Author: OMN AI

A major review finds most statin side-effects listed on labels are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 trials involving 124,000 people, with four and a half years average follow-up, and published the findings in The Lancet. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects, including liver test changes and tissue swelling. The study found no link between statins and memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage. Lead author Christina Reith said benefits clearly outweighed risks for most patients. Senior author Rory Collins called for rapid updates to drug labels. Experts said clearer information could…

The European Union has ordered TikTok to change its platform design or face massive financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app violated EU online safety regulations. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s features affect user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, particularly children. Regulators also said TikTok did not implement adequate safeguards to limit these risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm called…

Hidden-market sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through giveaways on WhatsApp and Telegram.The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an experimental drug without approval. Posts pressure users with 24-hour deadlines and promise free entry.Experts warn these tactics pose serious health risks. One group offered injectable drugs including retatrutide and melanotan II.None hold UK approval, and experts warn of possible harmful side effects. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with valid prescriptions.Unapproved drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller disguises drug sales as fitness coaching.Platform owners say they ban illegal drug sales.

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The files detail years of alleged sex trafficking by the wealthy financier. President Donald Trump now calls on the country to move forward. Washington, however, shows little willingness to let the story fade. Justice department concludes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has ended. Congress required the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for new criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He added that the material alone…

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than real food and need stricter regulation.They say manufacturers design UPFs to encourage addiction and overconsumption.The study came from teams at Harvard University, University of Michigan, and Duke University.It was published in Milbank Quarterly on 3 February.Authors compared UPF marketing to historic tobacco tactics that delayed regulation.They called for limits on advertising, stronger oversight, and industry accountability.Critics warned the comparison risks oversimplifying complex nutrition and health effects.

Netflix faced sharp questioning in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during an antitrust hearing. Senators warn deal could weaken competition and raise prices Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee said the merger could reduce competition in entertainment markets. Several senators warned subscription costs might increase. Others questioned whether cinemas could survive if regulators approve the deal. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios. The…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival claims over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He said Mercedes followed the rules and communicated clearly with the FIA.Rivals questioned engine compression methods used by Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.Wolff said other manufacturers missed an opportunity and should focus on themselves.Mohammed Ben Sulayem backed the engine’s legality.Wolff did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix.

U.S. life expectancy reached a record high in 2024, according to new CDC data. Americans now live an average of 79 years, marking the highest life expectancy ever recorded in the country. Experts say declines in major causes of death have contributed to this improvement. The data highlights significant reductions in deaths from heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. Public health initiatives, improved medical care, and healthier lifestyles are credited for these gains. Experts note that access to preventive care, better nutrition, and increased awareness of health risks play key roles in extending lifespan. Life expectancy is a…

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles following serious safety concerns. The country becomes the first to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face rising scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly accidents heightened official warnings. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars manufactured by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Mechanical Door Releases Now Required The new rules allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the regulations. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim to prevent…

Researchers say lab-made cosmic dust could reveal how life’s building blocks reached Earth.At the University of Sydney, physicist Linda Losurdo recreated cosmic dust from scratch.Cosmic dust forms around dying stars and carries organic CHON molecules essential for life.Losurdo simulated space conditions using vacuum tubes, gases, and high-voltage plasma.Scientists hope the work explains why meteorites contain organic matter.Experts say the method could help model early life formation on planets.