Odd Lots: The Biotech Start-Up Making Vaccines for Bees and Shrimp
Think of a biotech company and most people will think of a business trying to come up with cures and treatments for human illnesses. There's not a lot of discussion about companies trying to do the same for animals, insects, or even... crustaceans. And yet, healthy animals are a key part of the ecosystem and important for our food supply. In this episode we speak to Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, which has developed the world's first vaccine for bees and is now working on a similar treatment to protect shrimp. We talk about the development and regulatory process, plus what it's actually like raising money for a brand new business.
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Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You.
You're probably familiar with the idea that running is bad for your knees. It's a pervasive thought that keeps many folks from going out for a jog. Some people say running is hard on your joints while others say the impact can cause arthritis. Is this true? Or is running just a fitness regimen with a bad rap? Thanks to recent research, doctors now have a more full view of running's impact on the knees (and other joints). Below, doctors shared with HuffPost their thoughts on whether running is safe for your knees. 'Anybody that already has arthritis or any other type of medical condition or orthopedic problem should probably consult with their doctor to ensure that running is safe for them,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are lots of restrictions and symptoms associated with arthritis and injuries, and they vary greatly from person to person. 'We want to make sure that we're treating each individual person appropriately,' Fleming said. If you notice sharp pain or even a dull pain in the joints after each run, you should see a doctor before you continue your running regimen, added Dr. A.J. Monseau, an emergency medicine and sports medicine physician at West Virginia University. This way, a doctor can figure out what is going on before a larger issue happens. 'I think there's good evidence at this point that running can actually improve cartilage health to some extent, as long as we are not injuring ourselves,' Monseau said. Healthy cartilage allows your joints and bones to function properly and in a painless manner by lubricating the joints and absorbing the shock that happens when you move around. This way, your bones don't directly feel the impact. Running can also 'help strengthen the muscles and the bones around the knees,' according to Dr. Sean Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon and owner of East Coast Bone and Joint Surgeons. '[Running] can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density,' Thompson shows that exercise like running can help build strong bones. Folks with osteoporosis have weak or brittle bones because of a loss of bone density. It's particularly common in women who are postmenopausal. The loss of estrogen that happens in menopause can also cause a loss of bone density. As Thompson mentioned, exercise, particularly before menopause (but during menopause is valuable, too), can help build up bone density and give folks higher levels of bone density when the estrogen loss does begin. A common misconception is that running can lead to knee arthritis, but experts say that isn't accurate. 'If you look at the most recent research that we have on this subject, the short answer to that question is we don't think that running causes arthritis in your knees,' Fleming said. Some evidence even shows that recreational runners are sometimes less likely to develop arthritis when compared to non-runners, Fleming said, but added that it's unclear if it's the running that leads to a less arthritis incidence or the healthier lifestyle that's often followed by runners,such as a healthier diet and a dedicated workout regimen. 'Strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quads or the gluteal ... muscles, and especially the core muscles, can help to prevent injury from running, especially when you're first starting,' Thompson said. This aligns with the activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine, which recommend strength and resistance training in addition to cardiovascular exercise, said Monseau. If you haven't exercised for some time or are nervous about potential joint pain, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of pain. First, you should consider doing a warm-up. 'That is a completely personal thing. If your body and your knees and your hips and everything feel good after a rather gentle warm-up for even a few minutes, that's probably sufficient for you, but some people find that they need longer time of warming up before they really get after it,' said Monseau. You should also start training gradually, said Fleming. Meaning, if you are a new runner who's training for a half-marathon, you shouldn't go out and try to run 5 miles without building up. 'We often see people develop injuries whenever they start preparing for a marathon, and often it's because they're doing too much too soon,' Fleming said. 'The other big thing that can help prevent injury or help prevent arthritis is just making sure that you're using an appropriate running form and you have the appropriate equipment — you have a decent pair of running shoes,' said Fleming. 'These are all pretty simple things, but if you overlook them, and you run in a way that doesn't support these things, you can definitely develop some pain and have a greater risk for injury and arthritis down the line.' You can talk to anyone from a sports medicine physician to personal trainer to physical therapist about proper running form and proper running gear. Many towns even have dedicated running stores you can visit for shoe fittings and advice. Running on softer surfaces such as a track or on the grass can be a good option, said Thompson. Research shows that there's less impact on your joints when running on these kinds of surfaces. 'If there are limitations that don't allow the individual to run, even walking at a brisk pace or incline walking can show similar benefits to running,' Thompson said. 'The general rule of thumb that I often tell people is movement is so important for overall health, and I'm not very picky in terms of what type of movement you go out and get, whether that's running or cycling or weightlifting, just as long as you're doing something,' said Fleming. 'So, if running is something you want to do, I fully encourage you to give it a try, as long as it'll help you move more,' he added. Beyond the benefit to your joint health, running is also good for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. Plus, regular physical activity (like running) can lower your risk of dementia and certain cancers. So, the benefits of running on your health potentially outweigh any of the joint or arthritis risks you hear about, Fleming said. Running Experts Reveal The Foods They Avoid For A Poop-Free Run 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. Study Reveals How Much Exercise Older Adults Need Each Week To Live Longer
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
I'm An ER Physician. Here Are 5 Types Of Pain I'd Never Ignore.
When it comes to severe medical situations, emergency medicine doctors see it all. They're the physicians who folks of all ages rush to when something serious goes wrong. But just what does 'serious' mean? What kinds of pain constitute a visit to the emergency department? Experts say that it's a hard question to answer. 'Unfortunately, it can be so variable from patient to patient, and sometimes people that even have minor pain may have something very serious going on. So [pain is] not something that anybody should ignore,' said Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Meaning, you should take pain seriously and see a doctor if you have any concerns. It's better to be told nothing is wrong than to regret not seeing a medical professional sooner. (We know there are financial considerations that come along with this — more on that below.) While all pain is worth taking seriously, experts told HuffPost there are certain pains that are generally across-the-board alarming and reason enough for medical attention. Here's what they are: 'Generally, pain that is sudden and severe and does not go away is something that should really get your attention,' Turturro said. This goes for pain anywhere on your body, he noted. A medical professional will need to evaluate the pain and determine if it's serious or not, but if you have a sudden and alarming new pain, it's a good idea to get it checked out and not to ignore it. 'We'd rather people err on the side of caution,' Turturro added. 'If they're concerned enough that they feel something is not right and they need to be evaluated, then they should be evaluated whether or not it's related to something serious or not.' Say you're worried about new hand pain that came out of nowhere. Instead of brushing it off, consider seeing a doctor. 'If it's concerning enough that it is troubling to you, and particularly if it's a pain you've never experienced before, that's something you should really consider getting urgent medical attention for,' he added. Chest pain is often (and rightfully) associated with heart attacks, which makes this type of pain important to take seriously. 'Chest pain is definitely a concerning one to us. If people are developing that sudden onset of chest pain, something they've never felt before, or they've had it before [and] they've been told that they have heart problems, they should be checked out sooner rather than later,' said Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Turturro said chest pain is particularly worrisome in older people and for folks who have risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Beyond heart attacks, sharp chest pain could also mean other serious issues, such as a blood clot in the lung or a tear of major vessels in the chest, Turturro said. But it's impossible to say exactly what chest pain could signify in one person versus another, and it isn't always serious. 'Chest pain could be rather related to very benign causes as well, such as heartburn,' Turturro added. Since lots of things can manifest as chest pain, you shouldn't totally panic, but you also shouldn't discount your chest pain (or, once again, any pain). Instead, you should see a doctor who can determine what's going on. According to Conroy, lower leg pain, specifically in the calf, can be worrisome when it's accompanied by leg swelling and/or redness of the calf. 'I always get concerned that they might have the concerning symptoms for a blood clot, or what we call a DVT, deep venous thrombosis,' Conroy said. 'That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they've been just laying in bed, or ... they had a long plane ride recently,' he noted. Back pain is a common affliction that can happen in a number of scenarios, such as sleeping in a bad position, working out improperly, sitting in a chair that doesn't provide support and more. While it's always worth taking care of your back pain, there is one specific type that Conroy said needs medical attention. If you have back pain that feels like a tearing sensation through your upper back or at the back of the chest,you should see a professional as soon as possible. 'Having that tearing sensation can represent a problem with the main large blood vessel in your body, called the aorta,' Conroy said. 'The abdomen is one of those [pains] I think every emergency physician gets a little bit nervous about because there's just so many things that can go on,' Conroy said. 'So instead of specific conditions, it's really more, how are the symptoms presenting?' 'If you're having abdominal pain, or what we call flank pain ... kind of the right or left portion of your lower back or lower abdomen, then certainly that could be concerning for things like kidney stones, or if you're having fevers with it, it can be a kidney infection,' he said. It could also be appendicitis if the flank pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, Conroy added. If you have this kind of lower abdominal pain along with any of the above problematic symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor quickly. While going to the doctor, and especially an emergency medicine department, can feel foreboding, you should never ignore or dismiss your pain. Seeing a doctor about an alarming problem is the best move for your health, even if the pain ends up being nothing at all — which is the ideal outcome. 'It may be that you get a brief evaluation, you get some kind of screening labs or screening tests, and hopefully, some reassurance that the worst-case scenario is not what's going on,' Conroy said. It can certainly be frustrating to hear nothing is wrong while still having to pay for health care costs, particularly if you're paying emergency room prices, which tend to be much higher than routine visits or scheduled specialist visits. If you need fast medical attention but not emergent medical attention, you can consider visiting your local urgent care, which tends to be cheaper than a visit to the ER. You can also call your primary care provider's office to see if they have after-hours or last-minute appointments available, which would also be cheaper than an ER visit. That said, certain issues do require immediate emergency department visits and are worth the cost for your safety. Urgent care staff or your doctor should be able to help you determine if emergency care is needed — and, if you're not sure if you need emergent attention, it's best to go to the ER. I'm A Colorectal Cancer Doctor. Here Are 5 Things I'd Never Do. If Your Stomach Pain Feels Like This, It's Time To Go To The ER 7 Things ER Doctors Say You Should Always Do After A Fall
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Summer heat increases risk of child deaths in hot cars, advocates warn
Interview with Janette Fennell of Kids and Car Safety on protecting children from hot cars A record heat wave that spread across the East Coast of the United States during the first week of summer has child advocates warning parents and caretakers about the risks of heatstroke to children left inside hot vehicles. So far this year, nine children have died after being left unattended in vehicles in California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey and North Carolina, according to Kids and Car Safety, which collects data on hot car deaths. Five died in June. According to data from advocacy group Kids and Car Safety, on average, 38 children die each year from heatstroke inside a vehicle. Since 1990, at least 1,134 children have died in hot cars in the United States and at least another 7,500 survived with varying degrees of injury, according to data compiled by Kids and Car Safety. Why hot cars are so dangerous for kids Human-caused climate change keeps dialing up temperatures and extreme weather, scientists say. But the temperature outside doesn't have to be super hot for a child left in a vehicle to be affected by the heat, said Kathy Wall, director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County. "Inside, the vehicle can heat up 20 degrees in just 20 minutes," Wall said. "So if you imagine it's an 80 degree day, which in South Florida is a cool day, it could be over 100 degrees within 10 minutes inside the car." Hot car deaths can happen any time of year, and since 1998, every state but Alaska has reported a hot car death, according to the National Safety Council. In both 2018 and 2019, a record 53 children died after being left in hot cars. About 80% of the heat rise in vehicles happens in the first 30 minutes of a child being left inside, when maximum temperatures can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), according to data compiled by Jan Null, a certified consulting meteorologist at San Jose State University. "Children sweat a lot less than adults do and their internal temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult. So that's why it's just as important to make sure that your child isn't left in the vehicle, especially during these rising temperatures," said Capt. Karen Derogatis of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Last week, a 5-year-old boy in Mansfield, Ohio, died after being left in a hot vehicle. It can happen to anyone While it's easy to place blame for leaving a child in a vehicle, even people trained to know the dangers have made that tragic mistake, Wall said. "It's not a socioeconomic group, it's not a cultural group," she said. "This sadly has happened to doctors, it's happened to dentists, it happened to school teachers, it's happened to child care workers. Nobody is exempt from this." Distraction often leads to forgetting about a child in the backseat, which is why it is important to create routines and reminders, she said. "It sounds crazy, but sometimes people get out of routines or are distracted, especially in today's world. There's lots going on in the news, lots going with families," she said. A parent who normally doesn't drop a child off at a day care facility might become distracted and forget that the child is in the vehicle, she said. Create a reminder that a child is in the backseat She encourages parents and caregivers to establish routines. "We have an acronym, ACT," Wall said. "A" stands for avoiding leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. "C" stands for creating a reminder that works best for you. Authorities suggest leaving a personal item such as a purse or briefcase in the backseat so you'll have to open the back door before locking the vehicle. "T" is to take action right away. "If you see a child in a car, don't try to figure out how long they've been in the car. Call 911 immediately," Wall said. Some newer cars offer warnings for drivers to check the backseat for passengers. Double checking the vehicle is key, said Derogatis, the fire captain. "If you make it a common habit, just like you would look in their rear view mirror to see if somebody's behind you, or if you look at your side view mirror to see if you want to switch lanes, make it habit to look in your rearview mirror, whether you have a child or an animal or anything, just to ensure that they are as safe as possible," she said.
