Latest news with #Alzheimer
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make concerning discovery after studying farmland soil: 'Highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts'
Microplastics may be tiny in size, but a recent study shows they have a huge impact on our crops. Worrying new research has been highlighted by detailing the profound impact that microplastics have on soil and the crops that grow in contaminated areas. The study, originally published in the Environmental Sciences Europe journal, found that "agricultural soils now hold around 23 times more microplastics than oceans." The review stated that microplastics and nanoplastics have been discovered in lettuce, wheat, and carrot crops, with the lead researcher, Joseph Boctor, saying, "These microplastics are turning food-producing land into a plastic sink." Microplastics are flakes of plastic less than 5 millimeters in length. Plastics that can't biodegrade break down into smaller and smaller pieces, which are difficult to get rid of. They are incredibly pervasive, entering oceans, soil, animals, and human bodies. Animals and humans can consume the particles that end up in water, soil, and food sources, and microplastics may even be inhaled. Unfortunately, the presence of microplastics has been linked to serious health issues. A Washington Post article associated these tiny pollutants with a greater risk of heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer's, and fertility issues. "This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts," Boctor said. "Regulators, scientists, and industry must collaborate to close the loopholes before plastic pollution further entrenches itself in the global food chain." In hopes of preventing the creation of microplastics in the future, Boctor and his colleagues at the Bioplastics Innovation Hub are in the process of creating plastic that decomposes in both soil and water. There are also a lot of things you can do in your everyday life that reduce microplastic pollution. The key thing to do is to move away from using plastic. More eco-friendly kitchen utensils and containers, made of materials such as wood, glass, or ceramic, can prevent the release of microplastics in the dishwasher. Do you worry about using cleaning products with harsh chemicals in them? All the time Sometimes Not really No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Another way microplastics are released is through the clothes we wear. Man-made fibers like nylon and polyester shed every time we wash our clothes, so try to choose natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, when you can. Installing a filter on your washing machine is another great way to prevent microplastics from polluting the water system. Though these tiny pollutants are proving to be a mammoth problem to tackle, there are many scientists working on ingenious solutions. For example, some researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered they can filter up to 99.99% of microplastics from water using sawdust and plant-based tannins. At Princeton Engineering, researchers have found a way to clean microplastics out of the ocean by using egg whites, and it is only a matter of time until even more scientific solutions for microplastic pollution are created. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Miami Herald
6 hours ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
What's making Miami sick? Are there cures? Take a look
Health Care What's making Miami sick? Are there cures? Take a look This collection of stories examines health challenges facing Miami and potential responses to the issues. One article discusses the impact of Miami's chlorinated tap water on skin health, offering alternatives like filtered showerheads and micellar water. Another highlights the rise of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness prevalent in Florida, urging summer travelers to take preventive measures to avoid bites. A separate report focuses on Alzheimer's research at the University of Miami, where researchers work on understanding the disease's prevalence in Hispanic communities. In a related account, Miami-Dade leaders push for police reform in handling incidents involving mental illness, aiming to prevent tragic outcomes. Read the stories below. NO. 1: IS TAP WATER IRRITATING YOUR SKIN? HERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS FOR WASHING Tap water contains chlorine and other minerals that can hurt your skin. | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Leslie Baumann, M.D. No image found A caretaker, center, offers cafecito to Asustina Valdes Cabrera, left, while she is tested by UHealth medical researcher Dr. Katrina Celis, right, as part of an Alzheimer study during a community outreach event for the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics where UM researchers performed tests, enrolled new participants and took blood samples to a new Biorespository opening at UHealth's campus, at Hora Feliz Adult Day Care on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Hialeah, Fla. By D.A. Varela NO. 2: HOW A UM LAB IS UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE BRAIN. IT STARTS WITH A PERSONAL MESSAGE What to know about the visits. | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante Miami Florida, June 17, 2024 - Gamaly Hollis looks back to her son's grave after she carefully cleaned it. Gamaly Hollis is the mother of Richard Hollis, a young man who was killed by the police on June 15, 2022. By Jose Iglesias NO. 3: FATAL SHOOTING PROMPTS MOVE FOR MIAMI-DADE TO REFORM HOW POLICE HANDLE MENTAL ILLNESS CALLS We have huge challenges with people who have mental illness,' says Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos Martinez. | Published January 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carol Marbin Miller Linda Robertson No image found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue to people through bites. NO. 4: DENGUE FEVER ON THE RISE. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS IN FLORIDA Puerto Rico has recorded at least 1,012 cases of dengue so far in 2025, followed by Florida, 50, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has 40 recorded cases. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Neuroscientist warns of 3 common toxins found in homes that can damage the brain
Neuroscientist Robert Love warns about the rising cases of Alzheimer's disease due to toxins present in everyday household items. Air fresheners release harmful VOCs, while scented candles emit toluene, affecting the nervous system. Non-stick skillets, especially Teflon-coated ones, can leach fluoride compounds into food, posing risks to brain and overall health. A round 57 million people were diagnosed with dementia worldwide in 2021, and every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is on the rise, and neuroscientist Robert Love is sounding the alarm on everyday household items that may pose risks to brain health. Love, who specializes in helping people prevent Alzheimer's disease, warned about the three most common toxins found in our homes that can damage the brain. 'One of the biggest reasons that Alzheimer's disease is on the rise is that we live in a very toxic environment. Our food, our air, and our water are very toxic compared to what they were a hundred years ago,' he said in a video shared on Instagram. Let's take a look. Air fresheners First on Love's list is air fresheners. Though they make your home smell delightful, it may come at the expense of your health. These products, often used to mask odors, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. When inhaled, these chemicals may irritate the respiratory system and, in some cases, affect brain function, particularly in individuals with allergies or sensitivities. 'These can negatively affect the brain, certainly those who are allergic to them. So you want to avoid those chemical air fresheners ,' the scientists said. Scented candles Scented candles, which are commonly used in houses, however, have hidden health hazards. Love emphasized that, due to their paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, scented candles are not great for health. Burning paraffin releases potentially harmful compounds like toluene, which can affect the nervous system. The artificial scents added to these candles may also contribute to indoor air pollution. He also suggested an alternative for scented candles: 'If you're going to do candles, try beeswax candles.' Instead of buying scented candles from the market, you can opt for beeswax candles and add essential oils for the smell. Non-stick skillets The third on the list is quite shocking. Skillets, the non-stick ones. We all love non-stick skillets for their convenience. It is easy to clean and requires less oil. But all that convenience might be costing you your health. Non-stick cookware, particularly Teflon-coated pans, is hazardous to health, according to Love. Teflon, a fluoropolymer, can release harmful substances when scratched or overheated, which allows fluoride compounds to leach into food. Ingesting these compounds may pose risks to the brain and overall health. 'Instead try stainless steel or ceramic or titanium,' he suggests. 7 Common factors that cause brain aging One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- Science
- The Citizen
Finding hope beyond the headlines
From scientific breakthroughs to acts of kindness, there's still good news in the world—you just have to look beyond the doom and gloom. Lately, watching the news feels like voluntarily stepping into a hurricane of doom. War, economic crises, natural disasters and the occasional rogue animal causing citywide chaos. It's enough to make you wonder: is there any good news out there, or have we officially entered the era of permanent gloom? Fear not, weary reader. There is, in fact, good news in the world – you just have to dig a little deeper than the usual headlines. And since you asked (or at least reading this article), let's take a moment to celebrate the bright spots. Science is out here doing its thing and we should all be cheering. Just recently, researchers made incredible progress in treating Alzheimer's, cancer survival rates continue to climb and bionic limbs are becoming more advanced than ever. In short, the future is looking pretty sci-fi – in a good way. Despite the apocalyptic climate warnings, there's actually some good news: deforestation rates in the Amazon have dropped significantly, renewable energy use is skyrocketing, and species once thought extinct (looking at you, black-naped pheasant pigeon) are making surprise comebacks. ALSO READ: Brackenhurst gardener goes from humble beginnings to marathon glory Who knew nature had a flair for dramatic plot twists? For every piece of bad news, there are thousands of untold stories of kindness. Neighbours helping each other after natural disasters, strangers paying off medical bills, communities rallying around those in need. Yes, the world is a mess, but let's take a second to appreciate how easy life is in ways our ancestors could never imagine. Groceries? Delivered. Medical advice? A video call away. Entertainment? Infinite. We're walking around with access to all human knowledge in our pockets, yet we still mainly use it to watch cat videos. ALSO READ: Stray cat's 10-year journey back home sparks joy Progress, my friends. Despite everything, people are still finding reasons to laugh. The internet is full of comedy gold, babies are still hilariously bad at walking and dad jokes continue to thrive. As long as we can find humour in the madness, we're going to be just fine. So, is there good news in the world? Absolutely. It might not always make the front page, but kindness, progress and joy are happening all around us. Sometimes, you just have to switch off the doomsday scroll and look for it. ALSO READ: Watch: Dog trapped for 5 days in 1.5m sinkhole finally rescued Now go forth, share something positive and remember: the world isn't all bad – sometimes, it's even pretty wonderful.
South Wales Guardian
14 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's charities identify new ways to reuse current drugs
Experts say that by repurposing drugs, they can 'increase the shots on target' at tackling the diseases. This method of drug development could also reduce the time patients are left waiting for new treatments by up to 10 years, they added. It comes after the NHS spending watchdog rejected the use of new Alzheimer's drugs lecanemab and donanemab for widespread use in the health service. The drugs were approved for use in the UK last year by the UK's medicines regulator but the NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), said they could not be used in the NHS because the benefits are 'too small' to justify the cost. Now charities Cure Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Research UK have joined forces to find current drugs that may tackle some of the common biology behind both diseases. After presentations to the International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT), which was set up by Cure Parkinson's over a decade ago, experts from both fields will select the most promising drugs for both Parkinson's and dementia, so they can be moved quickly into clinical trials. Weight loss jabs are already being investigated for their effectiveness in treating symptoms of both diseases and experts hope to uncover more drugs that can have multiple uses. Semaglutide, the active ingredient for weight loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, is being examined in clinical trials to see whether it can help patients with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's. Trial results for the Alzheimer's trial are expected to be published later this year. Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, told the PA news agency that the iLCT project had already been 'hugely successful' with people who have Parkinson's, adding: 'Around 30% of disease modifying therapies that are in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease came through this process. 'What we wanted to do is to build on their knowledge and experience and expertise in order to be able to bring a process similar to that to Alzheimer's disease.' Dr Scales said that there are some 'common grounds' between Parkinson's and Alzheimer's – both are neurodegenerative diseases and have some 'common biological processes' – such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and 'protein misfolding' – which could be targets for repurposed drugs. 'Getting multiple drugs that are targeting the disease is really important to us,' she said. 'Testing different types of drugs and getting as many shots on target is important.' She said: 'Repurposed drugs have already been demonstrated to be safe for use in humans development of new drugs for different diseases is a long process. 'What essentially bringing repurposed drugs does, is help to accelerate the drug development pipeline – it could save between five and 10 years within that process, compared to taking a new drug through clinical trials for the very first time.' Helen Matthews, chief executive of Cure Parkinson's, said the iLCT was originally set up to identify drugs that can potentially 'slow down, stop or reverse Parkinson's'. She added: 'It was through this programme that we realised that there were so many drugs that were also being looked at in the dementia field and there were commonalities there in terms of the drugs looking to reduce inflammation, or whatever it might be, there were specific pathways that those drugs were working on that could be beneficial for both disease areas. 'So given that we were already doing the (work) every year, it made sense to join forces in this way, just to add efficiencies. 'Because if you're looking at the same drugs, we'll only do that digging once, you know, only do that compilation of the dossiers once, so that you can actually take the learning for both diseases and then actually look and see which might be beneficial.' She said that the 'sharing of knowledge and digging' could also be shared with other disease areas, such as MS. And on lecanemab and donanemab, Dr Scales added: '(These) were the first disease-targeting therapies that have been licensed in the UK, but obviously are not available on the NHS at the moment. 'They showed for the very first time that we were able to alter the course of the disease. 'And what we're looking forward to now is what the next generation of treatments can bring us and how we can target different parts of the disease.' Dr Lucy Devendra, head of research at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Repurposing medicines which are already known to be safe can help us find new treatments for the diseases that cause dementia much quicker. 'Although it is still early days, it's encouraging to see a renewed focus on this type of research and development.'
