Browse evidence-based analysis of health-related claims and assertions
European nightjars don’t stay longer at rest stops just to take advantage of bright moonlit nights—they actually leave about a week after the full moon, following a set schedule instead of waiting for the best lighting conditions.
European nightjars stay up late hunting bugs, and they seem to do it more when the moon is bright—probably because the extra light helps them see their dinner better.
European nightjars seem to time their big migration flights with the moon — they all tend to take off together about 11 days after the full moon, like clockwork.
European nightjars stay up way longer and hunt more bugs on bright, moonlit nights than on dark ones — it’s like they’re using the moon as a nightlight to help them see their dinner.
Some night-active geckos might be less active when the moon is bright because they have bigger eyes that make them more sensitive to light — like how bright headlights can blind you at night. One gecko, Teratoscincus scincus, might act this way because of its large eyes.
This gecko moves way faster than its body can keep up with oxygen, so it has to sprint, stop, and catch its breath a lot while hunting for food.
When this type of gecko moves for a longer time, it takes a longer break afterward, but after a long break, its next move is shorter. It’s like the gecko has a built-in rhythm to pace itself, maybe to rest and recover.
This desert lizard actually moves around less when hunting at night if there's moonlight, even though most night hunters do better with some light — so this lizard seems to have its own unique way of dealing with light.
Lifting weights helps older people with type 2 diabetes get stronger, but it doesn’t really change their blood pressure or heart rate.
Lifting weights helps older adults with type 2 diabetes gain muscle and shrink their waistlines, but it doesn’t change their overall weight or body fat.
Lifting weights might help older people with type 2 diabetes lower their bad cholesterol and triglycerides, which could be good for their heart health.
Lifting weights might help older people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar a little bit in the short term.
Lifting weights might help older people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar over time — on average, their A1c went down by half a percent.
If inactive, overweight women who've gone through menopause do a mix of cardio and strength training for 6 months, they'll likely lose weight, drop body fat, and improve their blood sugar levels.
In women who are postmenopausal, not very active, and carry extra weight, having more muscle doesn’t always mean better blood sugar control — sometimes those with bigger muscles actually have worse insulin resistance.
In women who are overweight or obese after menopause, gaining muscle from exercise without cutting calories might actually make the body worse at handling blood sugar — so more muscle doesn’t always mean better health in this group.
If overweight guys in their mid-30s do a short but intense weight training routine three times a week for six weeks, they can boost their leg strength by nearly 27%—showing you don’t need long workouts to get stronger fast.
Doing quick strength workouts just once per exercise, three times a week for six weeks, can noticeably build leg muscle—even if you don’t do a lot of sets—especially in overweight men in their mid-30s.
Doing short, intense strength workouts just three times a week for six weeks can boost how well your body uses insulin—by about 16%—in overweight men in their mid-30s.
Just building more muscle through weight training doesn’t always help your body manage blood sugar better — something else besides muscle size might be responsible for the health perks.
Lifting weights regularly might help your body use insulin better, which can be good for your overall health.
Lifting weights can help your body handle sugar better, making your blood sugar levels more stable after meals.
Lifting weights helps adults gain muscle — studies show it consistently leads to modest muscle growth when done regularly.
The moon's light changes how much food night-migrating birds can find, which affects their energy levels during travel.