Mysterious Fog: As the United States, Canada and UK welcomes the new year, they seemed to have welcomed a mysterious dense fog too. Those who have posted about it say it has a "burning chemical-like smell". This heavy fog has cloaked parts of the US, and people believe that it is making them sick.

What the fog "Feels" like?

The mysterious fog was reported after many took to TikTok to share what is happening in their neighbourhood and how the fog is affecting them. David Bamber, 41, who posted about it on TikTok said, "The taste of the air, the only word I can think of is toxic. It’s super weird and it’s kind of worrying me a little bit." He said it feels like "chemicals going down" his throat whenever he breathes.

Another TikTok user named Rusky said that he was feeling tired, and had a sore throat and cough. He thinks it is a direct result of the fog. Another resident, told the Daily Mail, that she was out at the gas station and "Within about an hour, I kept sneezing over and over for three hours, and my eyes were really puffy". She said her body felt warm and she felt like she had a fever, and her stomach too was cramping.

Another TikTok user Holly Meyer Lucas said that he has been sick and his eyes have been "an absolute painful disasters" for almost two weeks.

From all the accounts, it could be said that the fog hit Florida the worst, as these accounts are from fellow Floridian. However, other regions where the fog has been reported are Texas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.

What is the fog sickness?

Experts believe that this may be fog, coupled with viruses which have surged during the winters. Furthermore, the tiny water droplets, made from trapping absorbed pollutants smells in the air. The added moisture can enhance the smell.

Is it harmful? Why is there a smell?

Professor Rudolf Hussar, an atmospheric scientist at Washington University, writes in his article NASA Earth Observatory: "When fog forms, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other polluting gases are taken up or ‘scavenged’ by fog water droplets. What’s more, smells become more potent in humid air because the water droplets trap the odor-causing molecules and allow them to linger for longer and remain concentrated." This is the reason why the fog may look grainy, as is shared by some of the TikTok users.

In terms of causing harm, moisture is capable of irritating the respiratory system by introducing water to the lungs. This can then trigger symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, congestion, and wheezing. People who have asthma are more at risk.

Last year too, near January, a thick dense fog covered the skies of the US and parts of the mid-Atlantic, leaving over 70 million under fog alerts. This is also one of the leading reasons that made the dehumidifier market worth $1 billion in America, last time.

Is it fog? Is it something else?

There are conspiracy theories that claim that it may be a chemical weapon and has been compared to Operation Sea Spray experiment from 1950. This experiment involved releasing bacteria into the air two miles off San Francisco to assess the vulnerability of major cities to biowarfare attacks. It resulted in 11 people being hospitalized with severe urinary tract infections, one of whom passed away.

Baby Formula Recall: ByHeart, a next-generation infant nutrition company, has voluntarily recalled certain batches of its powdered baby formula after federal health officials linked the product to an outbreak of infant botulism. In separate statements released on November 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula had been pulled from circulation.

According to the CDC, 13 cases of infant botulism have been reported across 10 U.S. states and traced to the affected batches. The FDA stated that the recalled formula was sold nationwide and online. The agency clarified that the recall involves less than 1% of all formula sold in the country and will not impact overall supply or cause shortages.

Botulism in Babies: What Is Infant Botulism?

Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition that can cause progressive paralysis in babies younger than one year old. While it shares similarities with botulism in older children and adults, its development and progression differ significantly.

Unlike adult cases, infant botulism usually develops gradually, with symptoms that worsen over time. Because of this slow onset, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in spotting early warning signs and seeking immediate medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications.

Baby Formula Recall: What Are Botulism Symptoms Parents Need to Watch Out For?

Infant botulism can lead to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis, and often requires weeks of hospital care, as noted by the CDC. While the condition can be fatal, treatments are available. Authorities confirmed that no deaths have been reported in connection with the current outbreak.

Common symptoms of infant botulism include:

• Choking or difficulty while feeding
• Constipation
• Weak sucking reflex or poor feeding
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
• Lack of facial expression or inability to hold up the head
• Weak or low-pitched crying
• Muscle weakness, especially in the upper body and limbs, causing a “floppy” feel
• Irregular bowel movements or going several days without a bowel movement

Because babies cannot communicate what they feel, parents and caregivers must stay alert for these subtle signs and act quickly if anything seems unusual.

Baby Formula Recall: What Causes Infant Botulism?

Infant botulism occurs when a baby consumes food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a type of bacteria that produces toxins in the digestive system. Once the toxin enters the bloodstream, it can interfere with nerve signals, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Officials from the FDA and CDC have stated that they are testing leftover formula samples to determine the source of contamination. Following their investigation, ByHeart agreed to recall two specific lots of the formula that may be linked to the cases under review.

ByHeart: What Products Are Being Recalled?

According to USA Today, the following lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula have been recalled:

• Lot 206VABP/251261P2 – Use by December 1, 2026
• Lot 206VABP/251131P2 – Use by December 1, 2026

The company said these batches were produced on April 23 and May 6 and distributed mainly in July and August. ByHeart has urged customers who purchased the recalled cans to dispose of them immediately. The company is offering free replacements for all affected products.

The air quality in many Indian cities has reached worrying levels, with thick smog and high pollutant concentrations now a part of daily life. In Delhi, the situation has turned severe, with air quality dipping to its lowest point of the season. A dense layer of smog has settled over the city, and temperatures have fallen well below the usual range.

While toxic air is dangerous for everyone, it poses an even greater threat to vulnerable groups, one of them being pregnant women. So, how exactly does pollution affect them? To understand this better, we spoke with Dr. Ashish Saini, Consultant Endocrinologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida, and Sonia Mehta, Nutritionist and Founder of EverBloom, who explained the impact in detail.

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How Does Air Pollution Affect Pregnancy?

Air pollution can directly affect both the mother and her developing baby. According to ScienceDirect, pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide enter the lungs and pass into the bloodstream when inhaled. Once in the blood, these harmful particles can reach the placenta—the organ responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

This exposure may reduce the amount of oxygen available to the foetus and trigger inflammation in the mother’s body, disrupting normal placental function. Over time, such changes can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications like restricted foetal growth and high blood pressure.

Air Pollution and Pregnancy: Can It Lead to Gestational Diabetes?

Growing research points to a strong link between long-term exposure to polluted air and metabolic problems such as gestational diabetes. Pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, commonly found in city smog, can cause oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and chronic inflammation—all of which can interfere with insulin sensitivity.

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Dr. Ashish Saini explained, “These physiological changes can make expectant mothers more prone to glucose intolerance. For those already diagnosed with gestational diabetes, continuous exposure to polluted air may lead to unstable blood sugar levels and raise complications for both mother and baby. As pollution worsens in the winter months, it becomes vital to stay cautious and take preventive measures.”

Why Are Pregnant Women More Vulnerable To Air Pollution?

Polluted air is often described as a silent hazard for women’s health, and pregnancy makes women especially sensitive to its effects. For expecting mothers managing gestational diabetes, breathing in polluted air can worsen oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disruption. This can increase the chances of high blood pressure, early delivery, and other health risks for both mother and child.

Nutritionist Sonia Mehta highlighted the importance of nutrition as a protective factor: “A balanced diet can help reduce these risks. Expectant mothers should include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and E, add walnuts or flaxseeds for omega-3, opt for whole grains such as oats or brown rice, and include dal, paneer, or eggs for protein.” These nutrients help fight inflammation and support healthy insulin activity.

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Precaution Steps for Expecting Mothers During Air Pollution

On days when smog levels are high, it is best to stay indoors, use a good air purifier, and opt for light exercises such as prenatal yoga or simple stretches on the balcony instead of outdoor walks. Small, everyday decisions can go a long way in protecting both mother and baby from the silent harm caused by polluted air, as per Sonia Mehta.

Dr. Saini recommends limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, ensuring proper ventilation at home, and using well-fitted masks. A diet rich in antioxidants, safe indoor physical activity, staying hydrated, and regular glucose monitoring under medical guidance can further strengthen metabolic health.

Air quality awareness should be an essential part of prenatal care. Taking these steps not only safeguards maternal health today but also shapes a healthier future for the next generation.

A new study published in the Lancet says that feeling sick after eating foods with gluten often has nothing to do with gluten itself. Instead, it’s about a complicated communication problem between your gut and your brain.

Over the years we have seen many people avoiding gluten. According to NYU Langone Health, one-third American avoid gluten due to health concerns, but is gluten really such a big cause of concern for health?

This condition, called Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), affects many people around the world, and these new findings will completely change how doctors understand and treat it.

The researchers from the University of Melbourne looked at lots of previous studies to figure out why people who don't have Celiac disease still feel bad after eating gluten. Common complaints are feeling bloated, having stomach pain, or feeling tired. The lead researcher says these results challenge the old ideas we had about what causes the sensitivity.

Is Gluten The Culprit Behind Bread Bloating?

The research reveals that it is not due to gluten. The study found that for most people who think they are gluten sensitive, their symptoms are actually being caused by two main things:

FODMAPs (Fermentable Carbohydrates)

These are types of carbohydrates found in many foods, including wheat, that are hard for some people to digest. They ferment in the gut and cause gas and bloating. The study found that these are often the real cause of discomfort, not the gluten part of the wheat.

Psychological Reasons

Researchers found that people’s symptoms were often triggered by what they expected to feel after eating the food. In many tests, people who thought they were reacting to gluten felt just as sick when they were secretly given a placebo, which is a fake, gluten-free substance, as when they were given real gluten. This shows that your brain's expectation plays a huge role.

Is Bread Bloating Only Due to Gluten Sensitivity?

The researchers concluded that we should stop thinking of NCGS as a problem with gluten and start seeing it as a communication breakdown between the gut and the brain. Because the symptoms are so similar, they say NCGS is more like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is a condition where the gut and brain don't communicate properly.

When people who have IBS and think they are sensitive to gluten eat gluten, wheat, or a placebo, they often react the same way to all three. This strongly suggests that how a person anticipates and processes sensations in their gut is heavily influencing their symptoms. This new view will help doctors stop focusing only on gluten and start treating the underlying communication problem.

Doctors now have better information to help patients. Experts say this new knowledge is essential for making better diagnoses and creating personalized treatment plans for each patient.

The study strongly suggests that public messages should stop telling people that gluten is automatically bad for their gut, because the research shows that is often not true. We need to change the public message about gluten.

The researchers suggest that effective treatment for people with NCGS should include not only changing their diet but also psychological support to manage their gut-brain interaction.

It’s also important to make sure people are still getting all the nutrients they need. The authors also want to see better testing tools, stronger guidelines for doctors, more funding for research, and clearer food labels.