Tag Archives: longdistance

Early Findings Indicate Elevated Risk of Colon Cancer in Long-Distance Runners

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Researchers may have identified a potential connection between extreme endurance running and colorectal cancer, as nearly half of marathon and ultra-marathon participants have undergone screening.

Initial research assembled 100 long-distance runners aged 35-50 for colonoscopy, though these findings have not yet been peer-reviewed.

Close to 50% were found to have polyps (growths), with 15% diagnosed with advanced adenomas—growths that are likely to progress to cancer.

In contrast, recent studies indicate that only about 4.5 to 6 percent of adults in their late 40s from the general population have these advanced adenomas. However, it’s important to note that these studies included significantly larger sample sizes.

“I was quite concerned when I observed a group of ultra-marathon runners in their 30s diagnosed with stage 4, very advanced colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Timothy Cannon, who led the study at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia. BBC Science Focus.

“They reported experiencing bleeding and convulsions post-race. At least one or two mentioned that they were told this was normal following their runs.”

Such symptoms can result from ischemic colitis, where blood flow is diverted from the colon to supply oxygen to the legs and other muscles during intense activity. This can lead to swelling and bleeding but typically resolves spontaneously.

Dr. Cannon speculated whether repeated cycles of damage and healing could create conditions conducive to cancer development.

Blood flow to the legs deprives the intestines of oxygen.

“There is currently no evidence that ischemic colitis directly causes cancer,” he stated. “However, it’s not difficult to imagine the potential outcomes. When numerous cells die and regenerate chaotically, there are ample chances for DNA replication errors.”

Alternative explanations exist as well. Endurance athletes are known to possess distinct gut microbiota compared to non-runners, and they often consume considerable amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as bottled energy drinks.

Dr. Cannon’s team is preparing to compare the gut bacteria of runners with and without adenomas to that of non-runners.

The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, yet researchers cautioned that these are merely preliminary results, necessitating further investigation. They also highlighted that the screening study lacked a control group of non-runners.

“This leans more toward hypothesis than definitive answers,” Cannon remarked.

“I definitely don’t want people to walk away thinking exercise is harmful because it is beneficial overall. The inquiry is whether high levels of exercise could elevate the risk of colon cancer—and I believe they might.”

Read more:

  • Running slowly may be essential for a healthier, longer lifespan. Here’s why
  • What are the limits of human endurance?
  • The astonishing truth about how running can alter one’s perception of time

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

First sustainable aviation fuel-powered long-distance flight takes off

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LONDON — On Tuesday, the first transatlantic flight fueled entirely by sustainable aviation fuel departed from London to New York, as the industry aims to demonstrate the viability of eco-friendly air travel.

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787s use a blend of 88% waste fat from AirBP and 12% synthetic aromatic kerosene made from plant sugars.

According to Flightradar24 data, the test flight VIR100, which had no paying passengers, took off from London Heathrow Airport at 11:49 a.m. UK time (6:49 a.m. ET) and landed at New York JFK Airport, scheduled to arrive shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern time.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a general term for non-fossil-based fuels, including biofuels derived from plant and animal raw materials, municipal waste, and agricultural residues.

While emissions still occur, advocates argue that the overall “lifecycle emissions” from this fuel are significantly lower than those from regular petroleum-based fuels.

Other airlines Have you ever used SAF? It can be used on commercial flights, but usually on short-haul flights, mixed with up to 50% of conventional fuel, which was previously regulated. Tuesday’s Virgin Atlantic flight was approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority earlier this month.

In 2021, a group of 60 companies in the aviation, transportation, and cargo industries pledged to reach 10% of SAF usage in global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030.

The advantage of SAF is that it can be used without modification of existing aircraft engines. Many airlines pledged to make investments to increase their fuel usage as they strive to reduce overall emissions during flight, including by using more fuel-efficient aircraft.

However, many challenges remain before widespread adoption, including supply shortages, high costs, and concerns about the sustainability of power generation.

There are relatively few factories producing SAF or companies shipping SAF around the world. Incentives for producers are hampered by low profits, and the Royal Society warned in a report earlier this year that only some biofuels are low carbon and feedstock availability is a challenge for scale-up.

Several groups discuss how increased production of biofuels risks exacerbating deforestation and food shortages. They argue that reducing the environmental impact of aviation, which contributes to around 2% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, requires reducing the number of flights operated.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss stated that the flight demonstrated that SAF could be used as a “safe drop-in replacement for fossil-based jet fuel, helping to decarbonize long-haul aviation” and that it would prove to be the only viable solution. “SAF is simply in short supply, and it is clear that significant further investment will be required to reach large-scale production. This will only happen if the facilities are in place,” he added.

Source: www.nbcnews.com