Type 2 diabetes is surging in children, now making up 24% to 45% of youth diabetes cases – up from just 1% to 2% before the mid-1990s. While obesity remains the top risk factor, new research shows early-life environments also play a powerful role. Analyzing data on more than 174,000 children nationwide, including 50,000 under age 5, the study shows that factors like poor neighborhood walkability, food insecurity, caregiver health, and exposure to processed foods through assistance programs were strongly linked to diabetes risk.

Researchers at Brown University found that AI chatbots routinely violate core mental health ethics standards, underscoring the need for legal standards and oversight as use of these tools increases.