Mercury Monitoring for Health: Chinese scientists, with Tajik partners, released a new mercury dataset for the “Third Pole” (Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau) using air, aerosols, glaciers, and soils—aimed at better risk assessment and pollution mitigation because mercury is a toxic heavy metal affecting both ecosystems and human health. Heatwaves as a One Health Crisis: A One Health expert warns that extreme heat is driving higher illness and death, stressing livestock, damaging pastures and water, and shifting tick and mosquito risks—so health, veterinary, agriculture, and environment agencies need shared early warnings and data. Hospital Readiness for Extreme Heat: WHO Europe urged countries in Europe and Central Asia, including Tajikistan, to treat heat preparedness like pandemic preparedness—fixing overheated wards, cooling systems, and vulnerable-person checks, not just issuing public advice. Seismic Rumors Quelled: Uzbekistan’s science bodies denied claims of an imminent strong Fergana Valley earthquake, saying there’s no sign of a near-term destructive quake despite the region being seismically active. Cosmetic Surgery Safety Watch: AFP reports a rise in failed cosmetic procedures in Central Asia, including a Kyrgyz case involving severe swelling and a surgeon who continues practising after a dismissed case—highlighting patient safety concerns.