February 10, 2026

Care

Not All Brain Games Are Created Equal 

What’s going on: That quick brain game you play with your morning coffee promises to keep you sharp. One type may actually help your brain age better. A new study, funded by the US National Institutes of Health, found one speed-training game lowered the risk of dementia by 25%, with benefits that lasted up to 20 years. Here’s how it worked: Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 adults ages 65 and older. Each played a reaction-based game, processing information quickly and noticing details in their peripheral vision, with the pace picking up after each correct answer. That escalating challenge appeared to make the difference. A neurologist who analyzed the data called the results “astonishing.”

What it means: If you’re worried this means hours of effort, it doesn’t. The benefit showed up with short, consistent training. That matters, especially since women face nearly twice the risk of Alzheimer’s and often bear more caregiving and household responsibilities as they age. But not all brain games count. Researchers didn’t find similar benefits from memory games, reasoning puzzles, or casual apps meant to entertain (sorry, Wordle). And dementia remains complex, with no single fix. Experts say this kind of speed training should complement — not replace — regular movement, heart and blood-pressure health, and strong social connection. Still, if you’re curious, a free version of the game is available online. We couldn’t help ourselves (and were humbled). And yes, we also already sent it to our parents.

Related: Let It Steep — Your Caffeine Habit May Be Protecting Your Brain (NBC News)

The News in 5

🗞️ After weeks of anticipation over her testimony, Ghislaine Maxwell gave lawmakers the same answer for every single question about Jeffrey Epstein.

🗞️ Cuba’s latest decision probably won’t do much to ease tensions with the US — and it’s already disrupting global air travel.

🗞️ The FDA accused Novo Nordisk of “false or misleading” claims in its ad for the new Wegovy pill.

🗞️ Prince William and Kate Middleton released their first statement about ex-Prince Andrew’s involvement with Epstein. They clearly chose their words carefully.

🗞️ Bad Bunny deleted all of his Instagram posts after his halftime show. Is Benito sending another message?

Health

Texas Has New Abortion Care Guidance — but Does It Go Far Enough?

What's going on: It’s been five years since Texas passed a near-total abortion ban. Since then, sepsis rates increased by 50% among women miscarrying in their second trimester, more patients needed blood transfusions during miscarriages, and at least four women died as a result of delayed or denied reproductive care. Now, ProPublica reports that doctors in the state have received long-awaited guidance (tied to this updated law) on when they can end a pregnancy without risking legal punishment. The Texas Medical Board’s new training materials outline nine different medical emergencies — some of which have previously escalated to life-threatening complications. It instructs doctors to intervene earlier rather than wait until a patient’s condition becomes critical. However, the material leaves out many other possibilities, including what to do when a patient has a chronic illness like diabetes.

What it means: The gray area remains gray. Medical and legal experts say they appreciate the board’s effort, but many believe it falls short. As one doctor put it, “They’re taking years of medical training and experience on how to manage these cases and summarizing it in 43 slides.” Not everyone is convinced the guidelines lower doctors’ risks of prosecution, either. They still face up to 99 years in prison, $100,000 in fines, and the loss of their medical license if a court rules against them. Even the stress of being stuck in legal proceedings for years could leave some doctors second-guessing their medical judgment. For now, any physician who wants to practice obstetrics or emergency medicine in Texas must complete the training by 2027 to keep or renew their license.

Related: Texas Sued a Delaware Nurse Practitioner for Sending Abortion Pills (The Guardian)

Work

When the Job Hunt Goes Pay-To-Play

What's going on: The job market is so bad right now that some people are spending hundreds on “reverse recruiting.” For years, recruiters were on the offense — scouring LinkedIn for top talent on behalf of companies. Now, some white-collar hopefuls are paying recruiters to find them a job. The tables have never turned this hard. What that money buys varies. Some recruiters apply to jobs for you. Others offer career coaching or rewrite resumes. One man who used a reverse recruiter called the experience “refreshing,” though it came with a price: He handed over 20% of his first month’s salary after scoring the job. Call it a finder’s fee.

What it means: The rise of reverse recruiting underscores how stacked the job market feels, no matter your career stage. As of late 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more unemployed people than open roles. Add steady headlines about mass layoffs, and confidence takes another hit. Isn’t that comforting? That pressure pushes job hunters to get creative. While reverse recruiting remains far from mainstream, some experts are already raising concerns over data privacy. Some bigger questions also linger: Who can afford to play along, and who gets priced out before the game even starts?

Related: This Is How Far Some People Will Go for a Job (Slate)

Quick Hits

🤖 The internet has a new favorite way to insult people. This one can cut deep.

🥬 You’ve been throwing away the healthiest part of this vegetable. Gut health experts want you to stop.

🧺 The eight things you should never wash in cold water. Loads to unpack.

🍴 Allow us to introduce “boy kibble” dinners, the food trend that proves men will do literally anything to avoid learning how to cook.

👕 One simple accessory upgrade could change your entire look. Pull it together, you probably own one. 

💬 Shrinking star Jessica Williams lived out our millennial dream with this season’s cameos — and told us all about it. Our after-school rerun heart is full.

📈 Your brain and heart aren’t the only things affected by high-stress days — so is this surprising body part.*

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The US and Canadian women’s hockey teams face off at 2:10 pm ET, and boy, do they have some bad blood.

🗓️ Skimm+ Event: How to Say What You Mean — And Be Understood at 7 pm ET.

🗓️ National Cream Cheese Brownie Day. We’re already thinking about the leftover batter.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

This clothing brand once outfitted the first American to climb Mount Everest. Now, it's filing for bankruptcy for the third time.

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.