We have all seen movies where right before the hero starts fighting, he cracks his knuckles and makes it look like the coolest thing in the world! But then our parents told us that you should not crack your knuckles because that weakens your grip and hand strength. But is that true? While many people do say that they experience a small loss in strength immediately after they crack their knuckles, but are their long-term effects to it? And what is the sound actually coming from?

The reason why people crack their fingers is because the evident and sharp crack noise causes a sense of relief. Many people also do it when they have done an activity that required them to work with their hands a lot like typing or sewing, giving themselves a sense of satisfaction, similar to stretching after doing hard work. That "crack" sound can make some people cringe, while others find it strangely satisfying. Cracking your knuckles is a pretty common habit, but there are a lot of misunderstandings about it. Some people do it without even thinking, others can't stand the noise, and some can't crack their knuckles at all. You might have been told as a kid that it causes arthritis or makes your fingers swell up. But those are just old wives' tales. There's a real science behind this habit, and it's more interesting than you may think.

Why Do Knuckles Make That Popping Sound?

The "crack" isn't actually bones breaking or anything bad happening to your joints. It's a normal thing called "crepitus." This just means harmless popping, snapping, or grinding sounds that come from your joints. The main reason you hear this sound is because of gas bubbles in the fluid that cushions your joints. This fluid is called synovial fluid. When you move or stretch, these tiny bubbles form and then pop, making the sound. It's totally normal and doesn't hurt you. Sometimes, especially in bigger joints like your knees, shoulders, or ankles, the sound can also happen when the stretchy tissues that connect your bones (ligaments and tendons) move slightly and then snap back into place.

After you crack your knuckles, you can't usually do it again right away. You have to wait a bit. That's because the gas bubbles in your joint fluid have already popped, and it takes a little while for them to build up again. While cracking your knuckles doesn't give you arthritis, doing it too much might cause some problems. Doctors say that cracking them too often could make your joints a little wobbly and might even make your grip weaker. Also, if the stretchy tissues in your joints keep snapping over your bones, they can get irritated and sore.

When Joint Popping Might Mean Something More

Sometimes, a pop in your joint is just like cracking your knuckles, nothing to worry about. But other times, it can be a sign of something else. As we get older, the cushiony stuff in our joints, called cartilage, can start to wear down. This cartilage helps your bones move smoothly. When it gets thin or uneven, the bones can rub together, and that can make a grinding or popping sound. This is different from the pop you get from gas bubbles. If this grinding sound happens along with pain, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis. This is a type of joint problem that's more common in older people, but younger people can get it too, especially after a joint injury. If your joints hurt, especially in the morning or after you've been sitting still for a while, feel wobbly, or are hard to move, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, roughly one in nine adults worldwide lives with diabetes, and around 90% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. Still, the condition can be managed through healthy lifestyle habits, such as staying active, as well as medication. One widely used medication is metformin, considered a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes, and it has been prescribed for decades since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 1994. Recent research, however, suggests it may also act directly on the brain, opening the door to new approaches to treatment.

Metformin Found to Unexpectedly Affect The Brain

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in the US have discovered a brain pathway that metformin appears to influence, alongside its known effects on other parts of the body. "It has been widely believed that metformin lowers blood sugar mainly by reducing glucose production in the liver. Other studies have also highlighted its action in the gut," says Makoto Fukuda, a pathophysiologist at Baylor.

As reported by Science Alert, the researchers explained, "We turned our attention to the brain, given its central role in regulating overall glucose metabolism. Our goal was to understand whether and how the brain contributes to metformin’s anti-diabetic effects."

How Is Metformin Affecting Your Brain?

Earlier research by some of the same scientists had pinpointed a protein in the brain called Rap1, which influences glucose metabolism, especially in a region called the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH).

In their 2025 study, experiments on mice showed that metformin reaches the VMH, where it helps combat type 2 diabetes by essentially shutting down Rap1. When mice were genetically modified to lack Rap1, metformin no longer affected a diabetes-like condition—even though other medications still worked. This provides strong evidence that metformin acts in the brain through a mechanism distinct from other drugs.

The researchers also examined which specific neurons metformin interacts with. This could eventually pave the way for treatments that target these neurons directly. "We found that SF1 neurons are activated when metformin enters the brain, indicating they are directly involved in the drug’s effect," they said.

Metformin Side Effects

While generally safer than many other type 2 diabetes medications, metformin does have side effects. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort affect up to 75% of users. Other risks can arise when there are underlying conditions like kidney problems, which may compound health concerns.

Metformin is also recognized as a gerotherapeutic—a medication that may slow aging processes in the body. For instance, it has been shown to reduce DNA damage and support gene activity linked to longer life.

Previous studies indicate that metformin can also protect the brain from wear and tear and may even lower the risk of long COVID, according to Science Direct.

Delhi NCR is already facing one of its toughest air-quality crises, and now another worry has emerged. Volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has started drifting toward Indian skies. BBC reports that ash clouds from this rare eruption have reached Delhi, raising concerns about health risks in a city where clean air is already hard to come by due to rising pollution. As this volcanic ash moves closer, people fear it could worsen existing respiratory problems.

In Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls in the “very poor” or “severe” range, even small increases in particulate matter can have serious health effects. Understanding what volcanic ash can do and taking the right precautions can help reduce its impact.

Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Reaches Delhi

A volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. Winds blowing at 100–120 km/h carried ash plumes to several countries. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted Sunday morning, and by late last night, ash clouds reached Delhi, which is already struggling with toxic air, causing some disruption to flights.

The ash plumes, rising thousands of feet into the atmosphere, first passed over Gujarat and then moved toward Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash clouds are drifting toward China and are expected to clear from Indian skies by 7:30 pm.

The Health Impact Of Volcanic Ash: What Science Says

Volcanic smog, also called “vog,” is generated whenever a volcano erupts. Global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have long studied its effects. Here’s what you need to know about how volcanic ash can impact health.

Respiratory Risks: Who’s Most Vulnerable

Volcanic ash is made of fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs. According to the US Geological Survey’s Impacts & Mitigation guidelines, inhaling these particles can lead to:

• Irritation of the nose, throat, and upper airways
• Dry cough, sore throat, or chest discomfort
• Bronchitis-like symptoms or wheezing in people with asthma or chronic bronchitis

Even healthy individuals may experience shortness of breath or discomfort after heavy exposure. For those with pre-existing lung conditions, the effects can be much more serious.

Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash: What Is Delhi’s Situation?

IMD Director General M. Mohapatra stated that the plume is approaching Delhi NCR, but “any significant impact on ground-level pollution is unlikely” because most of the ash is high in the atmosphere. He added that the ash cloud may appear as a cloudy, hazy sky for a few hours as it moves eastwards.

Meteorologists and weather analysts have noted that the plume contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and tiny glass or rock particles. It is moving quickly, at around 100–200 km/h, according to reports.

Can Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash Make Delhi Respiratory Issues More Dangerous?

Dr Aditya Nag, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, told us that even if most of the ash remains high in the sky, fine particles can settle on the ground and mix with Delhi’s already polluted air. Components like ash and sulphur dioxide can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes.

Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director & Head – Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital, told us that people most at risk include children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or COPD. Volcanic ash can also pose environmental risks, such as reducing visibility or damaging engines.

“Abrasive particles in the volcanic ash can trigger bronchospasm in COPD and asthma patients, making their condition worse,” said Dr Aditya Nag.

Precautions To Stay Safe

Dr. Manav Manchanda, advise the same safety measures that apply during high pollution days:

• Wear N95 or N99 masks outdoors: These filter fine ash particles better than regular masks.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak pollution: Avoid exercising in the morning or late evening.
• Keep doors and windows closed: Use an air purifier to reduce indoor air contamination.
• Stay hydrated: Drink warm water or herbal teas to help clear your lungs.
• Steam inhalation: Regular steam can help remove small particles trapped in the nasal passages and airways.
• Eat health-supportive foods: Include ginger, turmeric, tulsi, citrus fruits, and honey to support respiratory health.
• Keep medicines handy: Asthma patients or those with chronic lung conditions should have doctor-prescribed medications ready.

It is not hidden that India indeed is the diabetes capital of the world. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 77 million people in the country are living with diabetes, and 25 million of them are prediabetic. Not only that, but there has been an increase in chronic conditions in India too, all thanks to the lifestyle. In fact, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research, 56.4% of the total disease burden in India comes from unhealthy diets. This has led to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and high cholesterol.

So, how can someone stay a step ahead of all that? Dr Brijmohan Arora, a senior diabetologist from Delhi suggested 5 biomarkers that can help you stay a step ahead of the chronic diseases. These tests can help you live a longer and healthier life.

“Most doctors still rely on superficial tests, but in 2025 we have far more powerful biomarkers to predict your future health,” says Dr Arora. The doctor explains that basic tests like a standard lipid or cholesterol panel only give a surface level picture, however, advanced biomarkers dig deeper and can help in catching risks earlier and reveal what is happening inside your blood vessels and metabolism even before the disease shows up.

The Five Biomarkers To Keep You Healthy

ApoB

“ApoB is like a bullet that enters your arteries, it’s the most advanced and accurate form of cholesterol testing," the doctor says.

What ApoB means:

• ApoB (Apolipoprotein-B) counts the actual number of harmful cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood.
• These particles directly drive plaque formation.
• It is more predictive of heart attack risk than LDL alone.

Why it matters:

Two people with the same LDL cholesterol can have very different ApoB levels. The one with higher ApoB is at higher risk. The doctor calls it the "single most accurate marker of heart-attack risk".

HS-CRP

“High-sensitivity CRP and homocysteine are inflammation markers, they help predict inflammation of the heart and blood vessels,” he says.

What hs-CRP means:

• A highly sensitive test that detects tiny amounts of inflammation, especially in arteries.
• Elevated hs-CRP is linked to heart attacks, stroke, plaque instability, and chronic disease.

What Homocysteine means:

An amino acid that, when elevated, increases risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and cognitive decline.

Often linked to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Why they matter:

They don’t diagnose disease… they predict risk, which makes them powerful preventive markers.

Homocysteine

It is an amino acid that is naturally found in the blood that can be harmful to the lining of the artery walls when levels are high. Its levels are influenced by factors like vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, B6, and folate), genetics, and kidney disease. Dr Arora notes that high levels of this could mean higher risk of stroke, dementia, and clotting diseases.

Fasting Insulin

“Fasting insulin gives us a window into the future, it picks up abnormalities long before sugar levels rise.”

What Fasting Insulin means:

• Measures how hard your pancreas is working to keep your sugar normal.
• High fasting insulin = early insulin resistance.

Why it matters:

You can have completely normal glucose and HbA1c, yet be on the path to prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and PCOS years in advance.

This test detects problems before they appear on regular reports.

Omega-3 Index

“Omega-3 Index gives deep insight into your metabolic health and risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s.”

What Omega-3 Index means:

Measures the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in your red blood cells.

Higher levels are linked to:

• Better metabolic health
• Lower inflammation
• Heart protection
• Improved brain function
• Lower dementia risk

Why it matters:

Few labs offer it, but it’s one of the strongest markers of long-term inflammation and cell health.