Category: 8. Health

Supplements of vital vitamins and minerals have seen a shining light of the day in recent times. From social media influencers to professional doctors, everyone has jumped on the supplement train, recommending one or the other for better health, skin and more. However, when it comes to their side effects people either have to wait and watch or begin researching themselves going deep into the Google and social media tunnel. For those looking to start taking magnesium supplements, a pharmacist has 5 positive side effects that you must know prior.

Why magnesium supplements?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the diets of many people in the United States provide less than the required amount of magnesium. The nutrient is vital for various bodily processes such as regulating muscle and nerve functions, maintaining blood sugar levels and blood pressure and making protein, bones and DNA. To bridge this gap between the amount of magnesium consumed and required, people mostly turn to supplements which work as an easy-to-consume way of ensuring appropriate magnesium intake.

Doctor warns of side effects of magnesium supplements

Now, Will, a pharmacist with a following of 226K on Instagram, recently shared a video revealing five side effects of taking magnesium that one must know before beginning the journey. The video has received more than 2K likes and comments from people appreciating the information. What are the side effects?

Unusual muscle changes

“That tension in your shoulders? Gone. Cramps when you sleep? Gone. That tingling in your fingers? Starts to ease up.” Various studies have found that the requirement for magnesium increases with an increase in physical activity. The mineral improves exercise function by improving glucose availability in the brain, muscle and blood and reducing/delaying lactate accumulation in the muscle.

Brain shifts

Magnesium calms down overactive neurons, thus slowing down racing thoughts and improving focus. Research published in the Nutrients journal, stated that magnesium regulates stress by modulating neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA. Thus, it might be a good addition to your diet.

Sudden blood pressure regulation

“You might notice that your heart isn’t sprinting anymore. Your body’s noticing, and your headaches start to go away. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, provided participants with 365-450 mg/d magnesium from 1-6 months and it was seen that mineral supplementation significantly lowered BP in individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and other noncommunicable chronic diseases.

Deep sleep

The biggest “side-effect” as the pharmacist quoted of taking magnesium supplements is deep sleep. “Your stress drops, mood swings fade and it feels unnaturally good. Magnesium might be the most underrated mineral out there. But once you start, there’s no going back!” It seems this holds true as research published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, supplementation of magnesium improves insomnia, sleep efficiency, and sleep time in elderly people. Another study published on Elsevier, stated that plasma magnesium levels are lower in sleep-deprived people. Magnesium helps maintain a normal circadian rhythm, reduces daytime sleepiness and improves sleep quality.

Los Angeles, Sept. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NewEra Protect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program.

Public interest in women’s health and lifestyle support has surged in 2025, as more consumers turn to ingredient-first supplements positioned within wellness conversations. NewEra Protect enters this space with a focus on formulation transparency and consumer curiosity, aligning with search behavior trends and growing discussions across TikTok, Reddit, and health-focused communities. Rather than pushing prescriptive claims, this supplement is viewed as part of a larger shift toward accessible wellness options designed for women exploring balance, resilience, and everyday support.

Why Interest in “NewEra Protect and Female Support Supplement” Is Surging in 2025

The search volume for female-focused supplements in 2025 has climbed steadily across platforms like Google, TikTok, and Reddit. Many women are turning to digital spaces to ask about wellness routines, ingredient comparisons, and non-clinical options for support. This interest is not tied to medical directives but rather reflects cultural curiosity and lifestyle-driven exploration.

Reports show that female wellness topics such as “hormonal balance support,” “cycle-related nutrition,” and “everyday resilience supplements” are gaining traction in online conversations. Google Trends highlights a noticeable rise in searches around female-targeted formulas, often linked to broader self-care and health optimization themes. On TikTok, creators produce quick takes about ingredient transparency, label reading, and how younger demographics approach supplementation differently from older generations. Reddit threads showcase peer-to-peer dialogue where women share personal experiences, questions, and consumer-driven evaluations of formulas available on the market.

This surge is driven by two cultural shifts: first, the push for greater autonomy in health and wellness choices, and second, the demand for transparency in product labeling and sourcing. Consumers are moving beyond marketing promises, focusing instead on what goes into supplements and how those choices fit into daily life. NewEra Protect finds itself within this discussion, positioned as part of a larger shift in how women evaluate wellness tools in 2025.

Learn More About the NewEra Protect Ingredients

NewEra Protect’s Ingredient-First Response to These Trends

NewEra Protect is positioned within the broader wellness conversation as an ingredient-first formula designed to align with consumer expectations in 2025. As interest in transparency continues to grow, many women seek products that disclose every component clearly, avoid unnecessary fillers, and focus on recognizable elements tied to lifestyle support.

Rather than framing itself around clinical promises, NewEra Protect highlights choices in formulation that reflect cultural priorities. The supplement is presented in a format that emphasizes accessibility and consistency, making it easier for consumers to integrate into daily wellness routines. Its delivery method is designed to be straightforward, minimizing barriers to use and fitting naturally into modern schedules.

Another part of its positioning is what it avoids. Many women now look for products free from artificial additives, non-essential binders, or heavy reliance on vague proprietary blends. By drawing attention to what it leaves out, NewEra Protect taps into the demand for supplements that reflect clean-label principles. This trend resonates strongly across TikTok discussions and consumer forums, where ingredient clarity is often viewed as more important than bold marketing claims.

In this way, NewEra Protect responds to the public shift toward ingredient-first decision-making, presenting itself as part of an evolving category of female support supplements shaped by transparency and functional design.

See the Complete NewEra Protect Breakdown

Ingredient Spotlight – What’s Inside the Formula

One of the most visible trends in 2025 supplementation is the demand for clarity about ingredients. Consumers are no longer satisfied with vague blends or incomplete labels. Instead, they look for ingredient lists that provide a full view of what they are considering, along with historical or cultural associations. NewEra Protect reflects this shift by presenting a transparent breakdown of its components.

Among the ingredients frequently discussed in the wellness space are botanicals such as ashwagandha, dong quai, and black cohosh. Each has been historically associated with women’s health traditions and is often explored in natural support conversations. Vitamins and minerals such as B-complex nutrients, magnesium, and zinc also appear often in discussions about female-focused supplementation, tied to energy metabolism and daily balance.

Adaptogens like maca root and shatavari continue to gain traction across digital platforms, frequently highlighted in TikTok videos and Reddit discussions about resilience, vitality, and lifestyle support. These ingredients are often framed within broader conversations about self-care, particularly as consumers seek non-clinical ways to approach wellness routines.

It is important to note that NewEra Protect does not make medical claims about these ingredients. Instead, the supplement is positioned within public curiosity, offering a formulation that reflects what women are already searching, sharing, and questioning. This framing aligns the product with cultural trends rather than prescriptive health promises.

What Reddit, Podcasts & TikTok Creators Are Saying

Online spaces continue to shape how consumers approach wellness products in 2025. On Reddit, threads often explore ingredient breakdowns, user experiences, and comparisons between different formulas marketed toward women. While the tone varies, a recurring theme is curiosity about how female support supplements fit into broader lifestyle strategies.

Podcasts add another layer to the discussion, with hosts frequently dedicating segments to cultural wellness shifts. Episodes sometimes highlight audience questions about adaptogens, vitamins, or plant-based compounds. The focus is rarely on endorsements but instead on raising awareness about what people are talking about and why these topics resonate.

On TikTok, the conversation is even more rapid and trend-driven. Short-form videos often highlight supplement routines, label reading tips, and exploratory challenges such as “30-day wellness resets.” Creators present these videos in a way that blends entertainment with information, sparking comments that reflect both interest and skepticism.

The common thread across these platforms is the acknowledgment that supplements like NewEra Protect are part of a much larger dialogue. Consumers are not simply looking for quick solutions but are instead questioning how transparent ingredients, delivery formats, and clean-label formulas align with their evolving wellness expectations.

Who Might Be Drawn to This Type of Supplementation in 2025

The audience for female support supplements in 2025 is diverse, reflecting a broad range of motivations and mindsets. Many women exploring this category are not searching for medical treatment but are instead curious about how ingredient-first products align with their personal wellness priorities.

Biohackers and performance-driven individuals are often among the first to experiment with emerging formulations. For this group, supplements like NewEra Protect represent a potential addition to broader routines designed to enhance balance, focus, or resilience. Their interest tends to center on ingredient transparency and the alignment of products with self-directed lifestyle strategies.

Another segment includes women who follow holistic or natural wellness approaches. These consumers are typically drawn to supplements that avoid artificial additives and reflect clean-label principles. For them, transparency in sourcing and clarity in labeling are essential factors in the decision-making process.

Preparedness-minded communities also show growing interest in supplements framed around self-care. For individuals focused on resilience and independence, formulas such as NewEra Protect resonate as part of a larger toolkit for everyday support.

Ultimately, interest spans across age groups and demographics, with common ground found in the shared demand for clarity, choice, and products positioned within public wellness discussions rather than promotional claims.

Emerging Wellness & Performance Innovation – 2025 Market Reflections

The wellness marketplace in 2025 reflects a noticeable shift toward consumer-driven exploration. Rather than waiting for prescriptive solutions, many individuals are actively seeking products that align with their personal values and self-guided approaches to balance and performance. Supplements like NewEra Protect fit into this larger movement, positioned as part of a growing category that emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and lifestyle integration.

A major driver of this trend is the rise of early-stage adoption among consumers who value proactive wellness choices. These individuals are often influenced by digital communities, where discussions around resilience, adaptability, and balance dominate. They are not necessarily looking for clinical validation but instead for tools that resonate with their curiosity and expectations around modern wellness.

Market reflections also point to a steady expansion of interest in alternative support systems. Whether framed around energy, focus, or everyday resilience, consumers are shaping demand for products that acknowledge their desire for autonomy. Female support supplements, including NewEra Protect, are being discussed as part of this broader cultural shift, rather than isolated solutions.

By situating itself within these patterns, NewEra Protect is viewed less as a single product and more as a participant in the evolving conversation around performance innovation and wellness exploration. This framing allows it to connect with consumers across different mindsets, from biohackers to everyday wellness seekers, without relying on overreaching claims.

Visit the Official NewEra Naturals Site for Full Product Info

The Public Debate Around Female Support Supplementation – Signals, Skepticism, and Saturation

As with many wellness categories, the rise of female support supplements in 2025 has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism. Supportive voices often highlight the cultural value of ingredient-first products, framing them as a sign of growing consumer empowerment and independence in making wellness decisions. For these observers, formulas like NewEra Protect reflect a positive trend toward transparency and consumer choice.

Skeptical perspectives raise questions about oversaturation in the market. Some consumers express concern that the sheer number of supplements targeting women can create confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between thoughtful formulations and products built primarily around marketing. Others point to the lack of standardized testing or regulation as reasons to approach the category with caution.

Neutral observers tend to focus on the larger context. They note that the surge in female support supplements is less about any one brand and more about broader shifts in public expectations. A recurring topic in online forums is whether these products serve as practical tools for lifestyle support or primarily as signals of wellness participation.

This balance of support, skepticism, and neutral commentary underscores that NewEra Protect exists within an ongoing public conversation. It is part of a cultural moment where consumers are asking deeper questions, exploring historical associations of ingredients, and evaluating the role of supplementation in modern life without relying on definitive outcomes or guarantees.

About NewEra Naturals

NewEra Naturals positions itself as an ingredient-first wellness company focused on transparency and consumer awareness. Rather than centering messaging on prescriptive claims, the brand frames its mission around education and accessibility. Its approach reflects a commitment to providing products that align with the growing demand for clarity in formulation and integrity in labeling.

The company emphasizes that its role is to participate in the broader wellness conversation, offering formulas that reflect cultural curiosity rather than medical direction. This philosophy resonates with communities that prioritize informed decision-making and value ingredient transparency above marketing slogans.

By situating its products within the context of lifestyle support, NewEra Naturals presents itself as a participant in the evolving 2025 wellness landscape. Its presence highlights a broader movement toward consumer-driven wellness strategies, where individuals seek tools that match their personal expectations of balance, resilience, and self-guided well-being.

Review the Full Label of NewEra Protect

Contact

• Company: NewEra Naturals
• Email: helloyour-newera.com
• Phone (US): 1-800-390-6035

Final Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NewEra Protect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program.

Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. Results described or implied may not be typical and should not be interpreted as guarantees.

Statements made about ingredients or outcomes reflect public discussion and historical usage only, and are not endorsed by medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Always do your own research and make informed decisions.

Various artificial sweeteners, while a healthier alternative to refined sugar in some respects, may have detrimental effects on brain function and verbal fluency. That’s according to a new study conducted over eight years in Brazil. 

Which sweeteners pose a risk?

A team of scientists observed more than 12,700 civil servants over an eight-year period, beginning with a questionnaire to determine their intake of certain artificial sweeteners. What they found was that those who consumed six types of artificial sweeteners –– Aspartame, Saccharin, Acesulfame-K, Erythritol, Sorbitol and Xylitol –– exhibited reduced cognitive performance and verbal fluency before hitting the age of 60. 

“It is important to remember that cognitive performance peaks around the third decade of life, between 25 and 30 years old, and after that there is a very slow, gradual decline in function,” Dr. Claudia Suemoto, associate professor of geriatrics at the University of Sao Paulo and one of the study’s co-authors, told Today.com. “What our study shows is that sweetener consumption may accelerate this natural process, even in middle-aged adults.”

The youngest participants were 35 at the beginning of the study, with an average age of around 52. The size of the participant pool made this study the largest of its kind.

According to the researchers, there was no significant reduction in brain function or verbal dexterity for those over the age of 60. But a faster decline in both cognition and speaking was observed in younger participants with diabetes. 

RFK Jr. takes aim at traditional sugars

Artificial sweeteners are common in ultra-processed foods. While these foods don’t yet have a standardized definition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is attempting to crack down on them.

Kennedy has already taken aim at artificial sweeteners’ naturally occurring cousin, sugar, calling it “poison.”

“I don’t think that we’re going to be able to eliminate sugar,” Kennedy said back in April. “But I think what we need to do, probably, is give Americans knowledge about how much sugar is in their products, and also, with the new nutrition guidelines, we’ll give them a very clear idea about how much sugar they should be using, which is zero.”

What could explain the study’s findings?

Various studies on animals suggest that cognitive decline may be due to neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration or damage to the pathways that connect the gut and the brain. However, those studies relied on significantly larger doses of artificial sweetener than a human consumes in a single day, Today.com notes. 

“Animal studies, for example, suggest that aspartame can trigger inflammation in the brain, while sugar alcohols like erythritol and sorbitol may alter gut microbes and compromise the blood-brain barrier,” Suemoto said, adding that “more research is needed both in animal models and mostly in humans,” to determine causation. 

The researchers noted that limitations of their study included self-reported dietary data, selection bias and an inability to control for “co-occurring health behaviors.” 

International Sweeteners Association pushes back

In response to the study’s publication, the International Sweeteners Association released a statement that reads, “This research is an observational study, which can only show a statistical association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship … As with all such research, the findings may be influenced by many confounding factors, including overall dietary patterns, lifestyle choices and other health conditions.”

Given the limitations of the study, Suemoto said that future research could focus on brain imaging to see which parts are most affected by artificial sweetener consumption. Likewise, conducting randomized studies in which participants reduce or completely eliminate artificial sweeteners from their diet would also be beneficial. 

Artificial sweeteners were linked to an increased risk of heart disease, according to a 2022 study out of France. They have also been shown to correlate with certain types of cancer.

As recently as February, the FDA reiterated its support for aspartame specifically, and artificial sweeteners more broadly, writing, “Based on the available scientific evidence, sweeteners authorized by the FDA are safe for the general population under certain conditions of use.” 

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Subconjunctival hemorrhage

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The body’s vascular system

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Dr. Shiri Shulman Photo: Assuta

Reform UK has distanced itself from a conference speaker who suggested that Covid vaccines were linked to the King’s and the Princess of Wales’ cancers.

Aseem Malholtra, an adviser to US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, said: “One of Britain’s most eminent oncologists Professor Angus Dalgleish said to me to share with you today that he thinks it’s highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a significant factor in the cancers in the royal family.”

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, said that it was “shockingly irresponsible” of Reform to allow Dr Malholtra at the conference.

The party said that it “does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech”.

In his speech in Birmingham, at an event titled “Make Britain Healthy Again”, Dr Malholtra also claimed that studies show that mRNA vaccines could alter genes.

Dr Malhotra, a cardiologist, also said taking the Covid vaccine was more likely to cause harm than the virus itself.

“It is highly likely that not a single person should have been injected with this,” he added, before going on to say that the World Health Organization had been “captured” by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and urged for it to be replaced.

He hit out at health minister Stephen Kinnock, who called Dr Malhotra an “anti-vax conspiracy theorist”.

On the stage, he asked the audience: “Have you heard anything anti-vax or conspiracy theory so far here?”

Dr Malholtra’s views have been discredited by many medical professionals and are not supported by scientific evidence, and the NHS says that Covid vaccines meet all strict safety standards.

The link between the Covid jab and cancer has previously been dismissed by academics and oncologists after claims it had led to “turbo cancers”.

Professor Brian Ferguson, professor of viral immunology at the University of Cambridge, accused Dr Malholtra of repeating an “outlandish conspiracy theory only serves to undermine the credibility of those spreading it”.

He continued: “There is no credible evidence that these vaccines disrupt tumour suppressors or drive any kind of process that results in cancer.

“It is particularly crass to try to link this pseudoscience to the unfortunate incidents of cancer in the royal family.”

The King’s cancer diagnosis was first announced in February 2024. The palace has said he is receiving treatment, but has not said what type of cancer he has.

Catherine announced her diagnosis in March 2024, and went into remission in January. She, too, did not specify the type of cancer she had.

Streeting warned that “we are seeing falling numbers of parents getting their children vaccinated, and a resurgence of disease we had previously eradicated”.

“It is shockingly irresponsible for Nigel Farage to give a platform to these poisonous lies. Farage should apologise and sever all ties with this dangerous extremism.”

A Reform UK spokesman told the BBC: “Dr Aseem Malhotra is a guest speaker with his own opinions who has an advisory role in the US government. Reform UK does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech.”

There is currently no evidence in Brazil that this new species of bacteria can cause disease. However, since species of the genus Bartonella are responsible for several diseases in other countries, further studies are needed.

The research was conducted by Marcos Rogério André in partnership with Eunice Aparecida Bianchi Galati. Both researchers are affiliated with Brazilian institutions: the Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP) in Jaboticabal campus and the School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (FSP-USP). The study was supported by FAPESP through two projects (22/08543-2 and 22/16085-4).

It was published in the scientific journal Acta Tropica and included the participation of researchers Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes, Israel de Souza Pinto, Daniel Antônio Braga Lee, Anna Cláudia Baumel Mongruel, and Rosângela Zacarias Machado.

What is the disease?

Bartonellosis is a term that refers to a group of diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. These bacteria are transmitted by various vectors. In addition to sand flies, they can be transmitted by fleas and lice.

Symptoms usually include infections that take a long time to clear up in both humans and animals. These bacteria can remain in the body for a long time without being detected and end up harming patients with preexisting immune problems.

“Bartonellosis is a neglected disease. The disease best known to health professionals is cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae. It’s important to understand the real prevalence of these diseases, especially in isolated regions with low human development indices, where populations don’t have easy access to health services,” explains André.

The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in 297 specimens of female sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in the Amazon National Park in the state of Pará. “This park has caves and receives many visitors, so it’s important to study it,” says the researcher.

The phlebotomine sand flies were collected between February 2022 and February 2023. Every month, the researchers collected samples along two trails near the banks of the Uruá and Tracoá rivers, which are located within the conservation unit.

“The discovery of Bartonella species in phlebotomine sand flies here in Brazil may indicate that B. bacilliformis and B. ancashensis, which cause Carrión’s disease or Peruvian wart, can adapt to non-Andean species and be transmitted in areas outside the Andes. This isn’t too much of an extrapolation, as two species that have been identified as vectors of B. bacilliformis, Pintomyia robusta and Pintomyia maranonensis in Peru, are very similar to species found in Brazil, namely Pintomyia serrana and Pintomyia nevesi,” explains Galati.

In recent years, the group has been studying the diversity of bacteria found in this genus and the diseases they cause in both humans and animals. According to the scientists, the sequences found in the Amazon differ from those found in Peru; however, the results corroborate data collected in a previous study.

According to André, this second article by the research group confirms evidence found in previous studies, such as the discovery of new species of Bartonella in Acre, another Brazilian state in the Amazon region. Therefore, they decided to expand the investigation and analyze samples from Pará and other locations.

“We’re detecting a strain here in Brazil that’s never been described and is very similar to two species of the Bartonella genus that cause disease in Andean countries. Despite this similarity, we don’t yet have information on whether it can cause disease with distinct symptoms. That’s why we need to study them further,” the professor points out.

To continue mapping the insects and the bacteria with which they may be infected, the researchers are collecting samples in various biomes.

“The next steps are to continue investigations involving more populations of phlebotomine sand flies and other diptera from different biomes in search of these strains, as well as to look for other strains,” says Galati.

According to the researcher, the next step would be to investigate what animals these insects feed on to find “reservoirs.”

“I have a project funded by FAPESP in which I was able to store many specimens of phlebotomine sand flies from the Atlantic Forest of São Paulo, and the idea is to explore this material in partnership with Professor André,” reveals Galati.

Although the results are preliminary, the project has helped the researchers uncover the possibility of finding disease agents that had not yet been detected.

According to André, since this is a new finding, it would be beneficial for doctors and researchers to collaborate on investigating this group of bacteria in individuals with fever of unknown origin.

“Could people with fever who are often sent home and who have repeated episodes of fever be infected with this pathogen? Could patients with Leishmania also be co-infected with this new species of Bartonella?” asks the professor.

Should you be worried that your brain probably contains enough plastic to fashion a disposable spoon?

Yes, new research suggests: you should.

In a new study published in the journal Environmental Research Communications, researchers found that mice which were regularly exposed to microplastics in their diet developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, in less than a single month.

The mice were genetically modified to have a gene associated with a higher risk of the neurocognitive disorder. But only the ones that were exposed to the microplastics showed symptoms at such a marked rate.

It’s a startling link between the ubiquitous, tiny sized pollutants and deleterious effects in the brain. Though microplastics are believed to be in the bloodstream of nearly every human, and have been found even in locations as hermetic as the inside of our bones — and of course peppering our mushy gray matter — until now, its effects on our health, if any, have been unclear.

“I’m still really surprised by it,” study coauthor Jaime Ross, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island, told the Washington Post. “I just can’t believe that you are exposed to these particles and something like this can happen.”

Scientists still don’t know the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s, making it difficult to draw sweeping conclusions about what plastic particles are doing to provoke its symptoms. On top of that, the gene that the researchers modified the mice to have, APOE4, is one of the strongest risk factors for the disease — but “it doesn’t mean you’re going to develop Alzheimer’s,” Ross told WaPo. 

That said, the odds might be stacked against you. Having the variant makes you roughly 3.5 more times likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to people with the most common gene variant of APOE3, per the newspaper. And having two copies of APOE4 makes it 60 percent likely you’ll have dementia by the age of 85, research has found.

In a series of experiments, the researchers gave the gene-edited mice water mixed with polystyrene, which is the plastic used in styrofoam, over the course of just three weeks. Afterwards, when the mice were put in a square pen, their critter programming went haywire. The male mice kept lingering in the center of the enclosure, instead of sticking to the corners for safety as healthy mice do. And compared to their unexposed counterparts, female mice were far worse at recognizing when a new object was placed in their pen — an unmistakable sign of memory trouble.

Strikingly, this mirrors the gender divide of dementia symptoms in humans.

“There were very similar sex differences in mice as what people experience,” Ross told WaPo. Men with Alzheimer’s tend to display apathy, while women tend to suffer memory loss.

Matthew Campen, a toxicology professor at the University of New Mexico who was one of the first to discover microplastics in the human brain but wasn’t involved in the study, noted that the APOE4 gene affects how certain proteins move fat and other molecules around the body.

“What if APOE4 is just shuttling more plastic from the mouth into the brain?” Campen pondered to WaPo. “Nobody’s really looked at this.”

It’s not the only work to suggest that microplastics, which can easily bypass the blood-brain barrier, could be bad for our cerebrums. One study found that the particles could form blood clots in the brain’s vessels, possibly causing a stroke. In a prelude to the cognitive woes evidenced here, another study which focused on ultra-processed, plastic-packaged junk food linked microplastics with rising rates of depression and dementia. It goes to show how raw this area of research is. And that means we’re only just beginning to grapple with the grim toll of human pollution on our bodies.

More on microplastics: There Is a 100 Percent Chance That Your Body Is Deeply Contaminated With Dangerous Substances

DAKAR, Senegal — Congo’s authorities announced this week a new Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than a dozen people in a southern province.

Samples analyzed at the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, confirmed the presence of the most virulent strain of the virus, known as Zaire, the earlier name of the country.

The announcement comes as the authorities are facing renewed, intensified fighting in the east, and the country’s already fragile healthcare system has been further impaired by U.S. aid cuts.

How is Ebola transmitted

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted to people from wild animals. It then spreads in the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing, contaminated with these fluids.

The disease it causes is a rare but severe illness — and often fatal. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at times internal and external bleeding.

The virus was discovered in 1976, near the lake of Ebola in what was then Zaire. The first outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests.

The latest outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Health Ministry announced Thursday a new Ebola outbreak after the first confirmed case, that of a 34-year-old pregnant woman in the locality of Boulapé, in Mweka territory, in southern Kasai province.

She was admitted to the hospital last month with symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, and died a few hours later from multiple organ failure.

The new outbreak is suspected of causing 15 deaths among 28 people with symptoms, including four health workers, the ministry said. It’s the 16th outbreak of Ebola in Congo, and Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the fatality rate, estimated at 53.6%, showed the gravity of the situation.

The World Health Organization said that the number of cases is likely to rise.

“Case numbers are likely to increase as the transmission is ongoing,” it said in a statement. “Response teams and local teams will work to find the people who may be infected and need to receive care, to ensure everyone is protected as quickly as possible.”

Dr. Jean Paul Mikobi, the chief medical officer of the Boulapé health zone, also warned of a possible surge in infections, as many residents had fled their villages in fear of contamination, making it difficult to trace and monitor those who fall ill.

Dr. Amitié Bukidi, the head of the Mweka health zone, said Saturday that all the territory’s four health zones had reported suspected cases.

Previous outbreaks

The last Ebola outbreak, in Congo’s northeastern Équateur province in 2022, killed six people.

An earlier outbreak in eastern Congo between 2018 and 2020 had killed more than 1,000 people, the most deaths after the 2014-16 outbreak in the West African nations of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia that killed more than 11,000 people.

A volatile security situation and deep community mistrust have hampered efforts to control the epidemic in war-torn eastern Congo. Ebola treatment centers have come under repeated attack, leaving government health officials to staff clinics in the hot spots of Butembo and Katwa.

Actions to contain the spread

Health officials have urged the population to strictly follow preventive measures, including social distancing and hand-washing.

The World Health Organization said it had dispatched experts to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention in health facilities. It is also delivering supplies including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory gear and medicines. Congo has a stockpile of treatments and of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo, the WHO said.

A team of experts from the National Institute of Biomedical Research was also sent from Kinshasa to the Mweka health zone and set up a mobile laboratory to test samples taken from patients on site, according to Bukidi.

“The main challenges we face involve the lack of personnel and the shortage of personal protective equipment,” Bukidi told the Associated Press. “Beyond that, our hospitals need to be supplied with medicines and special equipment capable of addressing this epidemic.”

In response to the spread of the virus, Francois Mingambengele, the administrator of Mweka territory, imposed partial confinement measures Friday. They include the suspension of classes and graduation ceremonies and the closure of weekly markets.

Pronczuk writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Ruth Alonga in Goma, Congo, and Jean Yves Kamale in Kinshasa contributed to this report.

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes | Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare epilepsy syndrome that typically begins in childhood and is associated with frequent seizures, cognitive impairment, and long-term disability. Earlier this summer, the LGS Foundation hosted its 3rd biennial LGS Research Meeting of the Minds, held July 21–22, 2025, bringing together caregivers, researchers, health care providers, scientists, advocacy representatives, and industry partners to discuss clinically relevant strategies to advance evidence-based LGS care across the lifespan.

In collaboration with LGS Foundation, NeurologyLive^® held a roundtable discussion with 2 pediatric experts who attended and participated in the meeting. Throughout the panel discussion, the duo covered topics like major gaps in LGS care, fostering connections among diverse stakeholders, and shaping strategies to guide future research. The guests featured in this panel included Scott Perry, MD, head of neurosciences at the Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center of Cook Children’s Medical Center, and Gita Gupta, MD, MS, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University.

In this second episode, clinicians commented on leveraging existing resources, including the LGS Foundation and the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), to standardize clinical data collection and improve comparative effectiveness research in LGS. Experts noted that plans include expanding the LGS patient registry, developing consensus treatment guidelines, and engaging parents as active data stewards through third-party tools that organize and share medical information. The duo underscored that these coordinated efforts aim to improve care delivery, optimize treatment selection, and advance research for the LGS community.

Transcript edited for clarity. Click here to view more content of the LGS Foundation.

Isabella Ciccone, MPH: Now that we’ve talked a little bit about the gaps in care, my next question is, what are some actionable strategies proposed during the meeting that can improve care delivery or outcomes for patients with LGS?

Scott Perry, MD: Yeah. So, just to get back to the gap that I brought up, one of the actionable items is using the resources we have. We’ve got a few really good resources at our disposal with the LGS Foundation. One is that the LGS Foundation has been working fairly closely with PERC, which has an LGS special interest group. That group includes multiple investigators across multiple institutions, who we believe could set up a framework for collecting clinical data in a fairly standardized way. This might allow us to do comparative effectiveness studies to understand which medicines may work better in certain situations, just through the natural history of the way we practice medicine—because we all practice slightly differently and have different medicines that are our preferred first lines—and then we’d be able to compare.

While that’s not a defined and absolute protocol yet, one of the ideas that came out of it is that we could begin collecting data just during our daily clinical care, writing notes in a similar format. That’s a big step to get people to agree to. That was one thing. The LGS Foundation already has a patient registry that has gotten started, and we talked about expanding upon that to continue collecting more information about what medications patients are using, because that will be another data source we can use.

There are also several groups. There’s an international group with the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), as well as PERC, which is also working on a North American consensus on the treatment of LGS. That will be another source to, if nothing else, give us a foundation of where we start from to then compare.

Gita Gupta, MS, MS: And there was also a call to action for parents to be more mindful—or they’re already very mindful stewards of their children’s data—but to use third-party commercial companies that are helping parents organize their children’s medical information and synthesize it in a way that is interpretable to a nonmedical person. It was interesting to see that these groups empower parents to share their children’s data with different researchers and organizations that are trying to help children with LGS.