Loneliness is America’s hidden public health crisis
Independent - 26-May-2025Chronic loneliness raises risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death
Join the club for FREE to access the whole archive and other member benefits.
British online newspaper
The Independent was established in 1986 as a national morning printed paper. Nicknamed the Indy, it began as a broadsheet and changed to tabloid format in 2003. The last printed edition was published on Saturday 26 March 2016, leaving only the online edition.
It tends to take a pro-market stance on economic issues. The newspaper was controlled by Tony O'Reilly's Irish Independent News & Media from 1997 until it was sold to the Russian oligarch and former KGB Officer Alexander Lebedev in 2010. In 2017, a Saudi Arabian investor bought a 30% stake in it.
In June 2015, the newspaper had an average daily circulation of just below 58,000, 85% down from its 1990 peak, while the Sunday edition had a circulation of just over 97,000. The daily edition was named National Newspaper of the Year at the 2004 British Press Awards. The website and mobile app have a combined monthly reach of 22,939,000.
Visit website: http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details last updated 04-Feb-2019
Chronic loneliness raises risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death
Positive views on ageing aid mobility and independence after falls
Vitamin D3 supplements reduce telomere loss, potentially preventing years of biological ageing
Controversial sports event promotes drug-enhanced performance and promises big prize money
New tool tracks ageing blood cells, offering hope for early detection and anti-ageing therapies
Annual screening could halve late-stage cancers and cut deaths by 21% in five years
The gene may help design sleep-improving medicines
Foresight AI enables early predictions and personalized prevention strategies
Health leaders call for public input on a national strategy to close the life expectancy gap
A rare, malnutrition-linked diabetes finally gains official recognition
Experts urge caution over routine scans due to long-term radiation risks
Doctors say her case shows promise for future transplants
It’s faster, stronger, lighter than others, and made with help from real amputees
Ancient DNA and gene editing revive the Ice Age predator after 10,000 years
Statins may help protect against dementia, regardless of cholesterol levels
Study shows gut microbes can break down drugs for diabetes, depression, and more
AI neuroprosthesis turns brain signals into voice, offering hope to those who can no longer speak
Wealth and location are cutting years off lives in poorer areas
A major study finds plant-based oils may help reduce the risk of early death
A study finds everyday cooking can release harmful pollutants beyond safe limits
Prolonged heat exposure speeds up biological ageing and raises health risks
Personalized drug recommendations improve blood sugar control and reduce complications
Research shows lifestyle and socioeconomic factors have a far greater impact on disease risk
Innovative wearable tracks sleep patterns with precision, making at-home diagnosis easier than ever
New projections show rising life expectancy, with more people than ever expected to live to 100
One in five adults now live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, prompting urgent calls for action
Uncovering the hidden link between dirty air and deadly disease
Revolutionizing disease detection to safeguard against future health threats
Rising diagnoses spark debate over national testing and healthcare inequalities
New research links intermuscular fat to heart risks, independent of BMI
Tiny robots tested in animals promise less invasive neurological treatments
Efforts to reverse low birth rates struggle against economic, cultural, and structural challenges
Urgent action in the next five years is critical for avoiding collapse
Exploring the potential and challenges of brain-computer interfaces in transforming lives
New UK study aims to transform diagnostics and treatments for cancer, dementia, and beyond
This highlights the importance of when you drink coffee, not just how much
arly diagnosis offers better outcomes, but most patients transition to nursing homes
It offers a faster, less invasive way to improve early diagnosis
Stopping smoking improves life expectancy almost immediately
New research links weight-loss drugs to regional trends and health shifts
CVD remains number 1 when heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases are combined
It can identify brain conditions like bleeds and changes in small blood vessels
Five servings of dark chocolate a week found to cut risk of diabetes by 21%
Most support sharing health data for AI, but concerns over privacy and human contact persist
Excess internal fat may signal early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s
Life-saving kidney and heart benefits found in non-diabetic patients
Heart and lung fitness outweighs BMI in predicting mortality risk, new research shows
New research shows how regular exercise boosts health, even for those over 40
Early tests show Tortus can accurately filter out background noise and focus on relevant information
Health officials assure the public that the risk remains low as tracing efforts begin
The test is faster, cheaper, and over 93% accurate, offering quicker diagnosis
Discover the rigorous daily routine fuelling their quest for a long, healthy life
A new photoacoustic device offers real-time, detailed 3D imaging, promising faster disease detection
Researchers hope to develop new drug targets and improve current treatments
Air pollution, rising temperatures, and obesity are the major culprits
Eating more berries and dark chocolate could lower dementia risk by 28%
Magnetic nanorobots could revolutionize medicine with precise internal treatments
Cambridge study links early cholesterol to heart disease risk
Aston university creates a non-invasive test that detects prostate cancer in minutes
New clinical trial hubs to improve patient access to innovative treatments
Future uses include controlling robotic devices and improving communication
The electrodes were tested on pigs and successfully recorded brain activity
Researchers developed a "CD3 Score" to measure immune cell levels in tumours
Even a few years of maintaining prediabetic status can positively impact health
Blood sugar monitors might actually cause anxiety and unhealthy eating habits
This approach uses algae-powered robots to neutralise harmful proteins in the colon
Experts suggest using alternatives like glass or stainless steel
This highlights the need to address chronic loneliness as a public health concern
Boosting IRAK-M protein protects retina in the eyes and paves way for potential AMD treatment
This eliminates the need for human donors and reduces waiting times
This can potentially reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and save NHS resources
However, legal actions aim for prosecution before his death
The treatment was most effective when combined with a bone-strengthening drug
Experts call for urgent action to address this growing health crisis
Study highlights a shift towards non-communicable diseases as the major concern
Active lifestyles linked to Boomers feeling younger than their age
Could help doctors spot eye issues faster and decide who needs urgent care
Test offers minimal benefit but risks overtreating slow-growing cancers
Experimental stem cell therapy offers hope for spinal cord injury patients
Swallowable Sensors identify gut movement problems, potentially replacing unpleasant endoscopies
It may improvepatient outcomes and advance personalised cancer treatment
Also predicts a new era of hybrid humans and the potential to reverse aging within the next five years
Prostate, breast, liver, and kidney cancers are driving this increase
Offers ease and comfort for patients but human companionship remains vital
CRB1 gene mutation weakens gut barrier, allowing bacteria to invade eyes
It reduced blood sugar spikes and overall levels in healthy individuals
Women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of heart disease and early death
Addressing mental health could help protect heart health in the long term
They found 11 proteins in blood that could spot future dementia with 90% accuracy
Pi's accuracy might save healthcare costs and free up resources
Once hailed as a breakthrough, Aduhelm faces final curtain after limited use and insurance hurdles
Linked to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and eating too much red meat
Patients will receive three doses of the vaccine before surgery
People using the pill lost an average of 10-15% of their body weight in 4 months
This could pave the way for routine screening of individuals over 50
Scientists develop monitoring strategies to mitigate the impact of frozen pathogens re-emerging
Carnosine, a molecule also produced by the body, has shown impressive abilities
Revolutionizes patient care through continuous, non-invasive health monitoring
Smoking tobacco alone results in a loss of at least 20.8 million years of life
The tool presents a novel methodology for preventing heart diseases
Try to replace some of your sitting time with standing or walking
Urgent action needed to prevent the disease risk by addressing climate change & deforestation
Reduce your intake by checking food labels and using herbs and spices instead
Scientists call for new interventions to promote effective sun protection
Michelle Donelan praises the AI investment, stating it will transform healthcare
Revolutionary approach for safer and accessible brain stimulation therapies
The trend of a shrinking population is beginning to have drastic consequences
Limited accuracy, casting doubt on their suitability for public health screening
Prosthetic hand connects to the nervous system, offering a new lease on life
Lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid linked to increased longevity
Device uses sensor technology to apply human-like forces with precision
Short bursts of daily activity, even if brief, can greatly benefit heart health
Offers hope for aHSCT as the future standard of care for 130,000 UK MS patients
Even with lifestyle changes, the risk remains, but personalised work schedules might help
Small clinical trial shows treatment can improve breathing and quality of life
The trial could help to match right treatment to people with rare cancers
The test could identify drugs that reverse or slow down DNA damage and disease
Ageing and obesity are key drivers of the rise in cases
Low vitamin D was mainly linked to high mortality risk from stomach, prostate, bowel, and lung cancers
Higher vitamin K levels correlated with reduced risk of asthma and COPD
Study results offer insights on future drug discovery for disease related to muscle ageing
Highly precise shape-sensing technology to help clinicians diagnose & treat lung cancer at early-stage
Experimental drug enters phase 1 human trials - offers hope for personalized and targeted cancer therapy
Systolic BP rose by 1.25 and 4.90 mm Hg for 12 and 48 grams of routine drinking, respectively
Overweight and obese is linked to developing 18 cancer types - early prevention is the key
Insomnia symptoms can increase the likelihood of stroke, highlighting the potential benefits of improved sleep therapies
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples and blackberries, may be particularly important for frailty prevention
Reducing sugar intake, rather than replacing sugar with sweeteners, is a better approach for weight loss
High access to non-alcoholic alternatives may notably reduce alcohol purchases
People are less likely to die the more often they socialise
67% fewer men experienced risks of screening with advanced diagnostic techniques
Advances in the innovation could limit hospital admissions and increase healthspan of patients
Relationships were inversely related to HbA1c levels regardless of spousal support or strain
Studies also link UPFs with heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes besides cancer
The toxins interaction with the bacterial enzyme gyrase could help overcome antibiotic resistance
Less fluid intake-high sodium in blood samples–more prone to diseases and advanced biological ageing
Further studies to examine the phenomenon for age-related illnesses among former players
Capivasertib could become a game-changer for advanced breast cancer patients
Effectiveness of AI technique can facilitate non-face-to-face treatment and reduction in medial cost
A restitution hearing will decide how much she must repay
Technology that can help detect various diseases quickly and accurately reduces staff time
Hair cells generated in vivo, potentially promising to reverse hair loss disorders and baldness
RoboCap’s mucus-clearing and churning movements help it deliver the drug directly to the gut
Higher sleep age reflected in increased sleep fragmentation, it may be a marker of future health
Nitrites and nitrates as preservatives in cold cuts linked to colon cancer
Clocking up physically active minutes more crucial than when the exercise takes place
Good night's sleep is a necessity, particularly as we age
WHO calls for the immediate transition from fossil fuel use to clean energy
Bong smoking at home exposes family members to higher concentrations of toxic particles
120 people have reported burn injuries
Instant coffee had no such benefits but contains twice the amount of possibly harmful acrylamide
Dr Schutte suggests to reduce the recommended amount of alcohol by NHS
Its time for strategies that preserve existing antibiotics and develop new drugs
Dutch authorities warned the use of these necklaces, bracelets and sleep masks
Drinking coffee and tea reduces the risk of dementia and ischaemic stroke
Cases of anxiety and depression are now doubled when compared to pre-pandemic
E-cigarettes users suffer from lung inflammation and irregular heart beat
In placebo controlled study, device improved brain processing and memory in patients
Even if you are naturally skinny, you still need to exercise to keep your body healthy
Enhertu improved overall survival rate in breast cancer patients
Fruit-only diet can lead to mineral & vitamin deficiencies, and so a balanced nutrition is preferable
Health burden in minutes of healthy life associated with the type of food
NHS suggests to take multiple readings to detect the drop in oxygen levels
Largest drop since world war II, mainly affecting Black and Hispanic Americans
LUCAS 3 robot, a paramedic companion, first to deploy in South Central Ambulance Services
Diet with fish, olive oil, nuts, legumes & vegetables reduces abnormal protein deposits in brain
NHS rolls out 3D imaging technology for rapid diagnosis & early management of coronary heart disease
Limit traditional British diet like white bread, fruit juice, and sugar to avoid the risk of heart disease & death
Recurrent or young age miscarriages can up the risk of dying early, but more studies are needed
Noninvasive sensor on skin continuously monitors several vitals all at once
Too much or too little sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults
A single drink a day can increase your risk of a stroke causing arrhythmia
A study in UK records shocking levels of vitamin D deficiency in certain groups
Vegans are at higher risk of broken bones when compared to people who eat meat
Study finds significant reduction in disease mortality with chilly consumption
A less invasive approach of brain-computer interface than Neuralink
One-third increased risk is low compared to impact of other lifestyle choices
Definitely no harm in taking normal levels of vitamin D supplements - and could save your life
With its many benefits, clinicians recommend it as an effective alternative
Their extreme biology could be key to preventing cancer in humans
Avoid cuddling up to your partner, sleep on separate beds - the room is hot enough already!
Study shows this certain thinking pattern is linked to release of harmful brain proteins
Bionic eye could provide more pixels and wider spectrum than human vision
Lead study linking caffeine and its disease-slowing potential
But it may reduce the "germination vigour" of the seeds a little bit
Promising tech for personalized health monitoring via analysis of excreta
They need one million computers and it's your chance to be one in a million!
One step closer to colonizing the Moon - how fast can we get there?
Will artificial intelligence surpass human intelligence one day?
Gravity on earth spatially restricts growth of stem cells into actual 3D organs
There's still no clinically proven benefit from CBD use - but definitely risks
Are we heading towards a new pandemic?
Access to healthcare maybe restricted in disadvantaged socioeconomic groups
"Living robots" are created from completely biological material
Diagnosis with AI combined with pathologist can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis
This is a new power record for Denmark
Still there will be many issues even if the spinal cord could be transplanted
If combined they can form the largest database of genetic information on cancer
This is Tip #10 in the Live Forever Manual!
Legislators need to take air pollution seriously and toughen up to WHO standards
Doesn't have to be vigorous exercises, just moving about is enough
No causal relationship, so those who used permanent dye in the past shouldn't worry over it
It's too early to use toothbrushing for the prevention of AF, because of the study limitations
Approved for clinical use in Europe - can be done as an outpatient procedure
According to research, chess, bingo, and other board games can be good for our thinking skills
Avoidable deaths, not medical illnesses, kill more people under 50
Could a similar chip help people be the person they really want to be?
Implant produces electronic pulses to stimulate the body, same way as pacemakers
Clock is ticking for antibiotics, so we need to act now and preserve them
There are more serious effects of air pollution on the lungs, but one more reason to find clean air
People with chronic diseases could double the death risk by sleeping less than 6 hours
Monopolist Aspen got the opportunity to raise the price of essential NHS medicine by 1,800 per cent
Unlike alcohol and nicotine, pre-bed consumption of caffeine doesn't disrupt the sleep
Have you got your go bag ready in case of an unexpected disaster?
Participants who took polypill had systolic blood pressure decrease on an average 9mm Hg in one year
People who drank tea at least 4 times a week for 25 years have better-connected brain regions
Artificial-sweetener drinks increase risk too, though for different reasons (but not carcinogenic)
CAR-T therapy gives hope for the children for whom the standard therapies don't work
European and US studies suggest that consumption of nuts prevents cardiovascular diseases
4x survival rate if EOC is caught early
Up to 30% of the general population suffer from insomnia
Ozone is our friend in the stratosphere but not so much at ground level
With all these cancers on the rise, are we acting fast enough?
People who use mainly plant based diets were 23% less prone to develop diabetes
Technology will help to keep up with the rapid development of artificial intelligence
This research can be revolutionary and life-changing for people with complete blindness
UK government is funding the drug development, which could prevent dark edges of medicine
Speeding up new drug discoveries and many other benefits
Antibiotics should not be taken without a prescription of the doctor
BrainNet is the first brain-to-brain network, a huge step for a telepathic communication discovery
Need more research into all types of pollution and their impacts on lungs
Two to five hours is the golden window for health benefits
Substance circulating in the veins of juvenile mice delayed death and kept the disease at bay
Very clever technology – super-accurate blood test without taking a drop of blood
Encouraging physical activity in the workplace will lead to having more productive employees
MRI scans show no detrimental effects on arteries
Healthy fruit in fruit juices does not offset damage caused by its sugar content
Reduces levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation
The usual 3 are at the top of the list – diet, exercise and don’t smoke
Inflated prices of more than 100 generic drugs by as much as 1000 per cent
Optimal use of sunscreen prevents sunburns, skin cancers without affecting Vitamin D levels
Vaccine may be controlling outbreak for now, but could explode at any time
It is important to maintain the amino acid balance in the body to lead a healthy life
Platelets and growth factors initiate a healing response which, over time, rejuvenates the skin
Unfortunately the effect disappears after returning to Earth
No short-cut to a healthy diet
FDA stresses it is not clear whether e-cigarettes have triggered seizures in dozens of users
Plain old peanuts are good for you, not just brazil and walnuts
Letting drinks cool down is one of the 101 tips in the Live Forever Manual
Nearly 1,000 clinics selling unregulated treatments in the US
Would be intriguing to see flowers in UV light like some insects
Human Rights Watch concerned by who and where technology used in future
Novel mechanisms for attacking cancer cells are always good news
Older, richer people drinking the most
As more people suffer from dementia, men will be affected sooner
Four times faster increase in pancreatic cancers in the younger generation
Only 266 participants in trial, but big pharma doesn’t pay to test free drugs
Even if you can eat without putting on weight, keep an eye on your visceral fat
Hopefully in future we can make ourselves impervious to flu
Speed and latency of 5G is enabling telepresence and telesurgery applications
Once trained artificial intelligence is almost aways going to be more reliable than humans
It's important to realise the possible serious implications of the symptoms
More efficient photorespiration pathway could result in greater crop production
No benefit found in large meta-study, but no risk of cancer either
Even specialist dermatologists can miss melanomas without a dermoscope
Fresh home-made vegetable soup is very easy to make and a lot cheaper than supermarket version
Autonomous weapons will be here in a few years and no treaty is in place for them
Taking time off work is actually more important than a healthy diet and exercise
People with deep wrinkles may be at up to 10 times more risk of death due to heart disease
Flavoured, nicotine-infused vaping fluids can convert to harmful carcinogens after heating
Vaporized nicotine promotes lung buildup and is a more potent cell killer
This software test many chemical reactions simultaneously and may lead to faster drug discovery
With this method researchers can now detect acute myeloid leukaemia years in advance with a blood sample
Google’s algorithm predicted inpatient mortality in two different hospitals
High-fat and high-carb food trick the brain into thinking it has a higher energy value
New web tool analyses over 49000 DNA markers to calculate risk for various diseases
Fungi infections are dangerous and due to the lack of drugs they may become the next crisis
In 2016-17, 617,000 obesity-related NHS admissions occurred, mainly affecting women
Safety first! Good health is more important than cutting down costs
Currenlty across the world women experience longer life spans than men. Men could live as long a...
Office for National Statistics says life expectancy of most deprived males is 73.9 years. Compar...
Nanobots made from origami-folded DNA sheets. DNA sheets contain blood-clotting drugs to shut of...
First time ever in the regenerative medicine, children receive new ears grown from their own cell...
By 2041, women will live to 86.2 years and men 83.4 years. Decrease of almost a whole year compa...
Vaccitech has raised £20m from investors including Google parent Alphabet. Running clinical stud...
A new study released by the US National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) found an American bab...
Treatment works by stimulating the internal defences of patients to fight their tumours. The pre...
Treatment combined diabetes drugs GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. Type 2 diabetes is a known risk facto...
Common psychological traits included positivity and stubbornness
Biohybrids are biological cells with magnetic particles engineered on to guide them. Able to us...
Seasteading is building autonomous, self-sustaining cities in international waters. Blue Frontie...
Eat a balanced, healthy diet rich in vitamin D containing foods
Researchers from Shandong University carried out the study on 1,316 women aged between 25 and 70 ...
A new study by the Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield NHS Trust in London claims that deaths ...
Possible to breed pigs to harvest their organs to meet the demand for new tissue
Socio-economic status influences the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet
Able to withstand everything from extreme weather like tornadoes, to a full blown nuclear attack....
Professor Dame Sally Davies envisions millions of patients having their DNA tested routinely. Wh...
Each day a cruise ship emits as much particulate matter as a million cars. Air on the deck downw...
Elon Musk says a city of a million people could be established on Mars within decades. Humans wo...
A Swedish rail company is trialling letting passengers use biometric chips as tickets. Tiny chip...
Possible to detect tumours 10 years before they become dangerous. Tests for circulating tumour D...
Synapses and cell processes in the mice’s frontal cortex measured. Astrocytes start breaking dow...
Spermidine-rich foods may protect liver health and extend lifespan
Once you reach the age of 60, men and women live longer if they have at least one child. Based o...
Mechanical thrombectomy to be implemented in specialist centres across NHS. Blood clot is either...
Previous attempts resulted in younger cells but the mice developed tumours. Salk Institute Salk ...
People with stronger social networks and relationships tend to live longer – also true of the onl...
Clinical trials are in progress - NMN could be the recipe of youth
Natural compound, called NMN, found in avocado, broccoli, cucumber, cabbage and edamame has remar...
Robotic arm connected directly to brain of paralysed 28-year-old man. Microelectrodes about half...
Drinking three cups of coffee or six cups of black tea daily may lower the risk of dementia
Interactive map produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Vast areas of the world are bat...
Current World Health Organisation recommendation is 150 minutes of brisk walking or 75 minutes of...
Due to composition of inks used for tattooing. Red ink has been linked to dermatitis due to it c...
Nanoparticulate RNA immunotherapy puts pieces of cancer’s genetic RNA into tiny nanoparticles of ...
First time gap has increased for 150 years. Mainly due to lifestyle choices such as smoking, dri...
King’s Fund health think tank claims there is a systemic lack of transparency in the information ...
Systematic review of 176 trials of homeopathy looked at 68 different health conditions. No disce...
Eye-opening results for homeopathy clients - ineffective as a treatment method
French surgeon and personality Michel Cymes puts together a twist on the usual list. Includes ea...
Nilotinib has been used to treat patients with a certain type of leukaemia. Works by boosting th...
New technique called electroporation opens up microscopic pores in T-cells allowing Crispr/Cas9 e...
Once infectious diseases conquered, deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease (which affect m...
NHS to test laboratory made blood – guaranteed infection free. Initial safety trials could lead t...
If no actions taken (i.e. the world carries on with business as usual) catastrophic food shortage...
Study finds prostate cancer is not one disease but several – enabling personalised treatments usi...
8 cases of the plague in humans each year on average but is currently treatable with antibiotics.
cancer hijacks telomeres, which prevent DNA damage, to flourish in the body. The study was publi...
3D printed splints into their throats. These were designed to keep their windpipes open while all...
Russian man to become first to undergo pioneering and controversial surgery.
Air pollution, largely from diesel vehicle road traffic, may be to blame for as many as 60,000 ea...
University of Sheffield’s Insigneo Institute working on European Commission’s Virtual Physiologic...