Exercise

Working out doesn't just build muscle but, in later life, helps maintain a powerful cellular machine that repairs damaged tissue. Scientists have now not only discovered how this system works but found a way to keep it balanced in older muscles.

Two new large studies have confirmed that it doesn't take Olympic-level efforts to harness the life-extending power of exercise. In fact, say the researchers, even just five minutes a day can have a profound impact on your health and longevity.

2025 certainly saw some major health-related breakthroughs including a universal cancer vaccine. But the year was also filled with smaller findings that can still have a big impact on your day-to-day health. Here are 18 of them.

The use of blood-flow restriction cuffs that "hack" your physiology to speed up strength and muscle gains has been growing in popularity. However, researchers have now found that they come with a big downside during use – especially the older you get.

A massive global study has turned up some grim news: That 87% of us are not routinely getting quality sleep and meeting physical activity levels needed for long-term health. And, scientists discover, one is more influential than the other.

Imagine having your own fitness coach available at any moment, who won't charge you $100 an hour. BodyPark, a Hong Kong-based company that develops AI-powered fitness technology, has unveiled its minimalistic AI-fitness device, Atom, on Kickstarter.

One of the brain’s biggest benefits from exercise – the birth of new neurons – may not even require any movement. Instead, the beneficial “packages” circulating in the blood after working out can be successfully transferred to others.

Millions of people with type 2 diabetes might actually be undermining their efforts to improve their health, with researchers demonstrating that the commonly prescribed metformin blocks the cardiovascular benefits normally gained through exercise.

What if you could keep moving while working at your desk? That’s exactly the question that inspired Johannes Kettmann, a software developer from Berlin. The result is the Office Walker, a minimalist wooden walking pad.

The simple habit of getting in a daily walk has been shown to have numerous health benefits over the last few years. In a remarkable study, scientists found that taking just 5,000 steps a day can help slow Alzheimer’s disease-related decline.

In a review of more than 200 clinical trials, scientists have identified which exercise offers the most benefits in relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. It's the most comprehensive look at physical activity in treating the condition yet.

A study has compared yoga and conventional exercise, looking at the impact of both on vascular function. Surprisingly, the results challenge a popular narrative, finding yoga may not be as effective as traditional workouts in boosting heart health.