Category: 8. Health

  • Brain structure differences seen in children with restrictive eating disorders

    Brain structure differences seen in children with restrictive eating disorders

    The research was published in Nature Mental Health

    What’s the story

    A recent study has revealed that children suffering from restrictive eating disorders show distinct changes in their brain structure.
    The research, published in Nature Mental Health, analyzed MRI scans of 174 children under the age of 13 diagnosed with early-onset restrictive eating disorder (rEO-ED).
    These scans were compared to those of 116 healthy children to identify differences between disorder types and potential links to brain structures associated with other neurological conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

    Distinct brain structure changes observed in children with rEO-ED

    The study found notable differences in brain structure for both early-onset anorexia nervosa (including a thinner cortex and more cerebrospinal fluid) and underweight patients with ARFID (including a reduced surface area and reduced overall brain volume).
    However, as this study only provides a snapshot in time, it’s hard to tell if these structural changes are a cause or consequence of the disorders.

    Changes in cortical thickness linked to body mass index (BMI)

    In children with early-onset anorexia nervosa, changes in cortical thickness were more closely associated with body mass index (BMI).
    This suggests that the neurological differences may be a result of restrictive eating behaviors.
    To explore overlaps between restrictive eating disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, scans from various external datasets were used.

    Study explores overlaps between restrictive eating disorders and other conditions

    The study found similarities in cortical thickness signatures between early-onset anorexia nervosa and OCD, as well as ARFID and autism.
    However, there was little overlap between anorexia nervosa and autism or ARFID and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
    These findings highlight the need to consider early-onset anorexia nervosa and ARFID as separate disorders while recognizing their similarities with other mental health conditions.

    Researchers hope to guide treatment development through these findings

    The study’s findings shed light on the connection between eating behaviors and brain structures, which can guide the development of potential treatments.
    Currently, these disorders are treated through a combination of dietary and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
    The researchers hope to continue exploring this complex relationship by collecting data from larger samples over time.

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  • Multi-omics analysis of lactate metabolism gene regulation in Clonorchis sinensis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma | Parasites & Vectors

    Multi-omics analysis of lactate metabolism gene regulation in Clonorchis sinensis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma | Parasites & Vectors

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  • Physical Frailty as a Barrier to Improvements in Physical Performance in Older Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Acute-Phase Cardiac Rehabilitation

    Physical Frailty as a Barrier to Improvements in Physical Performance in Older Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Acute-Phase Cardiac Rehabilitation


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  • 8 foods to lose weight fast at home – The Economic Times

    8 foods to lose weight fast at home – The Economic Times

    1. 8 foods to lose weight fast at home  The Economic Times
    2. Weight loss coach reveals 10 fibre-rich fruits you should start eating to lose belly fat: Banana to apple and orange  Hindustan Times
    3. 7 Foods to Help You Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Month  Eat This Not That
    4. Nutrition coach shares 7 foods that ‘reduce cravings and make fat loss easier’: Eggs, berries, avocados and more  Hindustan Times
    5. Eating carbs and losing fat: Fat loss coach shares 6 foods to have daily for faster weight loss  MSN

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  • Pakistan reports 3 new polio cases, bringing tally to 17 in 2025-Xinhua

    ISLAMABAD, July 27 (Xinhua) — Pakistan reported three new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), bringing the total number of cases in the country this year to 17, authorities said on Sunday.

    According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad, the new cases were detected in Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan districts in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (KP), and Umerkot district in southern Sindh province.

    Of the 17 cases confirmed so far in 2025, 10 have been reported from KP, five from Sindh, and one each from eastern Punjab province and northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.

    The National Emergencies Operation Center of Pakistan stated that a special vaccination drive is currently underway from July 21 to July 27 in union councils along the border with Afghanistan.

    Additionally, a fractional campaign launched in Chaman district of southwestern Balochistan province on July 21 will expand to six other districts of the province from July 28, the authority said.

    Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community participation in vaccination campaigns to stop transmission and protect future generations. ■

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  • This Simple Trick Could Help Older Adults Stay Fit – SciTechDaily

    1. This Simple Trick Could Help Older Adults Stay Fit  SciTechDaily
    2. Walking slightly faster could help older adults stay fit  Medical News Today
    3. Picking up the pace on your walk helps, even for older adults  The Washington Post
    4. Increasing Walk Cadence Counters Frailty Among Seniors, Study Says  U.S. News & World Report
    5. If You Can Walk at This Pace, You’re in Great Shape, Doctors Say  bestlifeonline.com

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  • DECADES-OLD LEAD POLLUTION LINKED TO MEMORY PROBLEMS IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY FINDS

    DECADES-OLD LEAD POLLUTION LINKED TO MEMORY PROBLEMS IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY FINDS

    Key Takeaways

    • A study of more than 600,000 adults links early-life environmental lead exposure to memory problems later in life. 
    • People who grew up in areas with moderate to extremely high atmospheric lead levels from 1960-1974 were 20% more likely to report memory problems as adults 50 years later.
    • Lead exposure may leave a lasting molecular imprint on the brain, making it more vulnerable to age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

    TORONTO, July 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Historic lead levels from the era of leaded gasoline may be contributing to cognitive issues 50 years later, suggests research reported for the first time at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2025 (AAIC®), in Toronto and online.

    Americans are about 20% more likely to experience memory problems if they lived in areas with high levels of atmospheric lead between 1960 and 1974, according to the analysis of more than 600,000 adults 65 and older.

    “Research suggests half the U.S. population — more than 170 million people — were exposed to high lead levels in early childhood. This research sheds more light on the toxicity of lead related to brain health in older adults today,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead. “Other studies reported at AAIC 2025 suggest that (a) lead exposure at any point in life may cause cognitive problems, (b) it may be more likely to affect certain populations and reflect disparities, and (c) there is a biological connection between lead exposure and Alzheimer’s.”

    Historic levels of lead air pollution are associated with memory problems 50 years later

    In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers examined how exposure to airborne lead from 1960-1974 — when leaded gasoline use was at its highest — may affect brain health later in life. They determined that older adults who grew up in areas with moderate to extremely high historical atmospheric lead levels (HALL) were about 20% more likely to report memory problems as adults 50 years later.

    The researchers calculated the average HALL by area and linked it to self-reported memory problems from the American Community Survey from 2012-2017 (368,208 people) and 2018-2021 (276,476 people). They didn’t analyze the source of the lead but believe that the higher the density of automobile traffic, such as in urban areas, the higher the atmospheric lead. Factoring in both time periods, the researchers determined that 17-22% of people living in areas with moderate, high or extremely high atmospheric lead reported memory issues.

    “Our study may help us understand the pathways that contribute to some people developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Eric Brown, M.D., MSc, FRCPC, lead author of the study, associate scientist and associate chief of geriatric psychiatry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto.

    Lead was originally added to gasoline to increase performance until researchers determined it posed serious risks to health and the environment. The more than 20-year-long phase-out of leaded gas began in 1975 when all new cars sold in the U.S. were required to have catalytic converters.

    “When I was a child in 1976, our blood carried 15 times more lead than children’s blood today,” said Esme Fuller-Thomson, Ph.D., senior author of the study and a professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Ientash Faculty of Social Work and director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging. “An astonishing 88% of us had levels higher than 10 micrograms per deciliter, which are now considered dangerously high.”

    While the risk of atmospheric lead has decreased, other sources of exposure remain, such as old lead paint and pipes. Those who have been exposed to atmospheric lead should focus on reducing other risk factors for dementia, including high blood pressure, smoking and social isolation, said Brown.

    Living near lead-polluting sites may affect memory

    Another study reported at AAIC found that older adults who live about three miles from a lead-releasing facility — such as glass, ready-mixed concrete or computer and electronics manufacturers — are more likely to have memory and thinking problems than those who live farther away. This research, which focused on a racially and ethnically diverse group of older adults, reinforces concerns about the long-term cognitive impact of environmental lead exposure, especially in communities already facing health disparities.

    Researchers assessed 2,379 patients (average age ~74 years) from two studies: the Kaiser Health Aging and Diverse Life Experienced study (KHANDLE, 1,638 patients) of a diverse group of Kaiser Permanente insurance plan members who live in northern California, and the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR, 741 patients) study of Black adults age 50 and older who live in the San Francisco and Sacramento areas. They evaluated the participants’ proximity to the nearest lead-releasing facility and compared the distance to participants’ Neuropsychological Assessment Scales results at baseline and two years later.

    Compared to two years earlier, the KHANDLE participants who lived within 5 km (just over three miles) of a lead-releasing facility scored 0.15 times lower on verbal episodic memory tests (recall of personal experiences), and 0.07 times lower on overall cognitive ability compared to those living farther away. Every 5 km farther a participant lived from a lead-releasing facility was associated with 5% higher memory scores two years later. Among STAR group participants living within 5 km of a lead-releasing facility, researchers observed a 0.20 times lower score on semantic memory (general knowledge) two years later, compared to those who lived farther away.

    “Our results indicate that lead exposure in adulthood could contribute to worse cognitive performance within a few years,” said Kathryn Conlon, Ph.D., MPH, senior author and associate professor of environmental epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis. “Despite tremendous progress on lead abatement, studies have shown there is no safe level of exposure, and half of U.S. children have detectable levels of lead in their blood. Additionally, there are regions and neighborhoods that have more exposure.”

    According to Conlon, there were 7,507 lead-releasing facilities in the U.S. in 2023. To reduce exposure, Conlon said people living near lead-producing facilities should keep their homes clean to avoid the accumulation of lead-contaminated dust, remove their shoes when coming inside, and place dust mats inside and outside to avoid tracking lead-contaminated dust indoors. Use the Environmental Protection Agency’s TRI Toxics Tracker to identify lead-releasing facilities near you.

    Study reveals how lead exposure may set the stage for Alzheimer’s

    Even low levels of lead exposure can create permanent changes in brain cells, including increased buildup of abnormal tau and amyloid beta, which are proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, suggests a third study reported at AAIC 2025.

    The researchers exposed human brain cells to lead concentrations of zero, 15 and 50 parts per billion (ppb), simulating the kind of lead exposure people might experience through contaminated water or air. The EPA’s action level for lead in drinking water is 15 ppb.

    They ran molecular, genetic, biochemical and functional tests on the cells and determined that (a) the 15-ppb and 50-ppb lead-exposed neurons were more electrically active (suggesting early dysfunction) than those that had no exposure, (b) energy-producing cells were damaged, and (c) there was an increase in tau and amyloid beta. Even after the lead was removed, the cells remained primed for damage, responding more severely to additional stressors such as tau.

    “These findings help explain how lead exposure, especially in early life or from occupational and environmental sources, might leave a lasting molecular imprint on the brain making it more vulnerable to age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s,” said Junkai Xie, Ph.D., lead author of the study and post-doctoral research associate in chemical engineering at Purdue University. “Our results show that lead exposure isn’t just a short-term concern; it may set the stage for cognitive problems decades later.”

    About the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®)
    The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
    AAIC 2025 home page: www.alz.org/aaic/
    AAIC 2025 newsroom: www.alz.org/aaic/pressroom.asp
    AAIC 2025 hashtag: #AAIC25

    About the Alzheimer’s Association®
    The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

    • Eric Brown, M.D., MSc, et al. Historical atmospheric lead concentrations (1960-1974) and memory problems half a century later: Findings from two large, independent representative samples
    • Kathryn C. Conlon, Ph.D., MPH, et al. Residential proximity to a lead-releasing facility is associated with cognition in KHANDLE and STAR cohorts (Funding: NIA/NIH R01 AG074347
    • Junkai Xie, Ph.D., et al. Persistent vulnerabilities in neurons following lead (Pb) exposure and implications for Alzheimer’s Disease (Funding: NIH: R01NS130722, U01AG088662, R01AG080917)

    SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association

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  • ‘Without attaching sensors or disturbing [them] in any way’

    ‘Without attaching sensors or disturbing [them] in any way’

    Researchers have unveiled a powerful new tool that could revolutionize the study of insects and their place in the world’s ecosystems. The technology allows scientists to measure heartbeats and other data using videos taken on smartphones and posted online, according to a study published in the Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology.

    The new methods allow researchers to observe insect behavior and physiology without resorting to the usual invasive methods. This is better for the insects and allows for more accurate data collection.

    “Insects are vital to our ecosystems, and understanding their physiological responses to environmental change is essential,” said Danyi Wang, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Australia and one of the study’s two co-authors, per Technology Networks. “Existing methods to measure insects’ vital signs are invasive, however. Our method preserves natural behavior while providing accurate insights into their heart activity.”

    The advancements also have the potential to open up a treasure trove of new data in the form of millions of videos posted to social media.

    With the technology able to analyze video taken from everyday smartphones, researchers could tap into networks of thousands, if not millions, of citizen scientists to aid in data collection.

    “With more refinement, this could become a cost effective and valuable tool in the ecological research toolkit,” said Wang, according to Technology Networks. “It gives us the ability to listen to the hearts of the smallest creatures without harming them.”

    Watch now: Does clean energy really cause blackouts?

    Insects play a vital role in maintaining food supplies and economies around the world. Insects pollinate crops, make soil better for plants, and filter water supplies, according to World Wildlife Magazine.

    Contrary to popular belief, of the more than one million identified insect species, only 0.5% damage crops. In fact, insect species like ground beetles actually increase crop yields by eating pests and weeds.

    Insects also keep populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes in check, with some dragonflies consuming over 100 mosquitoes per day, per World Wildlife Magazine.

    Despite the vital role insects play in maintaining life on Earth, some experts have projected that, if current trends continue, as many as 40% of insect species will go extinct by the end of this century.

    Technological breakthroughs — like the one announced by Ph.D. candidate Wang and her supervisor and co-author Javaan Chahl — will allow researchers to better understand how insects are responding to environmental stressors like habitat loss and the changing climate.

    It will also allow experts to better formulate strategies to help maintain key insect populations, all without harming the insects or altering their natural behavior.

    “What’s exciting is that this was all achieved without attaching sensors or disturbing the insects in any way,” said Chahl, the study’s lead author, according to Technology Networks.

    While the potential for citizen scientists to pitch in on data collection by simply using their smartphones is exciting, there are already plenty of things that can be done to help pollinators and other insects right in your own backyard.

    For example, planting a native garden or rewilding your yard can lower your water bill while also providing vital food and shelter for local insects, small mammals, and birds.

    Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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  • Laos urges vigilance as dengue risk rises amid persistent rainfall-Xinhua

    VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) — As persistent rainfall continues across Laos, health authorities urge the public to remain alert and take preventive measures against dengue fever.

    Although Laos has reported a significant drop in dengue cases, health officials caution that the risk remains high during the rainy season. They urge residents to participate in local clean-up efforts and practice home prevention measures to combat the spread of the disease.

    To further prevent dengue, local officials in many villages have organized collective activities that encourage authorities and villagers to work together to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes.

    Mithouna, a Vientiane resident, actively participates in local clean-up efforts.

    “My neighbors and I clean our homes and surroundings at least once a week. It’s important for everyone to work together to reduce the risk of dengue fever, especially during continuous rainfall,” Mithouna told Xinhua on Sunday.

    She stressed that dengue affects entire communities, not just individuals. “Dengue is a deadly disease, and it doesn’t affect just one household. That’s why I believe everyone needs to stay alert and take responsibility.”

    Chanxay emphasized the importance of disease prevention, especially during the current period of continuous rainfall when many children are home on summer break.

    “The rain hasn’t stopped, and water is collecting everywhere. On top of that, children are home from school, which makes this a very dangerous time for us,” said Chanxay. “As parents, we have to be more careful than ever.”

    As of July 21, Laos has reported 4,308 cases of dengue fever, including one death. The highest number of cases was recorded in the Lao capital Vientiane, which reported 2,052 infections, according to the Ministry of Health.

    Health authorities recommend five effective dengue control measures for households, sealing unused containers, emptying water vessels, placing guppy fish in jars to consume mosquito larvae, cleaning around homes, and consistently performing these tasks weekly. ■

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  • GP issues urgent warning over worrying risk men can face from ‘summer penis’

    The change in the seasons can have quite the profound effect on your penis – but it can also trigger an unfortunate side effect, too.

    Doctors have warned blokes that although the ‘summer penis’ phenomenon may boost the appearance of their manhood, it can also leave them struggling in the bedroom.

    Essentially, it’s quite the double-edged sword.

    The spike in the mercury can also cause a similar dramatic change to men’s testicles, so lads really ought to prepare for things to get a lot tighter in the crotch-region of their trousers.

    What is ‘summer penis’?

    During the summer, males might notice a big alteration in the appearance of their manhood which is known as a ‘summer penis’.

    This isn’t an official medical term, but it is a phrase used to ‘describe when a male’s penis seems a bit bigger or fuller during hot weather’.

    The warm weather can cause the size of your penis to balloon (Getty Stock Image)

    The warm weather can cause the size of your penis to balloon (Getty Stock Image)

    Dr Chun Tang, a GP from private healthcare clinic Pall Mall Medical, explained why this occurs.

    “The idea is that in warmer months, especially when it’s hot and humid, the heat causes your blood vessels to expand a bit, which can make things down there look a bit different,” he previously told The Sun.

    “When it’s hot, your body naturally tries to cool down by widening the blood vessels, which can make more blood flow to places like your hands, feet, and even your penis.”

    The medic said that blokes may notice that their mini me looks a ‘little larger, especially when it’s flaccid’ because of the heat.

    However, the increased blood flow to your private parts might also make it ‘feel a bit softer or more relaxed than usual’.

    Why are certain men prone to ‘summer penis’?

    Certain blokes are more prone to experiencing the phenomenon (Getty Stock Image)

    Certain blokes are more prone to experiencing the phenomenon (Getty Stock Image)

    Not all men get to experience the ‘summer penis’ phenomenon during a heatwave, even though this is the most likely time for it to strike.

    There’s not an exact temperature which triggers it, Dr Tang said, so its largely down to pot luck.

    Still, there are some fellas who are more prone to it than others.

    The health expert explained that lads who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes are more likely to end up with a ‘summer penis’.

    If you aren’t a fan of the effect the warmer weather has on your nether regions, Dr Tang recommends keeping as cool as possible.

    Offering some tips to lessen the effect of the ‘summer penis’ phenomenon, he added: “Avoid too much heat, wear loose clothes, and stay well-hydrated.”

    What has the GP warned?

    But the heat can also trigger impotence (Getty Stock Image)

    But the heat can also trigger impotence (Getty Stock Image)

    Although it might cause the size of your manhood to swell, ‘summer penis’ can also hamper a man’s efforts between the sheets.

    Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained that the heat can leave blokes suffering from impotence.

    “The warm weather can affect many health conditions, exacerbating symptoms,” he told the Daily Mail. “This includes erectile dysfunction (ED).

    “One of the main ways warmer weather can affect ED symptoms is through dehydration.

    “When we become dehydrated, our bodies reduce blood volume, making it more difficult for men with penile issues to achieve and maintain an erection.”

    As well as this, the high temperatures can leave us struggling to sleep and therefore, we wake up feeling fatigued – which also doesn’t bode well for blokes when trying to become aroused.

    “The warmer weather forces our bodies to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature, which can often trigger fatigue,” Dr Grant said.

    “Poor sleep can have a direct impact on hormone production, limiting the amount of testosterone produced, which, in turn, worsens ED symptoms and makes achieving an erection more difficult.”

    On top of all this, Dr Grant explained that as blokes are usually camped out in beer gardens throughout the summer, this also increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

    “Alcohol can have an extremely negative impact on ED symptoms, lowering blood pressure and affecting blood flow to the gentile area,” the medic added.

    “Long-term, unhealthy alcohol consumption can damage nerves and blood vessels, further impacting men with this condition.”

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