The Pentagon is reportedly requiring troops to meet waist-to-height requirements and exhibit “impeccable” grooming standards in order to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address later this month.

A new study reveals that certain common medications may significantly alter gut bacteria in ways that could impact overall health. Researchers found that these drugs, often prescribed for long-term use, can disrupt the balance of microbes in the digestive system, potentially influencing metabolism, immunity, and even mental health. The findings suggest that patients on long-term medication should be aware of these effects, though more work is needed to fully understand the implications. The study highlights a growing area of interest in how pharmaceuticals interact with the human microbiome.