Some estimates claim that Californian drivers kill up to 100,000 deer every year. New research suggests that the number of deer killed could even be higher without wild cats.
Scientists found in a report published in Current Biology on Wednesday that there is a 67% reduction in the likelihood of an automobile colliding with a deer in regions where mountain lions are present.
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Researchers explain the phenomenon by stating that lions hunt better at the forest edge, which is where the trees and the road meet. Deer will move to more distant habitats in order to avoid predators lurking at these locations.
Mark Elbroch is an ecologist for Panthera, and the study’s author. He said, “When we discuss pumas, often we focus on their risks.” We rarely consider how they can benefit us. “Living alongside large carnivores doesn’t just mean protecting wildlife. It’s also about the benefits they provide us on a daily basis.”
Researchers collected camera trap data on about 500 locations and GPS collar data for 60 pumas in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to investigate the effects of lions, also known as cougars, panthers and pumas, on the behavior and movement patterns of deer.
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According to the study, cougars caused deer to be more active at night and 86% of them were likely more inclined than usual towards areas that are away from roads and development. Researchers found that these changes led to a 67% drop in collision likelihood and 76% in total collisions expected over a 5-year period. Suraci expects the same results in other puma habitats, despite these Washington findings.
California has made some attempts to improve the roads in order to better protect wildlife as well as drivers. The California Endangered Species Act recently designated pumas as threatened. They are at risk from roads in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They are often killed by cars, or roads keep them separated, increasing inbreeding. The latest data on a wildlife crossing on Laurel Curve in the Santa Cruz Mountains showed that the tunnel was a success. Around 1,000 animals use the crossing each year, including mountain-lions, blacktail deer, gray foxes, and skunks.
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Justin Suraci is a scientist at the Truckee, California-based Conservation Science Partners, and the study’s author. This allows pumas to hunt and affect the behavior of deer, further reducing those collisions.
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Experts from Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (also known as the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe), Skokomish Indian Tribe (also known as Skokomish Indian Tribe), Quinault Division of Natural Resources and Point No Point Treaty Council are among those who contributed to this study.
Fraser Shilling of the UC Davis Road Ecology Center, who was not involved in this study but did observe it, said SFGATE, “The data that this study combined is really helpful for this field.” This is applicable to any area with dense forests, roads and more forest. “In California, this would be along the Northern Coast.”

Read 5 minutes
Bananas, too, are among the most nutritious fruits you can consume. They are sometimes criticized for having a high carbohydrate count. We wondered: Is eating bananas every day healthy, or is it better to only eat them on occasion or in certain situations?
Meet the experts. Sue-Ellen AndersonHaynes, M.S. R.D.N. C.D.C.E.S. is the spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the founder of 360Girls&Women. Nichole Dandrea Russert M.S. R.D.N. is a registered nutritionist and the author of the book The Fiber Effect.
Dietitians discuss the benefits of bananas for your health, nutrition, and weight loss. They also mention some possible drawbacks that could occur if you eat too many.
Does eating a banana every single day make you healthy?
What is the short answer? Yes! It’s okay to eat a banana each day, said Sue-Ellen AndersonHaynes M.S. R.D.N. C.D.C.E.S. founder of 360Girls&Women and spokesperson for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s an excellent way to boost your intake of fruit and vegetables. According to Nichole Dandrea Russert M.S. R.D.N. a registered dietetic nutritionist, and author of The Fiber Effect, according to the CDC only 1/10 Americans consumes enough fruits and veggies daily. Eating bananas daily is a great way to get essential nutrients in your diet.
Anderson-Haynes said that the USDA suggests adults consume two cups of fruits per day. One large banana is equal to one cup. Diversifying fruits can provide even greater benefits than two bananas to meet your recommended daily value. Dandrea Russert said that while eating one banana or two a day is fine, consuming a banana with another fruit and a variety of other plant-based food can provide a range of essential vitamins and mineral.
Nutritional information on banana
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here’s a breakdown of the nutrition in one medium banana:
Calories: 105
27 grams of carbohydrates
The fiber: 3g
Sugars: 14.4 g
Protein: 1 g
Total fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 1 milligram (mg)
Potassium : 422 mg (9% of daily value).
Magnesium: 38 mg (9% of daily value).
Vitamin B6: 0.55 mg (33 percent of daily value).
Bananas are rich in nutrients.
What will happen to your body when you consume a banana each day? Dandrea Russert said, “You’ll get a lot of nutrients that are essential.” These nutrients are important for your health.
Improved digestive health
The banana, which is a prebiotic, contains about 3 grams of fiber, and can stimulate good bacteria to grow in the gut. Bananas are a great source of dietary fibre, which is underconsumed by Americans. They can help prevent constipation as well as promote a healthy digestion. The underripe banana is even more beneficial for the gut. They contain resistant starch which acts as a prebiotic fiber and fuel to your microbiome. The BRAT diet includes bananas because they’re easy to digest, and don’t upset an upset stomach. Bananas are high in fiber, but excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Energy-efficient devices
Dandrea Russert said that the natural sugars found in bananas provide energy to our body and brain. Bananas are a good pre-workout food because they can be easily thrown in your gym bag and contain natural sugars.
Higher fiber intake
Both soluble and nonsoluble fiber is found in bananas. The fiber in bananas slows down digestion and increases the feeling of being full. This may also help to prevent spikes in blood sugar after eating. If a person’s aim is to manage their blood sugar levels, they might want to combine bananas with foods that are high in fiber and protein. This can lower the glycemic level of the snack or meal.
Weight management
What is another benefit to slowing your digestion? This helps to reduce your hunger. The low-calorie bananas contain a lot of fiber, and they can be incorporated into a diet that promotes weight loss. If you want to enjoy a banana and feel satisfied, try pairing it with fiber, protein, or healthy fats. Dandrea Russert said that whole grains, seeds, and nuts are all great choices.
A healthier heart
Dandrea Russert said that the potassium and magnesium found in bananas could help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health. A recent review of 24 research studies found that supplementing with magnesium may lower high blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors associated with heart disease. Potassium, according to the National Institutes of Health(NIH), has been proven to reduce high blood pressure. You can get it from bananas.
Enjoy a better mood
Dandrea Russert cited a 20-year study which found that eating bananas and other fruits over the years reduced the odds of depression. She said that it could be the natural B vitamins, antioxidants or fiber, but also other factors such as folate or antioxidants. Vitamin B6, which can be found in bananas helps the body to produce serotonin. This chemical influences your mood. Anderson-Haynes noted that bananas contain tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin and helps with relaxation.
Bananas: What are the possible side effects?
Although it is perfectly safe to consume a banana each day, there may be some unwanted side effects. Our experts have listed the side effects you should be aware of.
Blood sugar spikes. The body needs carbohydrates. Bananas can cause blood sugar to spike in those who are monitoring their blood sugar or have diabetes.
Headaches. Anderson-Haynes said that ripe bananas have higher levels of tyramine which can cause headaches. Avoid bananas that have brown spots if you are prone to migraines.
Nausea. Hyperkalemia is a dangerous condition that can occur when potassium intake becomes excessive. Hyperkalemia can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.
Fatigue. Bananas contain magnesium and tryptophan which are both known to relax. Although magnesium and tryptophan are beneficial before bedtime they can cause sleepiness during other times of the day.
It may not be the best choice for people with kidney problems. Dandrea Russert said that if you suffer from a medical condition such as kidney disease, which requires that you monitor potassium intake, it may be best to avoid bananas.
Bottom line
Anderson-Haynes said that bananas are safe for most people to consume unless they have an intolerance or allergy. Bananas, which are high in fiber, may help with weight management and digestive health. Bananas are rich in magnesium, potassium and B-vitamins. They may support healthy cardiovascular and blood pressure. It’s been proven that bananas can help produce serotonin – a mood booster chemical. They are also a great snack before or after exercise.
Dietitians recommend that you consume one banana every day along with other plant-based food to boost the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients.

Nick Smart always looks for new ways to enhance his health.
The 29-year old College Station, Texas man thought that a cooling bed topper would help him and his wife catch up on their sleep, while taking care of Emmett, an 11-week-old baby.
Smart stated that “this could help us to get deeper and better sleep.”
Not only is Smart the best. A survey conducted in 2024 showed that Generation Z, those born between 1997-2012, sleeps the most of any generation. Gen Zers, millennials, and others are spending a lot of money on supplements and sleep aids to achieve their health goals. This is according to a new survey by Truemed. Truemed offers an online marketplace where consumers can spend funds from flexible savings accounts and health savings to purchase eligible products.
Truemed’s study of over 1 million HSA/FSA orders between January 2025 and May 2026 revealed that Gen Z spends more money on sleep products, excluding supplements.
Smart had previously purchased wellness items from his Health Savings Account, such as a device that uses red light therapy to help recover after tearing a pectoral. The device was credited with accelerating his healing.
Smart searched online for products that could help him and his wife sleep better after the birth of their child earlier this year. He found a cooling topper, which cost around $2,400. This mattress topper monitors a person’s heart rate, breathing and temperature throughout the night.
The topper, he said, has allowed his wife to remain cool when she experiences postpartum heat flashes.
If he was forced to use money allocated for his daily expenses, he might have decided against buying the top. He had enough money in his HSA from corporate jobs with Chevron, and also an oil and gas artificial intelligence startup. So he decided to use it on an item that was eligible for HSA expenses.
Smart referred to the viral social media trend SleepMaxxing. I want to feel fresh and not like garbage all day trying to catch up.
You can use the health savings account for wellness or sleep products.
Many young adults, who are struggling with the cost of living, are using health savings accounts to purchase health products or pay for medical care.
Workers who receive health insurance from their employer are more likely to use health savings accounts. A national survey found that by mid-2025 the U.S. consumer had 40 millions health savings accounts, with deposits of $159 billion. This was a 16 percent increase in savings compared to a year earlier.
These accounts are particularly popular with younger generations, who have entered the workplace as high-deductible plans became more common. According to HealthEquity’s Healthcare Affordability Pulse Report, 55% of Gen Z and Millennials own health savings accounts.
Three ways can health savings accounts save you money on tax. HSAs are accumulated by consumers through employer and payroll contributions, before they pay income tax. HSA money can be invested to earn tax-free returns. If the funds are used to pay for qualifying health costs, consumers can withdraw money from their HSA accounts tax-free.
Internal Revenue Service explains what expenses are eligible. According to Fran Scott of HealthEquity, director of compliance, consumers can use HSA funds for medical expenses such as hospital and doctor visits, prescription medication, dental and eye care, menstrual product, mental health and equipment supplies.
Before making an HSA purchase, consumers may need to get a medical letter from their doctor stating that they are in need of the item. This could be for exercise equipment, nutritional products, or sleep aids. According to Scott, nutritional supplements may not qualify as HSA expenses unless a doctor recommends them for treatment of a diagnosis medical condition.
HealthEquity advises that consumers check before making any purchases if a product or service is HSA-eligible as specified by the IRS, or if a doctor has written a medical necessity letter.
Experts’ opinions on SleepMaxxing
Sleep medicine experts warn against expecting instant results when using supplements and following social media trends.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) spokeswoman, Dr. David Kuhlmann said, “You’ve got influencers who try to give medical advice for clicks, rather than what has been proven and studied.”
Kuhlmann does not endorse one popular SleepMaxxing practice – placing tape or adhesive on your lips to force you to breathe through your nose. Although some studies on mouth tape have been conducted, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a standard sleep aid.
Many Americans still want to sleep well. In a recent AASM study, 45% of respondents said that family responsibilities had a moderate or major impact on their ability sleep regularly. According to the survey, 39% of respondents cited stress at work, 36% housing costs and 35% their schedules as factors that affected sleep.
According to the AASM, one third of adults experience excessive sleepiness during the day. This is linked with cognitive impairment, accidents at work, drowsy drivers, and even mental health issues such as depression.
AASM suggests the following for a restful night’s sleep:
Sleep when you are tired and get up every day at the same hour.
Decompress for 30-60 minutes prior to bedtime. This means no screen time, email from work or stress-inducing conversations.
Avoid vigorous exercise before going to bed.
Balance your diet by including fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.
AASM recommends that you speak to a healthcare professional if stress, constant worries or health issues are preventing your sleep.
Kuhlmann stated that “you can’t buy sleep or find all the (actionable information) online.” If you need to ask any questions, visit a sleep center or reputable medical resource.

Most training sessions are for dogs. But one boy was convinced that he too had been invited. The toddler, who was standing next to a Golden Retriever called Ranger and carefully copying every command that his mother gave him. Since then, the wholesome Instagram clip has captured viewers’ attention.
Toddler and Golden Retriever play a cute game together.
The clip was shared by @thegoldenboyranger. It shows the Golden Retriever of the family, Ranger standing next to a toddler while their mother appears behind the camera leading what seems to be a brief obedience session.
On the screen, there is a caption that reads, “Incase you’re wondering, here’s what a 2-year age difference looks like.” It’s hard not to notice the pair’s similarity, as Ranger’s golden jacket and toddler’s blonde locks match. The family captioned their post “Blonde Brothers” to emphasize the similarity.
Ranger is attentive as his owner gives a number of commands. She tells him “sit”, then “down”, followed by another “sit”, before ending with “spin.” The toddler’s eagerness to participate is what makes this clip so entertaining.
He carefully mimics every movement Ranger makes, rather than just standing and staring. He copies Ranger’s every move.
Many viewers joked about the similarities between both dogs. One commenter said, “I see two golden retrievers.” Another revealed their dog at home was also interested in the commands, saying “My pup just heard this command and sat down too.”
Other people couldn’t help but enjoy the interaction. One viewer wrote, “Oh my god, this is so cute on the Internet.” Another praised them by saying, “Both of you have trained very well.”

Slate’s column on money is called Pay Dirt. Have a question? Here’s where you can send your question to Kristin or Ilyce. (It’s anonymous!)
Please Pay Dirt
Candice, my mother’s best friend from many years back was contacted recently by a relative. Candice and mom fell out several years prior. We don’t know what really happened. Candice’s cousin has contacted me to let me know that Candice passed away and that my mother had her bank account.
My mom is now suffering from dementia, so I had no idea about this account. Since I am the power of attorney for my mother, I must sort out this mess. There’s an amount of money in the account, around $80,000.
The issue is: it’s obvious that Candice’s family wants me to give some (possibly half) of the money on the account. Legally, I understand that it is all my mother’s money now that Candice passed away. Realistically, I know (given the respective financial situations) that Candice probably put money into this account while my mother did not. (But I’m not sure). Candice’s family is in a difficult situation. I am sorry for them, but I also want to admit that I wouldn’t have known about the account if they hadn’t told me. My mom needs the money because her medical costs have increased by $1400 per month. It’s hard to balance what is fair for Candice’s family with the needs of my mother. I’d like to donate $25,000-$30,000 to Candice’s estate, and the remainder to my mother. Does that seem fair? Does that seem generous to you?
Joined in the middle
Please Stick to Me
You’re faced with a difficult decision because you don’t want to waste the money you have on a vacation that you will never take. Instead, you are forced to choose between two moral choices. You want to take care of your mother, who relies on you for her medical needs and is dependent upon you. You also want to be fair to Candice’s parents.
You’re correct legally–the full balance of a joint bank account belongs to your mother. You’d have to put her care needs first, especially with the dementia she has and her rising costs. You want to strike a balance between compassion and fairness.
In terms of ethics, offering $25-$30k to Candice and her family strikes me as a good middle ground. It’s not too extravagant but it’s also not too cheap. A consultation with an estate lawyer would not hurt, however. They won’t give you an answer that is clear-cut, but can help structure your transfer to ensure it goes smoothly, with documentation, and without conflict. They’ve likely seen similar situations before and may have some insight on what they did.
–Kristin
Classic Prudie
It is “traditionary” in my husband’s extended family to pass on baby gear to the next expecting family member. As an only child, I respect the tradition, but the majority of items aren’t worth much. They’re onesies, threadbare bears and beat up strollers. Many of the items are not safe for use. The family was upset when I sent them a recall notice about the car seat that my cousin-in law had given me for my second baby. They wouldn’t stop talking until I dropped the topic.