Cyclosporiasis cases surge while new research questions ‘protein maxxing’

Key Points:

• An outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico has caused over 10,000 cases in Michigan and affected eight other states, with a second unrelated outbreak connected to parsley and cilantro emerging in North Carolina.
• To reduce risk of infection, public health experts recommend cooking produce when possible, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and practicing good hand hygiene, particularly during the summer when foodborne illnesses spike.
• New research reviewing animal studies suggests that restricting protein intake may extend lifespan by boosting hormone FGF21, which promotes fat metabolism and reduces risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes; however, excessive protein can lead to kidney issues and is often accompanied by unhealthy saturated fats.
• Europe is facing unprecedented wildfire activity in 2026, with Spain and France experiencing significantly higher-than-average fires, including France’s first recorded pyrocumulonimbus—a fire-induced cloud that can generate lightning and exacerbate wildfires—driven by repeated heat waves.
• A neuroscience study using fMRI revealed that mental exhaustion decreases motivation to engage in challenging tasks by increasing communication between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right anterior insula; this brain signaling may protect against overexertion but can also hinder beneficial activities like exercise or healthy cooking.