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Uncovering the Link: Marine Animal Virus Linked to Unusual Eye Issues in Humans

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A virus traditionally affecting marine life is causing glaucoma-like symptoms in humans.

Virginie Vaes/Getty Images

A newly identified virus typically affecting marine animals has led to alarming glaucoma-like symptoms, including irreversible vision loss, in a handful of individuals in China. This marks the first documented instance of an aquatic virus infecting humans and resulting in serious health complications. The infections are believed to have occurred through consumption of raw seafood or handling aquatic creatures, with some evidence suggesting possible human-to-human transmission.

“It’s astonishing that this virus is capable of infecting invertebrates, fish, and mammals,” says Edward Holmes, a researcher at the University of Sydney. “I cannot recall any virus exhibiting such a broad host range.”

Cases of persistent ocular hypertension viral anterior uveitis (POH-VAU), characterized by inflammation and increased eye pressure leading to optic nerve damage, are escalating in China. To delve into the triggers behind this spike, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences in Qingdao evaluated 70 patients diagnosed with the condition between January 2022 and April 2025.

The research team tested these individuals for the latent and lethal nodavirus, which commonly infects various marine species; remarkably, all 70 tests returned positive. “Up to this point, viruses from aquatic animals have not been shown to cause illness in humans directly,” the researchers stated, though they declined to provide further commentary. Despite treatment aimed at reducing inflammation, a significant portion of subjects required surgical intervention, with one case resulting in irreversible vision loss.


In an effort to better understand the virus, the research team infected mice, which exhibited marked pathological changes in the cornea, iris, and retina within a month. They also observed that the virus could spread among mice sharing water.

Of those studied, more than half owned aquatic animals, highlighting a potential source for the infection. However, approximately 16% reported consuming raw seafood or had close ties with high-risk groups.

While there is no definitive proof of human-to-human transmission, an epidemiological study revealed a distinct subgroup of urban POH-VAU patients with no direct contact with aquatic animals or other risk factors, apart from close interactions with family members. These relatives, who are at a heightened risk for the latent nodavirus, have experienced hand injuries during handling of aquatic animals, implying that the virus may transmit within households, potentially via shared utensils.

To gauge the virus’s prevalence, researchers evaluated 523 captive and wild aquatic animals across Asia, the Americas, Europe, Antarctica, and Africa, concluding the global presence of this hidden and deadly nodavirus. They identified it in 49 species, including shrimp, crabs, fish, and barnacles, resulting in symptoms like lethargy and color loss; yet the reasons behind its ocular effects in humans remain unclear.

Holmes emphasized the potential ubiquity of this pathogen: “I suspect it is much more prevalent than currently recognized. I wouldn’t discount the possibility it first passed through another species, possibly a mammal.”

The virus may also propagate among marine organisms consuming infected animals. For instance, researchers found that farmed shrimp often consume frozen brine shrimp or Antarctic krill, potentially resulting in infections. Moreover, the introduction of this virus into warmer waters has led to increased infections in marine life, suggesting that Antarctic species may serve as reservoirs for pathogens without displaying illness themselves.

Researchers warn that the transmission of this elusive and deadly nodavirus from marine life to humans presents new biosecurity threats. Nonetheless, Holmes reiterates the absence of clear evidence for human-to-human transmission, stating, “This is not regarded as a contagious disease.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding the Strong Link Between Air Pollution and Dementia: Effective Strategies to Lower Your Risk

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Understanding the Link Between Air Pollution and Dementia

Air pollution is commonly linked to respiratory illnesses, but recent studies suggest a troubling connection to another serious health concern: dementia.

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology indicates that increased exposure to fine particulate matter may exacerbate neurological changes associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers stress that further investigation is essential, yet evidence of this correlation is compelling.

A meta-analysis published in July 2025 by The Lancet Planetary Health reviewed data from over 29 million individuals across multiple countries from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The findings highlighted the detrimental effects of PM2.5 (particulate matter), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot on cognitive health.

The study concluded that “the diagnosis of dementia is significantly linked to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter pollution.”

This ongoing research has identified a growing body of evidence, building on earlier publications. For instance, a 2017 study in The Lancet established a connection between living near major roads and elevated dementia rates, as discussed in this landmark research.

But what specific problems does air pollution cause, and how can we address them?

Most air pollution originates from burning fossil fuels, alongside natural sources like sandstorms. – Photo credit: Getty Images

The Role of Particulate Matter in Health

Air pollution manifests in various forms, with particulate matter (PM) being a prominent type. This term encompasses microscopic particles suspended in the air, including dust, smoke, and liquid droplets that are often invisible to the naked eye.

Particulate matter is categorized by size, ranging from fine (PM0.1) to coarse particles (PM10).

Notably, PM2.5 is exceptionally small, measuring less than 1/30th the width of a human hair. Its minute size allows it to remain airborne for extended periods, making it easily inhalable.

According to Dr. Holly Elser, an epidemiologist and co-author of the recent JAMA Neurology study, “[PM2.5 pollution] is linked to numerous health outcomes.” These outcomes range from asthma and lung cancer to heart disease and, increasingly, dementia.

The complexities surrounding PM2.5 arise from its myriad sources. “While traffic is a significant contributor, it is not the sole source,” says Dr. Hanen Kreis from the University of Cambridge, who studies urban mobility’s health impacts.

Additional sources of PM2.5 include power plants, factories, construction sites, wildfires, and biomass burning, as well as natural occurrences like sandstorms.

The toxicity of PM2.5 particles varies depending on their origin. Understanding their chemical composition is vital for addressing their health impacts.

Researchers have identified two principal pathways for PM2.5 to infiltrate the central nervous system: “through the olfactory nerve (via the nose) or through the bloodstream by crossing the blood-brain barrier.”

How PM2.5 Affects Brain Health

Due to PM2.5’s diminutive size, it can penetrate deep into the lungs, facilitating its entry into the bloodstream and ultimately reaching the brain. There, it can induce inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal and vascular damage over time, according to Dr. Kreis.

Other hypotheses exist regarding pollution’s influence on cognition. For instance, pollutants may travel through the olfactory pathway to the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, leading to the accumulation of harmful amyloid and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Research has also indicated that PM2.5 can restrict cerebral blood flow, cause microvascular damage, and heighten the risk of vascular dementia.

Color MRI scan of the brain of a 68-year-old Alzheimer’s patient – Photo credit: Science Photo Library

Air pollution levels are notably higher near busy roads, but research shows that its concentration diminishes significantly with distance from traffic.

A 2017 study published in The Lancet analyzed data from over 6 million residents in Ontario, revealing that individuals living within 50 meters (165 feet) of a major road face a 7 to 12% increased risk of dementia compared to those residing over 200 meters (approximately 650 feet) away.

Moreover, the overall burden of PM2.5 is directly associated with dementia risk. Dr. Kreis notes that each 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 correlates with a 17% increase in dementia risk.

For perspective, the average PM2.5 level around central London’s roads in 2023 was 10μg/m3.

For nitrogen dioxide (NO2), another pollutant primarily released from fossil fuel combustion, every 10μg/m3 increases the relative risk of dementia by 3%. In 2023, the average roadside NO2 level in central London was 33 μg/m3.

Ultimately, fossil fuel combustion represents the largest contributor to air pollution, particularly PM2.5.

Mitigating Exposure to Air Pollution

If you reside or work near a busy road, it may be challenging to significantly lower your air pollution exposure. Yet, given that many individuals live in metropolitan areas, addressing this issue must be a priority. Dr. Kreis advocates for “targeted policy measures and a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy” as essential solutions.

Nevertheless, it’s beneficial to be informed about air quality variations (which often worsen on warm afternoons but improve following rain).

On days when the air quality index exceeds 100, indicated as “unhealthy to breathe,” minimizing outdoor activities is advisable. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a fit-tested N95 or KN95 mask can help protect against PM2.5 exposure.

For those indoors on poor air quality days, utilizing an air purifier or fan can enhance indoor conditions. Good-quality models can be obtained for around £100, making them a cost-effective solution.

Additionally, when navigating urban environments, consider opting for less trafficked routes with more greenery, as Dr. Kreis does when biking. Fewer vehicular emissions mean lower pollution levels, and vegetation can significantly absorb air pollutants; research suggests that substantial plant coverage can reduce pollution concentrations by as much as 50%.

PM2.5 concentrations are notably elevated on the London and New York subway systems. Some research indicates that levels in certain London Underground stations can be up to 18 times greater than street level, prompting medical professionals to recommend masks in these environments.

During traffic jams, close your car windows and turn off your engine to minimize exposure. At home, ensure proper ventilation while cooking.

Awareness is a crucial first step. As Dr. Elser emphasizes, it’s important to acknowledge that while air pollution is a risk factor for dementia, it is just one of many.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discover How Genes Connect Intestinal Motility to Vitamin B1: An Unexpected Nutrient Link

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In a groundbreaking study analyzing data from over 268,000 individuals, researchers have identified that genes associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism significantly influence intestinal motility. This discovery paves the way for personalized treatments targeting conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Diaz Muñoz et al. identified key mechanisms involved in intestinal motility, including an overlooked role for vitamin B1. Image credit: Hillman et al., doi: 10.1264/jsme2.ME17017 / CC BY 4.0.

Gastrointestinal motility is crucial for food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, all critical components of human health and well-being.

The regulation of motility depends on a multifaceted communication network, which encompasses the gut-brain axis, the immune system, gut microbiota, and is affected by external influences such as diet, physical activity, and medications.

Disruptions in motility control and peristalsis can lead to significant health issues, including IBS and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction, highlighting the importance of understanding these conditions.

In this recent study, Professor Mauro D’Amato from LUM University, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, and Ikerbasque, along with his colleagues, employed a large-scale genetic approach to identify common DNA variations linked to intestinal motility.

The research utilized questionnaires and genetic data from 268,606 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry, applying computational analysis to pinpoint relevant genes and mechanisms.

The team discovered 21 genomic regions that affect defecation frequency, including 10 previously unknown regions, affirming the biologically plausible pathways involved in intestinal motility regulation.

For instance, they found significant correlations with bile acid regulation, which aids fat digestion and serves as signaling molecules in the intestines, along with neural signaling pathways crucial for intestinal muscle contractions (especially acetylcholine-related signaling).

However, the most striking outcome arose when the researchers pinpointed two high-priority genes focused on vitamin B1 biology, specifically those involved in the transport and activation of thiamine: SLC35F3 and XPR1.

To validate the relevance of the vitamin B1 signal, they further examined dietary data from the UK Biobank.

A study involving 98,449 participants revealed that increased dietary thiamine intake correlated with more frequent bowel movements.

Crucially, the relationship between thiamine consumption and bowel frequency exhibited variations based on genetic factors, specifically the combined genetic score of SLC35F3 and XPR1.

This suggests that genetic variations in thiamine metabolism may impact how vitamin B1 intake affects bowel habits in the general population.

“By utilizing genetic data, we’ve created a roadmap for the biological pathways influencing intestinal pace,” said Dr. Cristian Díaz Muñoz from CIC bioGUNE-BRTA.

“The data strongly highlights vitamin B1 metabolism alongside established mechanisms like bile acids and neural signaling.”

This research also confirms a significant biological link between bowel frequency and IBS, a widespread condition affecting millions globally.

“Issues with intestinal motility are at the core of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other common motility disorders, yet the underlying biology remains challenging to decipher,” noted Professor D’Amato.

“These genetic findings point to specific pathways, particularly those involving vitamin B1, as vital areas for further research, including laboratory experiments and meticulously designed clinical trials.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the Journal on January 20, 2026.

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C. Diaz Muñoz et al. Genetic analysis of defecation frequency suggests a link to vitamin B1 metabolism and other pathways regulating intestinal motility. Intestine published online January 20, 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337059

Source: www.sci.news

Uneven ‘Caterpillar Wormholes’ Could Link Intertwined Black Holes

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Sometimes the wormhole is bumpy

Shutterstock / Champei

What occurs when two black holes share an unbreakable quantum connection? Research indicates this may lead to a textured space-time passage referred to as an “Einstein-Rosen caterpillar.”

Albert Einstein’s name links two distinct physical anomalies. The first is the Einstein-Rosen bridge (a wormhole that links distant regions in space and time), and the second is the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pair, characterized by an inseparable property called quantum entanglement. In a 2013 study, physicists Juan Maldacena from Princeton University and Leonard Susskind of Stanford University proposed that these phenomena may be similar concerning black holes.

Now, Brian Swingle and a team at Brandeis University in Massachusetts have found that this equivalence might only hold under certain conditions. They conducted a mathematical analysis of entangled black holes and discovered that the situation is more intricate and less straightforward than previously assumed.

Swingle stated that exploring the wormholes linking quantum entangled black holes could ultimately aid scientists in gaining deeper insights into black hole interiors. Black holes are enigmatic entities that remain poorly understood due to their immense gravitational fields. Mathematical theories suggest that the size of a black hole’s interior corresponds to its complexity, linked to its fundamental quantum components. The researchers pondered whether a similar principle could apply to wormholes joining black hole pairs.

This presents a significant challenge because a comprehensive understanding of black hole entanglement necessitates a thorough theory of quantum gravity, which has yet to be established. Instead, the team utilized a model that imperfectly combines quantum physics and gravity, but still offers relevant insights, according to Swingle.

The researchers found a mathematical relationship between the level of microscopic quantum randomness within a wormhole and its geometric length. Their results indicated that typical wormholes tend to be more bumpy and less smooth, leading to their comparison with caterpillars. Swingle noted that this contrasts with earlier findings from 2013 and may pertain to special, less common instances where the entangled state of the black holes generates a smooth wormhole between them.

Donald Marolf from the University of California, Santa Barbara, remarked that while the study sheds light on black hole entanglement, it has not yet clarified the most frequent scenarios of such entanglement. He pointed out that the set of all theoretically possible black hole states is vast, exceeding the total number of black holes in our universe, thus requiring further theoretical exploration to definitively determine the typical connected states of a pair of black holes.

Future studies could involve utilizing quantum computers to simulate cosmic black holes and caterpillar wormholes, Swingle suggested. His team’s methodology linked simplified quantum theory with gravitational theory, so as quantum computing advances become more powerful and reliable, it may offer new understandings of both quantum theory and gravitational concepts. Since their calculations already incorporate elements of quantum information theory, Swingle foresees potential breakthroughs in quantum computing algorithms inspired by research into gravitational mysteries.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Qantas Incident Highlights That One Phone Can Exploit the Weakest Link in Cybersecurity: Humans

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A phone call may be coming your way. This week’s revelations show that cybercriminals stole personal data from as many as 6 million customers after breaching offshore IT call centers and accessing third-party systems.

This incident adds to a troubling trend of cyberattacks affecting major Australian corporations, including the personal information of millions linked to the recent breaches involving Optus, Medibank, and more recently, the $4 trillion superannuation sector in Australia.

The attack on Qantas follows recent targeting by a group known as “spiders,” focusing on various airline sectors. They employ social engineering techniques to manipulate employees and contractors into granting access, often bypassing multifactor authentication.



New technology brings old methods

Although companies can implement the latest software updates and safeguard their systems, hackers continue to exploit social engineering tactics, often targeting the weakest link: human behavior.

Social engineering is not a new concept; it revolves around tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, predating the internet.

Phishing is the most common manifestation of social engineering, crafted to appear legitimate to lure unsuspecting users into divulging credentials.

The telephone variation, known as vishing, presents a greater challenge for attackers as they must employ persuasive tactics over the phone to manipulate employees into providing sensitive information.

The emergence of user-friendly artificial intelligence tools, including voice cloning, has made such attacks even simpler for cybercriminals.

The latest report from Australia’s intelligence commissioner covering the latter half of 2024 indicated a significant rise in complaints about social engineering attacks, particularly within government agencies, finance, and health sectors.

Qantas’ breach involved compromised details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, frequent flyer numbers, etc. While these breaches might not directly lead to financial theft, the growing number of incidents in Australia enables hackers to aggregate stolen data to target new vulnerable entities.

Data breaches lead to more data breaches

In April, the national pension fund acknowledged the risks associated with hackers collecting credentials from previous breaches to gain access to superannuation accounts, a tactic termed “eligibility smashing.”

Fortunately, only a small number of customers incurred losses totaling around $500,000. However, this could represent a significant number of fund holders who are yet to reach retirement age.



The Albanese government has been cautioned that this attack signals potential risks within the financial sector. In a recent advisory provided to the incoming government, released under the Freedom of Information Act, Australia’s Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) warned that superannuation assets are susceptible to cyber threats.

“The prevalence and frequency of cyberattacks on large pension funds reinforce the necessity for enhancing our capabilities in managing both cyber and operational risks,” stated APRA.

“Despite only a small number of accounts reporting fraudulent withdrawals, it highlights the need for the sector to mature its cybersecurity and operational resilience.”

“As the sector expands and more members retire, continuity and increasing interconnectedness with the banking sector are crucial.”


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APRA cautioned the industry in 2023 about the critical nature of multifactor authentication, yet some funds were unable to implement it before the April breach.

Regulators noted that there is an ongoing wave of cyberattacks targeting banking and insurance sectors, necessitating continuous testing of their defenses against emerging threats.

Who is at the most risk?

According to Craig Searle, global leader in cyber advisory at Trustwave, healthcare, finance, technology, and critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats.

“The technology sector is especially at risk due to its pivotal role in digital infrastructure and interconnected supply chains,” he explained. “Recent high-profile supply chain attacks demonstrate how breaches of a single tech provider can ripple through to hundreds or thousands of downstream clients.”

“Overall, the sectors facing the highest risks are those that manage valuable data, maintain complex supply chains, and deliver critical services.”

Searle noted that attackers intentionally target third-party systems and outsourced IT support, which presents significant risks for large corporations, as exemplified by the breaches at Qantas.

“The interconnected dynamics of the digital supply chain can lead to vulnerabilities among partners or contractors, creating a ripple effect that compromises sensitive data far beyond the initial breach,” he remarked.

Christian Beek, senior director of threat analysis at Rapid7, highlighted that third-party systems are now integral to the operations of many organizations and thus become prime targets for cybercriminals.

“Organizations must apply adequate levels of due diligence when evaluating the security protocols of these third-party systems to mitigate the risk of data being compromised.”

Searle emphasized the necessity for organizations to adopt a proactive cybersecurity posture, swiftly applying software patches and establishing robust access controls, such as multifactor authentication.

Beek echoed that organizations need to be proactive, insisting that executive leadership must take responsibility for cybersecurity and board oversight.

“The new tactics utilized by modern cybercrime groups extend beyond standard security management protocols,” he warned. “These unconventional approaches compel us to rethink the typical defensive strategies, especially regarding social engineering tactics and how we counter them.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

These Two Signals Are Our Closest Link to Alien Contact

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In 2019, the Australian radio telescope detected a fascinating signal emanating from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to Earth.

This signal, designated as breakthrough listen candidate 1 (BLC1), exhibited all the characteristics of a “technosignature,” which may suggest the presence of intelligent life.

The signal comprised a single discernible narrowband wavelength and displayed a Doppler shift (indicating movement), was precisely localized in the sky, and persisted for several hours, capturing the attention of researchers.

These features imply that the signals are unlikely to be attributed to natural phenomena.

Nonetheless, some complications have surfaced regarding the extraterrestrial explanation. It was discovered that the signal was present in other observations of Proxima Centauri during the same timeframe, and notably, even when the telescope was not aimed at the star.

A subsequent observation the following year failed to detect the signal. An analysis of all the data collected by the Breakthrough Listening Project later identified similar signals from various other targets, including blank sky. This strongly indicates that the source of the signal was probably radio interference.

The BLC1 mirrors another narrowband radio signal detected in August 1977, famously referred to as “Wow!”

This potential “technosignature” lasted a full 72 seconds and could not be readily explained by natural occurrences.

However, the precise location of the signal in the sky was never identified, and follow-up searches of the area yielded no further signals.

There is ongoing debate regarding the origins of “Wow!”, but no clear evidence exists yet to confirm it as a product of extraterrestrial civilizations.

However, scientists are not solely focused on alien signals.

NASA describes Oumuamua as “the first confirmed object from another star to visit our solar system.” Its name means “the first messenger to arrive from afar” in Hawaiian – Illustration Credit: Science Photography Library

Discovered in 2017, ‘Oumuamua (depicted above) was identified as an elongated, reddish rocky object traveling through the solar system at extraordinary speed.

Its peculiar shape and trajectory led some astronomers to speculate that it might be a “solar sail” from a distant alien civilization.

However, this theory is considered improbable, as its unusual characteristics can also be explained without resorting to alien hypothesis.

Still, scientists have yet to intercept or discover anything that definitively indicates an exciting “alien” origin.

This article addresses the query posed by Lester to Daniel Howell: “Have we ever intercepted anything from an alien?”

Please email us to submit your questions at Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Page (please remember to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate fun facts and more fascinating science pages.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

There is no link between vaccines and autism. Can you explain further?

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims linking autism to childhood immunizations have led to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. As a result, it is undergoing new scrutiny. Budget is $1.7 trillion. He oversees research into both autism and vaccines.

The myth that autism is caused by childhood vaccines — proposed by a British doctor in 1998 He was later banned from practicing medicine In the UK — thoroughly exposed. hundreds of studies Vaccine found to be safe. The World Health Organization estimates that over the past 50 years, vaccinations have 154 million lives saved all over the world.

President Kennedy, who has espoused many health-related conspiracy theories, said the number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly in recent decades, from an estimated 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 36 today. Vaccines are cited as an explanation for the rapid increase in cases among humans. Research shows that many of them increase This is due to increased awareness. and screening About the condition. redefining autism The spectrum includes milder symptoms that were not recognized in previous years. The same goes for advances in diagnostic technology.

“For far too long, the anti-vaccination movement has exploited families of autistic people, promoting a market for pseudoscientific treatments that don’t provide the answers they’re looking for and can expose autistic people to real harm.” ,” said Ari Nieman, co-founder of the nonprofit Autism Self-Advocacy Network and assistant professor of health policy and management at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “An even less credible conspiracy theory linking autism and vaccines is not the answer.”

Timothy Caulfield, director of research at Canada’s University of Alberta Health Law Institute, who studies health misinformation, said people are more susceptible to diseases than to disabling diseases, whose causes are complex and not fully understood. He said people are often inclined to believe conspiracy theories about illnesses such as autism. obvious cause.

For example, people seem less likely to speculate about long-known alternative explanations for Down syndrome, which causes intellectual disability. Caused by extra copies of chromosome 21.

“It’s really unfortunate because there are families out there who are vulnerable.” [of people with autism] These are the people who need our help,” said Judith Miller, clinical psychologist, senior scientist and training director at the Autism Research Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Every dollar and hour spent debunking a conspiracy theory is a dollar and hour spent understanding how to help families.”

complex conditions

Manish Arora, a professor of environmental medicine and climate science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of autism because it’s not a single disorder.

“Autism is a spectrum, not one narrow disease,” Arora says. “So many things come under one umbrella.”

People diagnosed with autism often similar strengths and assignment, “There are many pathways to autism, and there are many symptoms of autism,” Miller said.

Scientists have discovered a variety of risk factors for autism – most of which are exists before birth — But there is no single cause for neurological and developmental conditions. influence the way people interact Communicate, learn, and act with others.

Many traits that are sometimes seen in people with autism (for example, sensitivity to loud noises or difficulty interpreting social cues) are also found in people who have not been diagnosed with autism. Arora, founder and CEO of a start-up company researching biomarkers for autism and other neurological disorders, said doctors can diagnose autism based on a person’s behavior and that they can detect the coronavirus. Point out that there is no simple test for autism like there is for autism or diabetes.

Finding the cause of infections such as the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, is much easier.

Researchers continue to study factors that influence the development of autistic traits, but “one thing we know that does not cause autism is vaccines,” says the University of California, Los Angeles said Katherine Lord, a psychologist and researcher at the Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Geffen School of Medicine.

genetic vulnerability

Doctors have long known that genes play a large role in autism, just because it can run in families. For example, in identical twins who share all their DNA, if one twin is autistic, the other will usually be autistic as well. For fraternal twins who share about half of their DNA, if one fraternal twin has autism, the chance that the other will also have autism ranges from 53% to 67%. According to the analysis of research studies.

Miller said scientists have identified more than 100 genes associated with autism, and 60 to 80 percent of autism cases are thought to be genetically involved.

“The genetics of autism are better understood than ever before,” said Dr. Gregory Sejas, medical director of the Autism Clinical Center and Fragile X Clinic at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “We are making breakthrough research into the known genetic causes of autism.”

However, it is clear that genes cannot explain all cases of autism.

Autism is very different from conditions such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, which are caused by a single gene. Scientists believe that a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental exposure causes people to develop autistic traits, Lord said.

“People are discovering so many different genetic patterns associated with autism, but none of them are exclusively associated with autism, and none of them are always associated with autism. It is not related to,” Lord said.

For example, Fragile X syndrome (caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome) is the most common known cause Autistic. But only a small percentage of children with the gene mutation actually develop autism, Miller said. This mutation predisposes some people to developing autistic traits, while others with the same mutation are protected by as-yet-unidentified protective factors, making them less likely to develop autism. You may not develop the characteristics.

Some people blame the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for causing autism. This is because this condition often develops around 12 to 15 months of age, the same time infants receive vaccinations. But Miller says, “Most genetic conditions that affect our lives and health are not obvious at birth. Symptoms and characteristics may not appear until much later, but the genetic code remains with us. It is with you.”

Prenatal vulnerability

Many of the known risk factors for autistic traits occur before or during birth, Arora said. babies experience complications at birth Things like having the umbilical cord wrapped around your neck increase the risk of autism.

So is the baby born early It’s probably because something happened in the womb.

Children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism If you have an older father And if you have an older mother, that’s a possibility, Miller said. It’s unclear whether there is something biological about older parents that increases the risk of autism in their children, or whether socioeconomic issues play a role. Older parents may be more likely to have their child diagnosed with autism because they have better access to medical care.

Studies show that maternal health affects a child’s risk of autism in different ways. were exposed to high levels of air pollution or developed a serious infection influenza and pneumonia during pregnancy.

Neiman, of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, said she is not opposed to basic biological research into autism and its causes, but that such research is a challenge that autistic people face in their daily lives. said it does little to overcome barriers.

He points out that only 8.4% of the $419 million spent on autism research in the United States has been spent. Dedicated to support and service For people with autism.

“We need an autism research agenda that reflects the real priorities of autistic people and our families: lifelong support and community inclusion.” he said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The solution to the mysterious link between clouds and climate

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Eric S. Neitzel Fireground Communications LLC/AdobeStock

Central Park Reservoir is one of the few places in New York City to get a good view of the clouds. Looking north from the reservoir’s edge, there’s a large gap between the buildings that lets you see the clouds rolling in from the harbor. Meteorologist Kara Lamb suggested we try our hand at cloud watching here.

At the time, the sky is full of fluffy cumulus clouds beneath a ceiling of altostratus. One of them looks a lot like a whale. But Lam, who studies clouds at Columbia University in New York, doesn’t think they’re so strange. “Clouds are fascinating because they’re cool to look at,” he says. “But I think about clouds in terms of climate” – understanding how the sunlight they reflect and the heat they trap beneath them affect the Earth’s temperature.

What the casual cloud watcher might not know is that clouds are the biggest unknown in predicting future climate change to determine how this balance will change in a warming world. If we double carbon dioxide from pre-industrial levels, will the world get a manageable 1.5°C warming or a hellish 4.5°C warming? The biggest source of this uncertainty is our lack of understanding of clouds.

But researchers are making progress. Lamb is looking at ice crystals in the clouds, which play a surprisingly large role in influencing the climate. Some researchers are using cloud chambers, and are planning to set up cloud chambers…

Source: www.newscientist.com

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

The Crucial Link Between the Brain Microbiome and Curing Alzheimer’s Disease

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It looked like a classic case of Alzheimer's disease. The man, in his 70s, had been experiencing severe cognitive decline for three years. Frequently forgetting the names of his family members, he was unable to drive or leave the house alone. Further deterioration seemed inevitable. But then his doctor tested him and found that his cerebrospinal fluid sample I noticed a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans. They put him on antifungal medication and the results were amazing. Within two years he had his driver's license reinstated and returned to his job as a gardener.

Neuroscientists have long suspected that certain infections can increase the risk of dementia.For example, both Porphyromonas gingivalisthe bacteria behind periodontal disease, the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, It has been pointed out that there is a relationship with Alzheimer's disease.. However, cases of “reversible dementia” are emerging from the idea that our brains are teeming with microbes and that imbalances in this “brain microbiome” can make people more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. is beginning to arouse great interest.

Until recently, it was thought that the brain was free of microorganisms. This was especially due to the blood-brain barrier, a special membrane that protects pathogens and toxins in the blood from the brain. Therefore, the idea of ​​a brain microbiome was controversial. But new research seems to confirm the case. Richard Leeds University of Edinburgh, UK and colleagues Analyzed data obtained from postmortem brains It is housed in four brain banks in the UK and US. They discovered a wide variety of microorganisms of different types.

Source: www.newscientist.com