Garlic as a mosquito repellent? Here's what the science says.
It sounds plausible that garlic — a plant known for its pungent odor — would repel mosquitoes.
Eating garlic, for instance, might seem like an easy way to ward off the pesky insects. 'But it doesn't quite do what you would think garlic would do, with it being so smelly,' said Daniel Markowski, a technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
14 minutes ago
- Fox News
'Old people smell' is real, experts say — here's how to avoid it as you age
Many people have posted on social media about the so-called "old people smell," described as a faintly musty or greasy scent sometimes associated with older adults. This phenomenon is more science than stigma, experts say. "I think we all know this smell," Dr. Dan Wesson, professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital. "Some describe it as dusty, like an old book. Others as oily or greasy. None of these, of course, are flattering descriptions, and that's why this isn't the kind of smell you want to label a person with," he noted. The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it makes sense that it will undergo significant changes as the body ages, according to Wesson. For most of our lives, body odor stems from sweat, bacteria and dead skin, which can be addressed with basic hygiene. But with aging, changes in skin composition and oil production make smells more complex, the expert noted. "Skin cells accumulate damage over time," he said — and those damaged cells can release compounds that contribute to odor. A key culprit is 2-nonenal, a compound that emerges from lipid oxidation, which is the process of fats in the cells breaking down due to imbalances in the body, studies show. This compound is unique to aging skin and has a greasy, cardboard-like odor. 2-nonenal is not easily washed off with regular hygiene practices, "by nature of its fatty composition," Wesson said. "This is why managing this body odor requires more complex solutions," he said. Wesson suggests taking a more holistic approach by eating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated and using antioxidant skincare. Some medications — including those for high cholesterol, ADHD or depression — could also impact the body's metabolism and how much it sweats, contributing to odor, according to Wesson. Hormones can also influence how people smell. Post-menopausal women often experience changes in skin and scent due to declining estrogen levels, studies show. "Hormone replacement therapy can ward off some changes that may alter body odor – though [HRT] is not without risks and should be discussed carefully with your doctor," Wesson said. Not all odor changes are normal, experts warn. "A sudden change in body odor can be a warning sign of an underlying health issue," Wesson warned. Diseases like cancer and dementia, for example, can alter body chemistry and scent. "If your loved ones report a sudden change, you should consult your doctor," Wesson advised. Some people may worry about how they smell even when others wouldn't notice. That concern could stem from parosmia, a distorted sense of smell, or olfactory hallucinations, where unpleasant smells are imagined. "People can perceive odors that aren't there at all," Wesson said. "It's important to consider whether it's a real odor or just a change in perception." For more Health articles, visit By understanding the biology behind age-related odor and taking a proactive approach to health and skincare, this condition can be managed, experts say.
Associated Press
22 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Unique Wellness Brings NASA Technology to Senior Care with Its Advanced Briefs
Wellness Briefs, Pull-Ups, and Underpads deliver industry-defining absorbency, comfort, and dignity through engineered InconTek® technology BROOKLYN, NY, UNITED STATES, July 7, 2025 / / -- When astronauts travel to space, even the most basic bodily functions require innovative solutions. NASA's answer to managing hygiene during long missions was the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG)—a high-capacity, multi-layered brief designed to keep astronauts dry and safe during spacewalks. Now, that same engineering excellence is helping transform incontinence care for millions of older adults through Unique Wellness, a U.S.-based healthcare brand committed to bringing space-age innovation to everyday life. At the core of Unique Wellness' award-winning product line—Wellness Briefs, Pull-Ups, and Underpads—is its proprietary InconTek® technology, inspired by the MAGs and used by NASA. This multi-layered core system is designed to absorb up to 87 ounces of liquid, reducing leaks, preventing skin breakdown, and significantly lowering the number of daily changes required. With this innovation, Unique Wellness is redefining what it means to provide effective, dignified incontinence care. As the global elderly population continues to rise and more than 25 million Americans live with incontinence, the demand for premium hygiene products has grown rapidly. For seniors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, Unique Wellness offers a solution that combines performance with compassion. Wellness Briefs: Designed with maximum absorbency in mind, these briefs minimize overnight changes, eliminate common issues such as leakage and foul odor and are suitable for both mobile and bedridden users. Wellness Briefs feature a 3-per-day change system to reduce up to 70 percent in product use over regular brands, which also saves a lot of time, cost, and laundry. Wellness Pull-Ups: These provide the same advanced absorption in a more flexible, underwear-style design. For active seniors seeking discretion, comfort, and mobility, Wellness Pull-Ups are the perfect option. Whether running errands or relaxing at home, users experience the confidence of leak-free protection. Wellness Underpads: Meant to be used on beds, chairs, and wheelchairs, these protective pads provide another level of protection. Their absorbent core and soft, breathable materials help maintain cleanliness and skin health in both clinical and home settings. Wellness Brief® Softistico™ Pack: The latest in the Unique Wellness offering of incontinence care range, the Softistico ™ Pack is a luxury solution, elevating comfort and performance. The Softistico ™ is developed with extra-soft, breathable materials, facilitating all-day wear to deliver maximum comfort for sensitive skin. It is also the first-ever breathable adult diaper with secure tape tabs (not Velcro) and a resealable landing zone, allowing for easy adjustments and a custom fit. Conventional incontinence products often require 6-8 changes daily, resulting in caregiver burnout, higher expenses, and user discomfort. InconTek® changes the equation. Its layered core system draws liquid away from the skin and traps it deep inside the brief, keeping users dry for up to 8 hours. This innovation not only boosts comfort but also supports skin integrity by reducing exposure to moisture and bacteria. Combined with advanced odor control, the technology ensures users remain comfortable, confident, and dignified throughout the day and night. Whether in a hospital, long-term care facility, or private home, Wellness products provide a dependable, high-performance solution that prioritizes both user health and caregiver efficiency. Unique Wellness designs its products with both clinical professionals and family caregivers in mind. Reduced changes mean fewer interruptions, better sleep, and more time for care. 'The only product that lets my dad sleep through the night without interruption.' — Caregiver, Illinois 'I've tried many brands. Nothing compares to the absorbency and comfort of Wellness Briefs.' — Home Healthcare Nurse Key Benefits: Sustainability: Fewer changes = less waste and lower environmental impact. Skin Health: Dermatologically tested and breathable materials reduce rashes and pressure sores. Cost Efficiency: Fewer changes result in reduced monthly product usage and caregiving time. Odor Control: Built-in odor-neutralizing layer ensures long-lasting freshness. Caregiver Relief: Simplifies routines and reduces the physical and emotional toll of caregiving. About Unique Wellness Unique Wellness is a leading name in adult incontinence products, dedicated to enhancing lives through scientifically advanced, medically inspired solutions. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the company has built a reputation for reliability, compassion, and innovation. All Wellness products are developed with user dignity in mind and are trusted by healthcare providers, caregivers, and families nationwide. With its NASA-derived technology, Unique Wellness is proving that space innovation can solve Earth-bound problems—one brief at a time. About Unique Wellness Unique Wellness is a leading name in adult incontinence products, dedicated to enhancing lives through scientifically advanced, medically inspired solutions. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the company has built a reputation for reliability, compassion, and innovation. All Wellness products are developed with user dignity in mind and are trusted by healthcare providers, caregivers, and families nationwide. With its NASA-derived technology, Unique Wellness is proving that space innovation can solve Earth-bound problems—one brief at a time. Anurag Srivastava EBIZON CRAYON INC email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
30 minutes ago
- Associated Press
CCHR Warns Troubled Teen Camps Must Be Banned as Deaths Spur Closures
- Despite closures since 2019, CCHR says the troubled teen industry still endangers kids' lives, and tougher bans and oversight of both facilities and the youth transport system are needed to ensure no child dies for profit - LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Despite dozens of closures of abusive 'troubled teen' programs in behavioral and psychiatric centers, including wilderness camps in recent years, a leading mental health industry watchdog warns that children's lives remain at risk unless stronger laws ban the worst offenders and the secretive youth transport practices that feed them. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR), a nonprofit mental health industry watchdog, says that while public outrage and media exposure have forced some notorious facilities to close, the underlying problems that enable these abusive programs still persist—and more children will die if lawmakers do not act. Two teen suicides occurred last month in a North Carolina behavioral facility, forcing its closure.[1] 'These so-called 'therapy' camps have a disturbing history of traumatizing vulnerable young people while charging desperate families tens of thousands of dollars,' said Jan Eastgate, international president of CCHR. 'When a child dies in these programs, that should be the last death. We need permanent bans—not just temporary closures.' Wilderness therapy camps, residential treatment centers, and other 'troubled teen' programs often market themselves as life-saving alternatives for youth struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges. But critics say that behind the glossy brochures is an industry built on secrecy, harsh discipline, and abusive staff. 'Many of the methods used in these camps would violate the Geneva Convention if applied to prisoners of war,' wrote journalist Maia Szalavitz in Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids.[2] Her book, along with years of survivor accounts and investigations, has shown how children are subjected to extreme isolation, physical restraints, humiliation, and medical neglect. Other recent closures have been prompted by tragic deaths, including a 12-year-old boy who died within 24 hours of admission to a wilderness program in North Carolina after being restrained. Numerous youth facilities and wilderness camps across the U.S. have faced criminal charges, lawsuits, and license revocations following deaths, suicides, or widespread abuse. Many charged fees ranging from $30,000 to more than $100,000 per child per year.[3] State audits have exposed repeated failures. A 2022 Salt Lake Tribune investigation in Utah—long known as a hub for these programs—found thousands of inspection reports detailing rampant abuse, sedation, and neglect even after an oversight law was passed in 2021.[4] Utah Senator Mike McKell, who spearheaded the law admitted the state had been 'learning the hard way,' that this was inadequate, citing at least seven preventable deaths since 2021. He led the amendment to the law this year, creating a children's ombudsman and new whistleblower protections.[5] In Maryland, legislators led by Delegate Vaughn Stewart passed the Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act this year to curb some of the worst practices, including the forcible removal of children from their homes at night by 'secure youth transport' companies. The law prohibits dangerous restraint use by these companies. This often-unregulated youth transport industry has been described by journalists as 'authorized kidnapping,' with children handcuffed or restrained as they are shuttled to remote facilities far from home. Survivors, including prominent advocates, Paris Hilton, attorneys and CCHR, say this practice can leave children deeply traumatized before they even reach a program.[6] CCHR points to a deeper issue fueling the troubled teen industry's survival: the widespread psychiatrizing of normal childhood and adolescent behavior. 'Too many of these kids are labeled with vague or unscientific mental health diagnoses simply for acting like teenagers,' said Eastgate. 'This creates a pipeline to often harmful treatments—and big profits.' Psychiatrist Allen Frances, who chaired the task force that revised the fourth edition of the ' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM), famously admitted that the expansion of psychiatric labels has been excessive. ADHD diagnoses alone have tripled over the past two decades. 'Human nature just doesn't change that quickly,' Frances said. 'Our kids haven't suddenly become sicker; it's just that diagnoses are applied to them more loosely.' This diagnostic inflation has proven lucrative. In the U.S., the troubled teen segment alone is estimated to be worth $50 billion.[7] Between 2017 and 2021, total medical spending for pediatric mental health conditions jumped by over 45%, with these conditions now making up nearly half of all pediatric medical spending—around $31 billion in direct child costs and $59 billion in related household expenses.[8] CCHR says that while some private equity firms are quietly exiting the troubled teen market amid mounting lawsuits and bad press, the industry continues to operate largely in the shadows—propped up by misleading advertising, false diagnoses, and an unregulated transport network. 'Every state must investigate these programs thoroughly, shut down any that endanger children's lives, and permanently ban the worst practices,' said Eastgate. The watchdog says that true reform must hold facilities accountable for abuse and deaths, end the use of psychiatric labels to funnel youth into profit-driven programs, and shut down the loopholes that allow dangerous operators to rebrand and reopen under new names. 'The recent closures show that change is possible when families, survivors, the media, and lawmakers work together,' said Eastgate. 'But as long as one child can still be abused or die in these behavioral-psychiatric camps, this fight isn't over. No child's life should ever be gambled away for profit.' CCHR is a nonprofit mental health watchdog established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Thomas Szasz. It has helped enact more than 190 reforms worldwide to protect individuals from abusive or coercive psychiatric practices. To learn more, visit: Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: CCHR says while public outrage and media exposure have forced some notorious facilities to close, the underlying problems that enable these abusive programs still persist – and more children will die if lawmakers do not act. NEWS SOURCE: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Keywords: General Editorial, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, CCHR International, Troubled Teen Industry, Wilderness Camps, Jan Eastgate, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Citizens Commission on Human Rights) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P127454 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
