What Your Body Experiences When You Sleep Naked Every Night and Why It Matters

Most people rarely consider what they wear to bed, often opting for pajamas or old T-shirts without much thought. However, going to sleep without clothing—sleeping naked—has been identified by science as a simple yet effective health hack with multiple benefits. One of the primary advantages is improved sleep quality. Sleeping naked helps regulate core body temperature by allowing heat to dissipate more easily, preventing overheating that can disrupt sleep cycles. Cooler skin temperature promotes longer and deeper sleep, which is essential for immune function and alertness throughout the day. In addition to better sleep, sleeping naked has metabolic benefits. It stimulates the production of brown fat, a type of fat that generates heat by burning calories, which can boost metabolism and potentially reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, better sleep supported by sleeping naked can aid in weight management by lowering the likelihood of sleep-related weight gain. Beyond physical health, sleeping without clothes can enhance skin health since improved sleep accelerates skin repair and recovery. It also contributes to mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety levels, which are often exacerbated by poor sleep. Importantly, sleeping naked may foster body positivity and improve intimacy between partners. Wearing fewer barriers can increase self-esteem and lead to stronger emotional and physical connections within relationships. In summary, ditching pajamas is a straightforward, science-backed strategy to improve sleep, boost metabolism, enhance skin health, reduce stress, and promote intimacy—all contributing to overall well-being. Trying this simple habit could be the health upgrade many are overlooking. <br /><br /> The science is clear: sleeping naked can help you fall asleep faster, sustain deeper sleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed, making it a worthwhile health practice to consider.

Meta Faces Daily EU Fines Over Pay Or Consent Model as Regulators Demand Compliance

Meta Platforms is currently facing significant pressure from European Union regulators over its controversial "pay-or-consent" model introduced in November 2023. This model requires users on Facebook and Instagram to either consent to being tracked for personalized ads or pay a subscription fee for an ad-free experience. The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to curb the dominance of large tech companies, mandates that platforms must offer genuine alternatives without heavy personal data usage. However, the European Commission has found that Meta’s original model breached these rules by not providing an equivalent service to users who refused consent, relying heavily on personal data for ad targeting. Although Meta updated its model in November 2024 to reduce data reliance, the EU remains unconvinced that the changes fully comply with the DMA. Regulators have warned Meta that continued non-compliance could result in hefty daily fines, potentially up to 5% of Meta’s global average daily turnover. The Commission can only confirm limited adjustments to the model so far and is still assessing whether these meet the legal requirements. Meta, on the other hand, claims it has engaged constructively with the EU and provided options that exceed regulatory expectations. Looking ahead, Meta may either have to abandon the pay-or-consent framework altogether or decide to challenge the EU legally to defend its approach. The situation highlights the broader clash between big tech business models reliant on data-driven advertising and the EU's tightening regulatory environment focused on user privacy and fair competition. The outcome will be closely watched as a precedent in the evolving digital regulatory landscape.<br /><br />Meanwhile, EU scrutiny signals intensified enforcement of digital market rules, hinting at stricter controls over how tech giants monetize user data in Europe. Meta’s next moves will significantly impact the future of online privacy and subscription models in social media.

Knowing how COVID 19 began remains uncertain without additional data from China, says WHO.

An expert group appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its final report on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, concluding that it still lacks a definitive answer. Despite over three years of extensive research and analysis, the report states that **no conclusive evidence has been found to determine precisely how the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged**. The group, known as the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), emphasized that the investigation is hindered mainly by the lack of access to critical data, especially from China. Essential information, such as hundreds of genetic sequences from early COVID-19 cases, detailed records of animals sold in Wuhan markets, and data on laboratory biosafety conditions, has not been provided to WHO or SAGO, limiting their ability to fully evaluate all hypotheses.<br /> <br /> The report acknowledges that the majority of scientific evidence points toward a **zoonotic spillover event**, meaning the virus likely jumped from animals to humans, either directly from bats or through an intermediate host such as raccoon dogs or civet cats. However, the possibility of a laboratory-related origin could neither be confirmed nor ruled out due to the absence of sufficient data. Importantly, the expert group found no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 was intentionally engineered or that the virus was circulating outside China before December 2019.<br /> <br /> WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed that all hypotheses remain on the table and appealed to China and other countries to share information transparently. The report highlights the ongoing need for openness to prevent future pandemics and represents a call for continued investigation with full international cooperation. Despite the inconclusive findings, SAGO remains committed to reviewing new evidence as it becomes available.

Survey Reveals Strong Public Backing for Boosting Medical Research Funding

A recent national survey, conducted between April 10 and June 10 and released on Monday, reveals that nearly 60 percent of Americans support increasing federal funding for medical research. This survey, part of the Civic Health and Institutions Project and involving more than 30,000 respondents from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, was developed by researchers from Rutgers, Harvard, Northeastern, and the University of Rochester. The findings highlight a broad public desire for enhanced investment in science and health agencies, despite ongoing debates and some political proposals to reduce funding. The survey asked participants about their views on several current issues in science policy, including proposed cuts to grant funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and potential layoffs at science and health agencies. Results indicate that government actions to defund scientific work or conduct large-scale layoffs are not widely supported. While the administration has proposed deep cuts and slowed grant awards in the current fiscal year, only a minority of Americans approve of these moves. In fact, just 21 percent approve of recent administrative actions, with 48 percent disapproving and over 30 percent expressing no strong opinion. Partisan differences are evident but not absolute. About 67 percent of Democrats support increased funding for medical research, while approximately 48 percent of Republicans also favor such increases. Notably, only about 15 percent of Republicans support funding cuts. Researchers note that public opinion on this issue is not strictly divided, but instead reflects a significant degree of ambivalence or uncertainty among many Americans. <br /> <br /> These findings underscore that most Americans see value in robust federal funding for medical research and express concern over potential reductions. The data suggest a broad public consensus on the importance of supporting scientific progress and maintaining strong health research institutions. While there are some differences along party lines, even a substantial portion of Republicans oppose reductions to research funding. This pattern highlights the complexity of public attitudes toward federal investment in science and health, with many Americans wary of policies that could undermine medical advancements and public health infrastructure. <br /> <br /> Overall, the survey results indicate that a majority of Americans prioritize medical research as a national concern and are reluctant to see it diminished by budget cuts. The findings may influence ongoing policy debates, particularly as Congress and the administration weigh decisions on research funding and the future of science agencies. The public’s concerns reflect a recognition of the critical role that federally funded research plays in advancing health, innovation, and the well-being of society as a whole.

Axiom 4 Mission Kicks Off with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Leading Cutting Edge Research Aboard the ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is conducting vital research on muscle degradation in space during his 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), under the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This research, a collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, focuses on understanding how and why astronauts experience significant muscle loss in microgravity conditions, a phenomenon that poses a major challenge for long-duration spaceflights.<br /> <br /> Muscle loss in space is severe and rapid; astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass in missions lasting just five to eleven days. Unlike on Earth, where muscle loss or sarcopenia develops over decades, the microgravity environment impairs muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. Group Captain Shukla's experiments aim to study these underlying causes by examining muscle cell behavior in microgravity and testing potential interventions that could stimulate muscle regeneration. This research has the potential to improve astronaut health during extended space missions and aid patients suffering from age-related muscle loss on Earth.<br /> <br /> This mission not only advances ISRO’s human spaceflight capabilities ahead of its upcoming Gaganyaan program but also strengthens international scientific collaboration. Data from Shukla’s research will help develop countermeasures to combat muscle atrophy in space, a critical step toward enabling longer missions. Furthermore, ISRO’s partnership with medical research institutions highlights India's growing focus on space medicine and astronaut health. Overall, Group Captain Shukla’s work represents a significant stride for India’s ambitions in space exploration and contributes to global efforts in life sciences research in microgravity.<br /> <br />

Maine Stands to Gain Significantly by Prioritizing Investments in Science and Innovation | Opinion

Senator Susan Collins played a pivotal role in securing significant funding for a key project through two extraordinary grants that have greatly advanced the initiative. In 2022, she announced federal funding of $12.3 million specifically allocated to support Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. This funding, included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, was a result of Senator Collins’ influential position as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The grant aims to expand and enhance Bigelow Lab’s oceanographic research, which is critical for understanding and improving the health of Maine’s coastal ecosystems, especially the Gulf of Maine. This scientific work has direct benefits for Maine’s seafood and tourism industries and strengthens coastal communities by providing new educational and research opportunities. <br /> <br /> In addition to the federal funding, the Harold Alfond Foundation contributed a leadership grant that further propelled the project forward. Recognizing the importance of bolstering the state's economic and environmental prospects, the foundation’s support complemented the federal investment, helping to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative. These combined grants not only underscore the collaboration between public and private sectors but also highlight a shared commitment to advancing Maine’s scientific capabilities and community development. The infusion of funding facilitates continued innovation in marine science and strengthens Maine’s position as a leader in ocean research and environmental stewardship.