eznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Preventive Medicine Reports* challenges the widely held belief that the Mediterranean diet enhances cognitive health, particularly among older African American adults. Researchers found that a long-term adherence to this diet did not lead to improvements in cognitive function, despite participants experiencing clinically significant weight loss and better dietary adherence. The study involved 185 participants with an average age of 66, predominantly non-Hispanic Black women, highlighting a demographic often overlooked in dementia prevention research. While the findings suggest that cognitive benefits may require longer interventions to manifest, experts emphasize the importance of the diet's metabolic advantages, which could indirectly lower dementia risk. Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Rehan Aziz and family medicine physician Dr. David Cutler advocate for extended studies to explore the potential cognitive benefits of the Mediterranean diet over longer periods, particularly in diverse populations. 
Published: Jul 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNew research published in *Nature Medicine* indicates that even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fats can significantly elevate the risk of serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 60 previous studies, found that consuming just one hot dog per day was associated with an 11% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 7% higher risk of colorectal cancer. Similarly, drinking a 12-ounce soda daily was linked to an 8% increase in diabetes risk and a 2% rise in heart disease risk. Researchers stress that there is no safe level of processed meat consumption, urging the public to minimize intake of these foods. Experts emphasize focusing on balanced diets rich in whole foods, while occasional indulgence is acceptable. The findings align with recommendations from health organizations like the WHO and CDC to limit these harmful dietary components.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 11 ameznews.inColorectal and gastrointestinal cancers are increasingly affecting younger populations, with a significant rise in cases among individuals under 50. A recent review published in *The British Journal of Surgery* highlights a 14.8% increase in early-onset colorectal cancer in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019, marking it as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the second in women. While the exact causes remain unclear, factors such as obesity, a Western-style diet, smoking, and exposure to microplastics are suspected contributors. Alarmingly, a study in *Nature Medicine* predicts that 15.6 million gastric cancer cases could arise in future cohorts, largely due to infections from the bacterium *Helicobacter pylori*. Experts emphasize the importance of early detection and screening, suggesting that the age for colorectal cancer screenings may need to be lowered further to combat this troubling trend.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 10 pmeznews.inResearchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a machine-learning method to predict the most effective biologic therapy for individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a painful autoimmune condition characterized by severe joint inflammation. The new technique successfully identified the optimal biologic for 79-85% of patients during validation tests, aiming to eliminate the trial-and-error approach that often leads to a 40% failure rate in biologic treatments. Unlike traditional therapies that suppress the entire immune system, biologics target specific pathways involved in RA, potentially reducing symptoms without compromising overall immunity. The prediction model analyzes tissue samples from affected joints, assessing the activity of 524 relevant genes to determine the best therapeutic option among three biologics: etanercept, tocilizumab, and rituximab. While the results are promising, experts urge caution, emphasizing the need for further clinical trials before widespread implementation.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee has voted against the use of thimerosal, a preservative used in some vaccines, citing its classification as a "known neurotoxin." Thimerosal, which contains a modified form of mercury called ethylmercury, has been largely removed from childhood vaccines since 2001 due to safety concerns, although it still appears in multidose influenza vaccines. Experts, including Dr. Monica Gandhi, emphasize that thimerosal has been shown to be safe and is not linked to autism, a claim stemming from a discredited study. The potential ban on thimerosal raises concerns about vaccine accessibility, particularly for the flu vaccine, which is already seeing declining uptake among children. Experts warn that limiting thimerosal could lead to reduced vaccine production, potentially exacerbating health risks during upcoming flu seasons, especially for vulnerable populations.
Published: Jul 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that Ambroxol, a cough medicine, may help stabilize neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia, potentially slowing disease progression. This randomized clinical trial involved 55 participants over 50 years old, all diagnosed with Parkinson’s for at least a year before developing dementia. While primary cognitive outcomes showed no significant differences between the Ambroxol and placebo groups, participants taking Ambroxol experienced fewer worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to those on placebo. Notably, individuals with specific gene variants (_GBA1_) showed improvements in both neuropsychiatric and cognitive scores. Researchers noted that Ambroxol's effects on the enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase may contribute to its potential benefits. Despite its promising findings, the study's limitations include a small sample size and a short duration. Future trials are planned to further investigate Ambroxol's efficacy as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Published: Jul 08 2025, 2 ameznews.inA recent study from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary challenges the traditional view of daydreaming as a mere distraction, suggesting it might actually enhance learning. Researchers found that participants who allowed their minds to wander during simple tasks performed just as effectively as those who maintained focus. The study involved 27 young adults completing a probabilistic learning task, with brain activity recorded via high-density electroencephalography. Results indicated that mind wandering was associated with sleep-like neural activity, which could facilitate nonconscious learning. Lead author Péter Simor noted the potential benefits of this “wakeful rest,” while cautioning that mind wandering is not universally beneficial, especially in tasks demanding high attention. Experts, including adolescent mental health specialist Caroline Fenkel, highlighted the implications for individuals, particularly those with ADHD, emphasizing that the brain continues to learn even during periods of distraction. Future research aims to explore these findings further, including their relevance to sleep disorders.
Published: Jul 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study led by researchers from Samsung Medical Center in South Korea has found that radiotherapy for breast cancer may provide short-term protection against Alzheimer’s disease. Analyzing data from approximately 70,000 breast cancer survivors and a control group of 180,000 healthy women, the study revealed that those treated with radiation therapy exhibited an 8% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s, a finding that diminished over time. The cohort, which underwent treatment between 2010 and 2016, primarily received radiation, with over half also undergoing chemotherapy. While the study highlights the potential benefits of radiotherapy, experts caution that the findings are preliminary and emphasize the need for further long-term research to fully understand the relationship between cancer treatments and Alzheimer’s risk. Neurologists noted that the study opens avenues for exploring the biological mechanisms behind these findings, suggesting that radiation might influence immune responses or amyloid plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 1 pmeznews.inResearchers from Duke, Harvard, and the University of Otago have developed a groundbreaking method, known as Dunedin Pace of Aging Calculated from NeuroImaging (DunedinPACNI), which utilizes a single brain scan to predict an individual's biological aging rate and potential risk for age-related disorders such as dementia. The study, published in *Nature Aging*, indicates that this MRI-based biomarker can provide insights into cognitive decline and overall health by correlating brain age with various health indicators. The findings suggest that individuals with accelerated aging scores are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, including cognitive impairments and physical limitations. While the method shows promise for identifying those at risk of accelerated aging, experts caution that further validation across diverse populations is necessary before clinical application. The tool could empower individuals to make lifestyle changes that may mitigate their risk of developing age-related illnesses.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent analysis published in *Frontiers in Nutrition* suggests that low-fat vegan diets may be more effective for weight loss than Mediterranean diets due to their impact on dietary acid load, which affects the body's acid-base balance. The study, involving 62 overweight adults who followed both diets over 16 weeks, found that participants on the low-fat vegan diet experienced a significant reduction in dietary acid load and associated weight loss, primarily from decreased body fat. In contrast, those on the Mediterranean diet did not lose weight, despite similar energy intake. Study author Hana Kahleova noted that animal products increase dietary acid load, leading to chronic inflammation and weight gain, whereas plant-based diets promote alkalinity and weight loss. While the study's limitations include a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, it highlights the potential benefits of a low-fat vegan diet for weight management and chronic disease mitigation. Further research is encouraged to explore these findings.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 1 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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