Tag Archives: elevate

Study: Common Sweetener Erythritol May Impact Brain Cells and Elevate Stroke Risk

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A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder indicates that erythritol, a widely used non-nutritive sweetener, may be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Berry et al. Our study demonstrates that erythritol, at concentrations commonly found in standard size sugar-free beverages, negatively impacts cerebral microvascular endothelial cell oxidative stress, ENOS activation, NO production, ET-1 expression, and T-PA release in vitro. Image credit: Tafilah Yusof.

Erythritol is a popular alternative to non-nutritive sugars due to its minimal effects on blood glucose and insulin levels.

This four-carbon sugar has a low-calorie content of 60-80%, being as sweet as sucrose, and commonly replaces sugar in baked goods, confections, and beverages.

Authorized by the FDA in 2001, erythritol is recommended for individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, as it aids in regulating calorie consumption, sugar intake, and minimizing hyperglycemia.

Found naturally in small amounts in certain fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods, erythritol is quickly absorbed in the small intestine through passive diffusion.

In humans, erythritol is produced endogenously from glucose and fructose by erythrocytes, liver, and kidneys via the pentose phosphate pathway, making its levels dependent on both endogenous production and external intake.

“Our findings contribute to the growing evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners, often considered safe, could pose health risks,” stated Professor Christopher Desouza from the University of Colorado.

A recent study involving 4,000 participants from the US and Europe revealed that individuals with elevated erythritol levels are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke within three years.

Professor Desouza and his team sought to determine what factors were contributing to this heightened risk.

They exposed human cells lining blood vessels in the brain to erythritol for three hours, using concentrations similar to those found in standard sugar-free beverages.

The treated cells exhibited several alterations.

Notably, they produced significantly less nitric oxide, a molecule critical for dilating blood vessels, while increasing the expression of endothelin-1, which constricts blood vessels.

Furthermore, the challenge of a thrombogenic compound called thrombin significantly slowed the cell’s production of T-PA, a naturally occurring compound that promotes coagulation.

Cells treated with erythritol also generated more reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, which can lead to cellular damage and inflammation.

“We’ve been diligently working to share our findings with the broader community,” noted Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

“Our research indicates that erythritol may indeed heighten the risk of stroke.”

“Our study solely focused on sugar substitutes,” emphasized Professor Desouza.

“For individuals consuming multiple servings daily, the potential impact could be even more pronounced.”

The researchers caution that their findings are based on lab research conducted on cells, necessitating larger-scale studies involving human subjects.

Nonetheless, they advise consumers to check product labels for erythritol or “sugar alcohol.”

“Considering the epidemiological evidence informing our research, along with our cellular discoveries, monitoring the intake of such non-nutritive sweeteners seems wise,” Professor Desouza remarked.

The study was published today in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

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Auburn R. Berry et al. 2025. The non-nutritive sweetener erythritol negatively affects brain microvascular endothelial cell function. Journal of Applied Physiology 138(6):1571-1577; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00276.2025

Source: www.sci.news

Research Indicates Omega-6 Fatty Acids Do Not Elevate Inflammation Markers

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In an extensive community-based investigation, researchers from the Fatty Acid Institute identified a weak yet statistically significant inverse relationship between various inflammatory biomarkers and omega-6 fatty acids.

This image features Oenothera biennis, plants that produce oils with a high linolenic acid content. Image credit: Georg Slickers/CC by-sa 4.0.

“Chronic inflammation is acknowledged as a significant risk factor for various health disorders,” stated President William Harris of the Fatty Acid Institute and his colleagues.

“Omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), have been identified as either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory agents. Researchers have considered both positions regarding dietary intake.”

The researchers utilized data from the Framingham Offspring study, a prominent cohort study in the Boston region.

This groundbreaking longitudinal research initiative began in 1971 and follows children from the original Framingham Heart Study, examining genetic and lifestyle factors influencing cardiovascular and metabolic health.

It has yielded valuable insights into chronic disease risks and prevention for decades, establishing itself as one of the most dependable sources for understanding long-term health trends.

This investigation is cross-sectional, meaning LA and AA levels were evaluated alongside 2,700 inflammation-related biomarkers in the same blood samples.

We statistically analyzed the association between the levels of these two omega-6 fatty acids and the levels of 10 blood and urine biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress.

After statistically controlling for several potential confounding variables (such as age, race, gender, smoking status, blood pressure, and weight), researchers discovered that elevated LA levels were significantly linked to lower levels of five out of the 10 biomarkers.

For AA, higher levels were associated with reduced concentrations of four markers; however, there was no statistically significant relationship with higher inflammation/oxidation levels, unlike LA.

“These new findings clearly indicate that individuals with the highest LA (and AA) levels in their blood exhibit less inflammation than those with lower levels,” Dr. Harris remarked.

“This result contradicts the expectation if omega-6 fatty acids were deemed ‘pro-inflammatory.’ In fact, they seem to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.”

“Amidst discussions in the media about the dangers of seed oils—the primary source of LA in diets—numerous voices advocate for reducing LA consumption.”

“This recommendation lacks a scientific basis, and this study, along with others, suggests the opposite: rather than decreasing LA intake, increasing it may be the healthier choice.”

“These findings diverge from the prevailing narrative but are consistent with earlier studies.”

“Numerous studies within medical literature support the findings presented here.”

The study was published in the journal Nutrients on June 22nd.

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Heidi T.M. Lai et al. 2025. Erythrocyte omega-6 fatty acids and biomarkers of inflammation in the Framingham offspring study. Nutrients 17 (13): 2076; doi: 10.3390/nu17132076

Source: www.sci.news

Maximizing Efficiency: Design Tips from Side Job Experts for Success

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In today’s world, side jobs have become a central part of many people’s lives. Nearly 50% of British individuals are engaging in side hustles. Nine out of 10 individuals under the age of 34 who have a side hustle plan to turn it into a full-time business. Balancing a side hustle along with a full-time job can be challenging, even for the most skilled multitaskers. Here are some tips for managing multiple gigs without disrupting your work environment.

Separate and Support Each Other
View your day job as a source of motivation and insight rather than a hindrance to your side hustle. This approach can make your life more coherent and less draining.

Surprisingly, finding inspiration in both roles can help you focus better on each gig.

Reshmi Bennett, an award-winning chef from Surrey, runs a bakery called Anges de Sucre alongside publishing a recipe book for children to promote creativity in the kitchen. Bennett’s bakery has been thriving since its establishment in 2011, and she successfully manages both ventures, especially during the pandemic. Bennett shared, “During the lockdown, I had some free time, so I started writing a novel and selling it on Amazon.”

“Balancing the two roles can be challenging, so I try to organize my schedule as efficiently as possible. When I’m at my day job, I focus on fulfilling bakery orders and meeting customer needs. I pour all my energy into this. I also try to apply the skills and experiences I gain at the bakery, like recipe testing, to my side hustle. This way, I can continue managing both roles at a realistic pace.”

Work Smarter
Emma Thomson, hailing from Romford, Essex, founded a jewelry business while working as a medical secretary for the NHS. Thomson juggled both roles during her lunch breaks for six years before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. She shared, “I unintentionally started this business. It began as a coping mechanism for my anxiety and depression, and gradually, people started asking where they could purchase my jewelry.”

jeweler emma thomson

Her top advice? “Optimize the time you spend in your main job as much as possible. I worked 10 hours a day for 3 days straight at my NHS job instead of the standard 8-hour day. Although it was long, I had four full days to focus on my business and take a day off if needed. This significantly reduced fatigue and stress. Additionally, scheduling and automating social media content proved to be beneficial, as I didn’t have to personally oversee much of my social media presence.”

Enhance Your Visual Identity
Develop a strong visual identity for both your day job and side hustle. Whether presenting internally to your team or creating social media content for your side gig, leveraging your design skills and adaptability can strengthen your personal brand. Improved design skills can benefit you in both roles and help you excel at both. Consider using apps like Adobe Express for creating high-quality content effortlessly.

Candace Mason runs an herbal tea business for women.

Outsource Whenever Possible
Successfully managing a family bus and coach company alongside a women’s herbal tea business requires a diverse set of skills. Candace Mason from Tring, Hertfordshire, emphasizes the importance of good organization. She runs two very distinct and separate businesses, managing her life effectively using online tools like Trello for project management. Having a streamlined calendar and booking system is crucial for efficient operation. Mason acknowledges the value of outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping, recognizing the importance of accepting that one person cannot do everything.

Stick to Your Schedule Strictly
Leanne Alston of Bradford, West Yorkshire, owns a private hotel while working full-time as a mental health team manager in the NHS. Alston attributes her success to strict scheduling in all areas of her life. “I create a weekly schedule, detailing my 9-to-5 job requirements and sleep routine. I then allocate time for meeting private clients, organizing social media, exercising, socializing, and personal projects. Some days require specific planning, while others are more relaxed, but having a written schedule eliminates mental clutter and provides visual clarity. Prioritizing health is crucial; neither your day job nor side hustle can thrive if your well-being is neglected.”

Psychotherapist Leanne Alston

“I meticulously plan my week to accommodate my 9-to-5 responsibilities, sleep, and personal activities, including meetings with clients, social media management, exercise, and socializing. Some days require specific planning, while others are more relaxed. Having everything written down eliminates mental clutter and provides visual clarity, making it easier to follow through on tasks. One important suggestion is to prioritize your health, as neither your day job nor side project will thrive if your well-being is neglected.”

Stay True to Yourself
We often hear about bringing our “authentic selves” to work. While the wisdom of this approach is debatable, aligning your personal and professional personas can simplify your life, especially if you have a side hustle. This consistency reduces the energy spent on adapting between roles and opens up opportunities for cross-pollination.

Charlotte Walsh started a reusable straw business

Try Time Chunking
Charlotte Walsh, an engineer from North Yorkshire, founded a silicone straw company to address the challenge of finding high-quality, reusable straws for her children. Walsh shared, “I launched the business in 2019 and now work full-time, handling everything from order dispatch to securing compliance for high street retail partners. By segmenting tasks into chunks through time chunking, you can prioritize urgent tasks and make significant daily progress without distractions from emails or new requests.”

Be Punctual
Lastly, never compromise on punctuality, even if you’re working late nights. Losing your professionalism can lead to a loss of trust, which may require even more time and effort to regain.

Click here to learn more about Adobe Express.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Alone in the Dark – Jodie Comer and David Harbor struggle to elevate this lackluster horror game

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IIt’s fitting that this latest Alone in the Dark game chooses a generational curse as its premise, as the series that pioneered the survival horror genre hasn’t had a good run for nearly 30 years. Its various misadventures include the disastrous 2008 game of the same name. The game included a blink-only button, among many strange design decisions. But it was terrible, at least in an interesting way, and that’s more than can be said for this boring and derivative re-imagining of the game that started it all.

Set in early 20th century Louisiana, Alone in the Dark follows Emily Hartwood (Jodie Comer), who is sent to a mental health clinic after receiving a worrying letter from her uncle Jeremy. It depicts a visit to Tokoro Delceto Manor. So worried, in fact, that she not only hires private investigator Edward Carnby (David Harbour) to accompany her, but one of the first questions she asks Carnby is whether he’s “waving a gun.” I expected that there might be a need for it, so I was wondering if he brought a gun. She is there to meet her uncle.

As it happens, you get to choose between Carnby and Heartwood to swing the gun, and that decision creates a slightly different perspective on the same story. This reimagining retains the general premise of his 1992 original, but its presentation and mechanics are heavily borrowed from Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 2. Explore Delceto mansion in limited freedom and solve simple puzzles to unlock different rooms. This is interspersed with more action-oriented segments where you enter Uncle Jeremy’s dreams and fight monsters in locations inspired by HP Lovecraft’s stories.




Very boring most of the time…Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic

The southern Gothic manor house is fun enough to explore, and the puzzles it contains may be a little distracting. But for the most part, Alone in the Dark is pretty boring. The biggest problem is writing. The game aims for a snappy, noir-esque detachment, but it can’t match it with the fundamental silliness of a Lovecraftian mystery. The sudden switch in tone and location is more disconcerting than interesting. It also struggles to justify itself. Why do the dual protagonists spend most of the game apart, even though Heartwood specifically hired Carnby to protect her?

If Pieces Interactive was hoping that the star talent they hired would improve their writing skills, unfortunately the effect is quite the opposite. Comer seems confused as to what Heartwood’s character is. Almost every line she says is off-key. Simple filler phrases like “I need the key” sound like something a sarcastic teenager would say to her. Harbor sometimes sounds like he’s reading a script with one eye on the clock, but he does a somewhat better job of it.

It’s worth noting that the Resident Evil games aren’t narrative masterpieces either. But those people teeth Scary and exciting, the qualities of Alone in the Dark stumble past. Aside from a few instances, exploring the mansion lacks any sense of suspense, as combat and puzzle-solving exist in separate realms. Even in the dream world, encounters with monsters are surprisingly rare. Assuming you can’t stand enemies quaking in corners due to the game’s regular AI glitches, it might be fun to shoot them when they appear, but most other interactions are underwhelming or not at all It’s frustrating. Melee combat is sluggish, but opening doors and climbing ladders is excruciatingly slow.




The sudden change in sound is more disconcerting than intriguing… Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic

Moreover, for someone who is supposed to be lost in the abyss of madness, Jeremy’s dreamscapes are disappointingly mundane. These include Louisiana swamps, cemeteries, warehouses, and libraries (apparently ancient). You’ll visit some more exotic locations later on, but they’re too fleeting to have much of an impact. It takes enough effort just to hear real people talk about their dreams. If you’re going to force yourself to experience a fake person’s dream, you’d better make sure it’s very weird.

Where Alan Wake 2’s excellent surrealist horror offered a clear and compelling story while reveling in its weirdness, Alone in the Dark was too staid, too clumsy and, so haphazard that it evokes nothing more than a shrug. The mystery surrounding Jeremy’s madness isn’t worth the weighty unraveling, but the combat and puzzle-solving are just a shadow of Resident Evil 2’s excellent design. It seems the curse lives on.

Source: www.theguardian.com