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Americans Awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine for Advancements in Understanding the Human Immune System

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Three distinguished scientists (two from the U.S. and one from Japan) have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their pivotal discovery related to peripheral immune resistance.

Mary E. Blankku, Fred Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi Shiko were jointly recognized for their breakthrough that “has invigorated the field of peripheral tolerance and contributed to the advancement of medical treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders,” as stated in a news release by the Nobel Committee. The three recipients will share a prize of 11 million Swedish Kronor (approximately $1.2 million).

“This could also enhance the success rates of organ transplants. Several of these therapies are currently in clinical trials,” he noted.

Autoimmune diseases may arise when T cells, which serve as the body’s main defense against harmful pathogens, malfunction.

Their collective discovery establishes an essential foundation for understanding alternative methods by which the immune system, known as peripheral resistance, functions.

To mitigate damage, our bodies attempt to eliminate malfunctioning T cells within the thymus, a lymphoid organ, through a mechanism termed central resistance. Associated Press.

The groundbreaking research began in 1995 when Sakaguchi, a prominent professor at the Center for Immunology Frontier Research at Osaka University in Japan, uncovered a previously unknown class of immune cells that defend against autoimmune diseases.

Six years later, in 2001, Mary Blankku, who now serves as a senior program manager at the Institute of Systems Biology in Seattle, along with Ramsdell, a scientific advisor to Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco, identified a specific genetic mutation responsible for a severe autoimmune disease known as IPEX.

They designated this gene as foxp3.

By 2003, Sakaguchi confirmed that the FOXP3 gene he had identified nearly a decade prior was crucial for cell development. These cells are now referred to as regulatory T cells, which are essential in monitoring other T cells to prevent their malfunction.

“Their discoveries were vital for understanding the immune system’s functioning and why serious autoimmune diseases don’t affect everyone,” remarked All Kampe, Chairman of the Nobel Committee.

Nobel Committee Executive Director Thomas Perman announced the award on Monday morning, stating that he was only able to reach Sakaguchi.

“I hugged him in his lab, and he expressed immense gratitude, stating it was a tremendous honor. He was quite moved by the news,” Perman mentioned.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 10th, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, a Swedish industrialist who founded the award to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to humanity. The inaugural award was revealed in 1901, marking the fifth anniversary of his passing.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will be announced in Stockholm at the Karolinska Institute on Monday, followed by the prizes for Physics, Chemistry, and Literature on the ensuing days.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be revealed on Friday.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Report shows nearly 50% of Americans residing in areas with insufficient air quality

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A total of 156 million residents in the US, approximately 46% of the population, resided in areas with poor air quality that received an “F” grade from the American Lung Association due to ozone or particle pollution. This indicates a decline in the country’s air quality standards, as per the Association’s 26th Annual Air Quality Data Analysis.

An examination of data from 2021 to 2023 revealed a rise of about 25 million individuals living in unhealthy environments compared to the previous year’s survey results.

The report highlights the impact of climate change, such as increased heat, drought, and wildfire smoke, contributing to changes in air quality nationwide.

Katherine Pruitt, senior director of Clean Air Policy, expressed surprise at the significant increase in the number of people residing in areas with poor air quality, especially due to ozone degradation. She emphasized the influence of hot and sunny weather conditions on this deterioration.

In 2023, the final year of the Lung Association’s analysis, global temperatures recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were among the highest on record. The US experienced the fifth-highest temperatures in its history.

The spike in ozone levels, particularly in states like Texas facing intense heatwaves in 2023, was evident. Pruitt pointed out how towns like Del Rio endured temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for extended periods.

Additionally, heavy wildfire smoke significantly impacted air quality, with regions like the northeast being exposed to the most smoke in modern American history due to wildfires in Canada.

The growing threat of wildfire smoke has hindered progress made under the Clean Air Act, releasing particles that pose health risks. Recent studies indicate that around 25% of Clean Air Act progress has been reversed due to increased wildfire smoke.

Pruitt warned of ongoing environmental degradation and its consequences, emphasizing the need to address emission sources to combat these challenges.

The EPA’s plans to roll back environmental regulations, including revisiting programs under the Clean Air Act, have raised concerns about future air quality standards.

Bakersfield, California, was identified as having the most polluted air in the country from 2021 to 2023, ranking high for both short-term particle pollution and ozone pollution.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Gallup Poll Shows Increasing Number of Americans Unable to Afford Healthcare

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The high cost of living in America not only drives up egg prices and housing costs but also contributes to the unhappiness of its citizens. The affordability of healthcare remains a major concern for millions of people. A recent investigation published on Wednesday sheds light on the challenges many individuals face in affording doctor visits and prescription medications, even before discussions about reducing government aid.

According to the survey, 11% of respondents reported being unable to afford necessary medication and care in the past three months, marking the highest level in the four years of the survey. More than a third of those surveyed, approximately 91 million adults, stated they would be unable to pay for medical care if needed.

The survey, conducted by Western Health and Gallup from mid-November to late December 2024, revealed a widening disparity between black and Hispanic adults and individuals with lower incomes. A quarter of respondents earning annual household incomes under $24,000 expressed inability to afford care in the past three months.

“The extent to which this issue is magnified highlights the vulnerability of these particular groups,” noted Dan Witters, a senior researcher at Gallup.

While white adults and high-income earners reported no significant change in their ability to afford care, the rising premiums, additional physician costs, and recent reductions in Medicaid coverage all contribute to the financial burden on individuals. The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers’ arguments about repealing Medicaid cuts and tax reductions under the Obamacare plan could further exacerbate the issue, experts warn.

“This puts additional strain on already burdened systems and leads to financial toxicity,” stated Tim Rush, president of the West Health Policy Center. Many families are already grappling with medical debt. Rush emphasized that avoiding necessary care due to financial constraints could result in severe health consequences or even death.

Sarah R. Collins, vice president of healthcare coverage and access at the Nonprofit Commonwealth Fund, pointed out that even with insurance, many individuals lack sufficient coverage to meet their healthcare expenses. She warned that proposed cuts by Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration could lead to a rise in the number of people unable to afford care.

Collins remarked, “We’re regressing to pre-Affordable Care Act levels.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Archaeologists Find North Americans Made Needles from Bones of Canids, Cats, and Hares

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A 12,900-year-old bone needle discovered at the La Preure site in Wyoming, USA, was made from fox bone. rabbit. This could include felines such as bobcats, pumas, lynx, and even the now extinct American cheetah. New research from the University of Wyoming shows that the bones of these animals are sized to make bone needles, remain attached to fur sewn into intricate clothing, and are readily available within campgrounds. It is said to have been used by early Paleoindian gatherers at La Prele.

La Prele Bone Needle and Needle Preform Reconstruction and Comparison Micro-CT Scan of Animal Specimens. Image credit: Pelton others., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313610.

la prele Early Paleoindian mammoth trapping site and campground on a tributary of the North Platte River near Douglas, Wyoming.

Ten seasons of excavation in four major blocks yielded tens of thousands of artifacts related to a single occupation.

Among the wide variety of artifacts recovered from the site so far are fragments of 32 bone needles.

“Our study identifies for the first time the species and possible elements from which Paleoindian people produced bone needles with eyes,” said Wyoming State Archaeologist Spencer Pelton and colleagues.

“Our results provide strong evidence that tailored clothing is produced using bone needles and fur from fur-bearing animals.”

“These garments partially enabled the dispersal of modern humans into northern latitudes and, ultimately, the colonization of the Americas.”

In their study, Dr. Pelton and his colleagues examined bone needle fragments taken from the La Prele site.

The researchers used peptides (short chains of amino acids) obtained from these artifacts to identify animals known to have existed during the Paleoindigenous period, which refers to the prehistoric period of North America between 13,500 and 12,000 years ago. peptide.

As a result of the comparison, it was concluded that the bones of the red fox are bones. Bobcat, puma, lynx, or American cheetah. At La Preure, hares and rabbits were used to make needles.

“Despite the importance of bone needles in explaining the global dispersal of modern humans, archaeologists have not identified the materials used to make bone needles, making this important cultural innovation “This limits our understanding of the

Previous research has shown that to cope with the cold temperatures of northern latitudes, humans likely created tailored clothing with tightly sewn seams that provided a barrier against the elements.

There is little direct evidence of such clothing, but there is indirect evidence in the form of bone needles and the bones of fur owners whose fur was used for clothing.

“Wearing such clothing allowed modern humans to extend their range into areas that were previously inaccessible due to the threat of hypothermia and death from exposure. '' said the scientists.

“How did the people of La Prele Ruins obtain fur-bearing animals?

“It was probably a trap, not necessarily looking for food.”

“Our results are a reminder that foragers used animal foods for a wide range of non-subsistence purposes, and that the mere presence of animal bones at an archaeological site need not indicate a diet. ”

“Combined with a review of comparable evidence from other North American Paleoindian sites, our results suggest that early Paleoindians of North America had direct access to fur-bearing predators, probably by traps, and that It represents some of the most detailed evidence ever discovered regarding Indian clothing.

of findings Published in a magazine PLoS ONE.

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SR Pelton others. 2024. Early Paleoindians used canids, felines, and hares to produce bone needles at the La Prele site in Wyoming, USA. PLoS ONE 19 (11): e0313610;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313610

Source: www.sci.news

What you need to know about the serious heart condition affecting 10 million Americans

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New research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is three times more common in the United States than previously known, affecting an estimated 10.5 million American adults. A-Fib is characterized by an irregular heartbeat and can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, and dementia.

While individuals with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of heart-related mortality, the condition is treatable and typically not life-threatening. The exact cause of A-Fib remains unknown, but it tends to occur more frequently with age and is prevalent in certain groups with existing cardiovascular conditions.

A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California analyzed medical records of 30 million adult patients in California from 2005 to 2019, revealing that 2 million individuals had atrial fibrillation. The study also observed an increasing incidence of A-Fib over the years, indicating a rise in prevalence due to factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include irregular and rapid palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety. Diagnosis can be made through an irregular heartbeat or an electrocardiogram (ECG). Technological advancements, such as smartwatches designed to monitor A-Fib, are aiding in the detection and management of the condition.

What are the signs of atrial fibrillation?

Dr. Hugh Calkins, a prominent cardiologist, emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of atrial fibrillation for early detection and treatment. Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and management of the condition.

About our experts

Dr. Hugh Calkins is the Katherine Ellen Poindexter Professor of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland, USA. He has contributed extensively to cardiovascular research and is a renowned expert in electrophysiology and arrhythmia services.

Professor John Kamm holds the position of Professor of Clinical Cardiology at St George’s University Hospital, London. His research contributions in cardiology have been published in various prestigious medical journals.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Lung Association finds that 131 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy pollution levels

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Nearly 40% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and the U.S. is set to regress in air-cleaning progress as the effects of climate change intensify, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. It’s coming. The group’s report, its 25th annual analysis of the nation’s “state of the air,” estimates that between 2020 and 2022, 131 million people will live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. It turned out that it was. This number is an increase of nearly 12 million people from the previous survey a year ago. The report also found that people in the United States are experiencing the most “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality day in the study’s history. Katherine Pruitt, national senior director of clean air policy at the American Lung Association, said the process has been in place for decades through the Clean Air Act, a federal law passed in 1963 to regulate air pollution and set air quality standards. He said that the cleanup efforts that have been made are gradually being undermined by climate change.

“Climate change, including heat, drought and especially wildfires, is starting to undo some of the progress we’ve made,” Pruitt said. “It’s sad to know that so many people live with air quality that threatens their health.” Wildfires are a rapidly growing source of pollution that policymakers are struggling to address. Climate scientists predict that wildfire smoke will increase in the future as greenhouse gas emissions raise temperatures. The Lung Association’s analysis reached the same conclusion as a peer-reviewed study published last year in Nature. The study’s author, Marshall Burke, suggested that wildfire smoke has undone about 25% of the Clean Air Act’s progress.

“If you take a step back and think about what the root cause is, it’s the burning of fossil fuels,” says Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and clinical associate professor at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. “We don’t have to be in this situation. We have the technology and the federal investment to harness renewable energy. What we need now is the political will.”

Each year, the “State of the Air” report analyzes air quality data from the past three years. This analysis focuses on ozone exposure and short-term and annual exposure to particulate pollution. The report issues a rating for each measure and summarizes the number of areas that passed or failed for each rating. According to the report, nearly 44 million people currently live in areas that do not meet all three criteria.Small particles are a serious concern because they can enter a person’s lungs, circulate in the bloodstream, and affect other organs. Although these particles are only a fraction of the size of a human hair, they have been shown to increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, chronic lung disease, premature birth, and miscarriage. Patel, who is also executive director of the Medical Societies Consortium on Climate and Health, has noticed an increase in preterm births during wildfire seasons and is educating parents about how heat and smoke are risk factors during pregnancy. He said he has started giving advice.

“After several weeks of poor air quality, more people will become pregnant and give birth before 37 weeks,” Patel said, adding that parents may wonder whether their actions led to premature birth. He added that he often thinks about this. “When people ask me about the risk of premature birth, I say climate change. Heat and wildfires are both risk factors. They are not within your control.” Additionally, Patel said she has noticed that when wildfire smoke incidents occur in California, patients at her pediatric clinic often complain of nasal infections, eye irritation, and asthma exacerbations, among other ailments. Pruitt said concerns about particle pollution used to be concentrated in the industrial Midwest and Northeast. But in this report, for the first time, all 25 cities with the highest daily particle pollution are in the West. Most were in California.

“Early in our history, we had a lot of particulate pollution coming from coal-fired power plants, transportation sources, and industrial processes,” Pruitt said. “Particle pollution problems in the eastern United States are less severe because the Clean Air Act has cleaned up these sources. But Western countries, of course, have similar access to regulation and cleanup; We are also affected by climate change and wildfires.” Daniel Mendoza, an assistant professor of atmospheric science at the University of Utah, said many communities in Western states are dealing with acute, short-term pollution episodes rather than long-term chronic exposure. Scientists are still trying to figure out how much damage wildfire outbreaks cause compared to long-term exposure from industrial sources. “Not all bad air pollution is created equal,” Mendoza said. Pollution from traffic and industrial sources could continue to decline if the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed stricter standards could be implemented.

Last year, the EPA proposed a rule that would require nearly all coal and large gas plants in the country to reduce or capture about 90% of their carbon emissions by 2038. In March this year, the agency introduced stricter rules to reduce tailpipe emissions from passenger cars. Another EPA policy aimed at curbing nitrogen oxide pollution that spreads across states was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2022, the Supreme Court limited the government’s ability to use the Clean Air Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is one bright spot in this report. That means ozone pollution continues to improve dramatically. Compared to last year, about 2.4 million fewer people live in areas with unhealthy ozone pollution. Since this analysis was completed, wildfire smoke has gotten even worse.

Americans in 2023 inhaled more wildfire smoke than in any other year on record, Stanford University researchers found last year.

Source: www.nbcnews.com