We’ve all heard the joke at some point — women take longer in the bathroom because they “pee more.” But is there any truth behind this bathroom stereotype? As it turns out, science is more complex than that, and the answer lies deep within the structure of our kidneys.

Biologically speaking, men generally have larger kidneys than women. But does that mean they produce more urine? Not necessarily.

A recent review of autopsy data has revealed some interesting findings. While men do tend to have physically larger kidneys, researchers aren’t entirely sure if this difference holds up once body size — such as height, weight, or body surface area (BSA) — is taken into account. In other words, just because a man has a bigger kidney doesn’t automatically mean it's more efficient or produces more urine.

Size Doesn’t Always Equal Output

However, here's where it gets interesting: When kidney size is adjusted relative to body size, men may not actually have significantly larger kidneys than women. And in clinical settings, women often show better kidney health outcomes over time. Studies suggest that women are less likely to develop or progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD), even though they may report more frequent urination.

So Why Do Women Feel the Urge More Often?

Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause also play a significant role in urinary patterns. Estrogen, for instance, affects the urinary tract and can make women more sensitive to the urge to go.

What It All Means

Ultimately, urination is a deeply personal — and variable — experience. If you find yourself making more frequent bathroom visits than usual, regardless of gender, it might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Because when it comes to your health, every drop matters.

Lymphoma is a form of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, an essential part of the body’s immune defense. It develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to grow and multiply in an abnormal way. The condition is broadly classified into two types, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each with its own features and treatment methods, as per the American Oncology Institute. With cases becoming increasingly common, here are some of the early warning signs of lymphoma you should be aware of.

What Is World Lymphoma Awareness Day?

According to Netmeds, the theme for World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2025 is ‘Honest Talk.’ This year’s message highlights the need for open and transparent conversations between patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals.

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5 Early Warning Signs of Lymphoma

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

3. Persistent Fatigue

4. Itching or Skin Changes

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5. Night Sweats

Spotting these signs early gives you the chance to seek medical help before lymphoma advances, when treatment is most effective. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. An early check-up will ensure you get the right evaluation and tests without any delay.

Although as kids many of us enjoyed the perfect vision, it isn’t uncommon to find that you may need glasses as things start looking blurry. Weak eyesight can be caused due to a lot of reasons, whether it is strained usage of our eyesight like using improperly lit spaces to read, using electronics at night, or simply aging.

The simple science behind wear eyesight is when the muscles that aid our vision get weak. So, if there was just a way to rejuvenate those muscles, we would be able to see properly, right? But it is not that simple. Doing so would require surgical options, many of which are not available easily. However, a new study may have made headway into creating an eyedrop that will do the job.

A study presented on Sunday at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) suggests that eye drops could be a safe and effective treatment for presbyopia, a common age-related condition that causes long-sightedness and makes it difficult to focus on close-up objects. The study, conducted by experts in Argentina, explored a new type of eye drop that could offer a convenient alternative to wearing reading glasses.

Can Eyedrops Fix Weak Eyesight?

The eye drops contain two main ingredients that work together to improve near vision. The first is pilocarpine, a drug that makes the pupil smaller and tightens the muscle that controls the shape of the eye's lens. This action helps the eye focus on nearby objects more easily.

The second ingredient is diclofenac, which is a type of anti-inflammatory drug. It helps reduce any inflammation in the eye.

In the study, 766 people used these drops twice a day, typically once in the morning and again about six hours later. They were split into three groups, each receiving a different strength of the pilocarpine component (1%, 2%, or 3%) while the amount of diclofenac stayed the same for everyone.

How Effective Are Eyedrops For Weak Eyesight?

The study's findings were very encouraging, showing significant improvements in near vision for all participants, with the effects lasting for up to two years.

For the group using the lowest concentration of pilocarpine (1%), almost all 148 people were able to read at least two additional lines on a standard eye chart. In the group with the 2% concentration, 69% of the 248 people could read three or more extra lines. The best results were seen in the 3% group, where a remarkable 84% of the 370 people could read three or more extra lines.

On average, patients saw an improvement of more than three lines on the eye chart just one hour after using the drops. According to Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, a leading researcher, these drops offer a promising solution that is more convenient and has fewer risks than traditional options like reading glasses or surgery.

Are There Side-Effects of Eyedrops For Weak Eyesight?

While the results are positive, some experts have expressed caution about potential side effects. The most common ones reported were temporary blurred vision, eye irritation, and headaches.

However, experts warned that long-term use of pilocarpine could sometimes lead to side effects like reduced night vision. He also noted that using anti-inflammatory drops for a long time could pose risks to the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. He emphasized that more extensive and longer-term studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the drops for widespread use.

Japan has once again broken its own record for longevity. The country now boasts nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older, according to figures released by the health ministry a milestone that reflects both the nation’s extraordinary life expectancy and its rapidly ageing society.

A 55-Year Streak of Record-Breaking Longevity

As of September, Japan counted 99,763 centenarians, the health ministry said on Friday. This marks the 55th consecutive year that the number has risen. Of these, an overwhelming 88% are women, highlighting a continuing trend of female longevity in Japan.

The country has long been known for producing some of the world’s oldest people, though researchers note that centenarian data can sometimes be difficult to verify globally. Nevertheless, Japan consistently ranks among the nations with the highest life expectancy.

Meet Japan’s Oldest Citizens

Leading this group is Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old woman from Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture, officially recognised as Japan’s oldest person. The oldest man, Kiyotaka Mizuno, is 111 and lives in Iwata, a coastal city.

Japan’s health minister, Takamaro Fukoka, offered congratulations to the country’s 87,784 female and 11,979 male centenarians, expressing “gratitude for their many years of contributions to the development of society.”

Elderly Day: A Celebration of Longevity

The announcement comes just before Elderly Day, observed every 15 September as a national holiday. Each year, new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and a silver cup from the prime minister. In 2025, 52,310 individuals were eligible for this honor, a number that underscores how quickly Japan’s oldest demographic is growing.

From Just 153 to Nearly 100,000

Japan’s centenarian story is one of remarkable change. When the government first began tracking centenarians in 1963, there were just 153 people aged 100 or older in the country. By 1981, the figure crossed 1,000, and by 1998 it had surged to 10,000.

This dramatic increase is attributed to several public health successes, including better medical care and improved awareness about healthy living.

Why the Japanese Live So Long

Experts say Japan’s longevity is largely due to low rates of heart disease and certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancer. The country’s famously healthy diet plays a central role — it is low in red meat and high in fish, rice, vegetables, and fermented foods, all of which contribute to lower obesity rates.

Public health campaigns have also been effective. When sugar and salt consumption increased in much of the world, Japan took the opposite approach, with government initiatives urging citizens to cut down on salt, successfully reducing related health issues.

But diet is only part of the equation. Japanese people tend to stay physically active well into old age, walking more, using public transport, and taking part in simple exercise routines. Radio Taiso, a three-minute group exercise broadcast since 1928, remains a daily ritual for many, keeping communities connected and bodies moving.

Controversies and Challenges in Counting Centenarians

Despite these positive numbers, there have been past controversies about centenarian data. A 2010 government audit uncovered more than 230,000 people listed as 100 or older who were actually unaccounted for — many had died decades earlier.

This miscount was blamed on outdated record-keeping and, in some cases, suspicions that families failed to report deaths to continue receiving pension benefits. The scandal came to light after authorities discovered that Sogen Koto, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest man at 111, had in fact died 32 years prior, with his remains found in his family home.

An Ageing Nation’s Future

While Japan celebrates its centenarians, the figures also underscore a looming demographic challenge: a rapidly ageing population and declining birth rate. This combination is reshaping everything from the workforce to social security systems.

Still, the rise in centenarians is seen as a testament to Japan’s focus on public health, nutrition, and active living, and serves as inspiration for nations worldwide looking to boost life expectancy in healthy ways.