Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Your Breathing Pattern Is 97% Unique, Just Like A Fingerprint, Study Finds

Breathing is as natural and unconscious as the pounding of a heartbeat. The majority of us don't consciously process each inhalation or exhalation. However, an intriguing recent study finds that the way you breathe may be as distinctly identifiable as your fingerprint. Scientists have found that each human has a personalized "respiratory fingerprint"—a breathing cycle so unique it can recognize an individual with almost 97% accuracy.

This new discovery has implications far beyond interest. From assessing mental illness to safeguarding biometric privacy, your breath could tell us more about you than you ever knew.

Carried out by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, the research was headed by doctoral candidate Timna Soroka and published on June 12 in Current Biology. Researchers recruited 97 volunteers, who wore a device called the "Nasal Holter" for 24 straight hours. The wearable device, which weighed only 22 grams, took measurements of their natural breathing rhythms—while sleeping, working, resting, and going about their daily activities.

The payoff: By examining the subtle temporal rhythms of nasal breathing, scientists were able to determine that each subject's breath could identify him with 96.8% accuracy. The sensor tracked everything from inhale-exhale patterns to pauses before and after breathing, revealing a distinct rhythmic signature for every person.

<h2>What Is a "Respiratory Fingerprint"?</h2>

The "respiratory fingerprint" is the complex breathing pattern—how much, how frequently, and with what rhythm a person breathes. It may sound too ordinary to be special, but breathing is controlled by the brain's intricate respiratory control network. And because every brain is different, so is the breath it controls.

Lead researcher Noam Sobel said the team broke each 24-hour dataset into five-minute chunks and considered dozens of features with machine learning. They included esoteric but revealing traits like the time between inhalation and exhalation and the normal flip in airflow between nostrils.

Surprisingly, the research didn't rest there. Researchers cross-referenced the breathing information for each participant with a question about mental and physical health. What they discovered was nothing short of intriguing: higher self-reported anxiety individuals had more variability in their pauses between breaths. Other aspects of breathing pattern also matched up with BMI and other bodily states.

This linking of breathing and mind supports the increasingly robust literature suggesting that breath is a compelling diagnostic device—one that indicates not only lung function but also psychological and neurological well-being.

Renato Zenobi, an analytical chemistry professor at ETH Zurich, who was not part of the research, described the findings as "novel." According to him, the research would improve the significance of breath analysis as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. When applied along with breath metabolite testing, it would reinforce the accuracy of diagnosing metabolic disorders to anxiety and depression.

Envision a future in which a wristwatch-size device silently tracks your breath and warns your doctor of incipient signs of Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, or even a panic attack. This would provide unprecedented preventive treatment with no needles, no scans, and no self-reporting bias.

As exciting as these breakthroughs are, they introduce a raft of ethical considerations. If our breath is a biometric signature, can it be used for monitoring? Currently, the Nasal Holter needs to be in direct contact and requires hours of usage. But with developing sensor technology, it's possible that distant breath monitoring could be achieved.

Soroka and Sobel recognize these issues and call for balancing scientific advancement with protecting privacy. Biological information such as breathing rates is involuntarily generated—i.e., we exhibit it all the time, whether we mean to or not. If it becomes readable from a distance, it might redefine the terms of biological privacy.

<h2>Real-World Limitations and Challenges</h2>

Notwithstanding the enthusiasm, the research is not without limitations. The population used was primarily healthy, young adults, and one can raise issues regarding the universality of the findings for children, the elderly, or people with respiratory illness. Also, wearing the device for 24 hours was daunting for some participants—especially while sleeping, when the nasal tubes fell out of position from time to time.

And although there was a high degree of association between breathing patterns and subjects' self-rated state of anxiety, these tests were not clinically certified. Additional research is required to determine if respiratory prints can accurately identify diagnosed medical or psychological illnesses.

We are headed toward an age when breath diagnostics could become a part of routine healthcare but as is the case with all great technologies, this development will need to be taken cautiously, respecting peoples' privacy and having ethical standards clear. As your lungs rhythmically fill and empty with air, they could be speaking your story in ways unimaginable to you.

Health Conditions A-Z

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couvade syndrome

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breath-based diagnostics

breathing pattern health test

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Breathing is as natural and unconscious as the pounding of a heartbeat. The majority of us don't consciously process each inhalation or exhalation. However, an intriguing recent study finds that the way you breathe may be as distinctly identifiable as your fingerprint. Scientists have found that each human has a personalized "respiratory fingerprint"—a breathing cycle so unique it can recognize an individual with almost 97% accuracy.This new discovery has implications far beyond interest. From assessing mental illness to safeguarding biometric privacy, your breath could tell us more about you than you ever knew.Carried out by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, the research was headed by doctoral candidate Timna Soroka and published on June 12 in Current Biology. Researchers recruited 97 volunteers, who wore a device called the "Nasal Holter" for 24 straight hours. The wearable device, which weighed only 22 grams, took measurements of their natural breathing rhythms—while sleeping, working, resting, and going about their daily activities.The payoff: By examining the subtle temporal rhythms of nasal breathing, scientists were able to determine that each subject's breath could identify him with 96.8% accuracy. The sensor tracked everything from inhale-exhale patterns to pauses before and after breathing, revealing a distinct rhythmic signature for every person.What Is a "Respiratory Fingerprint"?The "respiratory fingerprint" is the complex breathing pattern—how much, how frequently, and with what rhythm a person breathes. It may sound too ordinary to be special, but breathing is controlled by the brain's intricate respiratory control network. And because every brain is different, so is the breath it controls.Lead researcher Noam Sobel said the team broke each 24-hour dataset into five-minute chunks and considered dozens of features with machine learning. They included esoteric but revealing traits like the time between inhalation and exhalation and the normal flip in airflow between nostrils.Surprisingly, the research didn't rest there. Researchers cross-referenced the breathing information for each participant with a question about mental and physical health. What they discovered was nothing short of intriguing: higher self-reported anxiety individuals had more variability in their pauses between breaths. Other aspects of breathing pattern also matched up with BMI and other bodily states.This linking of breathing and mind supports the increasingly robust literature suggesting that breath is a compelling diagnostic device—one that indicates not only lung function but also psychological and neurological well-being.Renato Zenobi, an analytical chemistry professor at ETH Zurich, who was not part of the research, described the findings as "novel." According to him, the research would improve the significance of breath analysis as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. When applied along with breath metabolite testing, it would reinforce the accuracy of diagnosing metabolic disorders to anxiety and depression.Envision a future in which a wristwatch-size device silently tracks your breath and warns your doctor of incipient signs of Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, or even a panic attack. This would provide unprecedented preventive treatment with no needles, no scans, and no self-reporting bias.What About Privacy?As exciting as these breakthroughs are, they introduce a raft of ethical considerations. If our breath is a biometric signature, can it be used for monitoring? Currently, the Nasal Holter needs to be in direct contact and requires hours of usage. But with developing sensor technology, it's possible that distant breath monitoring could be achieved.Soroka and Sobel recognize these issues and call for balancing scientific advancement with protecting privacy. Biological information such as breathing rates is involuntarily generated—i.e., we exhibit it all the time, whether we mean to or not. If it becomes readable from a distance, it might redefine the terms of biological privacy.Real-World Limitations and ChallengesNotwithstanding the enthusiasm, the research is not without limitations. The population used was primarily healthy, young adults, and one can raise issues regarding the universality of the findings for children, the elderly, or people with respiratory illness. Also, wearing the device for 24 hours was daunting for some participants—especially while sleeping, when the nasal tubes fell out of position from time to time.And although there was a high degree of association between breathing patterns and subjects' self-rated state of anxiety, these tests were not clinically certified. Additional research is required to determine if respiratory prints can accurately identify diagnosed medical or psychological illnesses.We are headed toward an age when breath diagnostics could become a part of routine healthcare but as is the case with all great technologies, this development will need to be taken cautiously, respecting peoples' privacy and having ethical standards clear. As your lungs rhythmically fill and empty with air, they could be speaking your story in ways unimaginable to you.

your breathing pattern is 97% unique, just like a fingerprint, study finds

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Chronic diseases impact six in 10 American adults—amounting to nearly 130 million individuals—public health funding is more than a policy debate. It is a matter of life, longevity, and dignity. From autoimmune disorders to blood conditions like <span>sickle cell disease</span>, chronic illnesses don’t discriminate, but the effects of budget cuts just might. And women, particularly women of color, are poised to bear the brunt.

Chronic disease management relies on continued research, innovation, and the ability to translate scientific breakthroughs into accessible treatments. Yet, that progress hinges on adequate funding. According to a Minority Staff Report released on May 13, the Trump administration had already terminated $13.5 billion in health-related funding and dismissed thousands of workers responsible for America’s scientific infrastructure. Now, proposed fiscal budget reductions for 2026 may deepen the damage.

Among the most contentious measures is a 15% cap on indirect costs for federally funded research at universities. Institutions like those governed by the NIH, DOE, DOD, and NSF could lose billions in essential operational funding. These cuts would not only affect research in cancer and infectious diseases but also severely limit progress in chronic illness management, including diseases with heavy gender and racial disparities such as sickle cell disease.

"The 15% cap will drastically change grant-making for the healthcare community," warns Steven Taylor, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "We’re going to be going backwards in the research of many diseases."

While legal battles rage over cost caps, the broader budget outlook appears equally grim. The proposed FY2026 budget includes a 37% cut to the NIH, the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research. Coupled with a proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid and related programs, the implications for patients with chronic diseases are dire. Health disparities are expected to widen, particularly for Black women already navigating compounded risks.

<h2>Why Women With Chronic Conditions Are at Greater Risk?</h2>

In April, the CDC disbanded a crucial eight-person team that maintained contraception safety guidelines for patients with chronic illnesses. Known informally as the nation’s "contraception bible," this set of guidelines helped clinicians assess birth control safety for individuals with conditions like lupus, kidney disease, and notably, sickle cell disease.

The disbandment means doctors are left without updated, evidence-backed tools to make informed decisions about contraception for medically vulnerable populations. A woman in Michigan living with sickle cell disease expressed concern that her life is now endangered without these vital guidelines. And her fear is not unfounded.

According to the most recent CDC guidance, combined hormonal contraceptives pose an "unacceptable health risk" for people with sickle cell disease due to elevated blood clot risks. This marks a shift from earlier versions that viewed the benefits as outweighing the risks. The latest update also reclassified the Depo-Provera shot with higher risk and highlighted progestin-only pills and IUDs as safer alternatives.

<h2>Sickle Cell and the Disproportionate Burden on Black Women</h2>

At least 90% of Americans living with sickle cell disease are Black, and the maternal mortality rate for Black patients with the disease is a staggering 26 times higher than for their non-Black counterparts. When federal funding cuts target research and public health programs that cater to this community, the results can be devastating.

The intersectionality of race, gender, and chronic illness in this context highlights the urgency of protecting these programs. Reducing CDC and NIH resources not only curtails research but also removes critical guardrails meant to protect women from life-threatening reproductive complications.

<h2>Implications for Chronic Disease Communities</h2>

The implications extend beyond sickle cell. The CDC team was also responsible for reviewing contraception safety for those with a wide range of conditions, including HIV, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases. Without their expertise, clinicians across the country will operate with outdated or incomplete information, increasing the risk of complications and undermining patient trust.

Medical experts worry that continued cuts will halt the momentum achieved in areas like gene-editing therapies, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy. For patients, this could mean fewer treatment options, reduced quality of care, and ultimately, shortened lifespans.

There is still hope that not all is lost. Both NIH and <span>HHS</span> have appealed the cost-cap ruling, and advocacy groups are mobilizing to pressure legislators to reconsider the draconian cuts. Public awareness and civic engagement will be crucial in ensuring that health funding is restored or, at the very least, preserved.

Advocacy groups like the Arthritis Foundation and the American Hospital Association are encouraging constituents to contact their representatives and demand that health funding remain a national priority. Grassroots campaigns, coalition-building, and direct appeals to Congress will likely determine the final outcome of this debate.

As debates around federal spending continue, it’s vital not to lose sight of what’s at stake. Budget lines may be written in ink, but their effects are etched in the lives of real people—particularly women battling chronic illnesses. Stripping research and public health funding not only undermines scientific progress but also endangers the most vulnerable. Now more than ever, robust investment in <span>chronic disease research</span> must remain a cornerstone of public health policy.

health news

cdc budget cuts

sickle cell disease

women’s health crisis

chronic disease research

contraception guidelines cdc

rfk jr

Chronic diseases impact six in 10 American adults—amounting to nearly 130 million individuals—public health funding is more than a policy debate. It is a matter of life, longevity, and dignity. From autoimmune disorders to blood conditions like sickle cell disease, chronic illnesses don’t discriminate, but the effects of budget cuts just might. And women, particularly women of color, are poised to bear the brunt.Chronic disease management relies on continued research, innovation, and the ability to translate scientific breakthroughs into accessible treatments. Yet, that progress hinges on adequate funding. According to a Minority Staff Report released on May 13, the Trump administration had already terminated $13.5 billion in health-related funding and dismissed thousands of workers responsible for America’s scientific infrastructure. Now, proposed fiscal budget reductions for 2026 may deepen the damage.Among the most contentious measures is a 15% cap on indirect costs for federally funded research at universities. Institutions like those governed by the NIH, DOE, DOD, and NSF could lose billions in essential operational funding. These cuts would not only affect research in cancer and infectious diseases but also severely limit progress in chronic illness management, including diseases with heavy gender and racial disparities such as sickle cell disease."The 15% cap will drastically change grant-making for the healthcare community," warns Steven Taylor, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "We’re going to be going backwards in the research of many diseases."While legal battles rage over cost caps, the broader budget outlook appears equally grim. The proposed FY2026 budget includes a 37% cut to the NIH, the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research. Coupled with a proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid and related programs, the implications for patients with chronic diseases are dire. Health disparities are expected to widen, particularly for Black women already navigating compounded risks.Why Women With Chronic Conditions Are at Greater Risk?In April, the CDC disbanded a crucial eight-person team that maintained contraception safety guidelines for patients with chronic illnesses. Known informally as the nation’s "contraception bible," this set of guidelines helped clinicians assess birth control safety for individuals with conditions like lupus, kidney disease, and notably, sickle cell disease.The disbandment means doctors are left without updated, evidence-backed tools to make informed decisions about contraception for medically vulnerable populations. A woman in Michigan living with sickle cell disease expressed concern that her life is now endangered without these vital guidelines. And her fear is not unfounded.According to the most recent CDC guidance, combined hormonal contraceptives pose an "unacceptable health risk" for people with sickle cell disease due to elevated blood clot risks. This marks a shift from earlier versions that viewed the benefits as outweighing the risks. The latest update also reclassified the Depo-Provera shot with higher risk and highlighted progestin-only pills and IUDs as safer alternatives.Sickle Cell and the Disproportionate Burden on Black WomenAt least 90% of Americans living with sickle cell disease are Black, and the maternal mortality rate for Black patients with the disease is a staggering 26 times higher than for their non-Black counterparts. When federal funding cuts target research and public health programs that cater to this community, the results can be devastating.The intersectionality of race, gender, and chronic illness in this context highlights the urgency of protecting these programs. Reducing CDC and NIH resources not only curtails research but also removes critical guardrails meant to protect women from life-threatening reproductive complications.Implications for Chronic Disease CommunitiesThe implications extend beyond sickle cell. The CDC team was also responsible for reviewing contraception safety for those with a wide range of conditions, including HIV, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases. Without their expertise, clinicians across the country will operate with outdated or incomplete information, increasing the risk of complications and undermining patient trust.Medical experts worry that continued cuts will halt the momentum achieved in areas like gene-editing therapies, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy. For patients, this could mean fewer treatment options, reduced quality of care, and ultimately, shortened lifespans.There is still hope that not all is lost. Both NIH and HHS have appealed the cost-cap ruling, and advocacy groups are mobilizing to pressure legislators to reconsider the draconian cuts. Public awareness and civic engagement will be crucial in ensuring that health funding is restored or, at the very least, preserved.Advocacy groups like the Arthritis Foundation and the American Hospital Association are encouraging constituents to contact their representatives and demand that health funding remain a national priority. Grassroots campaigns, coalition-building, and direct appeals to Congress will likely determine the final outcome of this debate.As debates around federal spending continue, it’s vital not to lose sight of what’s at stake. Budget lines may be written in ink, but their effects are etched in the lives of real people—particularly women battling chronic illnesses. Stripping research and public health funding not only undermines scientific progress but also endangers the most vulnerable. Now more than ever, robust investment in chronic disease research must remain a cornerstone of public health policy.

cdc budget cuts may hit women with chronic diseases like sickle cell the hardest

Gas Station Heroin: What Is The Dangerous 'Cognitive Supplement' Experts Are Warning About?

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In recent months, a wave of concern has rippled through the U.S. public health community over a so-called “cognitive supplement” that’s been quietly—and dangerously slipping into the hands of consumers. Marketed with appealing names and colorful packaging, often sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and corner stores, these energy-boosting elixirs and mood enhancers are anything but benign. They contain tianeptine, an unapproved drug in the United States that’s quickly earning notoriety under the alarming nickname “gas station heroin.”

With a growing number of emergency calls, FDA warnings, and unregulated formulations circulating under the radar, tianeptine has become a chemical wildcard posing significant risks to public health while masquerading as an over-the-counter supplement.

Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant originally developed and approved for use in several European, Asian, and Latin American countries to treat conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety, and even irritable bowel syndrome. Despite these approved medical uses abroad, tianeptine has never received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any therapeutic purpose.

What’s particularly alarming is the way this compound is being sold in the U.S.—not as a regulated pharmaceutical, but as an unregulated cognitive enhancer or energy booster, available under brand names such as Zaza, Tianna, Pegasus, TD Red, and Neptune’s Fix. These products are packaged to resemble energy drinks or wellness shots, creating a false sense of safety for unsuspecting buyers.

<h2>How Tianeptine Is Slipping Through the Regulatory Cracks</h2>

Tianeptine’s entry into the U.S. market exploits a regulatory loophole. The FDA doesn’t preapprove ingredients used in supplements before they hit store shelves. As a result, many companies are selling tianeptine-based products under the guise of dietary supplements, despite explicit warnings from the FDA stating that tianeptine cannot legally be added to food, beverages, or supplements.

“It’s kind of this grey area of consumer products,” explains Dr. Diane Calello, medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System. “These products are not tested or regulated in the same way that medications are.”

This grey area is not without consequences. A recent study led by Calello documented a cluster of emergency cases in New Jersey, where individuals experienced symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, seizures, and low blood pressure after consuming a tianeptine-laced beverage called Neptune’s Fix. Of the 20 patients, more than half were admitted to intensive care units.

<h2>Why Are People Using <span rel="noindex">Gas Station Heroin</span>?</h2>

Tianeptine’s appeal lies in its opioid-like effects, even though it is not classified as an opioid. The drug interacts with mu-opioid receptors in the brain, producing short-term euphoria, pain relief, and mood elevation. These effects are similar to those of controlled narcotics like oxycodone—but without the same legal restrictions.

Some products claim, without clinical backing, that tianeptine can treat addiction, anxiety, depression, and even sexual dysfunction. In 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to the makers of Tianna, a supplement that claimed to offer a solution to opioid cravings—another red flag in a market already marred by misinformation.

But the pursuit of relief comes at a price. Many users increase their dosage over time, either to self-treat withdrawal symptoms or to chase a high. High doses can cause severe respiratory depression, the same life-threatening condition caused by opioid overdoses. And unlike regulated medications, there’s no standardization in these products, making them even more dangerous.

<h2>What are The Risks And Side Effects of Using Tianeptine?</h2>

Even in small doses, tianeptine is not without risk. Reported side effects include:

<ul><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Dizziness and drowsiness</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Abdominal discomfort</li><li>Bad dreams</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Dry mouth</li></ul>

However, when misused or taken in large amounts—especially in combination with substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants—tianeptine can lead to cardiac arrest, seizures, or even death.

Moreover, regular users may find themselves battling withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced during opioid withdrawal. These can include:

<ul><li>Agitation and anxiety</li><li>Muscle pain and sweating</li><li>Depression</li><li>Chills and trembling</li></ul>

Withdrawal begins quickly and can be intense, reinforcing the cycle of dependence.

The FDA and U.S. poison control centers have issued repeated alerts, cautioning the public and health professionals about the growing number of adverse events linked to tianeptine.

Last month, the FDA took a firmer stance, warning healthcare providers about “the magnitude of the underlying danger of these products.” Poison control centers across the country have seen a steady uptick in calls involving tianeptine-related overdoses, particularly among individuals with a history of substance use or mental health issues.

Despite these warnings, tianeptine remains accessible in many gas stations and smoke shops, often labeled misleadingly as a natural mood enhancer or energy booster. This underscores the need for stronger regulations and consumer awareness campaigns.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, or chronic pain, consult a licensed medical professional for FDA-approved treatments. There are safe and effective therapies available—including medications and cognitive behavioral therapy—that have been rigorously tested and regulated.

Avoid purchasing any so-called “cognitive supplements” or energy drinks from gas stations or smoke shops, especially those that are vaguely labeled or make unverified medical claims.

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose or withdrawal from tianeptine, contact emergency medical services immediately.

What’s marketed as a quick fix in a flashy bottle may actually be a dangerous and addictive drug. As the story of gas station heroin unfolds, it’s clear that consumers need to be vigilant, and regulators must act faster to protect public health.

tianeptine dangers

gas station heroin

tianeptine side effects

cognitive supplement risks

unapproved drugs usa

tianeptine overdose symptoms

fda tianeptine warning

In recent months, a wave of concern has rippled through the U.S. public health community over a so-called “cognitive supplement” that’s been quietly—and dangerously slipping into the hands of consumers. Marketed with appealing names and colorful packaging, often sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and corner stores, these energy-boosting elixirs and mood enhancers are anything but benign. They contain tianeptine, an unapproved drug in the United States that’s quickly earning notoriety under the alarming nickname “gas station heroin.”With a growing number of emergency calls, FDA warnings, and unregulated formulations circulating under the radar, tianeptine has become a chemical wildcard posing significant risks to public health while masquerading as an over-the-counter supplement.What Is Tianeptine?Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant originally developed and approved for use in several European, Asian, and Latin American countries to treat conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety, and even irritable bowel syndrome. Despite these approved medical uses abroad, tianeptine has never received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any therapeutic purpose.What’s particularly alarming is the way this compound is being sold in the U.S.—not as a regulated pharmaceutical, but as an unregulated cognitive enhancer or energy booster, available under brand names such as Zaza, Tianna, Pegasus, TD Red, and Neptune’s Fix. These products are packaged to resemble energy drinks or wellness shots, creating a false sense of safety for unsuspecting buyers.How Tianeptine Is Slipping Through the Regulatory CracksTianeptine’s entry into the U.S. market exploits a regulatory loophole. The FDA doesn’t preapprove ingredients used in supplements before they hit store shelves. As a result, many companies are selling tianeptine-based products under the guise of dietary supplements, despite explicit warnings from the FDA stating that tianeptine cannot legally be added to food, beverages, or supplements.“It’s kind of this grey area of consumer products,” explains Dr. Diane Calello, medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System. “These products are not tested or regulated in the same way that medications are.”This grey area is not without consequences. A recent study led by Calello documented a cluster of emergency cases in New Jersey, where individuals experienced symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, seizures, and low blood pressure after consuming a tianeptine-laced beverage called Neptune’s Fix. Of the 20 patients, more than half were admitted to intensive care units.Why Are People Using Gas Station Heroin?Tianeptine’s appeal lies in its opioid-like effects, even though it is not classified as an opioid. The drug interacts with mu-opioid receptors in the brain, producing short-term euphoria, pain relief, and mood elevation. These effects are similar to those of controlled narcotics like oxycodone—but without the same legal restrictions.Some products claim, without clinical backing, that tianeptine can treat addiction, anxiety, depression, and even sexual dysfunction. In 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to the makers of Tianna, a supplement that claimed to offer a solution to opioid cravings—another red flag in a market already marred by misinformation.But the pursuit of relief comes at a price. Many users increase their dosage over time, either to self-treat withdrawal symptoms or to chase a high. High doses can cause severe respiratory depression, the same life-threatening condition caused by opioid overdoses. And unlike regulated medications, there’s no standardization in these products, making them even more dangerous.What are The Risks And Side Effects of Using Tianeptine?Even in small doses, tianeptine is not without risk. Reported side effects include:Nausea and vomitingDizziness and drowsinessConstipationAbdominal discomfortBad dreamsHeadachesDry mouthHowever, when misused or taken in large amounts—especially in combination with substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants—tianeptine can lead to cardiac arrest, seizures, or even death.Moreover, regular users may find themselves battling withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced during opioid withdrawal. These can include:Agitation and anxietyMuscle pain and sweatingDepressionChills and tremblingWithdrawal begins quickly and can be intense, reinforcing the cycle of dependence.The FDA and U.S. poison control centers have issued repeated alerts, cautioning the public and health professionals about the growing number of adverse events linked to tianeptine.Last month, the FDA took a firmer stance, warning healthcare providers about “the magnitude of the underlying danger of these products.” Poison control centers across the country have seen a steady uptick in calls involving tianeptine-related overdoses, particularly among individuals with a history of substance use or mental health issues.Despite these warnings, tianeptine remains accessible in many gas stations and smoke shops, often labeled misleadingly as a natural mood enhancer or energy booster. This underscores the need for stronger regulations and consumer awareness campaigns.If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, or chronic pain, consult a licensed medical professional for FDA-approved treatments. There are safe and effective therapies available—including medications and cognitive behavioral therapy—that have been rigorously tested and regulated.Avoid purchasing any so-called “cognitive supplements” or energy drinks from gas stations or smoke shops, especially those that are vaguely labeled or make unverified medical claims.If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose or withdrawal from tianeptine, contact emergency medical services immediately.What’s marketed as a quick fix in a flashy bottle may actually be a dangerous and addictive drug. As the story of gas station heroin unfolds, it’s clear that consumers need to be vigilant, and regulators must act faster to protect public health.

gas station heroin: what is the dangerous 'cognitive supplement' experts are warning about?

Ishita Roy

Ending AIDS By 2030 Now Less Likely Due To U.S. Cuts, Says UNAIDS

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The global ambition to end <span>AIDS</span> as a public health threat by 2030 is now more uncertain than ever. <span>Winnie Byanyima</span>, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has warned that funding cuts introduced under former U.S. President <span>Donald Trump</span> will further derail progress on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg, South Africa, Byanyima described the situation as “already off track,” citing the latest data that showed 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2023.

South Africa, which has the highest number of people living with HIV—around 8 million—was the backdrop for Byanyima's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their discussion focused on how to sustain Africa’s HIV/AIDS response in light of major reductions in U.S. foreign aid, historically one of the region’s largest funding sources.

Byanyima expressed concern over the growing impact of the funding cuts, particularly on local health systems. “Less funding means we will get more and more off-track,” she said, noting that the exact consequences remain to be seen. However, early signs are troubling: several countries have reported a decline in the number of people visiting clinics.

Previously, prevention programmes supported by foreign aid—especially those funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—had helped bring down infection rates. But the rate of decline wasn’t fast enough, Byanyima explained. With reduced funding now shuttering community clinics across Africa, she warned that infection rates could begin to rise again, although exact projections are unclear.

The cuts have also created disruptions in the supply of critical antiretroviral drugs, which are essential for managing HIV. In some regions, countries are now at risk of running out of these life-saving treatments. South Africa, which relied on the United States for around 20% of its HIV budget, has already begun to experience the fallout. Testing and patient monitoring have seen a measurable decline.

Despite the challenging financial landscape, some low-income and heavily indebted countries are attempting to bridge the gap with their own limited resources. However, Byanyima emphasized that this approach is not sustainable and urged wealthier nations to step up.

Calling on global donors to renew their commitment, Byanyima argued that progress on HIV/AIDS is within reach—and that pulling back now would be a mistake. “This is one of the diseases without a cure, without a vaccine, yet we’re seeing progress,” she said. “If you’ve got a good success story, why drop it before you end it?”

Byanyima’s message was clear: while efforts have borne fruit, the world must not lose momentum. If the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 is to be achieved, urgent international cooperation and sustained investment will be critical.

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The global ambition to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is now more uncertain than ever. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has warned that funding cuts introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump will further derail progress on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg, South Africa, Byanyima described the situation as “already off track,” citing the latest data that showed 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2023.South Africa, which has the highest number of people living with HIV—around 8 million—was the backdrop for Byanyima's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their discussion focused on how to sustain Africa’s HIV/AIDS response in light of major reductions in U.S. foreign aid, historically one of the region’s largest funding sources.Ripple Effects Across AfricaByanyima expressed concern over the growing impact of the funding cuts, particularly on local health systems. “Less funding means we will get more and more off-track,” she said, noting that the exact consequences remain to be seen. However, early signs are troubling: several countries have reported a decline in the number of people visiting clinics.Previously, prevention programmes supported by foreign aid—especially those funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—had helped bring down infection rates. But the rate of decline wasn’t fast enough, Byanyima explained. With reduced funding now shuttering community clinics across Africa, she warned that infection rates could begin to rise again, although exact projections are unclear.Treatment Supply Under ThreatThe cuts have also created disruptions in the supply of critical antiretroviral drugs, which are essential for managing HIV. In some regions, countries are now at risk of running out of these life-saving treatments. South Africa, which relied on the United States for around 20% of its HIV budget, has already begun to experience the fallout. Testing and patient monitoring have seen a measurable decline.Despite the challenging financial landscape, some low-income and heavily indebted countries are attempting to bridge the gap with their own limited resources. However, Byanyima emphasized that this approach is not sustainable and urged wealthier nations to step up."Don’t Stop Now"Calling on global donors to renew their commitment, Byanyima argued that progress on HIV/AIDS is within reach—and that pulling back now would be a mistake. “This is one of the diseases without a cure, without a vaccine, yet we’re seeing progress,” she said. “If you’ve got a good success story, why drop it before you end it?”Byanyima’s message was clear: while efforts have borne fruit, the world must not lose momentum. If the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 is to be achieved, urgent international cooperation and sustained investment will be critical.

ending aids by 2030 now less likely due to u.s. cuts, says unaids

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