How nanoplastics may be impacting our long-term health
He says his research estimates that the amount of plastic in the brain could be roughly equal to the size of a plastic spoon.
"That is a lot," Campen explains to CBS News. "...The fact that it's getting worse over time is really the issue."
Scientists believe these microscopic particles, called nanoplastics, come from all the plastic people use and throw away. When plastic breaks down over time, it winds up in the food supply, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.
A study last month in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that people living near nanoplastic-polluted oceans are more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke compared to those that lived near waters that have low levels of nanoplastics.
Campen's lab has found more plastic in the brains of people with dementia than those without dementia.
Now, research on these nanoplastics is moving out of the lab and into long-term clinical studies. "We have more evidence now for the effects of plastic on children's chronic disease then we do on food dyes," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. "And if we use the same evidence standard, we should be acting as fiercely on plastics in the food supply as we are on food dyes." Trasande is tracking plastics' impact on over 64,000 children, from pregnancy to adolescence, including on 8-year-old Jack Glaser.
"The amount of information that they're collecting is remarkable," Glaser's mother, Tammy Fried-Glaser, said. "They did cognitive studies on Jack, you know, height and weight and sonograms, and beyond."
So far, Trasande's research has linked plastics to health problems like hormonal issues with fertility, premature birth, cognitive abnormalities and cardiovascular disease.
"Literally the particle is a problem — because it's a foreign body in a tissue," Trasande said. "It might thrash the lining of the coronary artery, contributing to clogging...These are toxic drug delivery systems."
While the details are still emerging, experts agree that less plastic is the way forward.
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CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Can You Lower Your Risk for Dementia? - Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:00:03 Welcome to Paging Dr. Gupta. Thank you so much for joining us. We are really trying to be your source for answers to whatever health questions you've been mulling over. Feel free to send those in to us. This is the show where we take those questions, really dig into the science and hopefully the stories behind them. Kyra's back with us. Who do we have first? Kyra Dahring 00:00:24 Hey Sanjay. So first up today, we've got a question from Alan in Ottawa, Canada, who wrote in asking if having type 2 diabetes accelerates cognitive decline if you're over the age of 70. Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:00:40 Alan, I am really glad you asked about this, because so many people in both Canada and the United States have type 2 diabetes. In fact, around 11% of the general population lives with diabetes, and the numbers for those over the age of 65 jump up close to 30%. Keep that in mind when we give you the answer right after the break. Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:01:06 'Alright, so does having type 2 diabetes affect cognitive decline in older adults? Well, the short answer, unfortunately, is yes. Studies find that diabetes can increase the odds of developing cognitive decline up to two times. A 2021 JAMA study following about 10,000 men and women found that those who had diabetes at age 70 had a higher likelihood of developing cognitive decline. So, you know, older adults with diabetes do have higher instances of dementia overall, Alzheimer's disease, and also something known as vascular dementia. And it has also been shown that the risk of cognitive decline in dementia is higher for those who develop diabetes at a younger age. So the earlier the age when you develop diabetes, the more likely you are to have cognitive decline again after age 70. Now, we don't know exactly why this is, but the connection appears to be pretty strong. So much so that some people have started calling Alzheimer's type 3 diabetes. Now that might be a bit hyperbolic, but I think there's no question that we know diabetes raises the risk of heart disease and stroke, which hurt heart and blood vessels, damaged blood vessels in the brain, could contribute to cognitive decline. We also know that the brain is dependent on many different chemicals, which can become imbalanced when insulin is not working as it should. Some of those changes could trigger cognitive decline, high blood sugar all by itself is pro-inflammatory that could damage brain cells and cause dementia to develop. But all this to say that there's clearly a connection between lifestyle and dementia. In fact, if you look at some of the latest studies, probably around 40% of dementia cases are preventable through lifestyle changes -- healthy balanced diet, physical activity, exercising your brain, social activity, and yes, keeping your blood sugar in check. There was another recent study called the Poynter Study, around 2,000 participants from across the United States, people who were between the ages of 60 and 79 and were cognitively healthy, okay, so they did not have problems, but they were leading sedentary lifestyles and had a higher risk of dementia due to health issues like pre-diabetes or borderline high blood pressure. And what they did in these two groups is one was given sort of a structured lifestyle intervention program, and the other was given guidance, but they were told to sort of do it on their own. All of it was geared towards healthy behaviors. Things like 30 minutes of cardio a day plus several days of weight training, a Mediterranean DASH diet, which is basically the Mediterranean diet with even more salt restrictions, certain brain training exercises, social activities, and health monitoring. Both groups that focused on these lifestyle changes did see an improvement in cognitive function. So that was really encouraging. There was other studies that have shown people who had even been given the diagnosis of cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease also saw an improvement. Not only were they able to slow or stall the progression of the disease, in some cases they were able to reverse it with lifestyle changes alone. So there's this connection between high blood sugar, diabetes and cognitive impairment. But I think the evidence is becoming increasingly clear that there's a lot that you can do about it. Hope that helps, Alan. I'll be back to answer another one of your questions right after the break. Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:04:50 All right, all sorts of pagers going off. Kyra, who's next? Kyra Dahring 00:04:55 Okay, next up we've got Cal. Now, he's wondering, can learning a new language or even picking up a new instrument, can that actually help slow down cognitive decline? Or what kind of impact does that have? Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:05:11 'So just as keeping your body active is important, and we know it's really important, not just for your physical health, but your brain health as well, we also know that learning a new language or learning to play an instrument can have a really significant beneficial impact on cognitive decline. I love this question. I love the topic. It is true that just moderate brisk activity, physical activity, is probably the most evidence-based way to improve your overall brain health. But when it comes to doing other things, learning new skills, taking on new hobbies, the key word here is new. A lot of people focus on things like crossword puzzles, which can be really helpful for overall brain-health, but mostly what crossword-puzzles do is make you really good at crossword puzzles. What you want to do is something new! Learning a new language is kind of like a form of developing cognitive reserve, like a demanding career of some sort that's going to strengthen and organize your brain circuits, helping to fight off the initial symptoms of dementia until later in life. I really loved this one study when it came to instruments. There was a study of twins where one twin had developed dementia, the other didn't. And what they found after controlling for education and physical activity, that playing a musical instrument was significantly associated with lower likelihood of dementia and cognitive impairment. So, you know, genetically identical individuals, the only big difference was that one played an instrument. Taking that a step further, there was a study that found professional musicians who began training before age seven actually had reliably thicker areas of certain parts of the brain, such as the anterior corpus callosum, which is the very front of the brain that sort of connects the two hemispheres. Even learning an instrument later in life, was associated with improved attention, improved thinking skills, and overall better mental health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta 00:07:18 'So, Shukriya, merci, gracias for your question. Thank you very much. That's all the time we have for today. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. I'm inspired by your curiosity. I love reading these questions, I love hearing your stories and I love your voices. That is what makes this show so special. So keep the questions coming. If there's something health related you've been wondering about send it to us, we might try and answer it next week! Record a voice memo email it to AskSanjay@ or give us a call, 470-396-0832, and leave a message. Thanks so much for listening. I'll be back next Tuesday.
Yahoo
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Hims & Hers Health Inc (HIMS) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Robust Revenue Growth Amid ...
Revenue: $545 million, a 73% year-over-year increase. Adjusted EBITDA Margin: Over 15%. Subscribers: Increased by 73,000 quarter over quarter to over 2.4 million, a 31% year-over-year growth rate. Monthly Average Revenue per Subscriber: Declined quarter over quarter to $74 from $84. Gross Margin: Expanded 3 points quarter over quarter to 76%. Cash and Short-term Investments: Over $1.1 billion at the end of the second quarter. Free Cash Flow: Negative $69 million for the second quarter. Third Quarter Revenue Guidance: Expected between $570 million to $590 million. Full Year Revenue Guidance: Expected between $2.3 billion and $2.4 billion. Full Year Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: Expected between $295 million to $335 million. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with HIMS. Release Date: August 04, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Hims & Hers Health Inc (NYSE:HIMS) reported a 73% year-over-year revenue growth to $545 million in Q2 2025, with an adjusted EBITDA margin exceeding 15%. The company is expanding its platform with new specialties, including hormonal health, which is expected to address significant health issues for both men and women. Hims & Hers Health Inc (NYSE:HIMS) successfully acquired ZAVA, enhancing its presence in the UK and establishing a foundation for further expansion in Europe and Canada. The company is investing in AI and technology to enhance personalized care, aiming to provide 24/7 support and improve patient engagement. Hims & Hers Health Inc (NYSE:HIMS) plans to offer lab testing as a standalone service, which is expected to empower customers with better health insights and proactive health management. Negative Points The company faced headwinds from off-boarding GLP-1 subscribers on commercially available dosages, impacting revenue recognition. There is a decline in the on-demand sexual health subscriber base, which is expected to continue affecting revenue in the short term. Hims & Hers Health Inc (NYSE:HIMS) reported a negative free cash flow of $69 million in Q2 2025 due to significant investments in inventory and working capital. The transition towards more premium daily offerings in the sexual health segment is causing temporary revenue declines. The company anticipates increased marketing and technology investments, which may pressure margins in the near term. Q & A Highlights Q: Why was now the right time to expand internationally, and what made ZAVA the right company to acquire? A: Andrew Dudum, CEO, explained that the acquisition of ZAVA is a strategic move to replicate Hims & Hers' personalized, high-touch, affordable precision medicine model in key international markets. ZAVA's ability to scale in unique regulatory environments was a key factor in the acquisition. The international market is seen as a focused effort, with a multibillion-dollar revenue opportunity in a few key markets. Q: How does the launch of at-home lab testing improve the business and support the broader mission of Hims & Hers? A: Andrew Dudum, CEO, emphasized that at-home lab testing is foundational for transitioning healthcare from treatment to prevention. It simplifies necessary tests, makes them affordable, and educates patients on optimal health metrics. This initiative is expected to open membership opportunities similar to Amazon or Costco, focusing on preventative health. Q: Can you provide insights into the core business dynamics and expectations for Q3, especially regarding the personalized GLP-1 offering? A: Oluyemi Okupe, CFO, noted material headwinds in the GLP-1 segment due to off-boarding commercially available dosages. The core business is experiencing a drag from the sexual health on-demand segment, but specialties like dermatology and weight loss are growing robustly. The transition to daily offerings in sexual health is expected to improve retention and customer lifetime value. Q: What are the expectations for the Canadian expansion and the impact of generic semaglutide pricing? A: Andrew Dudum, CEO, stated that the Canadian expansion will leverage ZAVA's expertise, with offerings under the Hims & Hers brand. The generic semaglutide is expected to be priced significantly lower than branded options, unlocking substantial market access in Canada, where a large portion of the population is affected by weight issues. Q: How is the Hers business performing, and what are the key growth drivers? A: Oluyemi Okupe, CFO, reported robust growth in the Hers business, driven by dermatology, weight loss, and mental health offerings. The upcoming launch of hormonal support for menopause is expected to further catalyze growth. Q: What is the approach to AI investments, and what impact is expected on the business? A: Andrew Dudum, CEO, highlighted a strategy focused on immediate, tactical improvements through AI. The platform's extensive patient interactions allow for rapid deployment of AI use cases, aiming to enhance efficiency and engagement across the provider, patient, and pharmacist interfaces within 3 to 6 months. Q: Can you discuss the marketing strategy and patient acquisition costs for the second half of the year? A: Oluyemi Okupe, CFO, stated that marketing investments will be robust but adhere to a capital allocation framework with a payback period of less than a year. The focus will be on specialty-specific investments and talent acquisition to support new specialties and international expansion. Q: What are the expectations for inventory levels and supply chain management? A: Oluyemi Okupe, CFO, explained that inventory levels increased to ensure a durable supply for new specialties and to leverage the strong balance sheet amid global uncertainties. This is seen as an anomaly, with future inventory adjustments expected to stabilize. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
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Taking This Supplement Daily Could Add 5 Years to Your Life, Biochemist Says
Taking This Supplement Daily Could Add 5 Years to Your Life, Biochemist Says originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Longevity is a trending topic these days, with people turning to all kinds of products and gimmicks to try and extend their lifespan. But Biochemist Rhonda Patrick just revealed a simple, science-backed solution that could add five years to your life: omega-3's. Omega-3s are fatty acids that play a key role in brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. They're found primarily in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and can be supplemented with fish oil and certain plant sources like flaxseed. An optimal omega-3 index is around 8 percent, but the U.S. average hovers below 5 percent. That difference could translate to a five-year increase in life expectancy."Studies have been done and it takes about on average 2 grams of omega-3 supplementation a day to go from 4 percent to 8 percent," Patrick says. "People that have the 8 percent omega-3 index have a five year increased life expectancy compared to people that have 4 percent." To raise your omega-3 index, consider supplementing with high-quality fish oil or eating fatty fish like salmon regularly. The benefits don't stop there. High omega-3 intake is also associated with better brain health, lower inflammation, reduced risk of Alzheimer's, and even protection against muscle loss. "There's studies showing that you're much less likely to get Alzheimer's disease if you have a high omega-3 index. The quality of life is better," Patrick says. One study even found that smokers with high omega-3 levels live as long as non-smokers with low omega-3 levels. "I think omega-3 has the pharmacological potential to act like drugs but the safety profile of a nutrient," Patrick This Supplement Daily Could Add 5 Years to Your Life, Biochemist Says first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
