Scientists Might've Just Cracked a New Clue About Infertility

Good morning.

Awards season is officially underway — and if you tuned in last night, the Golden Globes didn’t disappoint. Host Nikki Glaser didn’t shy away from calling out the network airing the show, nor from roasting Leonardo DiCaprio. Meanwhile, I’m feeling Supreme because Timmy snagged his first golden statue (and had this sweet moment with Kylie Jenner). Plus, my favorite podcast proved it’s not only a Good Hang, but can win big, too. And my top movie of 2025 also scored some hardware. No, I’m not talking about KPop Demon Hunters, though congratulations are also in order for the creators. Curious about the rest of the winners? Here’s a full list. If you’re like me, it’s just a reminder of how much you need to add to your watchlist. Now, let’s get to the news…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

Health

Scientists Might've Just Cracked a New Clue About Infertility

What's going on: The world loves to remind women that their biological clock is ticking. We’re born with a finite number of eggs, and over time, their quality can decline — increasing the risk of infertility or miscarriage for some people. But groundbreaking research shared last week is shedding new light on how to potentially improve egg quality. Scientists found that injecting a protein called Shugoshin into eggs could prevent chromosomes from separating too early, helping them stay connected and reducing age-related defects. The study has yet to be peer-reviewed, but researchers hope to launch a clinical trial as their next step.

What it means: If the scientists’ hunch is right, this could reshape in vitro fertilization (IVF) by targeting egg quality directly. The big question now: Will restoring protein levels improve egg health or just prevent it from further deteriorating? Researchers still face a long road ahead, but many are cautiously optimistic and say the findings reflect real progress. As the director of the Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center put it: “[This] won’t solve everybody’s problem … but we’re so much further than even 10 years ago.”

Related: Google’s AI Health Summaries Labeled “Dangerous” and “Alarming” (The Guardian)

The News in 5

🗞️ The Department of Justice subpoenaed the Federal Reserve, according to Chair Jerome Powell. And it’s got nothing to do with interest rates.

🗞️ President Donald Trump could be weighing options to strike Iran. It comes as activists report that a crackdown on protests has killed over 500 people in Iran, and Tehran warns it will retaliate against US intervention.

🗞️ Amid nationwide protests against ICE over the weekend, cell phone footage from the deadly Minneapolis shooting is raising new questions.

🗞️ As US-Cuba tensions escalate, could Secretary of State Marco Rubio be getting yet another job title?

🗞️ The Smithsonian debuted a new Trump portrait — and nixed a pretty significant detail.

Health

The Lab Results Your Doctor Didn't Ask For

What's going on: Not long ago, if you voluntarily gave someone your blood, you were likely either at the doctor’s or donating to the Red Cross (or you were Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton). Today, though, more people than ever send blood samples to wellness companies in exchange for a sprawling spreadsheet of personal data to obsess over. These tests can check for nearly anything, from general cholesterol levels and thyroid function to food sensitivities — though some are considered less reliable. And blood might just be the beginning: Some patients pay (a lot) for private companies to do genetic screening or full-body MRIs. Meanwhile, these tests are leaving doctors to unpack results they didn’t order.

What it means: The deluge of data can help people make healthier choices and find answers when they feel doctors aren’t hearing them. But these pricey tests can also cause confusion and anxiety, especially around false positives, and could lead to over-testing. If you’re curious about taking one of these tests, there are steps you can take to keep your medical provider in the loop. Consider consulting with your GP, especially if it’s beyond standard bloodwork. And do your own research on the tests that are offered — some of them may not be FDA approved. 

Related: This State Is Letting AI Prescribe Medications — a First for the US (Politico)

Lifestyle

Listen Up, It's All About the Ears

What's going on: Open Instagram or TikTok, and celebrities, athletes, and influencers are sticking more than cotton swabs into their ears. The latest wellness obsession? Ear seeds — a form of acupuncture rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for centuries (but without the needles). The trend, including Swarovski-studded versions, lands as health goes fully wearable, from LED face masks to pimple patches. Ear beads are traditionally made from Vaccaria plant seeds, but can also be metal. They’re placed on ear pressure points and may help ease symptoms all over the body. Some swear they’ve helped manage anxiety, stress, and even addiction. Others say they’ve scored a snatched jawline without a single syringe of Botox. We’re listening.

What it means: Just because your favorite wellness influencer loads up their ears doesn’t mean you should. Research on the benefits of ear seeds remains thin, and most studies focus on how it can help with addiction. If you’re still curious, make an appointment with an acupuncturist (some charge as little as $5 to apply them). You won’t want the at-home kit for your first experience — placing them incorrectly could lead to dizziness, infection, or skin irritation. And finally, start small. An acupuncturist told The New York Times that using more than five beads at once can actually make you feel worse.

Related: What Longevity Experts Say You Should Do Every Day (Forbes)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The Supreme Court is back in session today, with a slate of cases this week. On the docket: trans athletes’ participation in sports.

🗓️  It’s playoff season. The Houston Texans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

🗓️ Lizzie McGuire turns 25. In honor of the big day, here’s the theme song.

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

Know It All

The Grammys are bringing back this category after more than 50 years, and we already have a few winners in mind. What is it?