Ear wax may provide an unexpected early warning of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to new research.

In particular, its odor could help clinicians detect the progressive neurological movement disorder, researchers noted in the study, which was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed after an individual demonstrates symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement) and gait changes, according to health experts.

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The study suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which are released by sebum (oily secretions that help lubricate and protect skin) in the ear wax of individuals with Parkinson’s — have a certain distinctive smell.

The odor is the result of systemic inflammation, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress related to disease progression, as noted in the report from the American Chemical Society.

“There is evidence that patients with Parkinson’s disease produce excess sebum, and other research groups have demonstrated that there are particular chemical profiles of this sebum compared to patients without PD,” Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, medical director of movement disorders, neuromodulation and brain circuit therapeutics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

(Jimenez-Shahed was not affiliated with the study.)

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In this recent study, researchers in China analyzed wax swabbed from the ear canals of 209 participants, 108 of whom had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. 

Using specialized methods to analyze chemicals in the wax, the investigators found that four of the VOCs in people with the disease were significantly different from those who had not been diagnosed, the study detailed.  

The study suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which are released by sebum (oily secretions that help lubricate and protect skin) in the ear wax of individuals with Parkinson’s — have a certain distinctive smell. (iStock)

They concluded that four VOCs — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane) — may serve as potential biomarkers for PD.

The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs.

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According to the report, the AIO system showed 94% accuracy with ear wax samples from people with and without Parkinson’s.

The study authors suggested that the AIO system could eventually be used as a first-line screening tool for early Parkinson’s detection, allowing for earlier treatment of the disease.

Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed after an individual demonstrates symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement) and gait changes, according to health experts. (iStock)

Most current treatments only manage symptoms and help maintain quality of life, but don’t stop or reverse the disease, which makes early diagnosis and treatment vital, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

The report also noted that current tests for Parkinson’s — such as imaging studies and clinical rating scales — can be costly and subjective. 

This potential detection system could provide an easy and inexpensive way to test for the disease, although experts pointed out that more testing is needed.

Limitations and future research

The study was performed on a small scale in a single clinic in China, according to Hao Dong, one of the study authors at the Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies in China.

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“The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value,” Dong said in a news release. 

Jimenez-Shahed noted that ideally, this new method could serve as an early diagnostic test, potentially easier than using spinal fluid, skin biopsies or specialized scans.

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The above expert, who is also an associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, cautioned that the particular profiles of ear wax VOCs reported in the recent study may differ from findings from other studies. 

“There needs to be replication and/or expansion of sample size before determining the specific diagnostic potential of a test like this,” he added.

Those who are concerned about potential Parkinson’s risk should consult with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist, Jimenez-Shahed advised.

A specialist can carefully screen the individual for early warning signs and determine the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment.

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The study was funded by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of Science, Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang Province, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for further comment.

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Mouth taping has again become a popular bedtime trend on social media — just as it trended a few years ago.

The idea is to tape the mouth shut at night to promote nasal breathing, which some experts claim can have health benefits.

Others, however, warn of potential risks and questionable results.

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The Sleep Foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, says the benefits of mouth taping are “mostly anecdotal,” with few studies backing up the benefits.

Potential benefits

“The main proposed benefit of mouth taping is promoting nasal breathing, which helps filter and humidify air and may reduce snoring or dry mouth for some individuals,” sleep expert Wendy Troxel, Ph.D. — a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah — told Fox News Digital.

Breathing through the nose helps people absorb more oxygen, according to Todd Anderson, sleep and wellness expert and founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville.

When you breathe out through your mouth all night, you’re expelling most of the carbon dioxide in your body, Anderson said — but it can be beneficial to have some CO2 in the system.

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“When you start exercising, you’re under stress and your CO2 starts to rise,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“So the more comfortable you are with carbon dioxide in your system, the more adaptable to stress your body is.”

Breath is like the “steering wheel” of the nervous system.

Anderson said breath is like the “steering wheel” of the nervous system, as breathing through the nose promotes longer exhalations and relaxes the body.

“Your nose [also] produces nitric oxide, which you breathe down into your lungs. That expands your blood vessels and relaxes your cardiovascular system,” he said. “Top to bottom, it calms your body down. That’s why it impacts sleep in such a positive way.”

Some experts encourage using alternative tapes that do not cover the entire mouth for a less intense experience. (Dream Performance & Recovery)

Some claim that using the tape could also help achieve a more defined jaw structure and could protect dental health, Anderson noted, as mouth breathing leads to dryness and more acidity, which can break down tooth enamel.

‘Considerable caution’

Sleep expert Troxel said she approaches mouth taping with “considerable caution” — as scientific evidence shows that its effectiveness is “limited.”

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“While some people report less snoring or better sleep, most of these claims are anecdotal and not well-supported by rigorous research with large and diverse samples,” she told Fox News Digital.

Some people claim that using tape could help protect dental health, as mouth breathing leads to dryness and more acidity, which can break down tooth enamel. A sleep expert and clinical psychologist shared warnings, however. (iStock)

While there is some “preliminary evidence” that mouth taping can reduce snoring for some sleep apnea patients, Troxel noted that the overall effect is “modest.”

She added there is “no strong evidence” that mouth taping changes jaw shape.

For those who have nasal congestion, blockages or allergies, Troxel and Anderson agreed that mouth taping is not recommended, as it can make it harder to breathe at night.

“This can lead to feelings of anxiety and disrupted sleep — and in some cases, it may lower oxygen levels while sleeping,” Troxel warned. 

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One big concern is that using mouth tape may delay or prevent people from getting proper treatment for sleep apnea, she added, which could pose serious health risks.

Anderson also recommended against mouth taping for people who are overweight, those who drink alcohol or other substances, and those who are feeling sick.

One big concern is that using mouth tape may delay or prevent people from getting proper treatment for sleep apnea, a doctor warned. (iStock)

Troxel encouraged those who experience mouth breathing or snoring to consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues.

“Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut,” she said.

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“For otherwise healthy, low-risk individuals who do not have sleep apnea and want to experiment with mouth taping, I suggest approaching it scientifically and with caution.”

“Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut.”

For those who do decide to try it, Troxel suggested testing the tape on the skin first to check for irritation, using medical-grade tape, or considering a tape with a slit so that the mouth is not fully covered.

Anderson added that consumers should consider where the mouth tape is made and what adhesive is used, to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions. 

Using a sleep tracker before and during the use of mouth tape for a few weeks could help gauge how it’s working, a doctor advised. (iStock )

The Sleep Foundation cautions on its website that some side effects of mouth taping include difficulty breathing, skin irritation and anxiety.

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Using a sleep tracker before and during the use of mouth tape for a few weeks could help gauge how it’s working, Troxel advised.

“If you do not see improvements, that’s your answer — it may not be effective for you,” she said. “Always stop immediately if you experience discomfort or difficulty breathing.”

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There are other ways to promote nasal breathing, according to Troxel — including targeted exercises.

“Alternating nostril breathing or belly breathing during the day can help train your body to breathe through your nose more naturally at night,” she said. 

“It’s also a great strategy to manage stress and promote relaxation.”

Using ChatGPT on a long-term basis could have negative effects on brain function.

That’s according to a study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which found that using a large language model (LLM) to write multiple essays over a four-month period could hamper cognitive abilities.

In the study, 54 participants were divided into three groups.

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One group used ChatGPT, an LLM product made by OpenAI, to write an essay. 

The second group used only a search engine, and the third group used only their own brains, according to a press release from MIT.

The participants underwent three sessions where they completed the same assignment. Then, in the fourth session, the LLM group was asked to write an essay without any tools, and the “brain-only” group was asked to use an LLM for assistance.

During each session, the researchers recorded the participants’ brain activity using an EEG monitor to assess their “cognitive engagement and cognitive load” and to determine their neural activity, the release stated.

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The participants also provided their own individual feedback during interviews.

Human teachers and an artificial intelligence agent scored the assessments.

“EEG analysis presented robust evidence that LLM, search engine and brain-only groups had significantly different neural connectivity patterns, reflecting divergent cognitive strategies,” the researchers wrote.

Using a large language model (LLM) to write multiple essays over a four-month period could hamper cognitive abilities, researchers concluded. (iStock)

Participants showed less brain connectivity when they used the tools to help write their essays, the study found.

“The brain‑only group exhibited the strongest, widest‑ranging networks; the search engine group showed intermediate engagement; and LLM assistance elicited the weakest overall coupling,” the researchers wrote.

“The key isn’t avoiding AI — it’s building cognitive strength first.”

In the fourth session, the participants who switched from LLM to brain-only showed “weaker neural connectivity” and less cognitive engagement. 

The LLM group also had less ability to recall information from the essays they had just written.

Those who switched from brain-only to LLM had “higher memory recall” and greater cognitive engagement.

One group in the study used ChatGPT, an LLM product made by OpenAI, to write essays. (Idrees Abbas/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Based on these findings, the researchers said there could be a “possible decrease in learning skills” among LLM users. 

“The use of LLM had a measurable impact on our participants, and while the benefits were initially apparent, as we demonstrated over the course of four sessions … the LLM group’s participants performed worse than their counterparts in the brain-only group at all levels: neural, linguistic [and] scoring,” they wrote.

Potential limitations

The findings have been uploaded to Arxiv, a preprint service, but have not yet been peer-reviewed, as the researchers noted that “all conclusions are to be treated with caution and as preliminary.”

There were also a limited number of participants who were all from the same geographical area.

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“For future work, it will be important to include a larger number of participants coming from diverse backgrounds, like professionals in different areas and age groups, as well as ensure that the study is more gender-balanced,” the researchers noted.

Only ChatGPT was used in the study; future research could incorporate other LLMs.

The EEG technology used to analyze brain connectivity could also have some limitations, as the researchers shared plans to use fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) in future studies.

During each session, the researchers recorded the participants’ brain activity using an EEG monitor to assess their “cognitive engagement and cognitive load” and to determine their neural activity. (iStock)

“Our findings are context-dependent and are focused on writing an essay in an educational setting and may not generalize across tasks,” they also stated.

“Future studies should also consider exploring longitudinal impacts of tool usage on memory retention, creativity and writing fluency.”

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Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and “AI futurist” based in Texas, said he sees this study as a “neuro-wake-up call,” especially for younger brains.

“ChatGPT can make you 60% faster, but that speed comes at the price of neuro-engagement,” Castro, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

“Brain connectivity collapses from 79 neural links to just 42, and 83% of users can’t quote their own essays minutes later. Neuroplasticity research tells us developing brains will feel this hit hardest.”

In emergency medicine, Castro said, doctors call this “failure to encode.”

“The brain isn’t processing and storing information,” he said. “When neural connectivity drops by nearly half, we’re looking at what researchers call ‘cognitive debt.’”

For medical students, an inability to encode and recall information under pressure could have serious implications for clinical decision-making, Castro noted. 

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“The same neural networks that consolidate essay information are involved in diagnostic reasoning,” he said.

Using LLMs for extended periods can be convenient, but could cause cognitive muscles to “atrophy” over time, the expert cautioned.

There was one encouraging finding, however.

“When people with strong foundational skills later used ChatGPT, they showed enhanced connectivity,” an expert noted. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

“When people with strong foundational skills later used ChatGPT, they showed enhanced connectivity,” Castro said. “The key isn’t avoiding AI — it’s building cognitive strength first.”

In education, he emphasized the need for periods of “AI-free cognitive development.”

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“Sometimes you act on preliminary data when the stakes are high enough, and an entire generation’s brain development is high stakes.”

Fox News Digital reached out to OpenAI for comment.