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People who regularly consume caffeine are usually in a better mood after a cup of coffee or another caffeinated drink—an effect that is much more pronounced in the morning than later in the day. This finding comes from a new study by researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick, published in the journal Scientific Reports. Participants reported feeling significantly happier and more enthusiastic on those mornings compared with other days at the same hour when they had not yet had coffee. Links to negative moods such as sadness and feeling upset were also observed, though these effects were less pronounced: after drinking coffee, participants felt slightly less sad or upset than on comparable days without coffee. Unlike the boost in positive emotions, this effect was not dependent on the time of day. In total, 236 young adults in Germany were studied over a period of up to four weeks. Participants completed short questionnaires on their smartphones seven times a day, indicating their current mood and whether they had consumed a caffeinated drink in the preceding 90 minutes. Accordingly, the study focused on caffeine consumption in everyday life, not just in artificial laboratory settings. Perceived effect regardless of consumption habits The researchers...

Feeling lonely can do more than dampen your mood—it may speed up how quickly your memory fades, especially if you’re also struggling with hearing loss. A study analyzing data from 33,000 older Europeans found that emotional loneliness—not just social isolation—dramatically increased the risk of cognitive decline in people with hearing impairments. Hearing Loss and Loneliness: A Cognitive Threat Hearing loss can lead to more than just communication struggles and reduced awareness. It often contributes to a sense of isolation, and over time, it may also raise the risk of cognitive decline. Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) analyzed data from 33,000 older adults across Europe to explore how hearing impairment and feelings of loneliness might work together to affect memory. Their analysis revealed three key patterns based on levels of social isolation and perceived loneliness. The results showed that memory decline progressed more quickly in individuals who felt lonely, regardless of whether they were socially isolated, especially if they also experienced hearing loss. These findings, published in Communications Psychology, highlight the importance of early hearing care as a preventive measure. Global Impact of Hearing Impairment The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some form of hearing impairment....

Scientists have developed a powerful genetic test that predicts whether a child as young as five is likely to become obese as an adult. Using data from over five million people, the tool—called a polygenic risk score—outperforms previous methods by a wide margin. It opens the door to early, targeted interventions. While genetics isn’t destiny, those with high risk responded well to lifestyle changes—though they also rebounded quickly when interventions stopped. The score is a major leap, though it’s still more accurate for people of European ancestry than others. The Rising Tide of Obesity and a New Way to Predict It What if it were possible to stop obesity before it starts? According to the World Obesity Federation, more than half of the global population is expected to have overweight or obesity by 2035. Yet, current treatment options—such as changes in diet and exercise, surgery, or medications—are not always accessible or effective for everyone. Now, researchers have developed a genetic test using data from over five million people that can predict a person’s risk of becoming obese well before they reach adulthood. Known as a polygenic risk score (PGS), this test identifies children and teens who may be genetically predisposed to obesity....

Criticism is a Polisher A short note by Dr. Amirhossein Hajimiry With all my heart, I’ve come to believe that the world becomes a better place if I remain open to criticism. Even if for just a moment I doubt whether my words or actions might not be right—and accept that I too might be wrong—or, at the very least, never doubt that doubting itself is the path to salvation. This is the secret to moving toward modern thinking, a journey that many societies have experienced gradually—when individuals begin to accept that they, too, might be mistaken. Every unique creation and innovation throughout history has emerged from the moment when someone dared to question the status quo, under the full light of day. For me, the platform of “Techno-Thinkers” has been a space to practice this very idea: connecting a few synapses to transform what flows in the mind into something that gets written and recorded on paper. What truly remains of us in the end is that which we tangibly leave behind—what we’ve put down in writing. I always encourage my students: write, and allow yourself to be criticized, because criticism polishes thought.

  Bitter Life, Sweet Life! A piece by Tara Rezvani Ignoring or suppressing emotions can lead to numerous negative consequences, as emotions are a natural and essential part of the human experience. They play a critical role in both mental and physical health. Let’s take a step back! Childhood plays a fundamental role in shaping how individuals manage and express their emotions. During this stage, experiences and the family environment can deeply influence one’s emotional connection and expression. When emotions are suppressed or dismissed in childhood, these behavioral patterns often carry into adulthood, potentially leading to difficulties such as emotional repression or disorders. People may suppress their feelings for various reasons—fear of judgment, concern about harming relationships, lack of self-confidence, or feelings of shame. Suppressing emotions may seem helpful in the short term, as it can help avoid conflicts. But in the long run, emotional suppression reveals its consequences—surprisingly, it can result in issues like anxiety, depression, or behavioral disorders. It can build up internal tension and psychological stress, and even lead to physical health problems. Yes, this is precisely that unsettling moment of inner turmoil, a point from which recovery and restoration become more difficult. It also affects social relationships and interactions. Some of the social consequences of emotional...

  The Impact of Repeated Power Outages on Temperature-Sensitive Medications By Dr. Habibollah Afshang Repeated power outages pose significant risks to the stability and efficacy of temperature-sensitive medications. This note examines the structural integrity and therapeutic effects of specific refrigerated medications—including Latanoprost eye drops, Vitamin C ampoules, Calcitonin, vaccines, insulins, immunoglobulins, and other biological products—during a two-hour power outage. 1. Latanoprost Eye Drops Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. It is temperature-sensitive, and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 25°C can result in hydrolysis and degradation of the active compound. Therapeutic Impact: Exposure to high temperatures may reduce the potency of Latanoprost, potentially leading to inadequate intraocular pressure control and an increased risk of vision loss. 2. Vitamin C Ampoules Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is highly sensitive to oxidation, especially when exposed to elevated temperatures. A two-hour refrigeration interruption may accelerate degradation through oxidation, ultimately reducing the medication’s effectiveness. 3. Calcitonin Calcitonin is a peptide hormone used in the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. It is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Therapeutic Impact: Exposure to temperatures above recommended storage conditions may cause denaturation and peptide aggregation. Denatured calcitonin may exhibit reduced biological activity, compromising its effectiveness in calcium regulation and bone density maintenance. 4. Vaccines Many vaccines contain...

  The Social Security Organization and the Iranian Pharmacists Association Held a Joint Meeting — But Left with Different Outcomes! At least based on a review of channels related to pharmacy founders, pharmacists voiced sharp criticisms toward the other party. Nevertheless, the official portal of the Social Security Organization released the following statement: In a joint consultation meeting between the Social Security Organization and the Iranian Pharmacists Association—attended by Mostafa Salari, the CEO, along with several deputies and managers of the organization and members of the association's board—it was agreed that one month of the outstanding payments owed to contracted pharmacies would be paid during the current week, and another month would be paid by the end of January. It was also decided that, should the organization receive its claims from the government, all pharmaceutical debts up to the end of November would be fully settled. Key Points from the Consultation Meeting The meeting with the Social Security Organization and the Iranian Pharmacists Association focused on the following three main requests from the Association: Urgent update on pharmacy payments, which are currently delayed by 6 months, with a minimum of two months of arrears to be paid within the next 10 days. Revision of contracts between...