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A new study by researchers from Duke University School of Medicine has found that nanoplastics, extremely small particles of plastics that break down in the environment, can affect a specific protein in the brain, leading to changes associated with Parkinson's disease and other types of dementia. Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition globally, with over 10 million people living with the condition. Although the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, genetics, lifestyle influences, and environmental factors are believed to play a role. The study used test tubes, cultured neurons, and a mouse model of Parkinson's disease to examine the effects of nanoplastics on the brain. The researchers discovered that nanoplastics made of polystyrene, commonly used in foam packaging and disposable cups, caused the accumulation of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which is linked to brain diseases. The findings highlight the potential risks of plastic pollution and the need for further research and monitoring to understand the impact on brain health. 
New research suggests that following a healthier diet could significantly increase life expectancy. A study by the University of Bergen analyzed data from over 465,000 participants in the UK Biobank and found that adhering to the UK government's Eatwell Guide could add nearly 9 years to a 40-year-old's life expectancy. The guide recommends eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, reducing salt and saturated fat intake, and consuming whole grains and pulses. However, less than 0.1% of adults in the UK currently follow the guide's recommendations. The study authors are calling for long-term action to encourage more adults to eat healthily and reduce the burden of disease caused by poor diet. The World Health Organization is also working with countries to improve global diets by eliminating trans fats, reducing salt intake, and developing guidelines for food labeling and artificial sweeteners.
Having stronger quadricep muscles in the thighs may lower the risk of knee replacement surgery, according to researchers. The study, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, found that stronger muscles in the thigh can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce pressure on it. The researchers compared thigh muscle volume in 134 participants and found that a higher ratio of quadriceps to hamstring volume significantly reduced the odds of knee replacement surgery. The study suggests that strength-training programs to strengthen the quadriceps in relation to the hamstrings may be beneficial. The findings have implications for the interpretation of imaging exams and clinical management and could inform strength training for a wider segment of the population.
Walking at a brisk pace can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study analyzed 10 long-term studies with over 500,000 participants and found that walking at faster speeds was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of the total time spent walking. Walking 2 to 3 miles per hour was linked to a 15% lower risk, while walking at speeds above 4 miles per hour was associated with a 39% reduced risk. Each increase of 1 km per hour in walking speed was connected to a 9% reduction in risk. The researchers emphasized the importance of muscle health and glucose utilization in preventing type 2 diabetes. They recommended starting slowly and gradually building up a daily walking routine, as well as wearing appropriate footwear. Experts also advised incorporating walks after meals to maximize glucose utilization. However, individuals with type 2 diabetes should consult with their physicians before starting any exercise regimen.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that drinking coffee may help prevent and relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The analysis, which included data from eight studies and over 432,000 participants, found that coffee drinkers were 16% less likely to develop IBS compared to non-coffee drinkers. However, the analysis also found that three of the studies suggested coffee actually promoted IBS. The contradictory findings may be due to the complexity of coffee, which contains over a hundred compounds that can vary based on factors such as source, roasting, and preparation. Additionally, the studies relied on self-reporting questionnaires, which may introduce biases. Coffee's bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols and diterpenes, are believed to have beneficial effects on IBS by influencing gut microbiota, intestinal motility, and inflammation. However, the study's authors caution that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of coffee on IBS and to determine the best approach for individuals with the condition.
A new drug delivery system has been developed that could reduce the number of injections required to manage type 2 diabetes. The system uses a specially formulated hydrogel that slowly releases GLP-1 agonist medications over several months. In tests on rats, a single injection of the hydrogel delivered medication for 42 days, equivalent to around four months in humans. If confirmed in human trials, this could mean that type 2 diabetes patients would only need three injections per year instead of daily or weekly shots. However, there are concerns about potential adverse effects lasting for the same duration. The hydrogel is a loose mesh of polymer chains, nanoparticles, and drug molecules, and is administered as a small "depot" under the skin. The researchers hope that the hydrogel could provide a more consistent and convenient method of drug delivery for managing diabetes.
A sedentary lifestyle may double the risk of developing uterine fibroids, particularly in the years leading up to menopause, according to a study published in BMJ Open. The study, conducted in China, found that spending six or more hours per day engaged in sedentary leisure activities was associated with a higher likelihood of fibroids. The researchers collected data from over 6,600 female participants and found that 8.5% had uterine fibroids. Those who reported six or more hours of sedentary leisure time were twice as likely to have fibroids compared to those who reported less than two hours. The link between sedentary behavior and fibroids may be due to the association between sedentary behavior, obesity, and higher estrogen levels, all of which increase the risk of fibroids. However, the study only shows an association and cannot prove causality. Experts recommend incorporating more physical activity into leisure time to reduce the risk of fibroids and other health conditions.
Lowering cholesterol ester buildup in the brain could potentially reduce the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, which leads to brain tissue death in Alzheimer's, is linked to the buildup of cholesteryl esters, a form of lipid associated with inflammation. Clearing out these esters in mice reduced brain damage and behavioral changes associated with Alzheimer's. However, the compound used in the study is unsuitable for human use, so researchers are searching for other therapies with the same effect. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 6 million people in the US and around 60 million worldwide. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and personality changes. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol esters could offer a potential treatment for the disease.
New research suggests that hearing loss may cause structural changes in parts of the brain associated with symptoms of dementia. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Diego and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, found microstructure differences in areas of the frontal cortex linked to executive function and speech and language processing in individuals with hearing loss. They also observed changes in the auditory regions of the brain's temporal lobe. Previous studies have shown an association between hearing loss and dementia, but the exact relationship between the two conditions remains unclear. The researchers are now investigating the possibility of reversing these changes with the use of hearing aids. However, experts caution that the links between hearing loss, brain changes, and dementia are complex and that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship. The World Health Organization estimates that over 5% of the global population, or 432 million adults and 34 million children, have disabling hearing loss.
A new study published in BMC Public Health has found that high consumption of certain types of amino acids is associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. The study examined dietary intake data from the RaNCD Cohort Study and found an association between type 2 diabetes risk and higher consumption of specific amino acids, including branched-chain, sulfuric, alkaline, and essential amino acids. However, the study did not find a significant nonlinear association between dietary amino acids and type 2 diabetes risk after adjusting for demographics and lifestyle, suggesting that other variables may affect the association. Food rich in branched chain amino acids include milk, red meat, and poultry. It is important to note that this study was observational and cannot establish causation. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between amino acid consumption and type 2 diabetes. In the meantime, experts recommend including fish, nuts, and legumes in the diet more often than meats, avoiding amino acid supplements, and consulting a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.
A study published in the journal Neurology has found that triptans, a class of medications used to treat migraines, are the most effective in relieving migraine attacks. The study also revealed that ergots and anti-emetics were the second most effective medications. The researchers collected data over six years from a smartphone app, which recorded information on user input, frequency of attacks, triggers, symptoms, and medication effectiveness. The study included 25 medications from seven drug classes, comparing their effectiveness to ibuprofen. The results showed that triptans were the most effective, followed by ergots and anti-emetics. Ibuprofen was found to be effective only 42% of the time. The study authors emphasized that there are many treatment options available for migraines and encouraged individuals to discuss their options with their doctors. The study did not include newer migraine medications, such as gepants and ditans, due to limited data at the time of the study.
