Health, Microbes, and More
Today is Earth Day! But things are looking bleak right now.
Climate change is not being addressed. In the US, the EPA has totally been reduced and basically dismantled. It's protect company profits at all costs, and forget the health of people and the environment. The new mantra seems to be "Drill, baby, drill!"
We only have one planet - Earth is our home. There is no plan B.
This past year some officials in the US government have been stating that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of autism in the child. Most researchers disagreed. A recent large Danish study that followed pregnant women adds to the evidence that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen does not increase the risk of autism.
The Danish researchers found that there is no increased risk of autism in children whose mothers took acetaminophen (Tylenoacetamin) during pregnancy. The study looked at more than 1.5 million children who had been exposed to acetaminophen prenatally. The researchers looked at dose-responses to see if there was an increased risk at different doses or if there was an increased risk during different trimesters - nope, there wasn't.
Interestingly, they found that the children not exposed to acetaminophen during prenatally had a slightly higher rate of autism (but not statistically significant): "Of 1.5 million children, 31,098 (2.1%) were exposed to prescription acetaminophen during pregnancy. A total of 554 exposed children (1.8%) were later diagnosed with autism, compared with 44,667 children (3.0%) in the unexposed group."
From Medical Xpress: A major pregnancy scare collapses: Tylenol shows no autism risk in more than 1.5 million children
Acetaminophen, which also goes by names like paracetamol or Tylenol, is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is often prescribed during pregnancy to help with mild to moderate pain. Recently, there has been a lot of discourse about its safety. Claims have been made suggesting that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in children. ...continue reading "Tylenol Use During Pregnancy Not Linked to Increased Risk of Autism"
Many people load up on all sorts of supplements thinking it'll give them better health and perhaps even extend their life span. But researchers found that one popular anti-aging supplement (known as spermidine) thought to extend the life-span could also be fueling the growth of cancer. How can this be?
The researchers found that the effects of polyamines (including spermidine), which are in all living cells, can either promote healthy aging or can fuel cancer growth. The difference was in which protein they influenced, and whether the cells were healthy to start with. In healthy cells they support cellular maintenance and energy production but in cancer cells they help drive rapid growth.
From Science Daily: Scientists reveal why a popular anti-aging compound may also fuel cancer
Polyamines are naturally produced molecules present in all living cells. They play a vital role in basic biological functions, including cell growth and specialization. In recent years, scientists have focused on these compounds, especially spermidine, for their potential to support healthy aging. Often described as 'geroprotectors,' they have been shown to stimulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process that clears out damaged components. This benefit largely depends on a protein called eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A1).
At the same time, researchers have repeatedly observed high levels of polyamines in many types of cancer, where they are linked to aggressive tumor growth. This contrast has created a scientific puzzle. How can the same molecules that appear to promote longevity also be associated with cancer?
...continue reading "Study Finds Popular Anti-Aging Supplement Could Also Fuel Cancer Growth"
Pregnancy is a time when the developing baby is exposed to whatever the mother is exposed to. It turns out that this means pesticides (whether on food or in the yard or home) and "forever chemicals". Recent research found that newborns are born already exposed to many more "forever chemicals" (PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated substances) than previously believed.
In the study, the researchers identified 42 different PFAS in cord blood from 120 babies. So far other research has found some long-term effects from PFAS exposure before birth, such as lower birth weight, preterm birth, altered immune responses to vaccines, and metabolic changes.
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances) are commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their buildup and persistence in people and the environment. They are of great concern because they are endocrine disruptors, have harmful health effects (e.g., cancer, kidney disease, fertility problems), and unfortunately are found in many products that people use daily.
There are thousands of these chemicals in use today. For example, they are found in any product using Teflon, in nonstick pots and pans, nonstick finishes, anti-stain finishes (e.g., in rugs and fabrics), some make-up (waterproof products), some dental floss, food packaging, fir-fighting foam, etc.
Bottom line: We can't avoid all exposures to environmental toxins, but we can lower our exposures, for example, by avoiding nonstick cookware (use stainless steel cookware or glass instead). [More tips on avoiding harmful chemicals.] This is especially important during pregnancy.
From Medical Xpress: Babies are exposed to more 'forever chemicals' before birth than previously known, new study finds
Babies born between 2003 and 2006 were exposed to many more "forever chemicals" before birth than scientists previously understood, according to new research published in Environmental Science & Technology. ...continue reading "Babies Are Exposed to Forever Chemicals Before Birth"
Did you know that many items of children's clothing can contain lead? This surprising finding was presented by researchers at the spring 2026 meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Researchers tested 11 shirts from four retailers, including fast fashion and discount retailers. They found that every sample contained lead that exceeded US safety (federal regulatory) limits - which is 100 ppm. Brightly colored fabrics, especially red and yellow, had particularly high levels.
The researchers than analyzed how much lead would be transferred if chewed, sucked, or held by a child. They found that such exposure would exceed the daily lead ingestion limit for children. This means young children may be exposed to especially high and dangerous levels if they briefly chew or suck on their clothes - which many children do.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission currently has a 100-parts-per-million (ppm) lead limit for children’s products like toys and clothing. Apparently some manufacturers use lead acetate as an inexpensive way to help dyes stick to the materials and produce bright, long-lasting color. And yes, there are safe alternatives to lead acetate that fix dyes to fabrics and keep them vibrant.
By the way, there is no safe level for lead. It is always dangerous and can cause nervous system damage, including lower IQs.
From Science Daily: Study finds dangerous lead levels in children’s clothing
Fast fashion offers an affordable way to keep up with kids who quickly outgrow their clothes. But new early research suggests that some of these garments may contain a dangerous substance: lead. After analyzing shirts from several retailers, undergraduate researchers found that every item tested exceeded U.S. federal safety limits for lead. Their findings also suggest that even brief chewing on these fabrics (which young children often do) could expose kids to unsafe levels. ...continue reading "Children’s Clothing Can Contain Harmful Levels of Lead"
Several studies have recently been published that push back at the idea that all alcohol intake has negative health effects. Actual results are more nuanced. High alcohol intake is always harmful, but low to moderate intake appears to be protective for a number of health conditions. In fact, low to moderate intake appears to be better for health than totally abstaining from alcohol.
Similar to research reported in the last post, another recent study looking at alcohol consumption found that low to moderate alcohol consumption has beneficial health effects (is protective). Again, a J curve finding that low to moderate intake best delays biological aging (as measured by biomarker measurements), then alcohol never or rarely consumed, and finally that high intake was harmful - it canceled any alcohol protective effects. In other words, low to moderate alcohol consumption slows down aging.
The most beneficial effects were at 1 to 2 glasses of wine per day. These associations were predominantly in men, and these effects went hand in hand with eating a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, and olive oil. The researchers thought that compounds such as polyphenols in wine could play a role in why low to moderate alcohol consumption was beneficial.
From Medical Life Sciences News: Moderate wine intake tied to slower biological aging in men
A large Italian cohort study suggests that moderate wine intake, as defined within a traditional Mediterranean diet, may be associated with slightly slower biological aging in men, whereas total alcohol intake showed a different, less favorable pattern. ...continue reading "A Daily Glass of Wine Is Associated With A Slower Rate of Aging"
It seems that in the last few years all alcohol intake has been demonized, with warnings that any alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. What is not typically mentioned are the studies finding health benefits from consuming low to moderate levels of alcohol. Especially wine consumed with a meal.
Studies for years have found a J curve in health effects - with low to moderate levels of alcohol consumed best for health, and no alcohol or rarely consumed a little worse, and high levels of alcohol consumption having the most negative health effects. In other words, low to moderate alcohol consumption (e.g., 1 glass wine daily) can be protective for certain health conditions.
The following study found that consuming low to moderate levels of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in older adults (mean age 68 years). Best was consuming between half a glass and one glass per day of wine - a 50% lower chance of cardiovascular events.
From Science Daily: New evidence on the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cardiovascular health
Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study. The study is based on the analysis of a biomarker of wine intake -- specifically, tartaric acid, present in grapes. It was carried out in 1,232 participants in the PREDIMED project, a major scientific epidemiological study in nutrition on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health. ...continue reading "Some Wine With Dinner Can Have Health Benefits"
The risk of developing dementia increases as a person ages. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) the risk of dementia was 4% by the time a person is 75, and 20% by age 85, and even higher after 85 years of age. Thus the interest in ways to prevent the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
One way to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease is getting vaccinated, including the shingles and flu vaccines, after the age of 60. A recent study found that getting vaccinated with high dose flu vaccines in adults 65 years and older (instead of standard dose) reduces the odds of developing Alzheimer's disease even more.
A possible reason for the protective effect of the flu vaccine, especially the high-dose vaccine, is that vaccination strengthens immune defenses and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Excerpts from CIDRAP: High-dose flu vaccine tied to lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults
Receiving a high-dose flu vaccine is associated with a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease than a standard-dose vaccine in adults aged 65 and older, according to a large observational study published in Neurology. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking vaccination, and possibly immune system activity, to reduced dementia risk. ...continue reading "High-Dose Flu Vaccines Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia"
In the year 2000 the United States had a "measles elimination status" meaning measles had been eliminated in the US, but that's now over. So far in 2026 there have been 1671 measles infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this past week alone there were almost 100 new cases, almost all in Utah.
Measles infections (which are bad enough) can have very serious complications, including death. According to the CDC these include severe ear infections (leading to hearing loss), severe diarrhea, pneumonia (can cause death), encephalitis (brain swelling) resulting in permanent brain damage, complications during pregnancy, and even the rare fatal condition subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that can occur years later (typically 4 to 8 years later).
Scary facts about measles (from the CDC): about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles is hospitalized, about 1 child out of every 1000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (brain swelling), and nearly 1 to 3 of every 1000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
Yeah, the measles vaccine works, but only if you get vaccinated. By the way, a measles infection is especially deadly to babies because they are still too young to get vaccinated - which normally occurs at 12 to 15 months of age,
Excerpts from rom CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy): US nears 1,700 measles cases, with 73 new infections in Utah
US measles cases climbed by almost 100 in the past week, reaching 1,671 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its weekly update. The vast majority of the 96 new cases are in Utah. ...continue reading "Measles Can Be Deadly"
Another example of unintended consequences: a recent study found that smokeless or low-smoke fuels actually produce more ultrafine particles, which can wind up embedded deep in the lungs and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus having health effects, such as lung inflammation.
On the other hand, it has long been known that regular smoke from burning wood or coal contains larger particles, which also have health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular effects).
Ultrafine particles are less than 100 nm (nanometer) in diameter. Truly tiny.
Excerpts from The Guardian: ‘Smokeless’ fuels produce more ultrafine particles that get embedded in lungs, study shows
New research has found that burning “smokeless” or low-smoke fuels may be causing new air pollution hazards on streets and in homes.
These fuels are sold as alternatives to burning coal, wood and peat at home, but tests reveal their smoke contains large quantities of tiny ultrafine particles, smaller than the wavelength of light, that can deposit themselves deep in our lungs. ...continue reading "Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs"