Health

Labour has proposed banning smoking and vaping in playgrounds, outside schools and in cars carrying children as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is now subject to consultation; the proposals would also ban smoking outside hospitals while allowing vaping in those areas, the Department of Health says.

A GoFundMe set up for James Van Der Beek’s wife and six children has raised about $2 million after the actor’s Feb. 11 death from colorectal cancer. Friends thanked donors, said the family is mourning together, and requested privacy.

Researchers report that the protein Piezo1 acts as a mechanical 'exercise sensor' in bone marrow stem cells and promotes bone formation in mice; removing Piezo1 reduced bone density and increased marrow fat, and the findings come from mouse studies rather than human trials.

A GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek's family raised more than $1.5 million within 24 hours and has over 36,000 donations; named contributors include Steven Spielberg, Jon M. Chu and agent Kevin Huvane.

A 63-year-old man in Scotland who suddenly could not understand the words in his emails was later diagnosed with a haemorrhagic stroke, and he is now enrolled in an international trial studying antiplatelet drugs after this type of stroke.

Family members say a 12-year-old was wounded while trying to protect classmates in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting and was airlifted to BC Children's Hospital in "extreme critical condition," with a later report that she had shown movement; police identified an 18-year-old suspect who was found dead at the scene.

A New England Journal of Medicine study reports a mutated autoantibody gene as the mechanism behind vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) after adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccination, and researchers say changing the adenovirus protein in vaccines could prevent the disorder while preserving efficacy.

Officials report a record surge in measles cases in 2025 including three deaths, and outbreaks have continued into 2026; the Pan American Health Organization may review U.S. elimination status at its April meeting.

A registered dietitian highlighted nine food groups — including leafy greens, legumes, berries, nuts, fatty fish and acidic ingredients — that the article reports can help produce gentler rises in blood glucose and reduce afternoon energy dips.

The article connects dehumanizing public imagery and arguments against group-focused research with measurable health harms, citing the medical concept of “weathering” and disparities such as higher rates of diabetes and maternal deaths among Black women.

Experts identify six nutrients—magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3s and zinc—that are commonly highlighted for older adults because aging can reduce nutrient absorption and some people discuss supplements to address low intake.

Officials reported nine people killed and 25 injured in the Feb. 10 Tumbler Ridge, B.C., attack; authorities said the suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted injury and investigators are continuing to search for a motive.

Northwestern researchers report that amyloid-beta 42 accumulates inside synaptic vesicles and that the antiseizure drug levetiracetam reduced this peptide's formation in laboratory models; analysis of prior clinical trials showed a small delay between dementia diagnosis and death among patients who took levetiracetam.

More than 1,000 people have volunteered to be tested as potential kidney donors for Bijou Phillips, but doctors have not yet found a compatible match; she remains hospitalized and family members are reported to be at her side.

More than 70% of teens have used AI companion services, and experts report emerging concerns about possible AI-linked psychosis and isolation as researchers begin investigations.

Northwestern researchers report that the anti‑seizure drug levetiracetam can block early production of the amyloid‑beta 42 protein in laboratory models, and the team says the effect would require treatment long before symptoms appear.

Harris County officials said two toddler girls were found in a home swimming pool in Katy and were later pronounced dead at a hospital; detectives are continuing to investigate.

Authorities identified Russell Kot as the suspect in shootings at homes in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota that left six people dead; officials say the suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted wound and investigations are ongoing.

High school senior Ford Mauntel was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, had three surgeries before age four, and now plays football while raising awareness about congenital heart disease.

A University of Pennsylvania study of 25 healthy adults found that pink noise around 50 decibels was linked with about 19 fewer minutes of REM sleep, while earplugs largely prevented deep-sleep loss from aircraft noise.

A JAMA Psychiatry study of 93 recovered patients found that wearable sensors recorded irregular sleep and reduced day–night activity differences that often preceded depression relapse, based on more than 32,000 days of data.

Light therapy using roughly 10,000‑lux lamps is reported to provide short-term relief from fatigue and low mood after the Daylight Saving Time change, and some studies suggest blue and green wavelengths may be most effective.

The White House launched TrumpRx, an online portal listing 43 discounted prescription drugs that directs users to manufacturers' sites and currently offers discounts only to cash-paying patients.

NextSense's Smartbuds use six EEG sensors and timed audio to detect brain activity and play targeted soundscapes intended to return users to deep sleep; in a 106-night beta the company reported increased slow-wave activity and about half of participants saying their sleep was improved.

Buddhist monks concluded a roughly 2,300-mile Walk for Peace at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, urging mindfulness and kindness as supporters gathered.

Officials say a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left at least nine people dead, and police identified an 18-year-old former student as the alleged shooter who was reported found dead; authorities say there is no ongoing threat. Undetermined at this time.

Stacy Keibler posted a photo of James Van Der Beek watching a sunset from a wheelchair and wrote about spending his final days with him. Van Der Beek was reported to have died early Wednesday and no official cause has been announced.

Officials say an 18-year-old female allegedly shot people at a Tumbler Ridge home and then at the local secondary school, with multiple people killed and others injured. Police reported the alleged shooter was found deceased at the school and said the investigation is ongoing.

Friends launched a GoFundMe with a $500,000 goal after James Van Der Beek’s death; the page had raised more than $200,000 to assist his wife and six children. The article also reports that Bijou Phillips is hospitalized, back on dialysis, and urgently needs a second kidney transplant.

A phase 4 randomized trial in Brazil of 500 people without HIV found one- and three-month isoniazid–rifapentine preventive regimens had high completion rates and mostly mild or moderate adverse reactions.