medical treatments.

The injection may also be used during medical procedures, including blood transfusions and hemodialysis, a procedure that helps filter waste from the blood when the kidneys cannot do so adequately.

The impacted product was distributed between July 31 and August 3 to healthcare providers and distributors in several states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. No adverse reactions have been reported.