For an efficient labor, opt for induction early in the morning.
Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images
Innovative research indicates that the optimal time for labor induction is early in the morning. This approach aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, potentially shortening labor duration and decreasing the likelihood of C-sections.
“This cost-effective strategy enhances the birthing experience for mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers alike,” notes Hanne Hoffman from Michigan State University.
Across the UK, US, and Australia, approximately one-third of all births are induced, utilizing medication or artificial methods instead of allowing labor to commence spontaneously. Induction generally mitigates the risk of stillbirth, especially when the baby is overdue or facing developmental issues. Another indication for induction is when the water breaks prematurely, heightening the risk of infection.
However, induced labor can often be longer than natural labor. “I know individuals who underwent labor induction and endured two lengthy days of it; I was astonished by their prolonged and painful experiences,” Hoffman shares.
This prompted Hoffman, who investigates circadian rhythms—our body’s natural oscillations—to contemplate whether a specific time of day is ideal for labor induction. “We observe that natural childbirth follows a circadian rhythm, with uterine contractions peaking in the late evening and deliveries primarily occurring at night,” she adds. This timing may have evolved as it offers a safer environment, reducing predator threats.
To further explore this, Hoffman and her team analyzed data from over 3,000 induced deliveries at Michigan hospitals from 2019 to 2022. They discovered that the shortest labor duration was for those induced between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. For instance, inductions at 5 a.m. averaged 15 hours, while those at 11 p.m. took around 21 hours—an extension of six hours. Those induced in the morning also faced lower chances of emergency C-sections.
The early morning advantage may stem from heightened uterine receptor sensitivity to oxytocin during this timeframe, a crucial hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. For inductions, a synthetic oxytocin is typically administered. “When a doctor initiates labor with a substantial dose of oxytocin, you may, in essence, be capitalizing on your body’s internal morning oxytocin boost and intensifying labor,” explains Satchidananda Panda from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California.
The findings suggest that women with a higher BMI or first-time mothers benefit significantly from early morning inductions. The research team now aims to delve into the biological mechanisms behind these outcomes.
While organizing all labor inductions between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. may not be feasible for all hospitals, prioritizing first-time mothers and patients with higher BMI could be beneficial, Hoffman posits.
Crucially, this study indicated no medical complications arising from early morning inductions. “We observed no rise in NICU admissions,” emphasizes Rene Cortese from the University of Kansas Medical Center. “This study sends a vital message: while one risk is diminished, no new risks are introduced.”
The research team is eager to conduct additional studies to validate that assigning early morning delivery actually enhances outcomes. “We need to establish a proof-of-concept study to replicate this finding,” shares Hoffman.
Other chronotherapy approaches, which adjust medical interventions based on circadian rhythms, are being explored across oncology, cardiology, and psychiatry, with recent findings indicating that administering cancer treatments before 3 p.m. can improve patient survival rates.
“Minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in energy conservation and warmth,” said Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance expert at Royal London.
Firstly, if your boiler or thermostat is equipped with a timer, make use of it.
For enhanced control, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that connects to the internet. This option lets you manage your thermostat remotely, typically through a mobile app, enabling you to turn the heating on or off when plans change unexpectedly. A smart thermostat acts like a timer for your boiler, allowing you to use the app for scheduling heating and hot water.
Smart thermostats come in various models and offer features like multi-room control, hot water management, and “geofencing” that tracks your presence in and out of the home. Their prices usually range from £60 to £250 depending on the brand.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat Allows remote control, generally via a mobile app. Photo: Stefan Nikolic/Getty Images
Bosch Room Thermostat II (£69.99); and Hive Thermostat V4 (£155 B&Q) requires a professional installation, which can typically be arranged through a retailer, though additional fees may apply.
Some energy suppliers offer discounts on smart thermostats from their partnered brands. The Octopus Energy and tado° partnership gives customers up to 50% off on tado° products. The Wireless Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit has been marked down from £159.99 to £112.
<h2 id="reduce-temperatures" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Reduce the Temperature</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Research indicates that decreasing the thermostat setting from 22°C to 21°C may save the typical UK household £90 annually.<a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/take-control-your-heating-home/?_gl=1*boqspv*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ2OTcwMDExNy4xNzYyMjcwMDYy*_ga_GPYNXFLD7G*czE3NjIyNzAwNjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIyNzA0NzY KajYwJGwwJGgw#jumpto-1" data-link-name="in body link"> Energy Saving Trust</a>. For most, a comfortable indoor temperature lies between 18°C and 21°C.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">According to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDZNODZ5qyY" data-link-name="in body link">Citizen Advice</a>, lowering your thermostat can mean saving about 10% on energy bills. However, those who are elderly or have health concerns are advised not to set the temperature below 21°C.</p>
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<span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Most people find a comfortable indoor temperature between 18°C and 21°C.</span> Photo: Rid Franz/Getty Images
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Moreover, experts suggest that maintaining a continuous lower temperature consumes more energy than heating intermittently at a slightly higher setting.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Setting your heating to switch off 30 minutes before leaving the house or turning in for the night can further decrease your electricity costs.</p>
<h2 id="lower-the-flow" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Reduce Flow Rate</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">If using a combi boiler, you can lower the temperature of the flow, which is the water temperature entering the radiator.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">For those using a system boiler or hot water cylinder, <a href="https://www.edfenergy.com/energywise/lower-flow-temperature-on-combi-boiler" data-link-name="in body link">EDF Energy advises</a> seeking assistance from an engineer for guidance.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Typically, boilers have a high flow temperature around 75-80°C. Reducing this to about 60°C might cut your gas bills without noticeably affecting comfort levels.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">“This approach is particularly beneficial in homes with well-sized radiators and adequate insulation, showing no significant change in comfort,” notes Pennells.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The charity Nesta provides an online and interactive <a href="https://www.moneysavingboilerchallenge.com/" data-link-name="in body link">tool</a> to help users adjust their boiler settings. They recommend documenting the boiler's original controls and settings with photos before making changes.</p>
<h2 id="turn-down-radiators" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Adjust Radiators</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">If your radiators have a dial controlled by a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), you can set the temperature individually for each room. TRVs generally have a scale from 0 to 6, with 0 being off and 6 being fully open.</p>
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<blockquote class="dcr-zzndwp">Research shows that people have begun to heat individuals rather than entire spaces.</blockquote>
<footer><cite>Sophie Barr of National Energy Action</cite></footer>
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your room on the lowest temperature that maintains comfort. You can set 3 or 4 in frequently used rooms and reduce this to 2 or 3 in less-used spaces. They also mention that integrating a TRV into an existing system with a programmer and thermostat could save households around £35 each year.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">While turning off heating altogether may seem like a good way to save money, experts warn that this could result in mold and dampness, which could incur greater costs and health risks over time.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">“During the energy crisis, we observed changes in behavior where people started to prioritize heating individuals rather than entire homes,” says project development coordinator Sophie Barr. <a href="https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/resources/" data-link-name="in body link">National Energy Action</a>. “Our findings indicate that it's more cost-effective to provide heat to the entire area by adjusting radiators in unused rooms to setting 2, thus providing sufficient warmth to deter mold spores that can lead to serious respiratory health issues.”</p>
<h2 id="get-reflectors" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Install Reflectors</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The <a href="https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/" data-link-name="in body link">British Gas Energy Trust</a> suggests placing foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room. Since approximately 35% of indoor heat escapes through the walls, these reflectors ensure that heat is redirected into the room rather than absorbed by exterior walls, making them particularly effective on uninsulated external walls.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Though there may be a small initial expense, they are reasonably priced, simple to install, and durable. They can be purchased in rolls and cut to fit your radiators. They are easy to apply with included adhesive or double-sided tape—first ensuring the radiator is turned off and cool. Screwfix offers rolls of 1.88 square meters for <a href="https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-470mm-x-4m-radiator-heat-reflector-foil/88629?tc=JS7" data-link-name="in body link">£7.51</a>, while B&Q has a 5 square meter roll for <a href="https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-radiator-reflector-5m-/1906873_BQ.prd?storeId=1037" data-link-name="in body link">£14.97</a>, and Amazon sells a 15 square meter roll for <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYM442P1?tag=track-ect-uk-2181897-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPr67xojmhks6sn7" data-link-name="in body link">£27.99</a>.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">To enhance efficiency, bleed your radiators every few months. Ensure the radiator is switched off and cool before inserting the key (<a href="https://www.diy.com/departments/rothenberger-radiator-key-pack-of-2/191173_BQ.prd" data-link-name="in body link">£3.50</a> for a B&Q 2-pack) or a flat-head screwdriver into the bleed valve (often located in the top corner) and turn it counterclockwise. Listen for a hissing sound as air escapes; wait for it to stop, showing a steady flow of water (you can catch it with a cloth), then turn the valve clockwise to close it again.</p>
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<span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Regular boiler servicing enhances efficiency.</span> Photo: Joe Giddens/Pennsylvania
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Avoid obstructing radiators with furniture or curtains, especially beneath windows, to distribute heat more evenly throughout the space.</p>
<h2 id="keep-your-boiler-serviced" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Regular Boiler Maintenance</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Routine boiler service enhances efficiency and extends lifespan by addressing minor issues. According to Octopus Energy, neglecting boiler maintenance can lead to up to 10% more energy usage compared to those serviced annually. “Failure to regularly maintain your boiler can significantly affect fuel efficiency and health,” warns Barr.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">As per Which?, the average cost for a boiler service ranges from £70 to £110.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Some energy providers include this service in their annual coverage plans, such as British Gas, which features it in their <a href="https://www.britishgas.co.uk/cover/boiler-and-heating.html" data-link-name="in body link">home care</a> options starting at £19 per month. However, a boiler care plan might not be suitable for every consumer. Which? recommends considering if your monthly contributions may exceed the costs of the annual service or repairs. Ensure you have savings to cover the full service fee as needed.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">For renters, it is the landlord’s obligation to arrange for annual boiler inspections and certifications. “Annual maintenance is mandatory for all rental properties,” says Barr. "For homes with gas boilers, only a gas safety engineer should perform this work, and an Oftec certified engineer should handle oil boilers. Annual boiler maintenance guarantees that your system operates efficiently and prevents carbon monoxide leaks in your home."</p>
The Justice Minister informed the House of Lords on Monday that artificial intelligence chatbots could play a role in preventing the accidental release of prisoners from jail.
James Timpson announced that permission had been granted for the use of AI at HMP Wandsworth after a specialized team was assembled to explore “quick-fix solutions”.
This response follows a dual investigation initiated last week after a sex offender and fraudster was mistakenly released from a prison in south-west London.
Opposition MPs have seized upon recent release blunders as proof of governmental negligence amid turmoil in the criminal justice system.
Attorney-General David Lammy is set to address Parliament regarding the number of missing prisoners when MPs reconvene on Tuesday.
It is reported that AI technology can assist in reading and processing paperwork, aiding staff to cross-check names and prevent inmates from concealing prior offenses under false identities. It can merge various datasets while calculating release dates and notifications.
Currently, many of these tasks are performed by untrained staff utilizing calculators and piles of paperwork.
In response to a query in the Upper House on Monday, Lord Timpson remarked: “The frequency of releases from one prison to another varies significantly. At HMP Gartree, the average is just two releases per year, while at Wandsworth it reaches 2,000.”
“That’s why our digital team visited HMP Wandsworth last week to explore potential opportunities for adopting digital solutions quickly.
“We have an AI team in place, and they believe an AI chatbot could provide significant assistance, among other benefits. It can also cross-reference aliases, as we know some criminals may use over 20 different names.”
He further stated: “We have authorized the team to move forward with this.”
Brahim Kadour Sherif, 24, was mistakenly released on October 29 and was re-arrested on Friday following a police operation.
He was serving time for burglary with intent to steal and had a record for indecent assault.
Sherif is believed to have overstayed his visitor visa after arriving in the UK in 2019 and was in the process of being deported.
Another inmate, Billy Smith, 35, who was accidentally released from Wandsworth on Monday after being sentenced to 45 months for fraud, voluntarily returned to custody on Thursday.
The wrongful release of these two individuals heightened scrutiny on Ramy, who had introduced a new checklist for prison staff just days earlier after mistakenly releasing sex offender Hadush Kebatu on October 24.
Kebatu, who arrived in the UK via a small boat, created a disturbance in Epping, Essex, after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was improperly released from Chelmsford Prison and tried to return to the prison at least four times before finally being arrested in Finsbury Park, North London, and given funds for deportation back to Ethiopia.
According to government statistics, 262 prisoners were mistakenly released over the 12 months leading to March this year, marking a 128% increase from 115 the previous year. The majority of these incidents (233) occurred in prisons, with the remaining 29 happening in court settings.
Unions and prison governors have cited the complicated early release protocols and reliance on paper systems as contributing factors to the recent surge in errors, with numerous documents going missing between prisons, courts, and the Ministry of Justice.
The chief inspector of prisons remarked that the recent surge in early prisoner releases indicates “a system on the brink of collapse”.
In a recent piece, Charlie Taylor stated that the escalation in erroneous early releases is “concerning and potentially hazardous”.
Last weekend, reports surfaced indicating that four individuals remain unaccounted for following wrongful releases, with two having been released in June this year and two more scheduled for release in 2024.
On Monday, government sources suggested that one of these individuals had been apprehended.
However, in a sign of an ongoing crisis within the prison system, it appears he was never mistakenly released, but was incorrectly listed among those who had been.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson commented: “These incidents highlight the nature and extent of the prison crisis this government has inherited.
“It’s evident that these issues won’t be resolved overnight, which is why we are constructing 14,000 new prison spaces, engaging technical experts to modernize systems, and providing immediate support to staff.”
Vitamin D supplements are advised in many countries for the darker months
Olga Pankova/Getty Images
Consuming one variety of vitamin D supplement may lower levels of other forms that your body utilizes better, potentially impacting your immune response.
Our skin generates vitamin D when sunlight’s ultraviolet rays convert a protein known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3. With diminishing sunlight in autumn and winter, nations like the UK recommend taking supplements.
There are two primary types of these supplements: Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, derived from lanolin—a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool—and vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, primarily sourced from mushrooms. It was previously believed that the choice between the two wasn’t critical.
However, Emily Brown from the University of Surrey, UK, along with her team, carried out a meta-analysis encompassing 11 previously conducted randomized controlled trials involving vitamin D supplements, with 655 participants overall.
They discovered that taking vitamin D2 could diminish your body’s concentration of vitamin D3. The reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, as does whether vitamin D3 supplements might lower vitamin D2 levels.
Moreover, several studies revealed that individuals taking vitamin D2 had reduced levels of vitamin D3 when compared to those not supplementing. “This is an unprecedented finding,” states Brown.
Brown suggests that vitamin D3 supplements could be more advantageous for most individuals than vitamin D2, yet personal factors like ingredient preferences should be considered, especially for those avoiding animal products.
She also emphasizes that individuals shouldn’t discontinue vitamin D2. “If you’re taking vitamin D2 supplements, your overall vitamin D levels should be adequate, but they are less effective and may result in a reduction of their extra functions concerning immune support.”
“If no adverse effects are evident, a vegan individual with vitamin D deficiency would be wise to opt for a D2 supplement,” explains Bernadette Moore from the University of Liverpool, UK.
Fortunately, plant-based vitamin D3 is becoming more widely available. For instance, a recent development involves gene-edited tomatoes capable of producing vitamin D3, although examinations are still ongoing.
Team member Susan Ranham New from the University of Surrey hopes the findings will highlight the importance of vitamin D supplements. “Many individuals in the UK, especially in northern areas, suffer from mild osteomalacia during winter, a condition linked to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in lethargy, bone pain, muscle issues, and increased sensitivity to infections and fatigue.”
I
unlocked my iPhone just as my weekly screen time notifications popped up—an accidental dismissal before I could take a screenshot—and a wave of frustration washed over me. After dedicating an exhausting week to minimizing my phone usage, aiming to reduce my daily screen time from over four hours to under one, I hoped to enhance my mental wellbeing (and maybe even launch a career as an inspirational speaker). Yet, my efforts felt futile as I couldn’t post any proof online showcasing my offline status. I even contemplated using Photoshop to fabricate a screen time report and scoured Google for a way to retrieve notifications (to no avail).
Over the last decade or so, I’ve tried various self-improvement approaches. I’ve read 105 books in a year, unintentionally eliminated sugar (even from fruit) for a spell, and dabbled in shamanism, including interpretive dance. While I might suggest mastering cooking, driving, and typing with all fingers, I can’t seem to reach myself since I’ve stopped staring at my phone.
Exchange one obsession for another… Joe Stone of Tenerife.
Photo: Courtesy of Joe Stone
“Project Screen Time” was born after I listened to a podcast where comedians recommended avoiding social media for two hours after waking. Absorbing this advice—albeit from an amateur who couldn’t quite trace its origin—I decided to avoid checking Instagram first thing in the morning… and it worked. Surprisingly, steering clear of a barrage of other people’s abs before I’d fully woken up actually lifted my spirits. Even more impressively, I found I could usually hold off until after lunch if I didn’t see anything I felt compelled to react to. This brief moment of clarity quickly morphed into a whirlwind, typical of my approach to new challenges.
I swapped one fixation (constantly checking my phone) for another (intentionally not doing so). In the second week, my screen time plummeted to two hours a day. By the third week, it was down to one-and-a-half hours, and I decided to aim for under 60 minutes. A part of me was impressed that this newfound ability was working well and I appeared to be normal. However, I couldn’t keep this “gift” to myself, gradually boring my friends, acquaintances, and even service workers with tales of my newfound discipline.
Eventually, my quest took on new disruptions. I resented having to pull up maps on my phone, and while cycling, I often found myself lost. Want to show someone a photo or meme? Sorry, you’ll have to Google it on their device instead. I even hesitated to order an Uber after a night out, enduring the agony of watching the app slowly crawl toward my location while my screen time ticked away.
My frustration amplified when my screen time statistics didn’t reflect my efforts. I barely glanced at my phone by 2 PM, yet the data indicated I had used it for 36 minutes. Conspiratorial thoughts began to surface. My screen time report was divided into blue (social), turquoise (entertainment), and orange (productivity and finance). Yet, the majority of my time appeared as a prominent gray. What on earth could that gray signify?!
Eventually, “screen time” was added to my list of taboo topics (along with Taylor Swift’s music and lore, and my interest in Ron DeSantis) that were off-limits at home. My lowest moment occurred while sharing my weekly statistics with a friend. He inquired why “Settings” was my third most-used app. That was simply where I went to check my screen time.
My meltdown over not being able to celebrate my record low screen time (51 minutes a day!) served as a wake-up call. What started as a quest to reduce screen time morphed into a new phone addiction. Instead of escaping the urge to seek validation online, I found an alternate way to gain approval. Nevertheless, all was not lost. This realization nudged me toward the acceptance that I would likely never be a moderate person. I can’t rely on self-regulation (my latest regime—skin care—involves LED masks that automatically shut off after 10 minutes; I fear wearing them in the office could evoke comparisons to a vibrant Hannibal Lecter).
Ultimately, I gave up trying to recapture the elusive Screen Time Report. Instead, I resolved to share fewer aesthetic charts from settings that I could post online. Almost instantly, my DMs exploded with queries about how I managed to refrain from scrolling. I responded to every single one, and a rush of dopamine flooded my reward centers. That day, my screen time was recorded at 3 hours and 36 minutes.
Cemetery shifts earn their name for a reason. Individuals working night shifts face heightened health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. The World Health Organization has identified shift work as a potential carcinogen, given the increased likelihood of cancer.
While the rest of us are asleep, these night workers often go unnoticed, yet their efforts are vital to the medical and emergency services on which we rely. Though we depend on them for our very survival, the irony lies in how their work impacts their own health.
This situation could evolve with the advent of a test that accurately measures one’s internal biological clock in relation to external time (see “How innovative new tests can unleash the power of your body clock”). Such advancements in medicine promise to benefit a larger population.
Research indicates that many frequently used medications affect the body’s system, which operates on a 24-hour cycle, and are more effective when administered in harmony with this rhythm. Surgeries and vaccinations also yield better results at specific times of the day. Initial strategies often rely on standardized biological clocks, but for those whose circadian rhythms are misaligned, this approach may prove ineffective or even detrimental. This is where the new tests come into play.
Night workers may remain in the shadows, yet they are the backbone of essential services we all rely on.
Fortunately, these tests are expected to become more affordable and widely accessible. However, there is a concern that they could be misused by those anxiously trying to optimize their health, perhaps alongside other fitness metrics like step counts (refer to page 16).
The genuine potential lies in using these tests to gain insights into the biological processes of those in challenging situations, ensuring that in the future, the effects of nighttime work and improved strategies for managing shift patterns are addressed. One day, your biological clock may finally align with the external clock.
This could mitigate the health repercussions associated with night shifts and provide these employees with a chance to revitalize their lives. Employers must recognize this opportunity.
For many years, eggs have been labeled as major contributors to cholesterol problems. However, recent studies indicate that this reputation may be unjust.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol), often called the “bad” cholesterol, are fatty substances in the bloodstream that can block arteries and heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke. For years, eggs were believed to exacerbate this issue. But new evidence is shifting this perspective.
“Our study’s results indicate that egg consumption does not raise LDL cholesterol levels,” stated Professor John Buckley, the lead author, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “We need clearer messaging on this topic, as it still leads individuals with rising LDL to avoid eggs.”
To investigate the effects of egg consumption on cholesterol, Buckley and his team had participants with healthy cholesterol levels follow one of three diets over five weeks. One diet was high in saturated fat and cholesterol, another was high in saturated fat but low in cholesterol, and the third was high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat.
Only the meal plan that included two eggs a day resulted in lowered LDL levels. The other two diets either allowed for just one egg per week or led to an actual increase in LDL levels.
Eggs are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, making them vital for beneficial effects – Credit: Getty/Gregory Adams
“Eggs are among the few foods that are high in cholesterol yet low in saturated fat,” Buckley noted.
“New evidence suggests it isn’t cholesterol but rather saturated fats that negatively impact cholesterol levels, and we are the first study to conclusively demonstrate this.”
An egg-rich diet also showed improvements in other blood lipids associated with heart health, though Buckley emphasizes the need for further research to fully comprehend these changes.
What’s the takeaway? Cholesterol intake from foods doesn’t necessarily correlate with blood cholesterol, particularly when your overall diet is low in saturated fat.
“Most foods high in cholesterol also contain saturated fats,” Buckley explained. “This is a key reason why dietary cholesterol has been vilified; high intake from those foods raises LDL cholesterol, but isolating the independent effects of saturated fats in research has been challenging, and we are working on that now.”
The next time you enjoy breakfast, don’t feel guilty about having a few eggs—just maybe skip that extra serving of bacon.
And what about Buckley himself? “I had eggs for breakfast this morning and didn’t worry about raising my LDL cholesterol,” he shared.
Read more:
About our experts
Professor John Buckley is the Executive Dean of the Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit at the University of South Australia. His research primarily explores the effects of diet and exercise on health and physical functioning across a variety of groups, from patients to elite athletes.
Carbon dioxide monitoring at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii may be discontinued due to US budget cuts
noaa
Scientists from various countries are urged to prepare for the potential takeover of the major carbon dioxide monitoring services currently operated by the US, according to climate experts.
The monitoring efforts could be terminated next year if budget cuts proceed, leading to the loss of vital data. “At this moment, no one is stepping forward to say, ‘We can take that responsibility,'” states Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter, UK. “It’s imperative that we do.”
Friedlingstein leads the Global Carbon Budget, an international initiative focused on accurately assessing carbon emissions and absorption by land and oceans, which is essential for understanding global temperature trends.
This work heavily relies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose budget cuts are proposed by the Trump administration. A 2026 budget document suggests eliminating funding for climate and weather research and decreasing the workforce by over 2,000 employees. Furthermore, it plans to close labs, including the Mauna Loa Observatory, a key CO₂ monitoring site.
“NOAA GML [Global Monitoring Laboratory] is essential for the Greenhouse Gas Program, which supports multiple functions,” says Ralph Keeling from the California Institute of Oceanography.
NOAA directly measures gas levels, including CO2, at various sites and aids in monitoring at additional locations worldwide. According to Friedlingstein, this includes calibrating measurements with samples sent from different areas.
The agency compiles and evaluates global data, leveraging subtle variations in CO2 levels across locations, combined with knowledge of atmospheric circulation, to trace CO2 flows accurately.
“NOAA provides critical baseline data,” Keeling noted. “If NOAA’s efforts cease, our ability to monitor CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions globally will diminish.”
“All of these responsibilities must be assumed by other organizations,” Friedlingstein observes.
However, exchanging the loss of monitoring sites and NOAA records for new data poses challenges. “This is where maintaining long-term consistency becomes crucial,” Keeling explains. “It can’t simply switch from one data set to another; this would compromise the reliability of trend analysis.”
There is particular concern regarding ongoing monitoring at Mauna Loa, which has been conducted since 1957, providing the longest continuous CO₂ record from a single location. NOAA supports the Scripps-led monitoring efforts.
“Without NOAA’s involvement, continuing nearby measurements becomes challenging, although not impossible,” Keeling states.
He also expresses worry about Scripps-led monitoring in Antarctica, which currently depends on NOAA personnel from the US Bureau. The site’s funding, sourced from the National Science Foundation, is also at risk.
“Antarctica represents the most significant long-term station in the Southern Hemisphere. Establishing a reliable long-term global average is just as critical as the Mauna Loa data, particularly for tracking variations between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres through large-scale carbon flows,” says Keeling.
CO₂ levels can also be monitored using certain satellites, which, according to Friedlingstein, measure CO₂ not just at the surface but throughout the entire atmospheric column up to the satellite.
When asked whether there’s a plan to substitute NOAA’s functions, the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service New Scientist reached out to the European Commission’s Defense Industry and Space Administration (DEFIS). DEFIS did not reply before the deadline for this article.
A new study has unveiled the significant carbon footprint of the US military, indicating that even modest budget cuts can lead to substantial reductions in emissions.
Published in the journal PLOS Climate, the study reveals a strong correlation between spending by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and energy consumption, along with greenhouse gas emissions. The authors assert that lowering military expenditures could result in considerable environmental benefits.
The US military stands as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, with an estimated output of 636 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (a standard measure for greenhouse gas emissions) recorded between 2010 and 2019.
In fact, if the military were classified as a country, its emissions would surpass those of nations like Sweden and Portugal.
Moreover, this data only considers scope 1 and 2 emissions, which are the direct emissions from fuel combustion and purchased electricity. Indirect emissions (scope 3) from factors such as employee travel, waste disposal, and supply chains are not included, indicating that the military’s actual carbon footprint is even larger.
Utilizing public data from 1975 to 2022, Professor Ryan Tomb of Penn State University has examined the relationship between military spending, energy consumption, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions.
As expected, increased military spending leads to higher energy usage, while budget cuts result in decreased consumption. Interestingly, the study found that the reduction in spending had a more pronounced effect on energy consumption than increases did.
“Our findings show that spending reductions correlate with lower energy use, particularly from military facilities, vehicles, equipment, and jet fuel,” Thombs stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“Although further research is required to explore specific mechanisms, these results imply that cutting spending may compel the military to diminish the scale, distance, and frequency of operations more than increased spending would push for expansion,” he added.
More than half of the fuel consumed by the national army is allocated to flying fighter jets. – Christopher Campbell, senior airline in the Air Force
Another potential reason for this trend could be that budget cuts may disproportionately limit aviation activities.
Globally, military jets rank among the most energy-intensive machines. In the US military, jet fuel has accounted for 55% of total energy usage over the last fifty years.
“Given the substantial share of energy consumption, prioritizing a reduction in aviation activities is critical,” Thombs commented. “Aviation is highly energy-intensive, and serious efforts to lessen military emissions should target this area.”
It is widely acknowledged that controlling aviation emissions is challenging. Both military and commercial aviation are often described as “hard-to-abate” sectors that cannot yet transition away from fossil fuels at the scale and energy density currently required.
This suggests that curtailing aviation operations is essential for achieving emissions reductions, according to Thombs.
The research team also outlined projections for various future budget scenarios. They discovered that if military spending were to decrease by 6.59% annually from 2023 to 2032, the DOD could save energy equivalent to the entire energy usage of Slovenia or Delaware. This represents a feasible reduction rate observed over the last 50 years, making it a plausible target.
While the scientific rationale is evident, the political landscape tells a different story. Governments worldwide are increasingly escalating their defense budgets amid a climate fraught with conflict and instability.
On June 26th, President Trump’s administration proposed a $1.01 trillion National Defense Budget for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
Despite this trend, Thombs remains hopeful. He believes that with the right framing, it is possible to achieve spending reductions. He pointed to previous proposals by Senators Edward Markey and Bernie Sanders to cut military spending by 10%, redirecting those funds toward jobs, healthcare, and education.
“Framing these reductions in such a manner could be an effective strategy, as reinvesting these resources could significantly enhance people’s lives,” Thombs remarked. “Ultimately, the most effective way to mitigate the social and environmental costs associated with the military is to scale it back.”
Researchers are currently planning to explore why spending cuts yield such exceptional energy savings and whether this trend holds for other major military forces.
Read more:
About our experts
Ryan Tomb serves as an assistant professor of rural sociology in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at Penn State University in the United States. His published research appears in American Sociological Review, Sociological Methodology, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, and Society, along with interdisciplinary journals such as Changes in the Global Environment, Energy Research and Social Sciences, Climate Change, and Environmental Survey Letters.
Stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. These are significant issues that become more prevalent as we age—often overlooked, yet surprisingly frequent in our older population.
Moreover, the abundance of information available today makes it challenging to determine effective preventative measures. Are these conditions purely genetic? Do they stem from our environment? Or can we actually enact changes that make a difference?
Recent research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry offers encouraging insights and a clear starting point.
Led by Dr. Sanjurasin from the Brain Care Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the study systematically reviewed data on modifiable lifestyle factors linked to the three critical brain conditions.
The team discovered 17 interconnected risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression—all of which are within an individual’s capacity to change.
“These are actionable steps that everyone can incorporate into their lives,” Shin explained in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “For example, dietary choices, physical activity, or adhering to blood pressure medications prescribed by a doctor—all factors influenced by socioeconomic conditions that may not be easily altered.”
Instead, the emphasis is placed on daily habits that can be reshaped, such as diet, sleep, exercise, social connections, and mental engagement.
17 Modifiable Risk Factors for Brain Health
This study outlines 17 overlapping factors impacting the risks of stroke, dementia, and consequent depression, which encompass both protective and risk-enhancing behaviors. They can be categorized based on quality and context, such as dietary choices and social engagement.
Here’s the complete list:
Protective Factors:
Low or very low alcohol consumption
Regular engagement in cognitive activities like reading, puzzles, and acquiring new skills
A nutrient-rich diet comprising vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, and nuts
Moderate to high levels of physical activity
A strong sense of community
Extensive social networks or substantial social involvement
Risk-Increasing Factors:
Hypertension
Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI)
Hyperglycemia
High cholesterol levels
Hearing impairment
Kidney disease or renal dysfunction
Chronic pain affecting daily activities
Symptoms of depression
Diet high in lean meats, sugary beverages, sweets, and sodium
Sleep disorders or prolonged sleeping periods
History of smoking
Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
Chronic stress or stressful life events
Each factor was associated with at least one of the three conditions explored in the study, and often with two or three. While certain factors, like kidney dysfunction and hearing loss, may not intuitively seem linked to brain health, their impacts can be significant.
Noteworthy Findings
To pinpoint the most influential risk factors, Singh’s team reviewed 182 meta-analyses from the last two decades and selected the 59 most reliable. They calculated the impact of each factor using disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), which measures the burden of conditions, and assigned normalized scores.
One risk factor rose to prominence: hypertension.
“People often associate blood pressure with heart health,” Singh noted. “However, our review highlights it as the most critical factor for brain health. It’s essential to monitor your blood pressure and understand your numbers. If elevated, consult your doctor and adhere to prescribed treatment.”
Hypertension is known to harm small blood vessels in the brain and contribute to the development of all three conditions. However, it’s not the sole important factor.
The study also underscores that kidney dysfunction, hyperglycemia, depressive symptoms, poor sleep, obesity, smoking, and chronic stress negatively affect brain health. These risk factors tend to compound one another.
Blood pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. – Getty
Healthy Choice Menu
The encouraging news is that these factors are interconnected. Addressing one area can often lead to improvements in others.
However, this doesn’t mean that an all-at-once overhaul is necessary. Singh cautions against attempting to tackle everything simultaneously. “Our aim is to suggest gradual changes; bombarding someone with all 17 factors can be overwhelming. We encourage individuals to select what resonates with them and work on that—other improvements will often follow.”
Indeed, motivation presents a significant challenge. “Behavioral science indicates that maintaining lasting changes is difficult.” Other obstacles, like time constraints and financial means, can also impede habit formation.
A potent strategy is to involve others. Whether walking with friends, cooking healthy meals with a partner, enrolling in classes, or engaging in activities that blend lifestyle changes with social connections, you’re more likely to stay committed.
“We strongly advocate for collaborative exercise,” Singh emphasizes.
Read more:
When to Start
Some risk factors are more critical at specific life stages. For instance, hypertension during middle age seems particularly detrimental to long-term brain health. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to make changes.
And what if you’re starting later in life? Don’t wait.
“You’re never ‘too old.’ Addressing modifiable risk factors is beneficial at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 80, everyone can take steps, however small, to better brain health.”
Notes on Limitations
This study presents a robust framework for prevention, but it does not demonstrate causality. It relies on observational studies, which can indicate associations but do not establish direct cause-effect relationships.
As Dr. Anya Topiwara, a consultant psychiatrist at Oxford University who did not participate in the study, remarked in an email to BBC Science Focus: “It’s important to recognize that this paper examines associations rather than experimental findings. Hence, due to various biases, one cannot directly infer causation between risk factors and disease.”
For example, while alcohol consumption may appear protective in moderate quantities, it can mislead. “Individuals with higher socioeconomic status or education levels tend to drink moderately. These individuals are typically healthier and less likely to face dementia diagnosis and perform better on memory assessments.”
In essence, some correlations may stem from other underlying variables, like education, income, and healthcare access.
A Message of Hope
Despite the limitations, the overall outlook is optimistic. Singh emphasizes that the findings aim to empower rather than overwhelm. “This is a hopeful paper. There are numerous controllable factors that can lower your illness risk.”
“Based on estimates, up to 45% of all dementia cases could potentially be prevented by managing modifiable risk factors, alongside 80% of strokes and 35% of later-life depression. There’s a lot you can do to maintain a healthy and happy brain.”
So whether it’s taking a walk, learning something new, monitoring your blood pressure, or cooking a meal with a friend, the core message is simple: start where you can. Your efforts may yield more benefits than you realize.
About Our Experts
Sanjurashin is a physician scientist and Oxford-trained epidemiologist, whose expertise merges clinical medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and global health innovation. She became a professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School by the age of 28. Singh founded Singh Lab within Brain Care Labs, where she and her team are innovating scalable, evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression.
Anyatopiwarra earned her medical qualification at Oxford University and subsequently specialized in elderly psychiatry. In 2017, she completed her DPhil in Psychiatry centered on an MRC-funded study, “Predicting MRI abnormalities using longitudinal data from the Whitehall II study.” In 2019, Topiwala received the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship to investigate how physical mechanisms related to alcohol consumption impact brain health.
On Tuesday, Elon Musk stated that he intends to reduce his political spending in the coming period. If accurate, this signifies a significant change from last year when he emerged as one of the Republicans’ most ardent financial supporters.
“I believe my political expenditures will be much less moving forward,” Musk remarked during a video interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum.
Bloomberg’s Mishal Hussain inquired whether Musk had determined his spending for the midterm elections, which prompted Musk to reply with, “I think I’ve done enough.” It was uncertain if he was joking, but it elicited laughter from the audience.
Last year, the CEO of SpaceX contributed nearly $300 million to support Donald Trump, with his American PAC political organization anticipated to play a significant role in boosting Republican candidates in the 2026 elections. His political contributions and notable position in the Trump administration as the “Doctor of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) have generated international backlash, negatively impacting both Tesla’s popularity and car sales.
When Hussain followed up regarding whether Musk’s retreat from politics influenced his contributions, Musk didn’t clarify, although he hinted at the potential for changing his stance.
“If I find a reason to engage politically in the future, I will. Currently, I’m not seeing any reason,” Musk stated.
Musk was a significant donor during Trump’s reelection campaign, supporting the Pro Trump Group and sponsoring a sweepstakes where pre-elected voters received a $1 million check. Earlier this year, he allocated $25 million to the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, but his contributions were also critiqued, as Democrats focused on his unpopularity and external influences during the campaign.
Following the Wisconsin elections, where Musk’s candidates did not perform well, some Republicans began to reconsider how to balance their financial ambitions with the public’s negative sentiment towards him. Musk had previously seemed poised to leverage his immense resources to disrupt the electoral landscape. According to a Wall Street Journal Report, his top political strategist met with a Nevada consultant in March to discuss upcoming races.
The interviews in Qatar involved numerous exchanges and Musk addressing key media, lasting approximately 40 minutes. He asserted that he would lead Tesla for at least the next five years and that it took time to respond to the Wall Street Journal. Recent reports indicated that the automaker’s board of directors began searching for a potential CEO replacement for Musk. Additionally, Musk faced criticism from fellow tech billionaire Bill Gates, who compared him to “frequently Jeffrey Epstein,” contesting that his DOGE could jeopardize international aid and harm children’s health, as Gates remarked in a recent interview.
Musk mentioned that he plans to dine with Trump this week but has recently stepped back from living full-time in Washington, D.C., and aims to dedicate more time to managing companies like Tesla.
A naturally occurring compound known as flavan-3-ol, present in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes, has been shown to enhance blood pressure and vascular health, according to a recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey involving 145 prior studies.
Flavan-3-OL-rich foods and supplements, similar to medications, are regularly consumed, particularly by those with high blood pressure, to help lower blood pressure. Image credit: Lagou et al., doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173.
“Flavan-3-ol found in cocoa, tea, and various fruits shows potential in enhancing blood pressure and vascular function, but is not yet utilized for cardiovascular prevention,” stated Professor Christian Heiss, the lead author of the study from the University of Surrey.
“Our meta-analysis evaluated how flavan-3-ol-rich interventions impact blood pressure and endothelial function.”
In the meta-analysis, the researchers examined data from 145 randomized controlled trials published between 1946 and 2024.
The findings indicated that regular intake of flavan-3-OLs could lead to reductions in blood pressure readings, particularly among individuals with elevated blood pressure or hypertension.
Some results showed that the average decrease in blood pressure was comparable to that produced by certain medications.
Additionally, flavan-3-ol was found to enhance endothelial function (the inner layer of blood vessels), which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.
This improvement occurs independently of blood pressure changes, suggesting a broad positive impact on circulatory health.
“These results are promising for those seeking a simple way to manage blood pressure and support heart health through enjoyable dietary adjustments,” Professor Heiss added.
“Incorporating small amounts of commonly enjoyed foods such as tea, apples, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder into a balanced daily diet can provide beneficial flavan-3-ol levels.”
“While it should not replace prescribed medications or medical guidance, it can be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure, by incorporating flavan-3-ol-rich foods into their daily routine.”
“These encouraging findings warrant further research.”
A paper discussing the survey results has been published in the European Journal of Preventive Psychology.
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Vasiriki Ragou et al. Effect of flavan-3-OL on blood pressure and endothelial function in various populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Preventive Psychology Published online on March 24th, 2025. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173
On Monday, President Trump signed an executive order urging drug manufacturers to voluntarily reduce prices for major medications in the United States.
Nonetheless, the order lacks explicit legal authority to enforce lower prices. It states that if drug companies do not comply, the administration may explore regulatory actions from foreign nations or consider importing drugs from abroad.
This seemed like a win for the pharmaceutical sector, backing policies that could severely impact their profits.
Last week, Trump emphasized the announcement, stating it was “significant enough to make an impact.” He also mentioned in a Sunday evening post on Truth Social that they would connect U.S. drug prices to those in comparable countries under the “most favored nation” pricing model.
His executive order won’t achieve that goal. Following the news, drug stocks surged on Monday.
This order by Trump came just hours after House Republicans slashed about $700 billion from the Medicaid and Obamacare markets, proposing extensive healthcare changes that could potentially leave 8.6 million Americans without insurance. Congress declined to include measures that would impose direct limits on drug prices in its packages.
The executive order also called for federal agencies to investigate the reasons behind lower prices in European nations and to pursue additional payments. The Trump administration has limited power to influence drug prices in Europe.
“I’m not criticizing pharmaceutical companies,” Trump remarked before signing the order. “I’m primarily critiquing the country rather than the pharmaceutical firm.”
Trump opted not to suggest measures that could be more effective, such as proposing that the administration collaborate with Congress to reform how government health programs compensate for certain drugs.
“The executive order seems more like an ambitious statement than a genuine effort to initiate policy shifts,” commented Amith Salpatwali, a medical policy student at Harvard Medical School.
While numerous Republican lawmakers have resisted attempts to control drug prices, Trump has consistently challenged the existing system, pointing out that U.S. drug companies charge significantly more than their counterparts globally.
“We plan to support pharmaceutical companies in other countries,” he said at an event on Monday.
Trump also threatened to leverage trade policies to pressure European nations into paying higher prices for prescription drugs. However, pharmaceutical companies are already tied to government contracts, and attempts to raise prices for new drugs could be met with resistance from European countries. Experts warned that an increase in prices in Europe does not automatically result in lower prices in the U.S.
During his first term, Trump aimed to implement a more comprehensive policy to reduce drug prices for Medicare, a health insurance program for those over 65 or with disabilities. This plan would have impacted only 50 drugs administered in clinics and hospitals, but a federal court blocked it, determining that the administration sidestepped due process in policymaking.
If pursued correctly, it’s uncertain whether the policy could have survived legal scrutiny. Some experts opined that Trump required congressional support to enact the law.
The White House heralded the announcement as groundbreaking. Trump’s Monday executive order calls for broader reforms than were proposed during his first term, potentially affecting more drugs and all Americans instead of just some Medicare patients. However, there is no clear pathway for implementing price reductions.
“It almost seems like: we want a lower price and will see what happens,” remarked Stacey Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, who studies drug pricing. She added that in the absence of more substantive actions, “I don’t foresee drug prices decreasing anytime soon.”
The order stated that if initial measures do not yield notable progress in lowering U.S. drug prices, the Trump administration may “consider a regulatory plan to impose pricing standards based on the most favored nations.”
Democrats have introduced numerous bills aimed at aligning American drug prices with those in other countries, and laws passed during the Biden administration now allow Medicare to directly negotiate prices for a limited selection of drugs used in the program. Overall, drug pricing policies enjoy broad public support across both Republican and Democratic voters.
The pharmaceutical industry has voiced its concerns over potential tariffs on imported drugs that Trump has promised to impose immediately. These tariffs are likely to reduce drug manufacturers’ profits, even as they might increase some drug prices in the U.S. and pass on additional costs.
Investors reacted positively, recognizing that Trump did not propose more substantial policies. After earlier declines, drug stocks rebounded when details of Trump’s announcement emerged, with Merck shares rising 6% and Pfizer’s shares nearly 4%. The small biotech stock index also rose by 4%.
“Better than expected,” a Wall Street Bank analyst mentioned in a note to investors. “More bark than bite,” commented analysts at TD Cowen.
In Monday’s statement, a drugmaker lobbying group asserted that the U.S. should not look to other countries to determine drug pricing.
However, significant industry organizations, including PhRMA, commended Trump for using trade negotiations to pressure foreign governments to “pay their fair share for medicines.”
“U.S. patients should not bear the financial burden of global innovation,” stated Stephen J. UBL, PhRMA’s CEO.
Currently, U.S. brand drug prices are three times higher on average compared to similar countries.
Drug manufacturers typically design their business strategies around U.S. profits. Essentially, U.S. profits drive their revenues.
Pharmaceutical companies assert that U.S. prices accompany additional advantages. Industry-funded analyses show that U.S. patients gain faster access to medications, and experience fewer insurance limitations compared to other regions.
In many affluent countries, governments generally cover prescription drug costs for the entire population, negotiating substantial discounts with drug manufacturers. Numerous other nations employ comparative pricing to establish what they are willing to pay.
In contrast, the U.S. government has minimal direct involvement in setting drug prices, aside from the Biden-era program affecting a limited number of Medicare drugs, which is currently under the Trump administration’s oversight.
Earlier this month, Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri and Democrat Peter Welch from Vermont introduced a bill aimed at capping the average prices paid based on peer country comparisons.
In an interview, Welch expressed agreement with Trump’s assertion that Americans are overpaying for drugs and believes that international comparisons could help establish fairer pricing. However, he emphasized that congressional action is necessary to create enduring policies.
“It’s essential to tackle this legislatively,” he stated.
Trump’s executive order assigns his administration a month to communicate voluntary “price targets” for select drugs to pharmaceutical companies. White House officials indicated that it is likely that a weight-loss drug known as GLP-1 (which includes popular medications like Zepbound and Wegovy) might be among those discussed.
Trump noted at a press conference on Monday that the costs for “weight-loss drugs” are substantially lower in Europe than in the U.S.
In many scenarios, Americans face costs of around $500 a month for these medications without insurance, while European pharmacies often charge a few hundred dollars less. Most patients in Europe pay out-of-pocket for drugs, as the national health systems typically do not cover them.
As legislators tackle hard-to-recycle plastics and foams, packaging firms in California are unveiling innovative transport coolers crafted from woven fibers, revolutionizing the way temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and laboratory reagents are shipped globally.
The launch of new “recycled” containers made from recyclable paper and fibers aligns with the “Expanded Producer Responsibility” (EPR) Act, pushing the U.S. towards a more sustainable product landscape.
At least 33 states have enacted EPR laws aimed at reducing the use of plastics, styrofoam, and other contaminating materials by holding businesses accountable for their lifecycle and transferring disposal costs to producers.
Over 80 million tons of packaging waste are discarded annually in the U.S., with only around half being recycled, and a mere 9% of plastic packaging finding its way back into the recycling stream, according to Product Stewardship Research Institute.
The EPR Act seeks to minimize landfill waste, boost recycling rates, and mitigate the environmental harm caused by non-recyclable materials, prompting businesses to navigate increasingly stringent packaging regulations.
Recently, seven states have adopted the EPR Act, specifically targeting packaging materials in California, Washington, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine.
“As temperatures rise globally, the need for safe delivery options becomes crucial,” stated Catherine Telloch, CEO of the nonprofit Chicago Environmentalist. “Transitioning to fully recyclable items is fantastic, as it allows for continuous cleaning and reuse, positively impacting the environment.”
Recycling staff
Last month, Container Consulting Services from Gilroy, California, announced the launch of recyclable personnel made from paper and textiles. These containers are validated by a third party to comply with ISTA Thermal and ISTA Transit Standards, meeting essential qualifications for shipping medicines.
Other companies are manufacturing comparable eco-friendly transport coolers, but according to CCS, their product utilizes unique technology that maintains the necessary cold, matching the performance of plastic options. Their patented design features open-cell woven or nonwoven fibers that range from 1.5 to 3 inches thick, sandwiched between two interconnected fiber walls, offering insulation that effectively resists heat, akin to expanding polyethylene.
CCS claims recyclers can maintain contents at cool temperatures for over 100 hours, making them suitable for long-haul and international shipments. Upon arrival, these containers can be converted into other paper products through curbside recycling.
Telloch expressed that recyclers present a viable alternative to polystyrene. A few months prior, she received a shipment of temperature-sensitive medicine that was packed in styrofoam.
“I didn’t want that; it wasn’t good,” Telloch remarked. “If they could utilize a recyclable option instead, that would be fantastic.”
The potential impact of reusable transport coolers is significant, studies indicate. Materials such as polystyrene and polyethylene commonly used in coolers are non-biodegradable and pose threats to both human and animal health. Styrene carcinogens are released during production and usage. These lightweight materials tend to break apart and contaminate the environment as wildlife ingest microplastics. Plastic foam made with these compounds can persist in nature for thousands of years, as noted by the United Nations Environment Programme.
“Polystyrene foam is particularly harmful,” said Janet Domenitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group, a student advocacy organization focused on public health and environmental protection. “It’s much lighter than other plastics, making it easy for wind to carry it into landfills and the environment.”
Proponents of polystyrene argue that the material is cost-effective since its lightweight nature requires less energy and water compared to paper or fiber alternatives. The plastics industry organization did not respond to requests for comment.
Nevertheless, numerous lawmakers across the U.S. are contemplating bans on polystyrene products. In March, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Lloyd Doggett introduced the Bubble Farewell Act, which aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of polystyrene products by 2028. Additionally, California enacted a law in 2022 mandating plastics and packaging companies to minimize single-use plastics, although its implementation remains pending amid uncertain circumstances.
Globally, there is a push to eliminate plastic foam packaging, with numerous countries like Canada, Germany, and Zimbabwe having banned or restricted styrofoam, particularly in food services and packaging.
Julie Etter Simpson, co-owner of CCS, emphasized that Recycoolers are developed to align with these evolving laws.
“Product versatility is key to our commitment to environmental responsibility,” she stated.
Yaniv Abitan, managing director of Insulpack Group, an international cold package distribution company, remarked that his company has evaluated the recycling personnel and believes it will drive significant environmental initiatives as the industry shifts away from single-use plastics and EPS forms.
“We recognize the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise on performance,” Avitan concluded. “Recyclers symbolize the direction the industry is headed towards for domestic and international cold chain transportation.”
President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday outlining a series of actions aimed at lowering drug prices, including helping to import drugs from Canada.
The policy was more modest than the drug price reduction proposal Trump offered in his first term.
One of his new directives could potentially raise drug prices, as it calls for changes to the Medicare negotiation programs that could increase government costs.
Such changes may lead to delays in drug qualification for Medicare price cuts, ultimately impacting the cost.
Depending on its structure, the directive could potentially increase Medicare drug spending by billions of dollars compared to current spending under the law. The negotiation program was approved by a Democratic-controlled Congress and supported by former President Joseph R. Biden.
The executive order emphasizes that changes to the Medicare price negotiation program should be accompanied by other reforms to prevent an increase in overall costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
While some directives in the executive order may save money for patients and government programs, the proposals for Medicare negotiations are likely to increase costs without significant savings.
The order also includes provisions to lower co-payments for certain medical treatments and provide discounted insulin and epinephrine injections to low-income individuals.
This executive order marks a significant move by the Trump administration regarding drug pricing.
Following Trump’s decision to consider imposing tariffs on imported drugs, which manufacturers might pass on to consumers, there is concern that this could lead to increased costs and potentially worsen drug shortages.
Some directives in the executive order, such as changes to the Medicare negotiation program, require Congressional approval and have faced opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.
Trump has long expressed dissatisfaction with the high drug prices in the US compared to other countries. While the executive order includes measures to address some pricing issues, it lacks a report on the pricing policies of preferred countries, which could have helped align US drug prices with those of other nations.
These are some of the key aspects of Trump’s executive order concerning drug pricing.
Eliminate “pill penalty”
The order instructs Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to collaborate with Congress on addressing disparities in how certain drugs are treated in Medicare negotiation programs.
It highlights that under current law, different types of drugs have varying eligibility periods for price reductions, with some drugs having longer wait times before price cuts can be applied.
Drugmakers have criticized the existing “pill penalty” in the Medicare program, which they claim hinders innovation and access to new treatments. Legislative efforts are being made to address these differences in treatment of various drug types.
The executive order does not specify the exact timeline for exempting different drug types from Medicare price reductions.
Pharmaceutical industry representatives have expressed willingness to work with the administration and Congress to develop solutions that reduce costs and enhance access to medications for the public.
The negotiations on drug prices overseen by Biden officials are set to result in price reductions taking effect in 2026, while the Trump administration will oversee negotiations for certain drugs in upcoming years.
The White House released a fact sheet on Tuesday stating that the Biden administration aims to generate more savings through its Medicare negotiation program compared to previous years. However, this could be challenging if Congress limits the duration during which Medicare can access lower prices.
Drug imports from Canada
The executive order directs the FDA to streamline the process for importing low-cost drugs from Canada, building on previous efforts initiated during Trump’s first term.
While importing drugs from Canada may offer cost savings, the potential imposition of tariffs by Trump on imported drugs could offset these benefits.
Standardize joint payments at various clinics
The order calls for regulations to ensure consistency in the fees charged by medical practices for administering drugs to patients across different healthcare settings.
Currently, many hospital-owned medical practices bill Medicare higher fees than independent practices for the same services, impacting Medicare beneficiaries who are responsible for a portion of the costs.
Efforts to standardize these payments have faced opposition from hospitals seeking higher payments. Legislation during the Obama administration addressed some of these discrepancies in payment rates.
Promote affordable generic products
Trump has instructed the FDA to expedite the approval process for generic and biosimilar drugs, aiming to increase access to lower-cost alternatives to brand-name drugs.
While there is hope for cost savings through the approval of biosimilars, patient adoption has been slower than anticipated, impacting the overall savings potential.
Affordable insulin for low-income individuals
Trump has reinstated a previous order to provide discounted insulin and epinephrine injections to certain low-income individuals through Community Health Clinics.
While initially proposed in 2020, the implementation of this initiative was halted by the Biden administration citing administrative burdens.
NASA is preparing for substantial budget cuts that could force cancellations of ongoing and upcoming missions across the solar system, and experts warn that it is facing a “brutal” future.
The space agency has already launched several layoffs as part of a broad restructuring of the US federal agency by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an independent task force led by Elon Musk. Earlier this week it announced it would close its offices for technology, policy and strategy. Chief scientist’s office. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Branch, located in Washington, DC’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, represents a total of 23 employment for its agents.
“This magnitude change is by no means easy, but our strength comes from our mission and our shared commitment to each other,” NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, emailed staff members. “We encourage each other to support us as we move forward.”
One employee in the Technology, Policy and Strategy office who learned they were fired this week and given anonymity for fear of retaliation says that their office is a “easy target” as it was set up under Joe Biden’s control. “Some people thought this might come,” they say.
The role of NASA’s Chief Technologist and Chief Economist is within the office, and “supported strategic planning across the agency,” the employee says. This includes managing recent increases in recent lunar missions when planning lunar-based landing sites and operations and “preventing these missions from interfering with each other.”
“There’s a lot of interest in the Antarctic of the Moon, and there’s concern that it works close to each other,” they said. “I don’t think we’ll address these issues moving forward.”
These losses are expected to be just the beginning of NASA’s much larger ull. Casey Drier American Space Exploration Advocacy Group says there are rumours that in his upcoming budget request, President Donald Trump will direct NASA’s overall scientific budget to be cut by 50%. This is a blow to NASA’s office of Science Mission Directors, and “everything that isn’t pretty much everything NASA does is not a space flight mission,” says Dreier. Currently, we have a budget of around $7 billion from NASA’s total annual budget of $25 billion.
Scientists familiar with NASA policy-making say they spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation and say that the cuts requested by the president must be approved by Congress. “NASA is really loved on a bipartisan basis,” they say. But if the cut goes on, they add that they “essentially end to NASA science.” “The mission is not safe.”
Throwing the budget by half “will be a very brutal outcome, symbolizing the nation’s return to space,” Dreyer said, and would result in the cancellation of many missions. Like James Webb’s Space Telescope, some of their Prime missions will likely survive, but the most at risk are early planning or later missions. These include the climate satellite, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Voyager Mission, where patience and curiosity on Mars was the first spacecraft to leave the solar system.
The impact on NASA may be permanent. “If you completely destroy a people’s pipeline, you’ll have serious, long-term consequences,” says Dreier. “It’s an extinction level event.”
In this week’s letter to Peter, California’s Zoe Lofgren, a top Democrat on the House of Representatives’ Science and Space Technology Committee, urged NASA to cut and fight back. “Doge is trying to reduce and burn NASA’s core capabilities,” she wrote. “It’s essential to stand up to NASA’s important work.”
I’ll talk New ScientistLofgren warned that the situation could have international consequences. “Destroying NASA’s highly skilled workforce will be a major leap for the US and a major leap for China,” she said. “Meanwhile-less reductions will undermine cutting edge innovation, curious science, and institutional ability to maintain leadership in human exploration.”
A team of four astronauts is gearing up for launch to the International Space Station on Wednesday. This marks the beginning of the process to bring NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Willmore back to Earth.
Williams and Wilmore have been capturing public interest since their launch in June on a test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Initially planned to stay at the space station for a week, they are now set to spend nine months in orbit.
During their journey to the ISS, the Boeing capsule faced various challenges like thruster malfunctions and propellant leaks. Consequently, NASA decided to return the Starliner craft to Earth with only one crew member, leaving the two astronauts aboard the orbiting outpost.
NASA then rearranged crew rotations to free up seats on the SpaceX Dragon Capsule for Williams and Willmore to return home.
On September 29th, the capsule arrived at the space station carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos astronaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The plan is for Willmore and Williams to hitch a ride back with them at the end of their approximately six-month mission.
As the new crew gets ready to launch, NASA astronauts Anne McLain and Nicole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Onishi, and Russian astronaut Kiril Peskov are set to blast off into space on Wednesday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for the Crew-10 mission.
The liftoff is scheduled for 7:48pm from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Crew-10 astronauts are expected to dock around 6am on Thursday and reach the space station later that day, taking over from the current crew of four.
Marce Gutierrez-Glaudis was thrilled to participate in a historic event last month when over 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, to negotiate a binding global agreement to reduce plastic pollution.
“We were hopeful that this would mark the end of our meetings,” shared a marine conservation expert from California who was part of the U.S. delegation, speaking to NBC News.
However, a global agreement did not materialize as countries failed to reach a consensus during the fifth and final round of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Commission.
“I am planning to engage in at least one more round in late spring or summer,” Gutierrez-Growdish mentioned. Instead of delaying potentially problematic treaties for years, he emphasized the importance of investing more time in exploring methods to oversee funding, transparency, and national accountability.
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiche founded Azul, a nonprofit organization that protects marine resources, after witnessing the decline of fish in her work in commercial fishing and aquaculture.Provided by: Azure
Wrapping up the year, a Mexican-American environmental leader shared insights. As the Founder of Azure, they are committed to safeguarding marine resources through positive and forward-thinking actions.
Researchers project that without effective measures, plastic pollution could double by 2050, while a global treaty could potentially reduce it by 91%.
Despite challenges like the recent deadlock and the uncertain future in South Korea, concerns linger about the next Trump administration potentially causing a breakdown. Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized the need to focus on collaboration rather than political affiliations when it comes to international agreements and environmental protection, stating, “We must set aside our political or federal preferences.”
Experts in marine conservation stressed the bipartisan nature of environmental issues, finding resonance among the Latin American community. “People are becoming more aware that things are changing and crises are on the rise.”
For instance, in California, residents are witnessing escalating temperatures, water scarcities, and increased wildfires, while across the nation, devastating impacts from recent severe hurricanes are evident.
Regarding plastic use, Over 70% of Latino voters backed bans on single-use plastics, while 75% supported regulations on plastic manufacturing chemicals. The majority favored an international treaty to eliminate plastic pollution, even if it meant adhering to challenging and costly regulations in the U.S.
While recent headlines have focused on microplastics’ presence in humans, Gutierrez-Groudish advocates for a comprehensive approach targeting plastic production’s root causes and impacts.
Highlighting the need to address the entire plastic production lifecycle and its repercussions, she and her team are formulating a comprehensive plan for forthcoming international conferences.
Witnessing the Impact Directly
Before establishing Azul in 2011, Gutierrez-Graudish began her career in commercial fishing and aquaculture, overseeing logistics and operations—experience that sensitized her to environmental degradation due to dwindling fish supplies and rising fuel costs. “I observed it firsthand,” she shared. “It was a profound moment that steered me towards conservation.”
As she gears up for global negotiations, her nonprofit Azul is actively spearheading three campaigns in her state. The Deja el Plastico (No Plastic) initiative endeavors to mitigate plastic pollution in California, leading to a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2016.
Gutierrez-Glaudis noted that Latina grandmothers can offer practical examples of reducing plastic consumption, alluding to the “Abuela Bag.” “My grandma had reusable bags, not the trendy eco-friendly ones you find at stores, but the concept remained the same,” she reminisced.
Azul’s Vamos a La Playa (Let’s Go to the Beach) campaign centers on coastal accessibility, seeking to ensure Californians can enjoy shoreline access granted under the more than 40-year-old California Coastal Act. She accentuated the importance of clear communication at local levels to inform communities of their rights.
“Many people don’t realize that the coast is for everyone, and we need to rectify any sense of exclusion,” Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized. “I’ve witnessed this firsthand.”
Having also launched the Latino Marinos (Latino Mariners) Campaign, an advocacy branch inspired by her experiences, Gutierrez-Graudis aims to foster inclusivity and provide resources for underrepresented groups in maritime conservation.
Marce Gutierrez-Glaudis will speak to students at the GenSea Binational Academy in November.Provided by: Azure
“We are creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities and tools,” Gutierrez-Groudish shared. “Our mission is to translate potential, not just language but transformative opportunities.”
A couple of years ago, Azul unveiled the Rising Leaders Initiative, offering a chance to visit Washington, D.C. for Ocean Week and interact with elected officials.
Excited about the increasing diversity within conservation fields, Gutierrez-Groudish praised social media for making conservation more accessible. She encouraged enthusiasts to connect virtually and engage with organizations like hers to enter the conservation arena.
For individuals wondering about their environmental impact, Gutierrez-Groudish reassured them by stating that every effort counts, even simple actions like using reusable items and reaching out to elected representatives can make a significant difference.
She advocated that caring for the environment is not limited to specific actions, but rather stems from mindful decisions and actions.“People used to say to me, ‘I don’t drive a Prius.’ If they’re making mindful choices and valuing environmental issues, they too are environmentalists,” she concluded.
Activists are urging Uber and other ride-hailing apps to disclose data on their drivers’ workload to combat exploitation and reduce carbon emissions.
Analysis by Worker Info Exchange suggests that drivers for Uber and its competitors may have missed out on over £1.2 billion in earnings and expenses last year due to payment structures.
The report argues that these platforms are built on an oversupply of vehicles and the exploitation of workers, leading to financial struggles and debt.
Uber collects anonymized trip data in several North American cities and claims this covers around 40% of drivers’ miles before picking up passengers.
Despite Uber’s response that drivers earn money on other platforms during idle times, Worker Info Exchange maintains that better compensation and expense coverage could have resulted in an additional £1.29 billion industry-wide in 2023.
The report also highlights issues with monitoring drivers’ mileage, leading to potential exhaustion and safety hazards.
Similar concerns are raised about food delivery apps, with calls for more transparency in journey data.
Efforts in New York to limit vehicle licenses to support taxi drivers and reduce congestion have been noted, although recent changes exempt electric vehicles.
Uber’s carbon emissions in the UK are projected to surpass those of Transport for London, prompting calls for stricter control and transparency from regulators.
The ongoing debate around worker classification and rights in the gig economy is also highlighted, with promises from lawmakers to address issues of “false self-employment”.
Worker Info Exchange, founded by a key figure in the Uber Supreme Court case, aims to empower gig workers by providing more control over their data and decision-making processes.
People rally in Ottawa to support ending plastic pollution
The Canadian Press/Shutterstock
Representatives from nearly every country will gather in Canada to hammer out the details of a global treaty to tackle rising plastic pollution. One source of disagreement at the summit, which concluded on April 29, was how to address greenhouse gas emissions produced by the production and use of plastics, which are increasingly not recognized as a cause of climate change. was.
“When people think of plastic, they think of something visually visible,” he says. Vermilion Alice At the University of Toronto, Canada. However, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, as does the generation of the energy needed to make plastic products. Plastics currently account for about 10% of total oil and natural gas demand. Coal is also increasing Used to power plastic production.
Incineration of plastic waste is also a source of greenhouse gas emissions. As plastics in the environment degrade, they can emit carbon dioxide and methane. Plastics may even reduce the amount of carbon that ecosystems can store, although the effects have not been well quantified, Zhu said.
The emissions numbers associated with plastic production are more clear-cut.in study Published this month, Nihang Kalari Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California estimated that plastic production produced 2.24 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is roughly four times the emissions produced by aviation that year.
They found that as plastic production increases, these emissions could triple by 2050, assuming no changes in the way plastics are made. Most of the emissions are related to the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics, so decarbonizing the electricity grid will have a small impact on projected emissions. It also became clear that
The global plastics deal currently under discussion could offer a “historic” chance to limit these emissions, the researchers write. In 2022, more than 175 countries have agreed to join a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution throughout the lifecycle of materials, with final details expected to be agreed by the end of this year.
But a group of oil-producing countries, including China and Russia, said during negotiations that the treaty should only address plastic waste through cleaning and recycling, and that production, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from oil, would They argued that it should not be restricted or changed. plastic.country group Including UK and EU argued that the treaty should include provisions to reduce production to keep emissions in line with global climate goals.
“There's a lot on the agenda, but climate certainly isn't talked about much,” he says. neil nathan Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, attended the conference to advocate for an ambitious treaty.
according to modeling We've heard from Nathan and others that a strong treaty that takes measures such as limiting production and requiring plastic products to contain a high proportion of recycled content could keep emissions at current levels. Probably. He said the Plastics Treaty would be a “failure” if it did not address production.
Sarah-Jeanne Royer Researchers at the University of California, San Diego suggest that even if the treaty did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there would be more sustainable options for making plastics, such as recycled or captured CO2, such as bioplastics or captured CO2. It said the switch would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of new plastics. Expressly.
but, paul stegman Dutch research institute TNO has warned that plastic alternatives such as steel can generate more emissions, depending on how they are reused and recycled. “Ultimately, we need policies that reduce the impact on society as a whole, not just move the problem elsewhere,” he says.
In 1980, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, began developing a new method of generating electricity for its theme parks that would reduce the use of increasingly expensive oil. The solid waste-to-energy conversion plant took garbage, including plastics, and converted it into flammable gas using a method called pyrolysis. It opened in 1982 but closed a year later due to high operating costs.
Today, environmentalists cite the Disney story that shatters the reputation of a series of new technologies collectively known as advanced recycling, which takes plastic waste and turns it back into brand new plastic.
Their argument is dishonest. The failure of the Disney plant had more to do with the subsequent drop in oil prices than with any technical or environmental issues. Pyrolysis has improved significantly since the 1980s. In any case, Disney’s factory is designed to produce fuel, not classified as advanced recycling.
Advanced recycling is rapidly innovating with the potential to help solve the global plastics crisis, as reported in our feature “A surprising new technology that could recycle all plastics forever.” It has the potential to capture millions of tonnes of waste plastic and turn it back into a clean, fresh state by breaking it down into its molecular components. The goal is a circular economy that eliminates the need to make “virgin” plastic from oil.
It’s not a panacea. These factories produce toxic waste, have problems with their energy use, and perpetuate traditional plastics ahead of newer, greener alternatives. Campaigners are right to argue that it would be better to do away with plastic altogether. However, given practical considerations, they are not going away anytime soon, and most advanced recycling technologies are better for the environment than their alternatives.
There should be serious discussion about advanced recycling, especially whether it should be incorporated into future global treaties on plastic pollution. Make sure it’s based on fact and not a Disney story.
Obesity has undergone a significant shift in how we perceive it in recent years. It was once seen as a personal lifestyle choice, but is now acknowledged as a complex disease affected by genetics, biology, psychosocial factors, and the environment. It is a prevalent condition affecting a large portion of the population.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 2 billion adults are overweight or obese and this number is rising rapidly across different income countries.
Obesity poses a major health risk as it increases the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and kidney failure.
Recent advancements in understanding obesity have revealed that the regulation of energy balance and eating behavior occurs in the brain, not the stomach. Scientists have identified numerous genes that impact weight regulation and predispose individuals to obesity. Additionally, maintaining weight loss is challenging due to the body’s natural responses, which slow metabolism and increase hunger hormones.
Efforts to find effective treatments for obesity have intensified, considering the stigma and discrimination individuals with obesity often face. Traditional methods such as surgery or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have been common strategies for weight loss. However, these approaches come with risks, limitations, and costs.
Current weight loss drugs have not been very successful in achieving significant results. New gut hormone treatments known as incretins show promise in managing obesity by regulating appetite through the gut-brain axis. Drugs like semaglutide have demonstrated notable weight loss benefits and improved blood sugar levels, offering hope for effective obesity management in the future.
Despite the potential of new weight loss drugs, challenges like administration methods, cost, and long-term effectiveness need to be addressed. Developments in weight loss medications, including oral drugs like orforglyprone, are still in progress, suggesting a promising future for obesity treatment.
While weight loss pills offer a valuable tool, they should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, psychological support, and addressing socio-economic factors influencing health inequalities. The future of obesity treatment looks promising with ongoing research and advancements in medical technology.
It’s crucial to recognize that a holistic approach, which combines different strategies tailored to individual needs, is essential in effectively addressing the complexities of obesity. By destigmatizing obesity and focusing on a well-rounded treatment plan, we can make significant strides in managing this chronic disease.
Osteoarthritis affects 530 million people worldwide
Puwadol Jaturautchai/Shutterstock
Drug delivery nanoparticles may be useful in treating osteoarthritis. In mice with signs of symptoms, a single injection of the particles relieved pain for several months.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is approximately 530 million people worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions bones breaks down, causing joint stiffness and pain. Treatment options for this condition are limited, and there is no treatment to prevent cartilage degeneration.
Previous research has shown that a drug called pazopanib may help reduce osteoarthritis pain. However, the effect only lasts for a few days.So Heejeong Im Sampeng University of Illinois at Chicago and colleagues have developed a method of administration that extends release.
The researchers encapsulated pazopanib within nanoparticles that have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to deliver other drugs. They then injected the nanoparticles into the knees of 16 mice, and found that half of them had early signs of osteoarthritis, and half had advanced signs. The same number of animals received a dummy injection of nanoparticles without pazopanib.
Because it is difficult to assess joint pain in animals, the researchers used the widely accepted idea that individuals experiencing pain, such as joint pain, also become more sensitive to physical touch. and instead focused on rodent sensitivities.
Immediately after treatment, the researchers assessed how quickly the mice removed one paw from the uncomfortable hot plate. Mice with early or advanced osteoarthritis took significantly longer to remove their paws when given pazopanib rather than a dummy injection, suggesting that pazopanib nanoparticles rapidly reduced joint pain. I did. The researchers then repeated the hot plate test and found similar effects after two months in the advanced osteoarthritis group and after three months in the early osteoarthritis group. This means that pazopanib nanoparticles provide effective pain relief over several weeks. Animals treated with pazopanib also had less cartilage degeneration, indicating that nanoparticles may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
But just because a treatment works in mice doesn't mean it will work in humans, Sampen says. The researchers plan to explore other ways to assess pazopanib's analgesic properties in animals. One approach, the researchers say, is to analyze how people walk and use their limbs to make sure the drug reduces joint pain.
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