health
Japan's hay fever crisis has human-made roots, reports The Japan Times. Efforts to thin forests and breed low-pollen cedar are advancing, even as labor gaps and neglected land complicate the work. Tokyo, Chichibu, and Okutama are highlighted in keywords.
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New guidelines for life-sustaining treatment have been proposed in Japan, focusing on procedures for deciding whether to continue treatment after discussions with patients and families. The recommendations do not define the end of life.
Building on recent surges in Europe and the US, the World Health Organization has issued a formal alert for the 2025-2026 flu season due to the rapid global spread of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K (J.2.4.1) since August 2025. While not more severe, its advance prompts preparations in the Northern Hemisphere and anticipation in the Southern Hemisphere, including Brazil.
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Researchers have identified 50 bacterial species strongly associated with markers of good health in the gut microbiome, based on data from over 34,000 people. The findings highlight links to cholesterol control, reduced inflammation, and better blood sugar management. This work aims to define what constitutes a healthy microbial community amid ongoing debates over its composition.