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.

The much-awaited and high-voltage event, FIFA World Cup 2026, has begun amid soaring temperatures, with heat-related illnesses emerging as an early concern for fans and players alike.

The 39-day event kicked off in Mexico on June 11, with the opening match held between Mexico and South Africa. However, the afternoon heat proved challenging for many spectators.

At the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston's East Downtown, 22 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on the opening day of the tournament, including four who required hospitalization. Medical teams treated a total of 90 people during the event, according to the Houston Chronicle.

FIFA: Doctors Warn About Heat Risks

The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities in the three countries. Experts say extreme June and July heat can pose serious health risks for both fans and athletes.

More than one-third of World Cup matches are at high risk for dangerously hot and humid conditions, NPR reported, while dozens more face moderate heat risk.

"Players can overheat, and match officials as well," said Donal Mullan, a climate scientist at Queen's University Belfast and co-author of a study on heat risks at the 2026 World Cup.

Under hot conditions, athletes can experience dangerous increases in body temperature that may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Mike Tipton, Professor of Human Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, told The New York Times that high temperatures can also affect performance, with players sprinting less frequently, covering shorter distances, and matches becoming less intense overall.

Recent examples from other sports have highlighted the dangers. During the French Open last month, Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik collapsed on court after a marathon match and later described the heat as "insane."

As per experts, certain groups may face a higher risk during mass gatherings in summer heat, including:

• People aged 65 and older
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD or kidney disease
• People who are immunocompromised
• Pregnant fans.

Scientists Urge Stronger Heat Protections

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: What Keeps Messi and Ronaldo Biologically Younger Than Their Age? Experts Explain

Last month, a group of 21 scientists, including physiologists and climate experts, urged FIFA to strengthen its heat safety measures, arguing that existing guidelines were insufficient.

The previous World Cup in Qatar was moved to winter partly to avoid extreme temperatures.

According to World Weather Attribution, nearly a quarter of the 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup could be played under conditions that pose a risk of heat stress.

FIFA's Measures To Protect Players And Fans

FIFA says it has implemented several measures to reduce heat-related risks during the tournament, including:

• Shaded areas for spectators

• Misting systems

• Cooling buses

• Expanded water distribution points

• Specialized cooling bags for emergency treatment

The tournament is also the first World Cup to implement mandatory three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half.

Additional measures include climate-controlled benches for substitutes and staff, evening kick-off times for some matches, extra water breaks, and prioritizing covered stadiums where possible.

FIFA said it remains "committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff."

Read More: Congo Ebola Cases Rise to 676; FIFA World Cup Team Arrives in US After Quarantine

Mandatory Cardiac Screening

All participating teams must ensure players undergo:

• Personal and family medical history assessment

• Clinical examination

• Resting 12-lead ECG within the previous 12 months

• Echocardiography within the previous 24 months

FIFA also recommends the use of a standardized cardiac screening form developed by its cardiology consultants.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Protocol

Any non-contact collapse on the field must be treated as a suspected sudden cardiac arrest until proven otherwise.

Medical teams are permitted to enter the pitch immediately and begin resuscitation without waiting for the referee's approval.

Kerala is grappling with a triple public health challenge as cases of Shigella infection, West Nile fever, and Nipah virus disease are being reported across the state.

While Kerala has faced outbreaks of all three diseases in the past, their simultaneous occurrence has put health authorities on high alert, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and disease-control measures. The officials have urged people to remain cautious while avoiding unnecessary fear.

Shigella Cases Rise To 16

Seven more students recently tested positive for shigellosis in the northern district of Wayanad, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 16.

According to District Medical Officer K.T. Rekha, symptoms have been identified in more than 500 people, most of them children. Around 45 patients are currently undergoing treatment, while 174 people have been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began.

Health authorities have intensified surveillance, visited more than 2,200 households, chlorinated over 1,300 wells, and distributed ORS packets across the district.

Common symptoms include:

• Loose stools or diarrhea
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Fever
• Nausea
• Blood in stools

Nipah Patient Critical; 77 Contacts Identified

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, has confirmed Nipah virus infection in a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district.

The patient remains in critical condition on ventilator support at a dedicated Nipah isolation facility in Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

Health officials have identified 77 contacts through tracing efforts:

• 15 priority contacts
• 2 highest-risk contacts
• 13 high-risk contacts
• 58 healthcare workers

Early symptoms often resemble common viral illnesses and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Weakness

West Nile Fever Claims Two Lives

Kerala has also reported two deaths linked to West Nile fever in Ernakulam district within a week.

Health officials said the mosquito-borne disease is caused by a flavivirus commonly found in migratory birds and transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. The disease does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms can include

• fever,
• neck stiffness,
• confusion,
• behavioral changes,
• in severe cases, encephalitis or meningitis.

The elderly, pregnant women, children, immunocompromised individuals, and people with underlying health conditions are considered at higher risk.

Why Kerala Remains Vulnerable

Researchers have suggested that environmental changes, habitat disruption, and increasing interaction between humans and wildlife may be contributing to the repeated emergence of zoonotic diseases in Kerala.

A recent study titled "Two Geographies, One Virus: What Recurrent Nipah Spillover in India Reveals" found that deforestation, habitat loss, and increased human activity in biodiversity-rich regions could create more opportunities for viruses to spill over from animals to humans.

How to Stay Safe

Health experts recommend:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Drinking safe, treated water
• Consuming freshly prepared food
• Keeping food covered
• Using mosquito repellents and protective clothing
• Seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms develop

The monsoon season creates favorable conditions for waterborne, foodborne, and mosquito-borne diseases, making vigilance essential for both health authorities and the public.

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with the virus spreading to three new health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, according to government officials.

The country, which is battling its 17th Ebola virus disease outbreak, has now recorded 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, Health Minister Dr. Samuel-Roger Kamba said in a post on social media platform X.

Ebola Spreads To 3 New Health Zones

Kamba informed that the virus has spread to three new health zones in the country. They are:

Masereka (North Kivu)

Vuhovi (North Kivu)

Kambala (Ituri)

“#EbolaBundibugyo: As of June 10, 676 cumulative confirmed cases — 629 in Ituri, 44 in North Kivu, 3 in South Kivu. Forty-one new cases reported today,” Kamba wrote.

“Three new health zones affected: Masereka and Vuhovi in North Kivu, Kambala in Ituri. Our teams are adapting, surveillance is intensifying. The response follows every signal, in every zone,” he added.

Ebola Recoveries Offer Hope

Also read: Expert Explains Science Behind Patient Recoveries

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on May 15.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain.

The minister also reported total 10 recoveries from the deadly disease.

“#EbolaBundibugyo: Two newly recovered today in the Bunia Health Zone. They are returning home. Every recovery is a victory, a message of hope for our communities. Come get treated quickly — early care saves lives,” Kamba said.

DRC World Cup Team Reaches US

Also read: Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH Study

Meanwhile, the Ebola outbreak has also disrupted the preparations of the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The squad arrived in the United States after spending three weeks in isolation in Europe due to the outbreak in their home country. US authorities required the team to complete the quarantine period in Belgium before being allowed to enter the country, AFP news agency reported.

DRC cancelled a planned pre-tournament training camp at home and instead based preparations in Belgium.

In addition, a scheduled warm-up match against Chile in Spain was also cancelled over concerns about the spread of the virus.

“We adapted to the situation,” said head coach Sebastien Desabre. “We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often.

“That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies, and here we are. Now, it is another step for us.”

The team will be based in Houston during the tournament and is scheduled to play its opening Group K match against Portugal on June 17.

What Is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and deadly disease caused by a virus mostly found in Africa. The spread of the disease happens through contact with infected body fluids.

Symptoms includes fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding. This eventually leads to severe complications like bleeding, organ failure, and death.

Ebola is a highly lethal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Over the past five decades, it has caused over 30 outbreaks, primarily in Central and West Africa. The virus takes its name from the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Three strains of the virus — Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus — have caused the largest outbreaks in Africa. Among them, the Ebola virus is considered the deadliest, with fatality rates reaching up to 90% without treatment.