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Here are the top medical news for the day:
Study Reveals How Kids’ Mattresses Release Hidden Toxins
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology has found that children's mattresses emit toxic chemicals linked to developmental and hormonal disorders. Researchers, led by Prof. Miriam Diamond from the University of Toronto, measured indoor air quality in 25 bedrooms of children aged 6 months to 4 years. They detected high levels of phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters—especially near the beds.
To trace the source, the team also tested 16 new children’s mattresses using lab simulations. The results showed that a child’s body heat and weight significantly increased the release of these chemicals into the air. Despite bans on certain chemicals in toys, many of the same substances were found in mattresses, which remain poorly regulated.
The phthalates and organophosphate ester flame retardants measured in this study are hormone disruptors and linked to neurological harms, including learning disorders, reduced IQ scores, behavioural problems, and impaired memory, said the researchers.
Some are also linked to childhood asthma and cancer. Several UV filters are hormone disruptors. Children are uniquely vulnerable to exposure, given that they are still developing, have hand-to-mouth behaviours, and have breathing rates ten times higher than adults.
They also have more permeable skin and three times the skin surface area relative to their body weight than adults. Flame retardants are linked to neurological, reproductive, and hormonal harm as well as cancer, and also have no proven fire-safety benefit as used in mattresses.
The researchers call for manufacturers to be more vigilant about the chemicals in children’s mattresses through testing.
The authors recommend decluttering children’s sleeping areas by reducing the number of pillows, blankets, and toys. They also recommend washing and refreshing your child’s bedding and bed clothing frequently since this act as a protective barrier to reduce exposure.
References: Young Children’s Exposure to Chemicals of Concern in Their Sleeping Environment: An In-Home Study, Sara Vaezafshar, Sylvia Wolk, Victoria H. Arrandale, Roxana Sühring, Erica Phipps, Liisa M. Jantunen, and Miriam L. Diamond, Environmental Science & Technology Letters Article ASAP, DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00051
New Study Links E-Cigarette Use to Increased Risk of COPD and Hypertension
A large-scale study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine has revealed that exclusive use of e-cigarettes is significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and may also be linked to a slight rise in high blood pressure among adults aged 30 to 70. The analysis, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research used medical data from nearly 250,000 individuals over a four-year period, providing one of the most comprehensive examinations to date of vaping’s long-term health impacts.
The study analyzed health outcomes across several tobacco use groups: exclusive e-cigarette users, exclusive combustible cigarette users, dual users, and non-users. Of the 249,190 participants, 3,164 were exclusive e-cigarette users, while over 33,000 used only combustible cigarettes. During the follow-up period, researchers documented over 23,000 new cases of hypertension, more than 13,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes, and nearly 8,000 new cases of COPD. Exclusive e-cigarette use was found to be significantly associated with the development of COPD, and in a specific sub-group aged 30–70, with a slight increase in hypertension risk. However, it was not significantly linked to heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes.
In contrast, exclusive use of traditional cigarettes was strongly associated with higher risk across all measured outcomes, including heart failure and cardiovascular disease. Dual users—those who smoked both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes—had slightly higher risk levels than exclusive smokers, further emphasizing the dangers of continued traditional cigarette use.
Dr. Michael Blaha, senior author of the study and professor of cardiology and epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of the findings in shaping public understanding and policy. “There remains great uncertainty about the relative harm of e-cigarettes as compared to traditional smoking. Until now, there has been scant longitudinal data in large high-quality datasets linking exclusive e-cigarettes use to new-onset cardiometabolic health conditions,” he said. “This study suggests that e-cigarettes have definite potential health risks, although the risks may be less than what is seen for traditional combustible cigarette smoking alone.”
The researchers noted that while e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, their aerosols can contain dangerous organic compounds and high levels of nicotine, posing risks especially for younger users.
Reference: John Erhabor, Zhiqi Yao, Erfan Tasdighi, Emelia J Benjamin, Aruni Bhatnagar, Michael J Blaha, E-cigarette Use and Incident Cardiometabolic Conditions in the All of Us Research Program, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2025;, ntaf067, https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaf067
Systematic Reviews Shows Tech Use May Cut Dementia Risk
A new study published in Nature Human Behavior finds that regular technology use is actually linked to a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.
To investigate the connection between digital device usage and cognitive health, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 136 previously published studies, analyzing data from over 400,000 adults aged 50 and older. This large-scale, systematic review allowed the team to assess trends across diverse populations and identify consistent patterns in cognitive outcomes.
Their findings directly challenge the emerging concept of "digital dementia"—a term used to describe technology-induced memory loss and concentration difficulties. Instead, the research shows that regular engagement with digital devices is associated with better cognitive aging outcomes, primarily due to the mental stimulation and adaptability required to use modern technology.
Dr. Michael K. Scullin, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor and co-author of the study explained that older adults, who often learned to use digital tools later in life, face cognitive challenges like adapting to new software, troubleshooting devices, or filtering digital content. These tasks, though sometimes frustrating, help stimulate the brain. He refers to this as “digital scaffolding”—using technology like reminders, GPS, and online tools to maintain independence and support brain function.
Beyond cognitive stimulation, the study highlights how digital technology enhances social connectivity, which is a key factor in reducing dementia risk. Tools like video calls, messaging apps, and email help older adults stay in touch with loved ones, reducing isolation and supporting mental health.
The findings suggest a shift in how we view digital engagement in older adults—not as a risk, but as a potential tool for maintaining cognitive health and independence.
“You can flip on the news on just about any day and see people talking about how technologies are harming us,” said Scullin. “We found the opposite—technology use appears to benefit brain health.”
Reference: Benge, J.F., Scullin, M.K. A meta-analysis of technology use and cognitive aging. Nat Hum Behav (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02159-9
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