Stop Playing Whac-a-Mole With Forever Chemicals
There are more than 10,000 PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals,' and they're used almost everywhere, including in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, smartphones, packets of microwave popcorn, hair conditioners, fire-fighting foam, pacemakers, pesticides and dental floss.
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Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New test could revolutionise aftercare for thousands of breast cancer patients
Scientists have developed a new test for certain breast cancer patients which can predict whether or not their cancer is likely to return just two weeks after they start treatment. Experts said thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared unnecessary treatment as a result. The new test has been devised to detect the likelihood of cancer reoccurring in patients with a type of breast cancer known as oestrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive – which accounts for around 200,000 cases of cancer each year around the globe. Writing in the journal eBioMedicine, experts said the test means that some patients will be able to 'de-escalate' their treatment while it could also help identify those who need 'more intensive therapeutic strategies'. The test, which was developed by scientists at The Institute for Cancer Research, London, correctly identifies the 6% of patients at highest risk of relapse. Researchers analysed tumour samples from 213 patients. They found that two weeks of hormone therapy changes the characteristics of some tumours, causing them to shift their subtype. The patients with the highest risk of cancer returning had a type of tumour called Luminal B that did not change after this short-term hormone therapy. Experts said these patients will require more intensive treatment. This is your breast check reminder! Learn the signs and symptoms of breast — Breast Cancer Now (@BreastCancerNow) May 6, 2025 They said the findings highlight the benefit of two weeks of hormone therapy before surgery to help guide doctors' decision making. Corresponding author of the study, Dr Maggie Cheang, from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: 'To deliver truly personalised care, we need to refine how we classify breast cancer, so that each patient receives the treatment most likely to benefit them. 'While current classification relies on hormone receptor and HER2 status, we know that patients within these groups can respond very differently to the same therapy. 'Our earlier research identified distinct molecular subtypes within HER2-positive, oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. In this new study, we've shown that these subtypes can shift after just two weeks of hormone therapy. 'This insight helps us identify which patients are likely to respond well and which may show early signs of treatment resistance, offering the opportunity to tailor treatment strategies sooner. 'Ultimately, our findings move us closer to more precise, patient-centred care for this overlooked breast cancer subtype.' Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, added: 'By decoding the underlying biology of tumours, we can tailor treatments to individual patients.' Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, which part-funded the study, said: 'These findings add to the growing evidence that genomic testing can play a powerful role in helping to predict the risk of a woman's breast cancer coming back, particularly in people with ER-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer. 'There's potential for women to benefit hugely from this research in the future, with it ensuring they avoid undergoing unnecessary treatment and leading to more personalised treatment plans, so that women receive the most effective therapy for their specific type of breast cancer.'
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
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RSV jab in pregnancy can ‘significantly' cut baby's infection risk, study finds
Vaccinating pregnant women against a virus that causes coughs and colds can 'significantly' reduce the risk their babies will be hospitalised with a serious lung infection, scientists have found. A team of researchers co-led by the University of Edinburgh said giving pregnant women the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine led to a 72% reduction in babies being hospitalised with the virus. RSV can lead to a severe lung infection called bronchiolitis, which is dangerous in babies and can result in them being admitted to intensive care. It is the main infectious cause of hospitalisation for babies in the UK and globally. The study saw researchers examine 537 babies across England and Scotland who were admitted to hospital with severe respiratory disease in the winter of 2024-25. A total of 391 of the babies tested positive for RSV. The team found mothers of babies who did not have RSV were twice as likely to have received the vaccine before giving birth than the mothers of RSV-positive babies (41% as opposed to 19%). They also found receiving the vaccine more than two weeks before giving birth increased the level of protection, with a 72% reduction in hospital admissions in this group compared with 58% for babies whose mothers were vaccinated at any time prior to delivery. The RSV vaccine was introduced across the UK in the late summer of 2024. The scientists said it works by causing the mother to produce antibodies – proteins which help prevent the virus causing severe infection – which are then passed to the fetus, providing protection from severe RSV for the first six months of their child's life. They recommend women get vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks of pregnancy to provide the best protection, as this allows more time for the mother to generate and pass on protective antibodies to the baby, but the jab can be given up to birth. They also said previous research shows only half of expectant mothers in England and Scotland are currently receiving the RSV vaccine, despite its high success at preventing serious illness. Study lead Dr Thomas Williams, from the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Regeneration and Repair, said: 'With the availability of an effective RSV vaccine shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation in young infants in the UK, there is an excellent opportunity for pregnant women to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their infants from RSV bronchiolitis this coming winter.' Professor Damian Roland, from the Leicester Hospitals and University and a consultant in paediatric emergency medicine, said: 'Our work highlights the value of vaccination and in keeping with the treatment to prevention principle of the NHS 10 Year plan, we would ask all health care systems to consider how they will optimise the rollout of RSV vaccination for mothers.' The research team was led by the universities of Edinburgh and Leicester, and was funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Consortium in Europe, the Wellcome Trust, and National Institute for Health and Care Research at Imperial College London. The study is published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
8 Nighttime Snacks That Are Good for Your Heart, According to RDs
Key Takeaways Easy snack swaps—like popcorn, veggies and hummus, or dark chocolate-covered fruit—can curb late-night cravings while boosting heart health with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Foods rich in unsaturated fats and soluble fiber help lower bad cholesterol and inflammation. To protect your heart, avoid snacks high in trans fats, added sugars, sodium, and alcohol, which can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and no better time than the present to reflect on ways to boost our heart health through lifestyle modifications like healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. When we support our heart health, we reduce the likelihood of a heart disease or heart health-related diagnosis down the line. 'There are several risk factors when it comes to heart disease. Some of these, such as genetics and age, you have no control over,' says Heidi McIndoo, MS, RD. 'I encourage people to focus on those you can control—such as what you eat and how active you are—and do the best you can to minimize your risk through those.' And when it comes to heart-healthy eating, snack time is when many of us don't make the best choices, especially late at night. We're here to help by sharing some delicious examples to get you started, plus tips on how to put together heart-healthy McIndoo, MS, RD, registered dietitian and founder of FoodieMomRD Jennifer House, MSc, RD, registered dietitian and founder of First Step NutritionPopcorn 'Popcorn made with a little canola or olive oil and sprinkled with your favorite herb or spice is a delicious heart-healthy snack,' McIndoo says. This is thanks to the fiber found in popcorn, unsaturated fats in vegetable oils, and antioxidants in any herbs or spices you use. A small pinch of salt is totally warranted here as well—just be careful to not overdo it. Tinned Fish and Crackers Tinned fish—like salmon or tuna—are delicious options to curb those late-night salty cravings while getting a hefty dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fiber from any whole grain crackers or rice cakes you serve them on. 'The vast majority of canned salmon comes from Alaska, which means it's wild, sustainable, and packed full of heart-healthy omega-3s,' House says. Mix your canned fish with a spoonful of plain low-fat Greek yogurt and chopped celery or cucumber for added creaminess and fiber without excessive amounts of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. Chocolate Yogurt and Fruit If your sweet tooth rears its head in the evening, a decadent yogurt dessert might be just the trick. 'Stir a tablespoon of cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix) into ½ to ¾ cup of vanilla low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, [topped] with fresh raspberries,' McIndoo says. 'Cocoa powder is a good source of heart-healthy flavanols that improve blood flow and lower blood pressure and raspberries are a great source of fiber.' If you want to further healthify this creative dessert, opt for plain yogurt and sweeten it with a little bit of honey—a natural sweetener full of antioxidant plant compounds and prebiotic fiber. 'A small drizzle of maple syrup (another nutrient-added sweetener) to sweeten the yogurt is still less sugar than pre-sweetened flavored yogurts,' House adds. Veggies and Hummus As a classic and easy-to-assemble snack, veggies and hummus bring the crunch that many people seek from less healthy options like chips or pretzels in the evening hours. You could dip whole grain crackers into your hummus, too, which offers cholesterol-lowering fiber just like veggies. 'Made with garbanzo beans and olive oil, hummus provides fiber and healthy fats to boost your heart health,' McIndoo says. Trail Mix Prepping a big batch of trail mix at the beginning of the week is an excellent way to ensure you have heart-healthy snacks ready for late-night cravings. 'For an on-the-go snack, mix a couple tablespoons of walnuts and your favorite dried fruit,' McIndoo suggests. 'Walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dried fruit contains fiber, both of which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.' Edamame 'Soy has been shown to reduce markers of heart disease such as total and LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and triglycerides,' House explains. 'Try edamame steamed in the pods (they're fun to eat!).' You can sprinkle a bit of salt or tajín on your edamame for a boost of flavor, too. Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit Dark chocolate is the perfect way to satisfy that evening hankering for chocolate without all the added sugar. Plus, it pairs perfectly with fruit, as options like bananas, berries, apples, or dried (unsweetened) apricots naturally sweeten the final dish. 'Melt dark chocolate (the higher cacao percentage, the better) and dip fresh strawberries or banana slices in it,' McIndoo says. 'Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that benefit heart health, whereas berries contain fiber and phytonutrients that can help lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation.' Chia Pudding Our final heart-healthy late-night snack suggestion is chia pudding! 'Chia seeds may decrease cardiovascular disease risk by decreasing triglycerides and cholesterol,' House says. Plus, these tiny seeds offer a satisfying texture to your pudding, making late-night snacking a sensory experience. You can make this pudding by combining chia seeds, low-fat milk of your choice, a dash of honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nut butter for a high-fiber and antioxidant-rich evening treat. What to Include in a Heart-Healthy Snack There are a few hallmark nutrients to include at snack time when heart health is top priority—namely heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. 'Unsaturated fats do double duty in promoting heart health,' McIndoo says. 'They can help raise levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein or 'healthy' cholesterol) in the bloodstream and lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or 'unhealthy' cholesterol).' Plus, unsaturated fats also help reduce bodily inflammation—key for keeping heart disease at bay. Generally, unsaturated fats are found in fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and the oils of any of these options. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included under this umbrella as they carry out many of the same functions and are particularly concentrated in walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, seaweed, leafy greens, and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies. 'Fiber, especially soluble fiber that is in fruits, veggies, seeds, and whole grains, helps grab cholesterol in your digestive system so it can be removed from your body instead of being absorbed into your bloodstream,' McIndoo adds. Fiber can also be found in other plant-based foods like nuts and legumes including beans, peas, and lentils. What to Avoid in a Heart-Healthy Snack On the other side of the coin, there are a few nutrients that we want to steer clear of when assembling a heart-healthy late-night snack. These include trans fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, and alcohol. 'Saturated fats, usually solid at room temperature, tend to raise your blood levels of LDL cholesterol,' McIndoo says. 'Trans fats do as well, but they also lower levels of HDL cholesterol.' Dietary cholesterol may also increase blood cholesterol levels. However, both dietary cholesterol and saturated fats have been found in certain studies to not be as correlated to heart disease as once thought. That said, it's still a good idea to use caution around them when focusing on heart health, as they have been found in some circumstances to increase cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels over long periods of time can contribute to atherosclerosis (or plaque build-up on veins and arteries) development—a hallmark feature of many heart diseases. 'Consistent high-sodium intake can increase your blood pressure,' McIndoo says. 'This excessive force can stretch and damage your blood vessel walls and increase the build-up of the waxy, sticky plaque that can lead to clogged vessels (atherosclerosis) which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.' High levels of sodium can be found in ultra-processed foods, condiments, processed meats, and canned foods. Meanwhile, added sugars and alcohol promote inflammation in the body, which can contribute to chronic disease development—including heart disease. Desserts, ultra-processed foods, candy, and soda are notorious sources of added sugar, and alcohol can be found in boozy beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. Read the original article on Real Simple
