EXCLUSIVE Doctors deliver stunning verdict on mystery elixir Joe Rogan and RFK Jr swear reverses aging
Doctors are raising alarms about the viral use of 'blue brain juice,' a synthetic dye promoted by and Robert F Kennedy Jr for its supposed health benefits.
The substance, known as methylene blue, has taken over TikTok and Instagram with claims it can sharpen focus, boost mood, and even reverse aging.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
11 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Ban on advertising and safeguard for child patients added to Assisted Dying Bill
The new parts to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill were voted in on Friday as a second day of debate on various amendments came to a close. It is expected the next major vote on the overall Bill could take place next Friday, which could see it either fall or pass through to the Lords. Impassioned debate heard the Bill described by Conservative MP Kieran Mullan as a 'deeply consequential and highly contentious piece of legislation for our society'. He argued not enough time has been allocated for debate on such a divisive issue, but health minister Stephen Kinnock said there had been more than 90 hours of parliamentary time spent so far, and more than 500 amendments had been considered at committee stage earlier this year. On Friday a majority of MPs approve a new clause, tabled by Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, to ensure medics cannot raise the topic of assisted dying with under-18s. Her separate amendment to prevent health workers from bringing up the issue with adults patients before they have raised it was voted down. The amendment on child patients was hailed as a 'first major Commons defeat' by opposition campaigners Care Not Killing which welcomed 'MPs removing the ability of doctors to raise unprompted assisted suicide with children'. A group of Labour MPs opposed to the proposed legislation called it an '11th hour rejection of the claims made about the safety of this Bill' which 'proves that confidence is slipping away from it'. They also cautioned that MPs might not have a copy of the final Bill by the time they vote 'on this life and death issue' next week, as some outstanding amendments will still be being considered on Friday morning. A ban on advertising assisted dying should the Bill pass into law has also been approved. An amendment, by fellow Labour MP Paul Waugh, to limit exceptions on that ban did not pass. He said the ban as it stands has 'unspecified exceptions, which could make the ban itself worthless', warning online harms from ads about assisted dying on TikTok 'could be a reality without the tighter safeguards in my amendment'. A number of other amendments were passed, including a provision for assisted dying deaths to not automatically be referred to a coroner and around the regulation of substances for use in assisted dying. Other issues debated included an amendment requiring the Health Secretary to publish an assessment of the availability, quality and distribution of palliative and end-of-life care one year after the Bill passing into law. Pledging her support for the amendment, which was tabled by Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson, Kim Leadbeater said MPs should not have to choose between supporting assisted dying or palliative care as it is not an 'either/or' conversation for dying people. She said palliative care and assisted dying 'can and do work side by side to give terminally-ill patients the care and choice they deserve in their final days', and urged MPs to support 'all options available to terminally ill people'. Ms Wilson's amendment is supported by Marie Curie, which said it is 'desperately needed as the end-of-life care system is in crisis, with huge gaps in services and a lack of NHS leadership on this vital part of our health and care system'. It is expected that amendment could be voted on next Friday. One MP, who became emotional as she recalled the death of her husband who she said had been 'in extreme pain' with terminal cancer, urged her colleagues to 'mind our language' after words like 'murder' were used. Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden, whose husband died of oesophageal cancer, said it is 'so wrong' to use such language. She said: 'This is about helping people die in a civilised way and helping their families not go through a horrendous experience of watching a loved one die in agony.' The beginning of Friday's session saw MPs add a new opt-out clause to the Bill. The amendment, meaning no person including all health and social care professionals, can be obliged to take part in assisted dying had been debated and approved last month, but has now been formally added to the Bill. The Bill passed second reading stage by a majority of 55 during a historic vote in November which saw MPs support the principle of assisted dying. Demonstrators both for and against a change in the law once again gathered outside Parliament to make their views known on the Bill. Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying which is in favour of a change in the law, said: 'Our country is closer than ever before to the safe, compassionate, and tightly regulated assisted dying law that so many people want, from all walks of life and every part of the country.' But former MP Caroline Ansell, from Christian Action Research and Education (Care), which opposes assisted dying, urged parliamentarians to vote against the Bill. She said: 'It is irredeemably flawed in principle and in detail. Parliament should close the door to assisted suicide and focus on truly compassionate and life-affirming forms of support.' As it stands, the proposed legislation would allow terminally-ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. MPs are entitled to have a free vote on the Bill and any amendments, meaning they vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines.
Telegraph
29 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Misinformation, guitar ballads and herbal remedies: A who's who of RFK Jr's vaccine committee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr has unveiled his choices for a critical committee whose job it will be to advise the US government on vaccine use. All 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were abruptly sacked earlier this week in the health secretary's latest assault on US vaccine policy. Mr Kennedy, a prominent vaccine sceptic, has now named the eight officials who will take over the job of developing recommendations on how to use vaccines to control diseases in the US. Among them are high-profile critics of the jabs developed to fight Covid-19, an accident and emergency doctor with little or no vaccine expertise, and a former gynaecology professor who advised a supplement company selling healing herbs. Out of the eight – the minimum number of people required to sit on the committee – at least four have actively spoken out against vaccines in the past in some form. The sudden dismissal of the original advisors, along with the swift announcement of their replacements, has sparked concern in the public health community that the usually strict vetting procedures have not been followed. Typically, the ACIP vetting process takes a year and a half. It is not clear how long the new members were vetted for – although Donald Trump took office just five months ago and RFK Jr was only confirmed as health secretary in February. The ACIP was once considered the 'gold standard for vaccine decision making,' said Helen Chu, one of the fired panel members, but now many in the field are concerned that the panel will advance an anti-vaccine agenda. Dr Robert Malone Arguably the most controversial pick is Dr Robert Malone, a medical doctor and biochemist by background who became one of the most vocal critics of mRNA vaccines during the pandemic. Dr Malone actually claims to have invented mRNA technology – the technology first used during the pandemic to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines, which have been credited with saving millions of lives. Though he was involved in some early mRNA research in the late 1980s, his role has been described as minimal at best. But during the pandemic, Dr Malone made several appearances on right-wing media channels to share his views on the jabs and was temporarily banned from using X (formerly Twitter) for spreading misinformation. Dr Malone appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) podcast in 2023 which ignited uproar in the medical community. In a three hour episode, Dr Malone and Mr Rogan discussed theories and claims about the pandemic and vaccines. The conversation included a false equivalence between the vaccine and Nazi medical experiments, that the public had been 'hypnotised' into following government Covid guidelines, and that those who are vaccinated after having Covid-19 are at greater risk of harmful side effects. After the episode aired, a group of 270 doctors, scientists, and academics wrote to Spotify, saying that 'Dr Malone used the JRE platform to promote numerous baseless claims, including several falsehoods about Covid-19 vaccines and an unfounded theory that societal leaders have 'hypnotised' the public. Many of these statements have already been discredited'. Dr Malone is closely aligned with Mr Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again movement, and joined both the health secretary and President Trump to celebrate on election night. Dr Martin Kulldorff Dr Kulldorff is a Swedish biostatistician and former professor of medicine at Harvard university. While he has been historically supportive of vaccines – and previously advised the CDC on vaccine safety – he is critical of vaccine mandates. He has argued that those who have been previously infected with Covid-19 – and children – do not need to be vaccinated. 'Study after study have shown that natural immunity after Covid infection is superior to vaccine immunity,' he wrote on X. 'Forcing the vaccine on everyone is a stain on hospitals, universities and public health officials. How can we trust them on other matters?' In October 2020, Kulldorff, along with now US National Institute of Health director Jayanta Bhattacharya, co-authored the highly controversial Great Barrington Declaration. The open letter opposed lockdowns and called for the promotion of herd immunity through infection by lifting all restrictions on lower-risk groups and shielding older people from the virus. Dr Retsef Levi Dr Levi is a professor of operations management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has published multiple research papers on Covid-19, including one that raises concerns about the relationship between vaccines and cardiac arrest in young people. Pinned to the top of Dr Levi's X profile is a post from 2023, in which he said: 'The evidence is mounting and indisputable that MRNA vaccines cause serious harm including death, especially among young people. We have to stop giving them immediately!' Infectious disease experts and scientists say that mRNA vaccines are safe and effective, and saved millions of lives during the pandemic. The technology is particularly useful in outbreaks of novel viruses, because the vaccines can be manufactured quickly and to scale. Dr Joseph Hibbeln Dr Hibbeln is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He has previously worked at the US National Institutes of Health, where he focused chiefly on the link between nutrition and mental health disorders. His work has also influenced US public health guidelines on fish consumption during pregnancy. Echoing the rhetoric of RFK Jr's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, a post on Mr Hibbeln's Linkedin says 21st century diets provide 'inadequate brain nutrients that are likely contributing to the high burden of mental illnesses worldwide.' It is not clear what Dr Hibbeln's views on vaccination are. Dr Michael A Ross Dr Ross is a former professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Virginia Commonwealth university. He has held board, advisory and executive positions at a wide range of private healthcare and life-science firms. He once worked as an advisor to LarreaRX, a supplement manufacturer which produces capsules made from Larrea Tridenta, a desert herb that the company claims 'can be used for immune support.' The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the herb, saying it can be hazardous to health. The agency says it has received multiple reports of hepatitis associated with consumption of the herb, including at least two cases in which consumers had to undergo liver transplants. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ross signed an open letter criticising a study which found ivermectin was ineffective for treating the disease. Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic used in both humans and livestock, was touted as a 'miracle drug' by vaccine sceptics, despite it being proven to have no effect on Covid-19 infection. 'We oppose this fixation on randomised controlled trials at the expense of other clinical and scientific evidence and urge medical policymakers to restore balance to the practice of medicine,' the letter read. Dr Vicky Pebsworth Dr Pebsworth is an ICU nurse by background, and has previously served on the FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. She is a board member of the National Vaccine Information Center, formerly called 'Dissatisfied Parents Together', a Virginia-based organisation which has been widely criticised as a leading source of misinformation about vaccines. An online biography of Ms Pebsworth says her interest in vaccine safety was peaked when her son 'experienced serious, long-term health problems following receipt of seven live viruses and killed bacterial vaccines' during a health visit as an infant. Dr Cody Meissner Dr Meissner is a professor of paediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and previously worked as the Chief of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Tufts Children's Hospital. He has sat on multiple federal boards, including the ACIP between 2008-2012 and an advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration on vaccine safety. In 2021, he was a part of the FDA panel that rejected Joe Biden's plan to offer Pfizer booster jabs to Americans of all age groups, approving only their use in over 65s and those at risk of significant illness. 'I don't think a booster dose is going to significantly contribute to controlling the pandemic and I think it's important that the main message we transmit is that we've got to get everyone two doses,' he said at the time. He has also expressed doubt over whether children should be vaccinated against Covid-19. Dr James Pagano Dr Pagano is a retired emergency medicine doctor from Los Angeles 'with over 40 years of clinical experience', and is a 'strong advocate for evidence-based medicine,' according to Mr Kennedy. He has published two medical fiction books entitled The Bleed and The Drain. The latter is about 'money, medicine, miracles, and a doctor's pursuit of happiness in spite of all that,' according to a description on Amazon. According to his author's biography, Dr Pagano is also an accomplished guitarist who has composed and recorded music for motion pictures. The cover of his album 'Hopeless Romantic' depicts the doctor with a martini in one hand, with his arm around a guitar. What does it mean for vaccination in the US? Since 1964, the ACIP has deliberated on the use of new and existing vaccines and delivered their findings to the CDC, who subsequently implements their recommendations – although has the power to overrule them. The group votes on key questions about jabs, for example who should receive Covid boosters or at what ages children should receive certain vaccinations. All of the vaccines that are discussed already have to be approved by the FDA, although many health insurance companies – including Medicare, the federal insurance program for people aged 65 or older and younger people with disabilities – are required to pay for vaccinations in full if the ACIP recommends them. The Vaccines for Children Program, another federal program which provides free vaccinations for kids whose parents cannot afford them, also covers the cost of immunisations recommended by the ACIP. If the new board decides to stop recommending certain vaccinations, it is possible that insurance companies could stop funding them – meaning individuals would have to pay for the shots themselves. The ACIP's next meeting is set for later this month. A previously released agenda said the committee would discuss vaccination against Covid, HPV, and lyme disease.
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Mould covered the bathroom of my new home – I felt sick but banished it in minutes with a single buy, it's the best
BANISHING mould from your home can feel like a never-ending chore. From constant bleaching to pricey products that don't work, there's loads of stuff out there, but more often than not the mould returns. 2 That was cleaning whizz Nicola's experience until she discovered a product that actually works and stops mould from coming back. Taking to Instagram, Nicole explained how the Mould Magic gel worked wonders in her new home. "If you haven't seen this before you need to get some, it works on so many different surfaces but I used it mainly on grout in the bathroom," Nicola explained. In the viral clip she showed what the bathroom looked like when she first moved in, and sure enough the walls were covered in mould. The formula is especially easy to apply because it comes in a tube with a nozzle designed to get into those hard to reach places. Not only that, but according to Nicola the formula is also non-drip, so you don't have to worry about it slipping and sliding away. After a couple of hours the product can then be wiped away, leaving your bathroom mould free. "The mould never comes back," the cleaning whizz added. Unsurprisingly, fellow cleaning fans were wowed by the before and after snaps of the bathroom. One commented on the clip: "It's brilliant for washing machines too." "Oo, thanks I'll be getting this," another said. "Omg we recently got mould in out shower and it's right in the grout so this will be great," a third chimed in. Meanwhile, others wanted to know if the product would work on painted walls and Nicola revealed she'd tried Mould Magic there too and was impressed with the results. The product can be bought online for as little as £9.95 too, so it won't break the bank. More mould cleaning tips and tricks Use household items If it's too late, and any condensation has had a chance to flourish and turn into mould, you can start removing it for nothing. Natalie, from Which?, said: "A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water can work on smaller areas of mould on hard surfaces like walls or floors. "Use a sponge, cloth, or brush to work the soapy solution in small circular motions over the mould. "If you're trying to remove particularly stubborn mould, try a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle to target the affected area." If you've got a bit more in your budget, you can try buying mould or mildew remover from your nearest supermarket or retailer. You can get it as cheap as £1.20 from B&M or £2.50 from Dunelm, at the time of writing. Call in the professionals You can usually treat smaller patches of mould yourself, but if the problem has gotten out of hand, you might need to call someone in. Natalie said: "If you find new mould growing quickly in other areas of your home, or the affected area becomes too large to handle, it may be time to get professional help." Checkatrade says it costs £25-£35 per hour or £200-£400 per room to call someone in for mould removal. Meanwhile if you want a specialist to come and take a look to inspect for any mould, that will cost you around £50-£300. What is mould and how to get rid of it? Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months. Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is. "Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place. "That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing. "This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you've got your radiators on. "If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit. "This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould. "If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it's really important you treat it. "The key to tackle mould is to act fast. "Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them. "To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home. "The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering. "If you're having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning. "The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it! "To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK's No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary."
