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Research Links Low Vitamin D Levels to Higher Risk of Covid-19 Hospitalization

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A recent analysis utilizing data from the UK Biobank revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, though there is only a weak association with the risk of infection.

Monroy-Iglesias et al. The nested case-control study was based on individuals with serum vitamin D level measurements in Baseline (2006-2010) within the Biobank Cohort, documenting COVID-19 PCR results and prior cancer diagnoses.

The widespread impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services has sparked considerable research interest aimed at understanding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease.

At the onset of the pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to examine various risk factors influencing rates of COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality.

Factors that have consistently emerged include age, male sex, smoking status, obesity, specific ethnic backgrounds, and immune system compromise, which all contribute to severe disease and a heightened likelihood of mortality.

Vitamin D is essential for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and is considered a risk factor for the development of severe, persistent inflammation, which may precede acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Consequently, several investigations have focused on the correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic.

Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and both the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease.

“Our goal was to utilize UK Biobank data to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risks of both COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” stated Dr. Maria Monroy Iglesias of King’s College London.

“We also assessed these associations across the general population, a subset of cancer patients, and examined potential differences related to ethnicity.”

The authors analyzed data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank to ascertain whether the risk of COVID-19 was elevated among those with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L in blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L).

Additionally, they compared hospitalization risks due to COVID-19 across these three groups.

“These findings can help identify at-risk individuals and inform future public health guidance,” noted Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a researcher with the University of South Australia.

“Given vitamin D’s important role in immune regulation, it is possible that low levels may influence responses to infections like COVID-19.”

“Our study indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had a higher likelihood of being hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels; however, they were not necessarily more prone to contracting the virus in the first place.”

The research team also explored the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients across different ethnic backgrounds.

It was found that individuals of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent had a marginally increased risk of infection at lower vitamin D levels, while the link between vitamin D and severe illness was predominantly observed in individuals of white backgrounds.

Although no significant correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes among individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, researchers cautioned that this may stem from smaller sample sizes.

“While the overall risk of COVID-19 has diminished over time, the virus continues to pose a public health challenge,” Dr. Beckmann remarked.

“COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it continues to impact individuals’ well-being.”

“Understanding which populations are most vulnerable enables those individuals to take necessary precautions, such as keeping track of their vitamin D levels.”

“Individuals already in poor health may naturally have lower levels of vitamin D.”

“As such, it’s still unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can mitigate the severity of COVID-19.

“This remains a topic worthy of further investigation, especially as we adapt to living with the virus.”

Survey results will be published online in the journal PLOS 1.

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MJ Monroy-Iglesias et al. 2025. The effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 risks and hospitalizations in the UK Biobank. PLOS 1 20(7): E0328232; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328232

Source: www.sci.news

Thousands of UK University Students Use AI to Combat Fraud

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In recent years, a substantial number of university students in the UK have been identified for misusing ChatGPT and similar AI tools. While traditional forms of plagiarism appear to be declining significantly, a Guardian investigation reveals concerning trends.

The investigation into academic integrity violations has indicated a rise to 5.1 cases per 1,000 students, with nearly 7,000 verified instances of fraud involving AI tools reported between 2023 and 2024. This marks an increase from just 1.6 cases per 1,000 students in the previous academic year, 2022-23.

Experts anticipate these figures will increase further this year, estimating potential cases could reach around 7.5 per 1,000 students, although reported cases likely reflect only a fraction of the actual instances.

This data underscores the rapidly changing landscape for universities as they strive to update evaluation methods in response to emerging technologies like ChatGPT and other AI-driven writing tools.

Before the advent of generative AI in the 2019-20 academic year, plagiarism accounted for nearly two-thirds of all academic misconduct. Plagiarism rates surged during the pandemic as many assessments transitioned online. However, with advances in AI tools, the character of academic fraud has evolved.

Predictions suggest that for the current academic year, confirmed instances of traditional plagiarism could decrease from 19 per 15.2 to 15.2, falling to approximately 8.5 per 1,000 students.

A set of charts displaying verified fraud cases per 1,000 students. Plagiarism is expected to rise from 2019-20 to 2022-23 and then revert, while AI-related fraud is anticipated to rise from 2022-23 to a level comparable to plagiarism. “Other fraud” shows stability.

The Guardian reached out to 155 universities via the Freedom of Information Act, which mandates disclosure of confirmed cases of academic misconduct, including plagiarism and AI-related fraud over the past five years. Out of these, 131 responded; however, not all universities had comprehensive records of annual or fraud categories.

More than 27% of responding institutions did not categorize AI misuse as a distinct form of fraud in 2023-24, indicating a lack of acknowledgment of the issue within the sector.

Numerous instances of AI-related fraud may go undetected. A survey by the Institute for Higher Education Policy revealed that 88% of students admitted to utilizing AI for evaluations. Additionally, last year, researchers at the University of Reading tested their rating system and found that AI-generated submissions went undetected 94% of the time.

Dr. Peter Scarf, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Reading and co-author of the research, noted that while methods of cheating have existed for a long time, the education sector must adapt to the challenges posed by AI, creating a fundamentally different issue.

He remarked, “I believe the reality we see reflects merely the tip of the iceberg. AI detection operates differently from traditional plagiarism checks, making it almost impossible to prove misuse. If an AI detector indicates AI usage, it’s challenging to counter that claim.”

“We cannot merely transition all student assessments to in-person formats. Simultaneously, the sector must recognize that students are employing AI even if it goes unreported or unnoticed.”

Students keen to avoid AI detection have numerous online resources at their disposal. The Guardian found various TikTok videos that promote AI paraphrasing and essay writing tools tailored for students, which can circumvent typical university AI detection systems by effectively “humanizing” text produced by ChatGPT.

Dr. Thomas Lancaster, a researcher of academic integrity at Imperial College London, stated, “It’s exceedingly challenging to substantiate claims of AI misuse among students who are adept at manipulating the generated content.”

Harvey*, who has just completed his Business Management degree at Northern University, shared with the Guardian that he utilized AI for brainstorming ideas and structuring tasks while also incorporating references, noting that many of his peers have similarly engaged with these technologies.

“When I started university, ChatGPT was already available, making its presence constant in my experience,” he explained. “I don’t believe many students use AI simply to replicate text. Most see it as a tool for generating ideas and inspiration. Any content I derive from it, I thoroughly rework in my style.”

“I know people who, after using AI, enhance and adapt the output through various methods to make it sound human-authored.”

Amelia*, who has just completed her first year in a music business program at a university in the southwest, also acknowledged using AI for summarization and brainstorming, highlighting the tool’s significant benefits for students with learning difficulties. “A friend of mine uses AI for structuring essays rather than relying solely on it to write or study, integrating her own viewpoints and conducting some research. She has dyslexia.”

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle recently emphasized to the Guardian the importance of leveraging AI to “level the playing field” for children with dyslexia.

It appears that technology companies see students as a key demographic for their AI solutions. Google is now providing free upgrades to university students in the US and Canada for 15 months to its Gemini Tools.

Lancaster stated, “Assessment methods at the university level may feel meaningless to students, even if educators have valid reasons for their structure. Understanding the reasons behind specific tasks and engaging students in the assessment design process is crucial.”

“There are frequent discussions about the merits of increasing the number of examinations instead of written assessments, yet the value of retaining knowledge through memorization diminishes yearly. Emphasis should be on fostering communication skills and interpersonal abilities—elements that are not easily replicable by AI and crucial for success in the workplace.”

A government spokesperson stated that over £187 million has been invested in the national skills program, with guidelines issued on AI utilization within schools.

They affirmed: “Generative AI has immense potential to revolutionize education, presenting exciting prospects for growth during transitional periods. However, integrating AI into education, learning, and assessment necessitates careful consideration, and universities must determine how to harness its advantages while mitigating risks to prepare for future employment.”

*Name has been changed.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Layoffs at the FDA could lead to higher drug prices and jeopardize food safety

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced widespread cuts at federal health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, which eliminates overlapping services and paper pushers.

However, interviews with more than a dozen current and former FDA staff featured another photo of the widespread impact of layoffs that ultimately cut the agency’s workforce by 20%. Among them are experts who have navigated the maze of law to determine whether expensive drugs can be sold as low-cost generics. Lab scientists who tested food and drugs for contaminants or fatal bacteria. Veterinary department experts investigating avian flu infections. Researchers who monitored advertisements that were aired for false claims about prescription drugs.

In many areas of the FDA, no employee will support overseas inspectors at risk of processing their pay, submitting retirement or layoff documents, or making the most of their agency’s credit card. Even libraries of institutions that relied on subscriptions to medical journals where researchers and experts were now cancelled have been closed.

FDA’s new commissioner, Dr. Marty McCurry, appeared on Wednesday in a much-anticipated appearance at Maryland headquarters. He gave a speech outlining a wide range of issues in the health care system, including an increase in chronic diseases. Employees were not given a formal opportunity to ask questions.

Approximately 3,500 FDA employees are expected to lose employment under the cuts. A spokesman for Health and Human Services did not answer the question.

When the Trump administration ran its first round with the FDA in February, it thwarted a team of scientists who did the nuanced job of ensuring the safety of surgical robots and devices injecting insulin into diabetic children. Some of the layoffs and cuts described as arbitrary volition by former FDA officials have quickly reversed.

Dr. David Kessler, a former agent committee member on the pandemic response under President Biden and White House adviser, said the latest round of layoffs has been deprived of decades of important experience and knowledge from the institution.

“I think it’s devastating, coincidence, thoughtful and confused,” he said. “I think they need to be revoked.”

It remains uncertain whether any of the lost jobs will be restored by the regime. In the interview, 15 current and former staff members spoke on condition of anonymity, some of whom spoke and explained the expected layoffs and expected impacts on food, drugs and medical supplies, fearing unemployment or retaliation.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The potential reasons behind teenage girls’ higher rates of depression compared to boys

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Researchers have discovered that certain chemical imbalances in the brain may help explain the higher risk of depression in teenage girls compared to boys.

They specifically highlighted the role of a chemical called tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, milk, nuts, and seeds. Tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, sleep, and happiness.

When tryptophan is broken down in the brain, it can lead to the production of beneficial chemicals like kynurenic acid, as well as harmful chemicals.

Tryptophan (the molecular structure shown here) is one of the 20 standard amino acids – Photo credit: Getty

A study by scientists from King’s College London analyzed blood and depression symptoms in Brazilian teenagers aged 14-16, linking these chemicals with depression in both genders.

According to Professor Valeria Mondeli, senior author and Kings’ clinical professor of psychoimmune, adolescence is a time of significant changes with little understanding of the biological factors contributing to depression differences between teenage boys and girls.

The researchers found that girls at high risk of depression had lower levels of brain health kynurenic acid compared to low-risk individuals, indicating potential harm from tryptophan breakdown.

Girls and women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, and the researchers suggested this may be linked to the unbalanced kynurenine pathway’s effects on the brain.

Dr. Nagum Nickhesrat, the first author of the study, expressed hope that the findings could lead to better support for teenagers with depression, possibly through drugs targeting the kynurenine pathway.

Understanding the kynurenine pathway’s role in depression development during teenage years could provide insight into better management strategies for depression.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New theories suggest that the likelihood of intelligent life existing beyond Earth is higher

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In 1983, theoretical physicist Brandon Carter said that the time it took for humans to evolve on Earth compared to the total lifespan of the Sun was essentially unlikely to have been our evolutionary origin. We concluded that observers like humans who are comparable to the above are very rare. . In a new study, scientists from Pennsylvania, the University of Munich and the University of Rochester have critically reevaluated the core assumptions of Carter's “hard step” theory through the lens of historical geologics. Specifically, they propose alternative theories with no harsh steps, and the evolutionary specificity required for human origin can be explained through mechanisms other than essentially non-performance. Furthermore, if the surface environment of the Earth initially did not reach the specific important intermediate steps necessary for human existence, as well as human life, the timing of human origin would be a habitability surrounding the history of the Earth. Controlled by continuous openings in the new global environment window.

The new theory proposes that humans may represent potential consequences of biological and planetary evolution. Image credit: Fernando Ribas.

“This is a huge change in how we think about life history,” said Professor Jennifer McCalady of Pennsylvania.

“It suggests that the evolution of complex life may be less about the interaction between luck and its environment, and I am to understand our origins and our place in the universe. paves the path for exciting new research in our quest.”

“The 'hard step' model, originally developed by Brandon Carter in 1983, took humans to evolve on Earth compared to the total lifespan of the sun, so our evolutionary origins are largely due to the fact that He claims it is unlikely. Human beings are extremely low across the globe. ”

In a new study, Professor Makaradi and her colleagues say that the Earth's environment is initially incapable of parasitic life in many forms, and only important evolutionary steps when the Earth's environment reaches a state of “tolerant” claimed that it was possible.

“For example, because complex animal life requires a certain level of oxygen in the atmosphere, oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis is the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere through microorganisms and bacteria, and oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere through planets. It was a natural evolutionary step, said Dr. Dan Mills, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Munich.

“We argue that intelligent life may not need a series of lucky breaks.”

“Humans did not evolve “early” or “slowly” in the history of the Earth, but when conditions were right, they “on time.” ”

“It's probably just a matter of time, and while other planets can probably achieve these conditions more quickly than Earth, other planets may take even longer.”

The central prediction of the “hard step” theory is that, based on Carter's, steps such as the origin of life, the development of complex cells, and the emergence of human intelligence, if there are no other civilizations, then the other civilizations are He says there is little that exists in the universe. The interpretation of the total lifespan of the Sun is 10 billion years, and the age of the Earth is about 5 billion years old.

In a new study, the authors have the ability to originate human origin by continuous openings in the window of habitability to the history of the Earth, driven by changes in nutritional availability, sea surface temperature, ocean salinity levels, and oxygen levels. I suggested that the timing could be explained. atmosphere.

Given all the interaction factors, the Earth has only just become kind to humanity recently. It is simply a natural result of workplace conditions.

“We believe we need to use geological time scales rather than predicting based on the lifespan of the sun, because it takes time for the atmosphere and landscape to change,” Penn State said. said Professor Jason Wright.

“These are the normal timescales on Earth. When life evolves with planets, they evolve at the planet's pace on the planet's timescale.”

Team's paper It was published in the journal this month Advances in science.

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Daniel B. Mills et al. 2025. A reevaluation of the “hard step” model for the evolution of intellectual life. Advances in science 11(7); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads5698

Source: www.sci.news

Lisa Nandy urges YouTube and TikTok to promote higher quality content for children

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Britain’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reached out to video-sharing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, urging them to prioritize the promotion of high-quality educational content for children.

Recent data indicates a substantial shift in children’s viewing habits, with a significant decrease in TV consumption over the past decade. Instead, children, aged between 4 and 8, are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube and TikTok for entertainment, according to Nandy.

During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Nandy mentioned the government’s intention to engage in dialogue with these platforms initially, but warned of potential interventions if they do not respond positively.

She emphasized the importance of the high-quality educational content produced in the UK, which plays a crucial role in informing children about the world, supporting their mental well-being and development, and providing entertainment. However, she expressed concerns about the lack of similar quality in content on video-sharing platforms compared to traditional broadcasters.

Former BBC presenter Floella Benjamin, acting as a guest editor on the show, described these platforms as a “wild west” filled with inappropriate content.

Nandy highlighted the government’s efforts to remove harmful content for children and stressed the need to address deeper issues related to the quality of content children consume.

She acknowledged the democratic nature of platforms like YouTube, where individuals can build careers from home, but also emphasized the responsibility to ensure the content is appropriate for young viewers.

Regarding the decrease in funding for children’s television, Nandy mentioned the Young Audiences Content Fund as a positive initiative to boost production. She believed that increasing investment might not be the solution, as the focus should be on reaching all children, including those who do not watch traditional TV.

Despite concerns raised by Benjamin about a crisis in children’s television, Nandy praised the sector as a valuable asset for Britain, from networks like CBeebies to beloved shows like Peppa Pig. She emphasized the government’s role in supporting and nurturing this content, even if it may not be highly profitable.

Nandy admitted the challenges of monitoring her own son’s online activities but commended the platform’s filtering mechanisms and highlighted the positive influence of educational content like news programs.

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Nandy confirmed contacting Ofcom to elevate the importance of children’s television in their regulatory considerations and urged a review of public broadcasting, anticipated in the summer.

She stressed the necessity of balancing the influx of investment from platforms like Netflix and Disney with preserving and promoting uniquely British content without overshadowing it.

This involves forming partnerships with public broadcasters to expand online content availability and ensure adequate recognition and support for their contributions, as per Nandy’s statements.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The frequency of giant solar flares from the sun may be higher than previously believed

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This relatively small solar flare that occurred in October (a bright flash at the center discovered by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory) would be dwarfed by a superflare.

NASA/SDO

The sun can produce extremely powerful bursts of radiation more often than we think. According to research on stars similar to the Sun, such “superflares” appear to occur about once every 100 years, and are particle storms that can have a devastating effect on electronic equipment on Earth. may be accompanied by The last major solar storm to hit Earth was 165 years ago, so we may be hit by another solar storm soon, but how similar is our Sun to these other stars? is unknown.

Direct measurements of solar activity did not begin until the mid-20th century. In 1859, our star produced a very powerful solar flare, or emission of light. These are often associated with subsequent coronal mass ejections (CMEs), bubbles of magnetized plasma particles that shoot into space.

In fact, this flare was followed by a CME that crashed into the Earth, causing a violent geomagnetic storm. This was recorded by astronomers at the time and is now known as the Carrington phenomenon. If this were to happen today, communications systems and power grids could be disrupted.

There is also evidence that there were even more powerful storms on Earth long before the Carrington incident. Assessment of radiocarbon content in tree rings and ice cores suggests that extremely high-energy particles occasionally rained down on Earth over several days, but this could be attributed to a one-time, massive solar outburst. It is unclear whether this is the case or whether it is due to several solar explosions. something small. It’s also unclear whether the Sun can produce such large flares and particle storms in a single explosion.

The frequency of these signs on Earth, and the frequency of superflares that astronomers have recorded on other stars, suggests that these giant bursts tend to occur hundreds to thousands of years apart. .

now, Ilya Usoskin Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland studied 56,450 stars and found that stars similar to the Sun appear to emit superflares much more frequently.

“Superflares in stars like the Sun occur much more frequently than previously thought, about once every century or two,” Usoskin said. “If we believe this prediction for the Sun is correct, we would expect the Sun to have a superflare about every 100 to 200 years, and the only extreme solar storms we know of occur about once every 1500 or 2000 years. There will be a mismatch.”

Using the Kepler Space Telescope to measure the brightness of stars, Usoskin and colleagues detected a total of 2,889 superflares in 2,527 stars. The energies of these flares were 100 to 10,000 times the size of the Carrington event, the largest flare measured from the Sun.

Usoskin said it remains to be seen whether such large flares also cause large-particle phenomena, such as there is evidence for on Earth, but current solar theory cannot explain such large flares. That’s what it means. “This raises questions about what we’re actually seeing,” he says.

“It’s very impressive for a stellar flare survey,” he says. Matthew Owens At the University of Reading, UK. “They’ve clearly developed a new way to detect flares with increased sensitivity.”

Owens says it’s even harder to determine how much this tells us about the Sun’s flaring activity, in part because it’s difficult to accurately measure the rotation rates of other stars. It is said that it is for the sake of “The devil is in the details,” he says.

“The rotation rate is important because it is related to how the star generates its magnetic field, and magnetic fields are related to flare activity,” Owens said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Drinking sugary beverages linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds

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in new research Published in a magazine frontiers of public healthScientists surveyed 69,705 participants (47.2% women) aged 45 to 83 from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Swedish Men's Cohort to assess their intake of added sugars and a variety of sugary foods and beverages. We investigated the association between this and the risk of seven cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of stroke and aneurysm, but eating small snacks lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, drinking sugary drinks increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Although additional sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, the lowest intake categories had the highest risk for most outcomes. Positive linear associations were found between topping intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. There is no relationship between snack intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, sweets) and all outcomes, and between topping intake (sugar, honey, jam, marmalade) and heart failure and aortic stenosis. , a negative linear correlation was found. Image credit: Ernesto Rodriguez.

Cardiovascular disease comprises a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and is currently the leading cause of death and disease burden in Europe, mainly due to stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Although diet is one of the main modifiable risk factors for many CVDs, evidence regarding added sugar intake and CVD risk is lacking and inconclusive.

Additionally, most studies have primarily focused on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rather than total added sugar intake, even though sugar-sweetened beverages account for 14% of added sugar intake in Sweden and only 25% in the United States. I'm guessing.

“The most surprising finding of our study was the differential relationship between different sources of added sugar and CVD risk,” said Suzanne Junge, a PhD candidate at Lund University. That's what I mean.''

“This striking contrast highlights the importance of considering not only the amount of sugar consumed, but also its source and context.”

To understand how sugar intake affects cardiovascular disease risk and whether those risks change with intake of different types of sugar, Janzi et al. Data were collected from two major cohort studies: a cohort of men and a cohort of Swedish men.

These studies administered dietary questionnaires in 1997 and 2009, allowing scientists to monitor participants' diets over time.

Once exclusions were made to ensure the two cohorts shared the same inclusion criteria and remove independent risk factors for CVD, researchers were left with a sample of 69,705 participants .

They identified three classes of sugar intake: toppings such as honey, treats such as pastries, and sugary drinks such as soda, and two different types of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, and aortic stenosis. investigated seven CVDs. .

Participants were monitored until death, diagnosis of CVD, or end of follow-up in 2019.

During this period, 25,739 participants were diagnosed with CVD.

The scientists then used this data to analyze how different types of sugar intake affected the risk of various CVDs.

They found that consuming sugary drinks is worse for your health than any other form of sugar. Drinking more sugary drinks significantly increases your risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“The liquid sugar found in sweetened beverages is typically less satiating than solid foods, which can lead to less satiety and overconsumption,” says Junge.

“Context is also important. Snacks are often enjoyed during social gatherings or special occasions, while sugary drinks may be consumed more regularly.”

Different types of CVD are affected differently by increased sugar intake. This is likely because added sugar intake has a different impact on participants' individual risk profiles.

Increased carbohydrate intake generally increased the risk of ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and also increased the risk of heart failure in participants with a normal BMI.

However, the category with the lowest snack intake had the highest risk of negative health outcomes. Occasional snacking was associated with better outcomes than no snacking at all.

“This may reflect underlying dietary habits. People with very low sugar intake may have very restrictive diets, or may have low sugar intake due to pre-existing health conditions. may be limiting,” Junge said.

“Although our observational study cannot prove causation, these results suggest that extremely low carbohydrate intake may not be necessary or beneficial for cardiovascular health.”

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Suzanne Junge others. 2024. Added association between sugar intake and incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. frontiers of public health 12;doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452085

Source: www.sci.news

Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes have significantly higher water content than previously believed

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Water is a key component of exoplanets, and its distribution – on the surface or deep inside – has a fundamental impact on the planet’s properties. A new study suggests that for Earth-sized planets and planets with more than six times Earth’s mass, the majority of water resides deep within the planet’s core.

Most of the water isn’t stored on the surface of exoplanets, but deep within their cores and mantles. Image courtesy of Sci.News.

“Most of the exoplanets known to date are located close to their stars,” said Professor Caroline Dohn of ETH Zurich.

“That means they consist mainly of hot worlds with oceans of molten magma that haven’t yet cooled enough to form a solid mantle of silicate rock like Earth’s.”

“Water is very soluble in these magma oceans, unlike, say, carbon dioxide, which quickly outgasssssssssssss and rises into the atmosphere.”

“The iron core is beneath a molten silicate mantle. So how does water partition between the silicates and the iron?”

“It takes time for the iron core to form. Most of the iron is initially contained in the hot magma soup in the form of droplets.”

“The water trapped in this soup binds to these iron droplets and together they sink to the center. The iron droplets act like a lift force, being carried downward by the water.”

Until now, such phenomena were known to occur only under moderate pressures, which also exist on Earth.

It was not known what would happen on larger planets with higher internal pressures.

“This is one of the key findings of our study,” Professor Dorn said.

“The larger and more massive the planet, the more likely the water is to be integrated into the core, together with the iron droplets.”

“Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates.”

“But because of the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer exists in the form of water molecules, but in the form of hydrogen and oxygen.”

The research was sparked by an investigation into the Earth’s water content, which four years ago led to a startling result: the Earth’s surface oceans contain only a tiny fraction of the planet’s total water.

More than 80 of Earth’s oceans may be hidden within it.

This is shown by simulations that calculate how water would have behaved under conditions when the Earth was young, so experiments and seismological measurements are compatible.

New discoveries about the distribution of water within planets will have a dramatic impact on the interpretation of astronomical observational data.

Astronomers can use telescopes in space and on Earth to measure the weight and size of exoplanets under certain conditions.

They use these calculations to create mass-radius diagrams that allow them to draw conclusions about the planet’s composition.

“Ignoring water solubility and distribution, as has been done in the past, can lead to a massive underestimation of the water volume, by up to a factor of ten,” Prof Doern said.

“There’s a lot more water on the planet than we previously thought.”

The distribution of water is also important if we want to understand how planets form and develop: any water that sinks to the core will remain trapped there forever.

However, dissolved water in the mantle’s magma ocean can degas and rise to the surface as the mantle cools.

“So if we find water in a planet’s atmosphere, there’s probably even more water in its interior,” Prof Dorn said.

Water is one of the prerequisites for life to develop, and there has long been speculation as to whether water-rich super-Earths could support life.

Calculations have since suggested that too much water could be detrimental to life, arguing that on such a watery world, an alien layer of high-pressure ice would prevent vital exchange of materials at the interface between the ocean and the planet’s mantle.

Current research has come to a different conclusion: Most of the water on super-Earths is locked away in their cores, rather than on their surfaces as previously assumed, so planets with deep aqueous layers are probably rare.

This has led astronomers to speculate that planets with relatively high water content could potentially form habitable environments like Earth.

“Their study sheds new light on the possibility that worlds rich enough in water to support life may exist,” the authors said.

of study Published in the journal Natural Astronomy.

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H. Luo othersThe interior as the main water reservoir of Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes. Nat AstronPublished online August 20, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02347-z

Source: www.sci.news

The Link Between Wildfire Smoke and Higher Dementia Risk

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summary

  • Studies have found that wildfire smoke can have adverse effects on brain health.
  • New research suggests that increased exposure to smoke may increase the risk of dementia.
  • As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, more people are being exposed to smoke and the associated health risks.

Parts of California, Oregon and Montana have been hit by several massive wildfires, including the Park Fire in Northern California, the fifth-largest in state history, and air pollution has reached unhealthy levels.

Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles, making it a danger to people nearby as well as those far away.

The fine particles in the smoke are not only bad for your lungs, but a series of studies in recent years have shown that they also have a negative impact on brain health, increasing the risk of dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health problems.

“Much of the research on wildfire smoke has historically focused on the lungs and the heart,” said Stephanie Cleland, an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University who studies the health effects of wildfire smoke. “It's only recently that we've seen a focus on cognitive function and brain health.”

Adding to this body of evidence is a study presented Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggesting that wildfire smoke may increase the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis.

The study analyzed health records of more than 1.2 million Southern California adults aged 60 and older from 2009 to 2019.

The researchers looked at where people lived and their exposure to fine particles from wildfire smoke and other pollutants, and found that for every extra microgram per cubic meter of fine particulate matter from smoke that participants were exposed to over a three-year period, their odds of developing dementia increased by 21%.

In contrast, a similar increase in exposure to fine particulate matter from other sources, such as cars and factories, was associated with a 3% increased odds of developing dementia.

Study author Dr. Holly Elser, a neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, said the evidence is still preliminary but supports that chronic exposure to wildfire smoke contributes to cognitive decline.

But, she said, “the threshold at which wildfire smoke begins to pose a risk to dementia is unclear.”

a A study published in August Similarly, higher exposure to fine particulate matter from a variety of sources, including wildfires, was also found to be associated with higher incidence of dementia.

Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and more intense, and it is also increasing people's exposure to smoke. Between 2003 and 2023, the frequency of major wildfires is expected to more than double, Recent research has shown that.

Scientists believe that wildfire smoke affects the brain because the tiny particles it contains can penetrate the barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, causing inflammation in the central nervous system. The particles can also travel directly from the nose to the brain, which can affect people's ability to think, learn, and remember.

Dementia isn't the only potential impact. Research in 2022 Adults who had recently been exposed to wildfire smoke performed worse on brain-training games that measure abilities such as memory, attention, flexibility, processing speed and problem-solving skills, a study has found.

“People's alertness is significantly reduced within hours to days of exposure to wildfire smoke,” said Cleland, one of the study's authors.

other A study published in the same year Exposure to wildfire smoke during the school year has been shown to lower students' test scores compared to smoke-free years.

“The more smoke you're exposed to, the worse your test scores are,” said Marshall Burke, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of global environmental policy at Stanford University. “The impact on individual students is probably pretty small, but when you add it up across students and across schools, it adds up to a pretty significant overall learning loss.”

But Mr Burke said he had doubts about the dementia study findings published this week because wildfire smoke and other pollution “cannot be equated”.

Elser acknowledged that many questions remain about how smoke affects the brain — for example, it's unclear whether smoke causes dementia in healthy people or only in those who are already at risk.

“That's a really interesting question as to whether this is creating new cases of dementia that never would have occurred before, or whether it's simply hastening the onset of clinically evident dementia,” she said.

Other questions remain about the relationship between wildfire smoke and mental health. February Survey Exposure to smoke from wildfires in the western United States has been linked to increased emergency room visits for anxiety. depression and Psychosis like schizophrenia.

Elser said wildfire smoke can change the neurochemistry in people's brains, which can lead to depression and anxiety, but it's also possible that the anxiety and stress of experiencing and living through a wildfire can independently lead to mental health issues.

Other health effects of wildfire smoke are fairly well understood: Scientists have known for decades that inhaling smoke particles can travel deep into the lungs or enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma, stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and low birth weight in newborns.

Cleland said it's not just people in fire-prone areas of the U.S. who have to worry about these risks, as the Canadian wildfires that blanketed parts of the Midwest and Northeast in smoke last summer showed.

“Last summer completely changed our discussion of who is exposed to wildfire smoke,” she says. “Oregon, California, Washington and British Columbia are actually getting a lot of wildfire smoke, but that doesn't mean places like the northeastern U.S. and Ontario aren't affected.”

To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, experts recommend that people living in areas with high levels of wildfire smoke: Air Quality Index Reading If your count is over 100, avoid outdoor activities, close all windows, run indoor air purifiers, and wear an N95 mask if you must go out.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Here’s Why Your Risk of Death is Higher on Your Birthday

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With the approach of a special day, we often find ourselves balancing the celebration of a new year’s wisdom and the apprehension of time passing by. However, the “birthday effect” adds an interesting twist to this traditional celebration.

The birthday effect is a statistical phenomenon, which unfortunately puts a damper on parties, indicating that people are more likely to pass away around their birthdays.

This somber discovery has been supported by various studies, such as the 2012 Swiss study, which revealed a 13.8 percent increase in the number of people aged 60 and above who died on their birthdays compared to other days.

Similarly, the 2015 Study from the United States showed a 6.7 percent higher risk of mortality on one’s birthday.

Various theories attempt to explain why this phenomenon occurs. Some suggest that excessive celebrations involving alcohol on birthdays can lead to risky behavior, accidents, and poor judgment. Others believe that for those battling terminal illnesses, birthdays serve as important milestones, giving them the strength to hold on until another year passes.

Birthdays can also trigger reflection, leading to feelings of sadness and depression known as “birthday blues.” Sadly, these emotions can increase the risk of suicide, as demonstrated by a Japanese study in 2016, which found a 50 percent higher risk of suicide on one’s birthday.

Another possibility is that errors in death registration records may inaccurately document some individuals’ birth and death dates as the same. However, these errors are unlikely to significantly impact the observed results.

The birthday effect remains a complex and not fully understood phenomenon, likely influenced by a combination of factors mentioned above and others. So, while blowing out the candles, perhaps hold off on that shot of tequila.

This article addresses the question from Alex Mercado in Manchester regarding the “birthday effect.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Microsoft’s AI investment yields higher returns than expected in the latest quarter

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Microsoft’s significant investment in artificial intelligence continues to yield positive results, surpassing Wall Street expectations in the latest quarter.

Tech giants have poured billions into AI to boost the growth of cloud computing services, resulting in a more than 20% increase in cloud computing revenue.

According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the company’s AI tools are ushering in a new era of AI transformation, delivering enhanced business outcomes across various industries.

Nadella highlighted the accelerated integration of AI into Microsoft’s software and services, noting significant upticks in deals within the Azure cloud computing business, along with the introduction of Copilot AI software add-ons for small and medium-sized businesses.

Microsoft’s total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 rose by 17% to $61.86 billion, exceeding analysts’ projections. Earnings per share also increased by 20% to $2.94.

Following the positive earnings report, Microsoft’s shares saw a 4% rise in after-hours trading on Thursday.

With a market value close to $3 trillion, Microsoft remains the largest publicly traded company globally. The company’s stock price has grown by over 30% in the past year.

Microsoft’s strategic investments include acquiring ChatGPT developer OpenAI, positioning itself as a key player in the AI landscape and attracting industry talent.

The company is now focusing on leveraging its strong position in AI, as evidenced by AI contributing 6% to Azure’s revenue growth in the final months of 2023.

In addition, the integration of AI features into LinkedIn has boosted engagement on the platform, leading to a revenue increase of 10%.

Microsoft has secured notable AI deals, including a significant partnership with Coca-Cola for AI and cloud computing services, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing AI technologies.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Restricting eating times linked to 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death

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A recent comprehensive study of 20,000 adults suggests that time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting, may significantly increase the risk of death. Moreover, healthy eating habits could challenge the established scientific consensus on this topic.

The latest research, published by the American Heart Association, reveals that restricting eating to less than eight hours a day is associated with a staggering 91 percent increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

After analyzing participants’ dietary habits and health over a period of up to 17 years, the study found no evidence to support the idea that limiting meals to an eight-hour window reduces the risk of death from any cause.

Lead author Professor Victor Wenze Zhong expressed surprise at the results, stating to BBC Science Focus that they had anticipated a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk and overall mortality with long-term adoption of an eight-hour time-restricted diet.

He further stated, “Despite the popularity of this dietary approach for its short-term benefits, our study indicates that while the typical eating window ranges from 12 to 16 hours per day, shorter meal times do not correlate with longer life.”

Although the precise reason why time-restricted eating may increase the risk of cardiovascular death is still unknown, one possible explanation suggested by Zhong is that it could lead to a loss of muscle mass.

Recent interest in time-restricted eating has been fueled by its potential health benefits. Prior studies have indicated that it could aid weight loss and improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Many practitioners follow a 16:8 schedule, whereby they consume all food within an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours.

This eating pattern aligns more closely with natural circadian rhythms and is believed to support better sleep and metabolic function. However, the recent findings cast doubt on its long-term benefits.

Stanford University School of Medicine Professor Dr. Christopher Gardner cautioned that while time-restricted eating may offer short-term advantages, it could have adverse long-term effects, based on the study.

It is important to note that the study has not yet undergone peer review, and detailed dietary information of the participants is not available.

The research population, with an average age of 49, recorded 2797 deaths, of which 840 were due to cardiovascular disease.

As per Zhong, individuals, especially those with existing heart disease or cancer, should be cautious about adopting an eight-hour eating window due to its associated increased risk of cardiovascular death.

He emphasized the potential effectiveness of intermittent fasting for short periods, such as three to six months, for weight loss and cardiometabolic health improvement. However, long-term adherence to practices like eight-hour time-restricted eating warrants careful consideration.

Despite these cautionary findings, Zhong and Gardner noted that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding time-restricted eating based on a single study.

Ultimately, the study suggests that the content of one’s diet may hold greater importance than the timing of meals for long-term health outcomes.

About our experts:

Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong is a professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He holds leadership roles in the American Academy of Nutrition and the American Heart Association.

Dr. Christopher Gardner is a professor of medicine at Stanford University, known for his research on dietary components and patterns. He has served on the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee and the Lifestyle & Metabolic Health Council.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Intermittent fasting linked to higher risk of heart disease-related death

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Eating within eight hours, commonly known as the 16:8 diet, is a common form of fasting.

Christina Pedrazzini/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Restricting eating time to eight hours a day (a common type of intermittent fasting) is associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease. However, some scientists believe that people with pre-existing health conditions may unconsciously eat intermittent meals if their symptoms or treatments affect their appetite and perhaps the quality of the meal is more important than the time of the meal. It claims that you may choose to fast.

It has long been reported that time-restricted eating can lead to improvement. blood pressure, Blood glucose level and cholesterol levelbut the long-term effects are unknown.

You can learn more about Chong Wenze Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China and their colleagues surveyed about 20,000 adults (almost evenly split between men and women) who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Their average age was 49 years, and just under three-quarters were non-Hispanic white.

Each year from 2003 to 2018, study participants self-reported their dietary information. The researchers then matched this with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention death records from 2003 to 2019. Participants were eligible if they were 20 years of age or older and had completed two dietary questionnaires within one year of the study.

Over an average 8-year follow-up period, the research team found that even though intermittent fasting is often praised, people who ate in an 8-hour window per day were less likely to eat on a 12-hour daily eating schedule. They discovered that they cannot live longer than humans for ~16 hours. For longevity benefits.

Researchers also found that people who followed an eight-hour eating schedule were 91 percent more likely to die from heart disease during the follow-up period than those who ate for 12 to 16 hours or more.

Among people diagnosed with heart disease before the study, those who ate for more than 8 to 10 hours had a 66% higher risk of dying from heart disease than those who ate for more than 12 to 16 hours. Among people diagnosed with cancer, eating for more than 16 hours had a lower risk of dying from cancer than those on a more restrictive eating schedule.

The study, presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Epidemiology and Prevention Conference in Chicago, does not prove that time-restricted eating caused these deaths, Zhong said. To tell.

They said it was important to consider why participants practiced time-restricted eating. benjamin horn at Intermountain Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. Some people may have adopted this pattern intentionally, he says, while others may have limited eating windows due to health conditions or treatments that affect their appetite.

He says some people may have restricted eating schedules because of limited access to food. jo ann carson, former chair of the AHA Nutrition Committee. According to research, Food insecurity is linked to unhealthy lifestyles that lead to heart disease. “We also don’t know anything about the health of the food they ate,” Carson said.

The authors acknowledge in their paper that their study relied on self-reported dietary information, which may be inaccurate. They plan to investigate whether this finding applies to a wider range of ethnic groups and how fasting may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

People who want to reduce their chances of dying prematurely “should aim for an overall heart-healthy eating pattern, regardless of mealtime,” Carson says. People who want to start intermittent fasting should talk to their doctor first, Horn says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Intermittent Fasting Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality

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A recent extensive study involving 20,000 adults discovered that time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting, can significantly increase the risk of death, casting doubt on the efficacy of healthy eating.

The study, published by the American Heart Association, revealed that restricting eating to less than eight hours a day raised the risk of cardiovascular death by an alarming 91%. Over a span of up to 17 years, the study found no decrease in the risk of any specific cause of death by restricting meals to eight hours or less.

Lead author Professor Victor Wenze Zhong expressed surprise at the study’s results, stating, “We had anticipated that adopting an 8-hour time-restricted diet long-term would lead to reduced cardiovascular disease risk and overall mortality.” He added, “Although this diet has been popular for its short-term benefits, our study revealed that compared to the typical 12 to 16-hour eating window, shorter meal times showed no association with living longer.”

Although the reasons behind the increased risk of cardiovascular death from time-restricted eating are not fully understood, it is suggested that muscle mass loss due to dietary restriction may be a contributing factor.

In recent years, time-restricted eating has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, such as aiding weight loss and improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Many people follow a 16:8 schedule, consuming all meals within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours.

However, despite short-term benefits, recent findings suggest potential long-term negative effects of time-restricted eating, especially an 8-hour window, on cardiovascular health.

Experts caution that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of time-restricted eating and its implications for long-term health. Specific recommendations regarding time-restricted eating should be made with caution based on current evidence.

About our experts:

Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong is a professor and chair at the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He is actively involved in nutritional epidemiology research and serves on various councils related to heart health.

Dr. Christopher Gardner is a professor at Stanford University focusing on the health benefits of different dietary components and patterns. With extensive research in cardiovascular health and nutrition, he provides valuable insights into the impact of diet on overall well-being.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

California’s atmospheric rivers pose higher landslide risk

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Recent rains have accelerated land movement in the landslide-prone coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes in Los Angeles County, altering previously uncharted landslide areas, as stated in a city news release.

The sedimentary rock layers in the area tilt toward the sea, causing clay layers to expand and become slippery when saturated with water due to minimal friction, explained Onderdonk.

Concerning areas are expanding due to heavy rains, with a decades-old plan to dewater slopes in the Avalon Cove landslide area significantly slowing down movement, but recent acceleration led to the closure of Wayfarer’s Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. in Avalon Cove.

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes, faced with risks to homes and roads, is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to proceed with state and federal emergency declarations for expedited emergency fixes through the permitting process, as mentioned here.

Many coastal cities in California are vulnerable to landslides.

A tarp covers the bluff behind the house overlooking Capistrano Beach in Dana Point, California. Several seaside areas are dealing with concerns of landslides and coastal erosion following recent storms that hit the state.
NBC News

Drone footage of beach houses built on a landslide rubble in Dana Point made headlines recently. Scientists are studying how climate change affects landslides, expected to be detailed in a 2022 study in “Geophysical Research Letters.”

Research indicates that atmospheric river storms in the San Francisco Bay Area coincide with landslides about 76% of the time and are becoming more frequent and intense on the West Coast due to a warming atmosphere’s increased water vapor absorption and transport capacity.

A warming sea due to human-induced global warming is leading to rising sea levels, endangering California’s coastlines, with projections suggesting significant beach loss by 2100.

Edward and Debbie Winston-Levin, residents of Dana Point, express concerns about coastal erosion impacting their property and affecting nearby amenities.

After recent storms in California, Edwards, who lives in Dana Point, looks out at his waterfront home amid concerns about landslides and coastal erosion.
NBC News

Various coastal cities are making adaptations due to the changing landscape, with plans in motion to address potential risks and impacts.

Experts caution that protecting California’s iconic beaches while safeguarding cliffside homes poses a challenging dilemma for communities.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Research shows that binary star systems contain a higher number of habitable exoplanets than previously thought

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In a new study, astronomers from Yale University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology examined the coupled distribution of spin and orbital orbits of exoplanets in binary and triple star systems.

An artist's impression of a giant exoplanet and its two parent stars. Image credit: Sci.News.

An important subset of all known exoplanet systems include host stars with one or more bound stellar companions.

These multistar systems can span a vast range of relative configurations and provide rich insights into the processes by which stars and planets form.

“We showed for the first time that a system where everything is coordinated stacks up unexpectedly,” he said. Dr. Malena Ricean astronomer at Yale University.

“The planet orbits in exactly the same direction as the first star rotates, and the second star orbits its system in the same plane as the planet.”

Dr. Rice and his colleagues used a variety of sources, including the Gaia DR3 catalog of high-precision stellar astronomical measurements, the planetary system composite parameter table from the NASA Exoplanet Archive, and the TEPCat catalog of spin-orbit angle measurements of exoplanets. to create a 3D geometric shape. Number of planets in a binary star system.

Astronomers found that nine of the 40 star systems they studied were in “perfect” locations.

“This could indicate that planetary systems prefer to move toward ordered configurations,” Rice said.

“This is also good news for life forming in these systems.”

“A star's companion star with a different alignment can wreak havoc on a planetary system, overturning the planet or flash-heating the planet over time.”

“And what would the world look like on a warmer Tatooine?”

“During some seasons of the year, there would be continuous daylight, and one star would illuminate one side of the Earth, and another star would illuminate the other side.”

“But that sun's light isn't always scorching, because one of the stars is farther away.”

“At other times of the year, both stars will illuminate the same side of the Earth, and one star will appear much larger than the other.”

of study will be published in astronomy magazine.

_____

Malena Rice other. 2024. Orbital geometry and stellar inclination of multistar systems hosting exoplanets. A.J., in press. arXiv: 2401.04173

Source: www.sci.news

Niacin, Vitamin B3 Supplements Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

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Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a popular supplement

Celsol/Alamy

People with high levels of niacin (also known as vitamin B3) in their blood may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with low levels of niacin. Consuming too much of this vitamin, which is routinely added to fortified foods and can also be taken as a supplement, can cause inflammation in blood vessels.

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Although researchers have made great strides over the past few decades in discovering risk factors for these conditions, they have not identified them all.

“If treated [high] cholesterol and [high] You can still have a heart attack even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other pre-existing risk factors. ”Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “There's something we're missing.”

To fill these gaps, Hazen and his colleagues collected blood samples from 2,331 U.S. adults and 832 European adults who chose to undergo cardiovascular testing. The researchers analyzed the samples for substances called metabolites, which are byproducts of metabolic processes such as digestion. The researchers then tracked participants' occurrence of cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, over a three-year period.

The researchers found that people with high levels of a metabolite called 4PY were, on average, about 60 percent more likely to experience such an event than those with lower levels. This compound only occurs when the body breaks down excess niacin.

Further experiments revealed that 4PY inflamed blood vessels in rodents. We know that inflammation is a major contributor to the development of heart disease, Hazen said.

It's not uncommon for people to have high niacin levels, he says. This is partly because certain foods, such as cereals and flour, are routinely fortified with vitamins in countries including the UK and US.

Niacin supplements are also becoming more popular Evidence suggests it has anti-aging effects says Hazen. Additionally, doctors stopped prescribing high doses of niacin to people at risk for cardiovascular disease because it was initially thought that the vitamin protected people from the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. It happened recently.

“I think this study really shows that when it comes to vitamins, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing,” he says. Jenny Jia at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

However, this study was primarily conducted on people of European descent. So it's unclear whether similar results would occur in people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, Zia said.

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  • heart attack/
  • Heart disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

Nighttime exposure to high levels of light linked with higher risk of anxiety and depression

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A large-scale study involving 87,000 participants found that while excessive night-time light exposure increases the risk of mental illness, increasing daytime light can reduce these risks. This groundbreaking study highlights the importance of balancing light exposure for mental health and suggests simple lifestyle adjustments for better health.

Exposure to artificial light at night increases the risk of developing mental illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.PTSD), with a tendency toward self-harm.

The world’s largest study of the effects of light exposure on mental health, involving nearly 87,000 people, found that increased exposure to light at night increases the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD. Not only that, but it has also been shown that the possibility of self-injury increases. harm. Importantly, the study also found that enhancing exposure to natural light during the day may serve as a non-drug approach to reducing the risk of psychosis.

Day and night light exposure: a balancing act

People exposed to high amounts of light at night had a 30 percent increased risk of depression, while those exposed to high amounts of light during the day had a 20 percent decreased risk of depression. A similar pattern of results was found for self-harm, psychosis, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. These findings demonstrate that the simple practice of avoiding light at night and seeking brighter light during the day may be an effective non-pharmacological means of alleviating serious mental health problems. is showing.

The study, led by Associate Professor Sean Kane from the Monash School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health in Melbourne, Australia, was published today in the journal Nature Mental Health.

“Our findings have potentially significant societal impact,” said Associate Professor Kane.

“If people understand that light exposure patterns have a huge impact on their mental health, they can take some simple steps to optimize their health. Let in bright light during the day. , it is important to get darkness at night.”

The study’s 86,772 participants, all from UK Biobank, were tested for light exposure, sleep, physical activity and mental health. Associate Professor Kane said the effects of night-time light exposure were independent of demographics, physical activity, season and employment.

“And our findings were consistent when considering shift work, sleep, urban versus rural living, and cardiometabolic health,” he said.

Challenging human biology with modern lighting

Modern, industrialized humanity has literally turned our biological systems upside down. According to Associate Professor Cain, our brains have evolved to function best in bright light during the day and little to no light at night.

“Humans today are challenging this biology, spending about 90% of their days under indoor electric lights that are too dim during the day and too bright at night compared to the natural light-dark cycle. It confuses our bodies and makes us feel sick,” he said.

Reference: “Day and night light exposure is associated with mental illness: an objective light study of over 85,000 people” Angus C. Burns, Daniel P. Windred, Martin K. Rutter, Patrick Olivier, Celine Vetter, Richa Saxena, Jacqueline M Lane, Andrew JK Phillips, Sean W. Kane, October 9, 2023; natural mental health.
DOI: 10.1038/s44220-023-00135-8

Source: scitechdaily.com

Higher Education Linked to Higher Risk of Depression and Anxiety

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Higher education students in the UK are at a slightly higher risk of depression and anxiety compared to non-students, new research shows. However, this difference fades by age 25. This study, which analyzed mental health data from two longitudinal studies, highlights the need for further investigation into the causes of this trend and potential interventions.

Young people in England with higher education are at a slightly higher risk of experiencing depression and anxiety than those without higher education, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at UCL. .

Research paper published in lancet public healthis the first documented evidence of increased cases of depression and anxiety among higher education students compared to non-students.

Mental health disparities will be closed by age 25

The authors found that by age 25, the difference between graduates and non-graduates had disappeared.

Lead author Dr Gemma Lewis (UCL Psychiatry) said: Here we found worrying evidence that students may be at higher risk of depression and anxiety than their peers without higher education.

“The first years of higher education are a critical period for development, so improving young people’s mental health during this period could have long-term benefits for their health and well-being, as well as their academic performance. ” and aim for long-term success. ”

Methodology: Longitudinal studies and mental health assessment

The researchers used data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE1 and LSYPE2). The original study included 4,832 young people born in 1989-1990 who were 18-19 years old in 2007-2009. The second study included 6,128 participants who were born in 1998-1999 and were 18-19 years old in 2016-2018 (i.e., before the economic collapse). COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection) pandemic). In both studies, just over half had higher education.

Study participants completed a general mental health survey to examine symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction at multiple time points over many years.

Findings: Higher education and mental health

Researchers found small differences in symptoms of depression and anxiety between students (including those at universities and other higher education institutions) and non-students aged 18 to 19.

This association persisted even after adjusting for potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, parental education, and alcohol use.

This analysis suggests that if the potential mental health risks of pursuing higher education were eliminated, the incidence of depression and anxiety could be reduced by 6% among people aged 18-19. ing.

Understand the risks and the need for further research

Lead author Dr Tayla MacLeod (UCL Psychiatry) said: “Based on our findings, we cannot say why students are at higher risk of depression and anxiety than others, but it may be related to academic or financial pressures. This increased risk among students has not been found in previous studies, so given that this association has recently emerged, it may be due to increased economic pressures or broader It may be related to concerns about achieving high performance in economic and social situations.

“This finding is particularly worrying as it was expected that higher education students would have better mental health than non-students as they tend to come from, on average, more advantaged backgrounds. Further research is needed to clarify the mental health risks faced by students.

“Increasing our understanding of modifiable risk factors for depression and anxiety is a global health priority, and it is clear that supporting the mental health of young people is critical.”

Reference: ‘The association between higher education attendance and common mental health problems among young people in the UK: Evidence from two population-based cohorts’ Tayla MacLeod, Strahil Kamenoff, Claire Callender, Written by Glyn Lewis and Gemma Lewis; lancet public health.
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00188-3

This research was commissioned and funded by the UK Department for Education.

Source: scitechdaily.com