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.

Amid a record-high measles outbreak in the US, Pennsylvania has reported the first measles deaths of 2026, involving two unvaccinated individuals.

According to a statement by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the confirmed deaths “mark the first deaths related to measles within the Commonwealth in 35 years.”

Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the DOH, which did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.

“Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.

Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest-hit states this year. So far, 393 cases of the contagious virus has been reported across 28 counties. Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state, has recorded 185 cases.

MMR Vaccine Offers Strong Protection

The best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

However, vaccination rates and policies under the President Donald Trump, along with long-term vaccine skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have led to a severe decline in immunization rates.

As per the latest figures from the US CDC, the country has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases this year, a disease that had been largely eradicated in the country.

Notably, the increase in cases also means that the US is set to lose its status for having eradicated measles.

Trump, Kennedy Push for Vaccine Changes

Moreover, Kennedy and President Donald Trump, earlier this month, issued an executive order calling for a reduction in recommended childhood vaccines and also promoted a long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, contrary to established scientific evidence.

“We all thought the Texas outbreak and the deaths there last year would be a wake-up call. Then we had the outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah state epidemiologist and previously a CDC division director in infectious disease response, Reuters reported.

In 2025, three people died in an outbreak that began in West Texas and spread to New Mexico.

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.

Measles Symptoms

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward.

Because early symptoms can look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a healthcare provider early if someone has these symptoms or may have been exposed to measles.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly.

Even as Delhi’s H1N1 cases crossed 2,300, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. Rajiv Bahl today said there was “absolutely no cause for panic” and that seasonal influenza remains largely self-limiting.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Bahl said no new or unusual virus strain has been detected and that the rise in cases reflects expected seasonal changes.

The virus currently circulating in the country is the familiar H1N1 pdm09 strain that emerged during the 2009 pandemic and has since become a seasonal influenza virus.

The circulating Influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses. Hemagglutinin (HA) gene analysis places the isolates in clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1.

Dr. Bahl said this lineage has been in continuous circulation in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses.

Such minor genetic changes occur routinely as influenza viruses circulate and, by themselves, do not indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain.

No Urgent Need for Flu Vaccine

Dr. Bahl, who is also Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), said there is no urgent need for everyone to take the flu vaccine.

He added that individuals above 65 and those who are immunocompromised may discuss vaccination with their doctors. He said that vaccination is currently only a recommendation from the WHO and is not part of the National Immunization Program.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Seasonal influenza, including Influenza A (H1N1), is predominantly a mild and self-limiting respiratory illness in otherwise healthy individuals.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body ache
• Fatigue and weakness

In most people, symptoms improve with supportive care, adequate rest and hydration. The presence of H1N1 does not, by itself, mean that a person will develop severe disease or require hospitalization.

However, certain groups have a higher risk of developing complications. These include:

• Elderly persons
• Young children
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions or co-morbidities
• People with compromised immunity

Dr. Bahl advised these individuals to exercise greater caution and seek timely medical advice if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

How to Prevent the Spread of Flu

Dr. Bahl advised the public to follow routine respiratory hygiene and infection-prevention measures.

Do's:

• Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an appropriate hand sanitiser.
• Stay at home when unwell and avoid close contact with others.
• Maintain adequate hydration and get sufficient rest.
• Consume a healthy and balanced diet.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.
• Follow medical advice regarding testing or treatment.

Don’t:

• Do not panic because of the detection of H1N1.
• Do not take antivirals or antibiotics without medical advice.
• Avoid close contact with others while symptomatic.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay Informed, Not Alarmed

The Ministry of Health said the public should remain “informed and vigilant, but not alarmed.”

Seasonal influenza is a familiar and routinely monitored respiratory infection. Following simple preventive measures, seeking timely medical consultation when required and avoiding unnecessary medication can help protect individuals and communities.

A massive analysis involving more than 100 million people has found strong links between recreational drug use and stroke, including among younger adults.

Stroke remains one of the world's biggest health problems and ranks as the third leading cause of death and disability combined.

The researchers found that cannabis use disorders were associated with stroke overall and were particularly linked to large artery stroke.

The study "provides compelling evidence that drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis are causal risk factors for stroke. These findings give us stronger evidence to guide future research and public health strategies," said Dr. Megan Ritson from the Stroke Research Group at the University of Cambridge.

What Did the Study Find?

The team conducted a meta-analysis covering studies with more than 100 million participants. Their results, published in the International Journal of Stroke, showed substantial differences in stroke risk associated with several drugs.

Cocaine and amphetamine use were each linked to roughly twice the risk of stroke.

• Cocaine increased stroke risk by 96%.
• Amphetamine use was associated with a 122% increase.
• Cannabis use was associated with an increase of about 37%.
• Opioid use showed no statistically significant association with stroke risk.

Stroke Risk Was Especially High in Younger Users

The researchers separately examined people under age 55. Within this younger group, amphetamine use was associated with nearly three times the risk of stroke, an increase of 174%.

Cocaine use was associated with a 97% increase in stroke risk, while cannabis was linked to a smaller 14% increase.

Cocaine Linked to Brain Hemorrhage and Cardioembolic Stroke

Further genetic analysis revealed that cocaine use disorders were especially associated with brain hemorrhage and cardioembolic stroke.

In cardioembolic stroke, a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing damage to brain tissue.

According to the researchers, these genetic findings support the possibility of a causal relationship rather than an association alone.

Problematic alcohol use was also associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke and large artery stroke. Alcohol addiction, meanwhile, was linked to a greater overall risk of stroke.

How Could Recreational Drugs Increase Stroke Risk?

The researchers noted several biological mechanisms that could help explain why these substances are associated with stroke. These include:

• Sudden increases in blood pressure
• Spasms and narrowing of blood vessels
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Greater blood clotting, especially with cannabis
• Inflammation or vasculitis, particularly with amphetamines

All of these processes are already known to contribute to stroke. They can play a role in ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots interrupt blood flow, as well as hemorrhagic strokes.

"Our analysis suggests that it is these drugs themselves that increase the risk of stroke, not just other lifestyle factors among users. Taken together, our findings emphasize the importance of public health measures to reduce substance abuse as a way of helping also reduce stroke risk," said Dr. Eric Harshfield, Alzheimer's Society Research Fellow at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.