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.

When it comes to misleading advertisements, Indian packaged snack brands get away with plenty. However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently flagged down a famous biscuit brand over its claim of healthy ingredients.

Biscuit Brand Under FSSAI Scrutiny Over Misleading Claims

According to a post on X by FSSAI’s official handle, the food authority issued a notice to SAJ Food Products following a consumer complaint regarding misleading claims of healthy ingredients in ‘Eat Fit Digestive Biscuits’.

According to FSSAI, the complaint stated that the product's front label claimed “100% Atta”, while the ingredients list disclosed only 72.33% atta. It also contains other ingredients and additives that are not in compliance with the FSSAI advisory on discontinuing 100% claims.

This comes across as a gross violation, especially as consumers purchase certain food products based on comparatively healthier ingredients.

Apart from misrepresenting the quantity of wheat, the brand also made a “No Added Sugar” claim on its packaging, which was also found to be misleading.

In reality, the biscuits contain equally unhealthy sweeteners like maltodextrin and glucose syrup solids, making them unsuitable for the masses, especially those with diabetes and insulin resistance.

FSSAI Questioned The Product’s Label

Apart from the biscuits’ ingredients, the food safety authority also questioned the brand to explain the product’s name - Eat Fit Digestive. In accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018, the brand is required to produce a scientific justification for using the title.

The manufacturer has been directed to provide an explanation for the aforementioned claims within seven days. Upon failure to do so, the regulatory body will initiate suitable action under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.

When FSSAI Thwarted '100%' Claims

Indian packaged food brands are likely to face stricter scrutiny as, on May 28, 2025, the food regulatory body issued a notice, discontinuing the usage of ‘100%’ claims on packaging.

Deeming the term “ambiguous”, FSSAI said that it did not fit into its definitions according to the FSS Act, 2006.

In the light of the new advisory, FSSAI also issued a notice to at least 15 Indian food brands, including Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs.

Emami Healthy & Tasty, the cooking oils arm of the Kolkata-based Emami Group, is the most prominent on the list. FSSAI said its trade name could mislead consumers as well as violate its regulations.

The Healthy Factory's ‘zero maida whole wheat bread’ and ‘zero maida pizza base’ were also questioned by the FSSAI. It said that the brand’s claims violated the applicable regulations of the body.

FSSAI also issued notices to other brands, such as Healthy Master for its tagline, ‘vision to serve healthy’, Healthy Choice's ‘healthy food for healthy life poha’, and Health Aid's brand name seemed to mislead consumers about the nature of the products.

At least 1,450 people have lost their lives after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela last week. According to a missing persons website, nearly 50,000 people are still unaccounted for.

As rescue efforts continue, experts are warning humanitarian teams about hidden medical risks that could complicate emergency care in the affected region.

In a post on X, Jerome Adams, Professor at Purdue University, highlighted a newly identified rare genetic disorder—the mtND4 variant—found in some people of Venezuelan maternal lineage.

According to Adams, the mitochondrial mutation may increase the risk of severe neurological complications or even death following general anesthesia.

“Urgent alert for humanitarian teams responding to Venezuela earthquakes: Two powerful quakes struck a region tied to a newly identified rare genetic disorder in people of Venezuelan maternal lineage. This mitochondrial mutation (mtND4 variant) can cause severe neurologic complications or death after routine general anesthesia - especially sevoflurane.”

Adams, who has been Former IN Health Commissioner and 20th US Surgeon General, said that adults and children of Venezuelan maternal ancestry have been affected by the genetic disorder and that most reported cases involved sevoflurane.\

Suggesting safer alternatives, he said: “Use ketamine or propofol (with caution/monitoring) instead of volatile anesthetics like sevoflurane.” He further advised: “Avoid volatiles when possible until more data. Response coordinators & medical teams - please share widely with anesthesiologists on the ground!”

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Anesthesiology Groups Issue Safety Advisory

Earlier this year, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) issued a joint communication advising anesthesiologists to ask patients about possible maternal Venezuelan ancestry before administering anesthesia. The guidance stated that patients with direct maternal Venezuelan lineage should be considered at potential risk.

Why This Genetic Mutation Is A Concern

According to experts, the mtND4 variant found in some Venezuelan populations has been linked to severe reactions following routine general anesthesia. The first known cases were reported in the early 2000s. The mutation is believed to increase the risk of catastrophic neurological complications in affected individuals.

Around 40 cases have been documented worldwide, including six to eight cases in the United States. While most reported cases have involved children, the American Society of Anesthesiologists says the risk is not limited to pediatric patients and may also affect adults.

Dr. Luis Rodriguez, an anesthesiologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami and a fellow of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, said the first known cases emerged in the early 2000s after several members of a Venezuelan physician's family died following exposure to inhaled anesthesia. The cases occurred on different continents and years apart, Fox13News reported.

For years, similar tragedies were considered isolated and unexplained. However, as medical societies in Chile, Venezuela, Spain, and the US began sharing data, a pattern emerged: the patients were previously healthy and shared Venezuelan maternal ancestry.

Read More: Over 1 Million Children Referred for Mental Health Care in England, Anxiety Most Common Reason

Other Health Risks After The Earthquakes

In addition to the anesthesia-related concern, experts have also warned about mental health challenges, hygiene issues, and the heightened risk of infectious disease outbreaks among survivors.

“Given Venezuela’s weakened public health infrastructure from past earthquakes in the region, I would worry about cholera, typhoid and other enteric bacteria, hepatitis A, measles, vector borne illnesses for those homeless and sleeping outdoors. But cholera would be my big worry,” Prof Peter Hotez, Texas Medical Center (TMC) Professor-Vaccine Scientist-Author wrote on X.

“Venezuela’s damaged infrastructure + displaced populations create perfect conditions for rapid spread. Cholera is also my top concern due to water contamination risks, but typhoid, Hep A, measles, and mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria) are also major threats for those sleeping outdoors. Urgent need for oral cholera vaccine, WASH interventions, and measles catch-up campaigns,” added Aftab Khan, a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, on X.

Barbecues, parades, and extravagant fireworks displays mark the Fourth of July weekend in the US each year. However, weather experts have issued a warning that a heat dome could result in increased temperatures across several parts of the country. Rise in mercury teamed with the nature of festivities is expected to pave the way for several health risks.

What Is A Heat Dome?

Heat domes, a severe weather pattern, refer to the phenomenon when a strong high-pressure traps hot air over a particular region, acting like a huge lid. It causes temperatures to soar for a specific period of time.

This can lead to extremely high daytime temperatures, hotter nights, droughts, higher risks of forest fires, and heat-related illnesses.

Heat Dome Looms Over Fourth Of July

According to meteorologists, several parts of the United States could experience extreme heat conditions during the Fourth of July holiday. On Sunday, the National Weather Service said that the record-shattering heat would grip the eastern part of the country.

The heat dome is expected to send the temperatures soaring into triple digits. Parts of Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas are among the most affected. States like Ohio, parts of North Carolina, and Washington, D.C will also see hotter days ahead.

Biggest Heat-Related Risks During Fourth of July

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially during outdoor celebrations, can increase health risks like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.

Fireworks and Heat

An extravagant display of fireworks is one of the important traditions of the holiday. However, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of accidental fires and other dangers of fireworks.

Heat Exhaustion And Heatstroke

Several traditional Fourth of July activities entail spending long hours outdoors, often during the daytime. This could pose risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms typically include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and weakness.

Dehydration

Hot weather combined with strenuous outdoor activities can cause the body to lose significant amounts of fluids through sweat. This could increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, Fourth of July celebrations may include consuming alcoholic beverages, which can further contribute to dehydration.

Sunburn

Sunburn is also one of the significant health risks. Spending hours outdoors can also increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to painful burns and increase long-term health risks like skin cancer.

How To Celebrate Safely

Health experts recommend a few simple precautions to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday safely:

Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to fluid loss.

Do not skip sunscreen: Ensure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating and on days with continued sun exposure.

Plan activities according to the weather: Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

Take breaks to cool down: Take frequent breaks indoors or in shaded areas. If possible, spend time in air-conditioned spaces.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing that could keep you comfortable and cool throughout the day