A 2026 Journal of Neuroscience study compared 29 expert birdwatchers and 29 novices and found structural differences in brain regions tied to attention and perception; the paper says these changes are consistent with neuroplasticity, but it does not prove birdwatching prevents cognitive decline.
Researchers report that people labeled super-agers (age 80+) had about twice as many immature neurons in the hippocampus compared with typical older adults, based on analysis of 38 post-mortem brains published in Nature; the authors note a small sample and variability among human samples.
Emergency rules issued by the Florida Department of Health reduce ADAP eligibility from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level and restrict coverage of the HIV drug Biktarvy; advocates say about 16,000 Floridians could be affected.
A six-planet alignment is expected soon after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 28, visible toward the western sky about 30–60 minutes after sunset; several planets will sit low near the horizon and a nearly full waxing gibbous moon (90.6% illuminated) may make some planets harder to see.
A no-cost three-day clinic offering dental, medical and vision services will run Feb. 27–March 1 at the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, hosted by Morales & Galindo Marketing Group with services provided by California CareForce.
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke said he experienced a medical event aboard the International Space Station on Jan. 7, and NASA arranged an early return for Crew-11 that splashed down Jan. 15 so he could receive advanced medical imaging and care.
A study in Science finds many North American bird species are declining at accelerating rates, with average counts down about 304 birds per survey route (roughly a 15% drop) since the late 1980s; declines are strongest in warmer areas and regions of intensive agriculture.
Actor Eric Dane’s death from ALS has renewed attention to the disease and its costs; a palliative care physician and a research lead describe care needs, hospice timing, financial strain, and ongoing scientific efforts focused on TDP-43.
A Glendale resident reports a mountain lion grabbed her five-and-a-half-year-old shih tzu, Declan, outside her home and carried the dog into nearby hills; wildlife officials have urged caution in foothill neighborhoods, including avoiding nighttime walks and keeping pets leashed.
National Weather Service probability maps show widespread chances of snow across the Northeast on Friday, with local totals up to 11 inches and winter storm warnings in parts of northern New York and Vermont.
