A wave of new studies this week paints a vivid picture of the links between our daily choices, mental sharpness, and the changing environment — from the drinks in our hands to the fires shaping our skies. Researchers examining beverage habits have added fresh fuel to the debate over sugary and artificially sweetened drinks. A large population study found that people who drink at least one soft drink a day — even if it’s labelled “diet” — may face a higher risk of liver damage linked to fat accumulation. The findings suggest that sugar-free alternatives may not offer the metabolic protection many expect, though the scientists behind the research caution that more evidence is needed to confirm cause and effect. What’s clear is that hydration choices remain one of the simplest ways to influence long-term health, and experts increasingly encourage swapping fizzy drinks for water or unsweetened tea. In brighter news for those with artistic leanings, another major study suggests that creative and social hobbies may help preserve brain vitality as we age. Activities that mix movement, concentration, and imagination — from dancing and music to painting and even some strategic video games — were associated with slower signs of brain ageing. The researchers behind the work believe these experiences combine cognitive stimulation with emotional engagement, two ingredients that seem to strengthen mental resilience. Even small amounts of creative practice, they say, appear to make a difference. While lifestyle choices dominated much of the week’s health coverage, the planet’s own well-being also entered the conversation. Scientists monitoring the Amazon basin reported that fires across South America last year released as much carbon dioxide as some industrialised nations. The destruction has pushed forest ecosystems to a breaking point and worsened air quality across wide regions, fuelling respiratory illnesses and threatening biodiversity. Experts warn that as deforestation, drought and heat waves intensify, their combined impact will increasingly be measured in hospital admissions rather than simply hectares lost. Together, these stories highlight a shared truth: our bodies and our environment mirror each other. Whether it’s the sugar in a can, the rhythm of a dance, or the smoke from a distant forest, each choice and each change feeds into a larger system that connects human health and planetary balance. The message this week is neither alarmist nor abstract — take care of what you consume, nurture creativity, and remember that clean air and green landscapes are not luxuries, but part of what keeps us well.