Is birth control safe to use? You’d never guess this sneaky cause of air pollution. Is inflammation ever helpful? Are you eating the right type of protein?

Is birth control safe to use?

Millions of women use hormonal contraception, and new research is showing it may be affecting more than reproduction. Research in the journal Hormones And Behavior shows that contraceptives seem to affect brain processes that are responsible for emotions and memory. The paper has connected that birth control appears to influence how women experience emotions and remember the emotional event later.

You’d never guess this sneaky cause of air pollution.

Though wildfires and dust storms aren’t great for our health, droughts are a main driver of the polluted environment in Latin America. Nearly half of electricity is supplied through hydro-power, but when there’s not enough steady river flow these areas are forced to switch to fossil fuel. These processes release harmful particles that lead to heart disease and breathing issues. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.

Is inflammation ever helpful?

Though it’s often the cause of various diseases, a study published in Cell Reports shows that inflammation can be protective in the brain. Scientists found that a molecule called ‘sting’, which aids inflammation, may be necessary to keep the brain healthy as we age. However, it’s a finding that contradicts earlier research saying that ‘sting’ needs to be blocked in order to treat age-related brain decline.

Are you eating the right type of protein?

Consuming protein after a workout is important for muscle recovery, but new research shows that the type of protein matters too. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, reveals that pork-based protein is better for your body than vegetarian alternatives that don’t have as many amino acids.