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The United States is grappling with a measles outbreak, with over 220 cases reported across 12 states, prompting renewed interest in vitamin A supplements for prevention. Health experts, including infectious disease specialist Dr. Monica Gandhi and pediatrician Dr. Danelle Fisher, clarified that while vitamin A is beneficial for the immune system, it does not prevent measles. Instead, it can be useful for treating vitamin A deficiency that may arise during the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes vaccination as the most effective defense against measles, particularly in outbreak areas like Texas and New Mexico. Both experts caution against excessive vitamin A intake, which can lead to toxicity, and recommend that individuals ensure they meet daily intake requirements primarily through diet. Vaccination schedules suggest that children receive their first MMR vaccine dose at 12-15 months, with a follow-up at 4-6 years. 
Published: Mar 14 2025, 11 ameznews.inA recent study published in *JAMA Internal Medicine* suggests that replacing butter with plant-based oils, particularly olive, soybean, and canola oils, may significantly reduce the risk of premature death and cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 participants in three long-term health studies, finding that substituting 10 grams of butter daily with an equivalent amount of plant oil was linked to a 17% decrease in overall and cancer mortality. Experts emphasize the importance of healthy fats, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for overall health. While butter is high in saturated fat and can elevate "bad" cholesterol levels, alternatives like grass-fed butter may offer some health benefits due to their higher nutrient content. Nutritionists advocate for a balanced diet that includes unprocessed fats from sources such as nuts, avocados, and fatty fish, highlighting their roles in cellular function, hormone production, and inflammation regulation.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Analyzing data from 11,745 participants in the Rotterdam Study, researchers found that those who used NSAIDs for over two years experienced a decreased risk of dementia, while shorter usage periods correlated with a slight increase in risk. The study highlights the potential role of inflammation in dementia development, suggesting that NSAIDs could mitigate this risk. However, the findings come with caveats, as the observational nature of the study limits definitive conclusions, and the sample predominantly consisted of white individuals from the Netherlands. Experts caution against recommending NSAIDs for dementia prevention without further research, noting potential side effects and the need for thorough risk-benefit analyses. Overall, the study adds to the understanding of chronic inflammation's impact on neurodegeneration and the complexities of dementia risk factors.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *JAMA Network Open* highlights the potential benefits of cardiovascular health on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Researchers found that older adults with higher scores on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7—a set of seven modifiable risk factors for heart disease—exhibited lower levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker linked to nerve cell damage. The study involved over 1,000 participants, predominantly from the Black community, who are at a higher risk for both cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Experts emphasize that improving cardiovascular health could significantly alleviate the burden of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in underserved populations. The findings underscore the importance of enhanced cardiovascular health education and resources, especially for Black and African American communities, to address these intertwined health issues effectively. Future research aims to explore additional biomarkers and the impact of lifestyle interventions on neurodegeneration.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPlastic does not biodegrade but instead breaks down into microplastics, which are microscopic particles present in every food chain and on dinner plates worldwide. Emissions of microplastics are estimated at 10 to 40 million tonnes annually, potentially doubling by 2040. Research links microplastics in blood to negative heart health impacts, and a recent study found higher concentrations in human brains, with levels increasing by 50% over eight years. While complete avoidance is impossible, experts suggest practical ways to reduce exposure, such as switching from bottled to tap water, choosing loose-leaf tea over plastic teabags, and minimizing synthetic textiles in homes. Additionally, avoiding plastic utensils and reducing the use of beauty products can help limit microplastic intake. Despite ongoing research, the health implications of microplastics remain unclear, underscoring the urgent need for further study and innovation in alternative materials.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *PNAS* reveals that the timing of interventions to combat age-related cognitive decline may be crucial, with specific age windows identified as optimal for effectiveness. Researchers analyzed neuroimaging data from over 19,000 individuals, finding that brain networks begin to degrade around age 44, accelerating through the 60s and stabilizing by age 90. Lead author Dr. Lilianne Mujica-Parodi emphasized the importance of early intervention, likening brain neurons to a city reliant on a stable power supply. The study also highlighted the role of neuronal insulin resistance and the potential of ketones as an alternative energy source for aging brains. Experts, including Dr. Verna Porter and Dr. Gary Small, support the idea that a ketogenic diet may offer protective benefits against cognitive decline, suggesting further research into its long-term efficacy in at-risk populations.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study published in *PNAS* suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria could be linked to the severity of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which affects approximately 2.9 million people globally. Researchers, led by Dr. Ashutosh K. Mangalam from the University of Iowa, found that MS patients exhibited higher levels of the bacterium *Blautia* and lower levels of *Prevotella*, indicating a potential predictive relationship between these bacteria and disease severity. In a mouse model, those given *Blautia* developed increased gut inflammation and worse MS-like symptoms compared to other groups. Mangalam emphasized the need for further research to confirm these findings and explore the implications of gut health on MS management, suggesting that while probiotics may help, dietary changes may be more beneficial. Experts agree that a better understanding of the gut microbiome could inform lifestyle recommendations for MS patients, although more extensive human studies are necessary.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study has highlighted the potential of strength training as an effective strategy to combat insomnia in older adults, who face significant sleep issues, with up to 50% affected globally. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 participants aged 60 and above, revealing that resistance training led to the most substantial improvements in sleep quality, with participants reporting a 5.75-point reduction in their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. This study, which included various exercise patterns such as aerobic and flexibility training, underscores the importance of physical activity in enhancing sleep quality. Experts emphasize that while resistance training shows promise, it should be part of a broader approach to managing insomnia, as poor sleep can lead to cognitive decline and increased health risks. The findings call for further research to explore optimal exercise protocols and the long-term effects of these interventions on sleep and overall health in an aging population.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRecent research from the University of Toronto has highlighted a potential link between low-carb diets, gut bacteria, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in younger populations. The study, conducted on mice, examined the effects of different diets and bacterial strains on the gut microbiome. It found that a low-carb, low-fiber diet combined with a specific strain of *Escherichia coli* significantly increased polyp development in the colon, a precursor to cancer. The low-carb diet thinned the protective mucus layer in the colon, allowing harmful bacteria to damage DNA and promote inflammation. While the findings raise concerns, researchers noted that adding fiber to the diet could mitigate tumor formation and inflammation. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand these connections in humans, particularly regarding the types of fiber that may protect gut health.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inResearch from the University of Cambridge suggests that aspirin may play a role in preventing cancer metastasis by enhancing the immune response. In a mouse study, aspirin reduced the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a clotting factor that suppresses immune T cells, allowing them to target and destroy spreading cancer cells. This discovery highlights a potential therapeutic window where early-stage cancer cells are vulnerable to immune attacks. While the findings are promising, experts emphasize the need for clinical trials to validate these results in human patients. Aspirin's accessibility and low cost could offer a significant advantage over existing therapies, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment due to potential side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and bleeding risks. Current trials, such as the Add-Aspirin study, aim to further investigate aspirin's effectiveness in preventing cancer recurrence.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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