In this edition: The shingles shot appears to lower dementia risk and a popular hair-loss drug has side effects.

Americans' protein obsession. Food companies are cramming protein into chips, soda, cereal and snack bars—and Americans are eating it up. But this processed-protein buffet is driving nutrition experts and personal trainers nuts.

Dye-free food coming soon. The Health and Human Services Department and Food and Drug Administration have vowed to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food by the end of next year.  

Popular hair-loss drug has side effects. The FDA on Tuesday warned that generic forms of Propecia, often sold by major telehealth companies including Hims, Keeps and Ro, have side effects including sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts.

Warding off dementia with a shot. Three studies have found that older adults who got the shingles vaccine were less likely to get dementia.  Zostavax and Shingrix were both linked to the protection.

In old age, you are what you ate. A 30-year study has found a strong association between specific dietary patterns and healthy aging. A balanced diet with a moderate amount of healthy animal protein outperformed following a more plant-based diet.

Ditching fluorescents. Companies are investing in improved, and potentially more healthful, lighting to lure employees back to offices. New technologies include faux skylights that mimic natural light and adjustable illumination systems designed to sync with employees’ circadian rhythms.

A juicy target for GOP budget hawks. Republicans looking for cost savings could sink profits at Universal Health Services and other hospital chains. Last year 68% of UHS’s pretax income came from government outlays commonly known as supplemental Medicaid payment programs.

FDA’s bullish signal to biotech. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said he would speed up approvals for rare-disease treatments, shorten the industry’s typical 10-year drug-development timeline and emphasize a commitment to innovation.

Johnson & Johnson's new AI strategy. The healthcare conglomerate has shifted away from broad experimentation and is now prioritizing AI use cases around drug discovery and supply chains.

Don't like shots? How about a pill. Novo Nordisk shares fell after Eli Lilly announced results for a pill that could rival the Danish giant’s weight-loss shots. 

This newsletter was compiled by the WSJ’s Health & Science team. Follow us on X @WSJHealth and @WSJScience. Email us by replying to this newsletter.