Health Highlights: Jan. 31, 2022

Scientists say new ‘stealth’ Omicron variant poses little threat.The variant, called BA.2, doesn’t appear to cause more severe disease and vaccines are just as effective against it as they are against the original Omicron variant (BA.1), experts say. Read more

Driving while high and drunk is worse than either alone. An analysis of 57 past studies found that having both forms of intoxication compromised people’s driving skills to a much greater degree. Read more

Could everyday plastics help make you fat? Norwegian researchers contend that chemicals in common plastic products like water bottles or food packaging may put you at risk for piling on the pounds. Read more