Medical Oddities: The Smurf-Hued Health Trend
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by Teraya Smith
December 16, 2025
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5 min
6 Key Takeaways
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1
Methylene blue may improve cognition but carries risks.
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2
Loneliness is a significant public health concern, linked to premature mortality.
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3
AI chatbots can exacerbate loneliness in some users.
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4
A low-glutamate diet reduced migraines in GWI veterans.
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5
Tea positively associates with bone mineral density; coffee has a neutral effect.
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6
Fever may limit influenza severity, but some strains resist this mechanism.
Methylene blue has gained attention in wellness circles for its purported cognitive and anti-aging benefits despite being FDA-approved solely for methemoglobinemia treatment. While preliminary studies indicate potential benefits, clinicians warn of risks, including serotonin toxicity. Concurrently, AI chatbots, viewed as potential solutions for loneliness, showed mixed results, potentially worsening feelings of isolation among users. Research into dietary influences on migraines in Gulf War veterans demonstrated promise, as did studies on tea's positive effects on bone health, contrasting with coffee's neutral impact. Finally, a UK study revealed that while fever acts as a defense against influenza, some strains evade this response, underscoring the complexity of health science.
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