New tool can remove nearly all of a cancer-causing ‘forever chemical' from water — in just 5 minutes
Scientists have engineered a high-tech filter that strips toxic 'forever chemicals' from drinking water in a matter of minutes.
Better yet, the new tool glows on contact with contamination, serving as both a purifier and an real-time monitoring system.
4 Research suggests the majority of Americans have 'forever chemicals' in their drinking water.
sebra – stock.adobe.com
Forever chemicals — officially known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — are tiny, man-made compounds that break down very slowly and accumulate in people, animals and the environment over time.
They've been used since the 1940s in everything from non-stick cookware and grease-resistant food packaging to waterproof fabrics and personal care products.
But concerns are mounting over the potential health effects of PFAS, with some experts likening them to 'slow poison.'
One of the most widely used forever chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been linked to higher risks of certain cancers, liver damage, immune system issues, high cholesterol and even developmental delays in fetuses and children.
It has been detected across a range of environments and products — from soil and rainfall to seafood, human blood and drinking water.
4 While PFOA was previously used in the manufacturing of non-stock cookware, it has largely been phased out due to concerns about potential health and environmental risks.
Dina – stock.adobe.com
In fact, a 2020 study estimated that more than 200 million Americans are drinking water contaminated with PFOA or PFOS, another notorious forever chemical formally known as perfluorooctane sulfonate.
Now, researchers at the University of Utah may have found a way to help reduce that exposure.
The scientists recently developed a lab-engineered, crystalline substance known as a metal-organic framework (MOF) that functions like a molecular sieve.
When water flows through the material, it snags and traps PFOA molecules, effectively removing the forever chemical.
4 The work builds on past research from the team that created a porous material that fluoresces in the presence of PFAS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
In lab tests, the MOF cleared out more than 99% of the toxic substance in just five minutes.
'This sort of rapid treatment is crucial for real-world applications,' the study authors wrote in their report.
The material also worked in the presence of other PFAS compounds, salts, and natural organic matter found in drinking water supplies, suggesting it could perform well in a variety of real-world environmental conditions.
Better yet, the MOF can be reused, with researchers finding it retained 93% of its adsorption efficiency after five wash cycles.
That's a big deal, since current methods for removing PFAS are often slow, costly, inefficient and don't hold up well after repeated use.
4 PFAS in drinking water are estimated to contribute to more than 6,800 cancer cases each year.
WESTOCK – stock.adobe.com
An added bonus: when PFOA molecules bind to the material, it glows fluorescent — providing instant, on-the-spot confirmation of contamination.
'This MOF represents a major leap forward for PFAS remediation,' Rana Dalapati, the study's lead author, said in a statement.
'Its ability to both selectively capture and sensitively detect PFOA in real time makes it a versatile and practical solution for water treatment and environmental monitoring,' she added.
Looking ahead, the team believes this material could one day be adapted to capture other PFAS chemicals, not just PFOA.
Wondering if you should be concerned about forever chemicals in your drinking water? The Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database is a good place to start — just enter your ZIP code to see what's in your local supply.
While the newly developed MOF may one day offer a powerful solution, it will likely be a while before it's available for public use. In the meantime, if you live in an area with known PFAS contamination, consider getting a water filter.
Look for one certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to reduce levels of PFOA and PFOS to help limit your exposure.
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The Hill
23 minutes ago
- The Hill
‘Make America Healthy Again' is winning young voters — Democrats should worry
Could RFK Jr. prove to be the Trump administration's secret weapon? Recent polling shows Americans trust Republicans over Democrats on nearly every major issue confronting our country: the economy, immigration, foreign policy and inflation. The two areas where Democrats hold the upper hand is health care and vaccines. RFK Jr. has a shot of undermining that advantage, especially with young voters. Although the Health and Human Services secretary has been relentlessly blasted by the liberal media for being 'anti-vaccine' (which Kennedy denies), a great many Americans like Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again agenda and agree that corporate interests are helping to make Americans sick and overly reliant on pharmaceuticals. A poll conducted by NBC News last month (in which Trump earned only a 45 percent job approval) showed that a majority of the country (51 percent) liked what RFK is doing, whereas only 48 percent disapproved. Interestingly, when asked who was to blame for America's chronic health problems, including obesity and heart disease, a plurality of respondents blamed the food industry. Much of RFK's agenda makes sense. A New York Times author last fall set out to debunk five of Kennedy's main claims about the nation's health, but ended up supporting three of them. For example, she concluded that 'many public health and nutrition experts agree' with his assertion that 'Ultraprocessed foods are driving the obesity epidemic, and they should be removed from school lunches.' On the subject of food dyes, which the HHS secretary says 'cause cancer, and ADHD in children,' she wrote, 'some small clinical trials have suggested that certain synthetic food dyes may increase hyperactivity in children.' 'Many experts agree,' she continued, 'it wouldn't hurt to avoid them.' How about his suggestion 'that consuming too many added sugars, especially from high fructose corn syrup, contributes to childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease?' Answer: 'Correct.' RFK Jr. is shaking up the food industry. In April, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would move to eliminate several petroleum-based dyes, which Kennedy claims can cause cancer and ADHD in kids, by the end of next year. Already, a large number of top brands, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, Hershey, J.M. Smucker, McCormick, Pepsico and Sam's Club, have taken steps to replace the artificial dyes used in candy, ice cream and other products with natural ingredients, despite the costs of doing so. The changes are likely to be popular, despite the less alluring colors of mint chip ice cream or Froot Loops. In Canada and Europe, foods colored with artificial dyes are required to carry a warning label. Consequently, manufacturers generally use natural products instead. Call me crazy, but the fact that so many food companies are making the switch, despite the expense and possibility of lost sales, suggests they know something they're not publicizing about these dyes and that Kennedy is on the right track. In May, Kennedy and his 'Make America Healthy Again' commission targeted ultra-processed foods in a 69-page report. Ultraprocessed foods, which make up 70-plus percent of Americans' diet, are made with manufactured rather than natural ingredients and formulated to encourage people to eat more, which adds to our obesity problems. A study last year of the dietary habits of nearly 10 million people published in the British Medical Journal revealed that exposure to ultra-processed food 'was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.' In particular, the study linked ultraprocessed foods to increased incidents of some 30 health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and mental health disorders. Is Kennedy right to take them on? Absolutely. The wonder is that no one has investigated the industry before this. It is actually not a puzzle. According to Open Secrets, agribusiness PACs donated nearly $31 million to politicians last year, while food sales and processing firms threw in another $3 million. Moreover, the food industry spilled $16 million on lobbying. That buys a lot of protection. Meanwhile, RFK Jr.'s concerns over widely prescribed vaccines has been harshly criticized by the medical establishment. The left has accused him of downplaying a measles outbreak in Texas, and talking up cures rather than advocating for increased vaccinations. But Kennedy has acknowledged that public trust in U.S. vaccine mandates and indeed in our health industries need to be rebuilt. He is right. That has led to a complete overhaul of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, citing 'persistent conflicts of interest' among members of the former board which, he wrote in a recent op-ed, 'has never recommended against a vaccine — even those later withdrawn for safety reasons.' Having new, independent researchers take a fresh look at Americans' vaccine regimen should be welcomed. Kennedy's willingness to gore sacred cows and ask tough questions make him popular with young people, and is likely contributing to Republican gains with young male and female Gen-Zers. A recent Fox News interviewer asked a young influencer why young voters are 'flocking to MAHA.' Lexi Vrachalus answered that she and others were alarmed by the rise chronic diseases in their peers — diseases that are preventable with diet and lifestyle choices. 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CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
Does the ‘cortisol cocktail' work for stress relief? An expert explains
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Who should be wary of trying this concoction? To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? Dr. Leana Wen: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are organs located above the kidneys. The hormone plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and immune responses. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because its levels naturally rise when our bodies perceive a threat or stressful situation. This reaction is part of the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, helping people stay alert and react quickly when needed. Those temporary increases in cortisol are a helpful evolutionary adaptation. 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New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
How a low-key change to your hands can warn of advanced lung cancer
File this under 'symptoms not to ignore.' Our fingernails provide valuable insight into our health — changes in their color, shape or texture can indicate underlying problems. Dr. Davood Johari warns that one particular change may be a sign of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Roughly 5% to 15% of lung cancer patients experience fingernail clubbing. 3 Dr. Davood Johari shares a sly sign of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Roughly 5% to 15% of lung cancer patients will experience it. NYC Health + Hospitals 'Fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon,' Johari, a pulmonary and critical care attending physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, told The Post. 'The nail bed, the area under the nail, feels spongy and softer,' he added. 'The fingertip might be red or feel warmer than usual.' It's not completely understood why lung cancer causes digital clubbing. It may be because lung tumors can produce hormone-like substances that cause blood vessels in the fingers to widen, enhancing blood flow to the area. The increased blood flow can lead to fluid buildup under the nail beds, contributing to the 'clubbed' appearance. 3 Nail clubbing is when the 'fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon,' Johari said. DOUGLAS – Clubbing, which is typically painless, isn't the only subtle clue that lung cancer may be afoot. Aug. 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the deadly disease. An estimated 226,650 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year — nearly 125,000 are expected to die of it. Johari suggests seeking medical attention if you notice a persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks, hoarseness and other vocal changes, unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, stubborn shoulder pain that occurs at rest and worsens at night, vision changes or drooping eyelids. A lung cancer assessment typically begins with a review of the patient's medical and social history, followed by a physical exam and imaging tests. A biopsy, the only definitive way to diagnose lung cancer, may be needed as well. 3 Johari suggests seeking medical attention if you notice a persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks. Tetiana – Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Lung cancer is often not discovered until it's advanced. Nail clubbing, which is usually a later-stage lung cancer symptom, can hint at other health problems. 'Chronic lung infections, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis could be associated with digital clubbing,' Johari said. 'It can also signal a range of other underlying health issues, including congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and liver cirrhosis), and other conditions such as Graves' disease, infective endocarditis and more.' Other nail changes can indicate cancer beyond lung cancer — don't dismiss a dark streak under the nail, a bruise that does not heal, nail lifting, a bump under the nail, darkening of the skin next to the nail or bleeding. 'Many nail changes are harmless and may be related to aging, injury and trauma or everyday activities like using nail polish,' Johari explained. 'However, any changes in nail color, nail shape or thickness, which are persistent and last for more than a couple of weeks, should be checked by a physician.'
