The hybrid human-Neanderthal fossils that shocked scientists
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The Guardian
22 minutes ago
- The Guardian
US medical journal rejects call from RFK Jr to retract vaccine study
An influential US medical journal is rejecting a call from the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy Jr, to retract a large Danish study that found that aluminum ingredients in vaccines do not increase health risks for children, the journal's editor told Reuters. Kennedy has long promoted doubts about vaccines' safety and efficacy, and as health secretary has upended the federal government's process for recommending immunization. A recent media report said he has been considering whether to initiate a review of shots that contain aluminum, which he says are linked to autoimmune diseases and allergies. The study, which was funded by the Danish government and published in July in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed nationwide registry data for more than 1.2 million children over more than two decades. It did not find evidence that exposure to aluminum in vaccines had caused an increased risk for autoimmune, atopic or allergic, or neurodevelopmental disorders. The work is by far the best available evidence on the question of the safety of aluminum in vaccines, said Adam Finn, a childhood vaccination expert in the UK and pediatrician at the University of Bristol, who was not involved in the study. 'It's solid, [a] massive dataset and high-quality data,' he said. Kennedy described the research as 'a deceitful propaganda stunt by the pharmaceutical industry', and said the scientists who authored it had 'meticulously designed it not to find harm' in a detailed 1 August opinion piece on TrialSite News, an independent website focused on clinical research. He called on the journal to 'immediately retract' the study. 'I see no reason for retraction,' Dr Christine Laine, editor in chief of the Annals of Internal Medicine and a professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, said in an interview. The journal plans to respond to criticism the article has received on its website, Laine said, but it does not intend to respond directly to Kennedy's piece, which was not submitted to the journal. The lead author of the study, Anders Peter Hviid, head of the epidemiology research department at the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark, defended the work in a response post to TrialSite. He wrote that none of the critiques put forward by Kennedy were substantive and he categorically denied any deceit as implied by the secretary. 'I am used to controversy around vaccine safety studies – especially those that relate to autism, but I have not been targeted by a political figurehead in this way before,' Hviid said in an emailed response to Reuters. 'I have confidence in our work and in our ability to reply to the critiques of our study.' Kennedy had a number of criticisms, including the lack of a control group, that the study deliberately excluded different groups of children to avoid showing a link between aluminum and childhood health conditions – including those with the highest levels of exposure – and that it did not include the raw data. Hviid responded to the criticisms on TrialSite. He said some of the points were related to study design choices that were reasonable to discuss but refuted others, including that the study was designed not to find a link. In fact, he said, its design was based on a study led by Matthew Daley, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Colorado, which did show a link, and which Kennedy cited in his article. There was no control group because in Denmark only 2% of children were unvaccinated, which was too small for meaningful comparison, Hviid added. The data was available for researchers to analyze, but individual-level data was not released under Danish law, he said. Other prominent vaccine skeptics including those at the antivaccine organization Kennedy previously ran, Children's Health Defense, have similarly criticized the study on the Annals of Internal Medicine site. TrialSite staff defended the study for its scale, data transparency and funding while acknowledging the limitations of its design, a view seconded by some outside scientists. Laine said that while some of the issues Kennedy raised in his article may underscore acceptable limitations of the study, 'they do not invalidate what they found, and there's no evidence of scientific misconduct'. An spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said the department had 'no further comment than what the secretary said'.
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
The 10 signs of ‘brain swelling' sloth fever which could be spread by sex after cases spotted in UK for the first time
THE UK has reported its first-ever cases of flu-like 'sloth fever'. Three people tested positive for the disease, officially called Oropouche virus, between January and June 2025, new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says. 4 The little-known virus, spread to humans by mosquitoes and biting midges - unlike the name suggests - was also reported in Europe last summer for the first time after it started spreading rapidly in Latin America. Historically, Oropouche was confined to within the Amazon basin in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Panama. In 2024, outbreaks also appeared in these regions as well as in Cuba and Barbados, the likely source of some of the 19 cases of sloth fever reported in Europe last year. The first cases of the oropouche in the UK were all linked to travel from Brazil, the UKHSA said. The bug typically circulates between primates, including sloths - hence the nickname - before it is occasionally passed to humans by the critters. Mosquitos and midges found in the UK and wider Europe do not currently spread Oropouche virus disease. Until last year, experts didn't think the virus could spread from person to person. But a study published by Italian scientists in December suggested it could spread in semen, sparking concerns about possible sexual transmission. Scientists are currently investigating whether the infection can be passed on from mothers to babies during pregnancy, after the virus was linked to stillbirths and birth defects. For most people, Oropouche infections are mild, with symptoms typically showing up 4 to 8 days after a bite. I tried the best ways to stop mosquitoes on your summer hols - from sprays, patches & bracelets, one was a dud and stank These can include: Fever Headache Joint pain Muscle aches Chills Nausea and vomiting Rash Sensitivity to light Dizziness Pain behind the eyes UKHSA chiefs have urged anyone who becomes unwell with these symptoms after travel to affected areas. Symptoms typically last less than a week but can occasionally reoccur. In severe cases, the virus can also attack the brain leading to meningitis or encephalitis, which can be fatal. 4 4 It is estimated that fewer than four per cent of patients will develop neurological symptoms. The first ever deaths linked to the virus were reported in Brazil in July 2024, where, sadly, two people died. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available. Treatment for symptoms can include rest, fluids, and the use of medicines to reduce pain and fever. The 6 things all travellers must do to protect themselves from 'sloth virus' Dubbed a "mysterious threat But it is transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes that have fed on sloth, monkey or bird blood, so avoiding bites can help keep you safe. There are also five other steps you can take to protect yourself. 1. Prevent bites The number one thing you can do to protect yourself from Oropouche, as well as dengue fever, Zika and other viruses transmitted by insects, is preventing bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens and/or mosquito nets. Avoiding strong perfumes, soaps, shampoos and deodorants can also help, the NHS says. 2. Time it right Anyone who has been to areas where Oropouche is present should continue to prevent insect bites for three weeks after travel, the CDC warns. "This is to mitigate additional spread of the virus and potential importation into unaffected areas," it adds. 3. Know the signs Another major line of defence is being aware of the most common symptoms of Oropouche. The CDC says these are a fever and headache, which usually begin three to 10 days after being bitten by an infected bug. Other potential signs include muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills and sensitivity to light. "Most people infected with Oropouche feel better within a week, but symptoms often come back," the CDC adds. 4. Seek medical help According to the CDC, travellers to areas with Oropouche transmission, including South America or the Caribbean, who develop a fever, chills, headache, joint pain or muscle pain during or within two weeks after travel should: Seek medical care and tell their healthcare provider when and where they travelled Not take aspirin or other NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen) to reduce the risk of bleeding Continue to prevent insect bites during the first week of illness to avoid further spread, especially in areas where mosquitoes or biting midges are active 5. Plan ahead Before jetting off, pregnant holidaymakers should discuss travel plans with their GP, CDC guidance states. This should include their reason for travel, how to prevent insect bites, and all potential risks associated with travel. The dangers of Oropouche during pregnancy are unknown, but experts say it acts similarly to Zika, which can be passed to unborn babies and cause miscarriages, stillbirths, birth defects, seizures, vision problems and hearing loss. 6. Avoid non-essential travel Finally, if you are pregnant, you should reconsider non-essential travel to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba, the CDC says. "If travel is unavoidable, pregnant travellers should strictly follow Oropouche virus prevention recommendations to prevent insect bites during travel," it adds.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
The £2 ‘fat blasting' supplement Jennifer Aniston and Hailey Bieber swear by that ‘boosts metabolism and delays ageing'
WHAT do Jennifer Aniston and Hailey Bieber have in common? Other than the fact they're beautiful women, they're also taking the same supplement to slow ageing - or so sources say. For only £2 a day, it's a sweet relief when Botox, anti-wrinkle treatments and face lifts cost a fortune and can be invasive. 7 7 7 Dubbed the future of longevity, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, known as NAD+ is more than just a trendy anti-aging treatment. There's evidence that suggests it can help support skin, brain and even heart health. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, famous for doing anything in his power to stay forever young, swears by NAD+. 'I'm going to NAD for the rest of my life, and I'm never going to age,' declared Hailey Bieber to Kendall Jenner when the pair got NAD+ treatment via an IV drip in the 2022 series of The Kardashians. Jennifer Aniston also reportedly described NAD+ therapy as 'the future' to the Wall Street Journal. Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) says: 'Every living cell contains NAD+. It's a coenzyme, or 'helper' molecule. 'This molecule supports enzymes in kicking off chemical reactions in the body. 'We need NAD+ for a whole range of important body processes and functions, including converting food into fuel for our cells, repairing DNA damage, regulating our biological clock – known as the circadian rhythm – regulating inflammation and activating sirtuins, which are our longevity genes.' Research in the journal Cell Metabolism reveals that levels of NAD+ naturally drop as we age. 'NAD+ levels can drop by 50 per cent or more between youth and old age,' says Dr Ruxton. Research in the journal Mechanisms of Ageing and Development shows that your body's levels of NAD+ may increase by taking supplements known as NAD 'precursors'. These can be converted by your body into NAD+. Two common precursors are NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside); both forms of vitamin B3. Anyone lacking in vitamin B3 may not make enough NAD+. 'That's why it's a good idea to take a B vitamin, or an A-to-Z multivitamin and multimineral supplement from your forties onwards, as B vitamins help support cognitive function as we age,' says Dr Ruxton. Several foods may support NAD+ production in the body, too. Emily Foster, a nutritionist at Holland & Barrett adds: 'You can't actually get NAD+ directly from food but some foods contain the precursors - these include chicken, salmon and brown rice. A great snacking option is peanuts.' How do you know if you need NAD+? According to Dr Ruxton, there's insufficient evidence to link specific signs and symptoms of a NAD+ deficiency. 'Symptoms reported on the internet are so general that they could be due to a wide range of health problems, or just overwork, poor diet and lack of sleep,' she says. Costing £2 a day from brands like ARTAH (£60 for 60 capsules, two capsules to be taken twice a day) NAD+ is more than your average supplement, but has multiple benefits worth considering…. TURN BACK TIME Want to look and feel younger? It's all about reducing your biological age, which is how well (or poorly) your body is ageing compared to it's actual (chronological) age in years. A healthy lifestyle can improve your biological age so that it is younger than your chronological age. But supplementation with NAD+ may also improve the factors that drive ageing in the body. Research in the journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling found that low levels of NAD+ have been linked to several diseases including stroke, heart attack and diabetes. 'These findings have suggested great therapeutic and nutritional potential of NAD+ for diseases and senescence,' the researchers in China wrote. Dr Ruxton says: 'Early research in laboratory studies, or supplementing a small number of people, show that boosting NAD+ could reverse cell ageing, dampen inflammation or help to ward off viruses. 'The jury is still out on whether NAD+ can help support muscle health.' BURN BABY BURN Weight loss seems to get harder and harder with every birthday that passes. A slowing metabolism is a typical sign of ageing, but one that we can fight off. A review of studies, comprising more than 5,000 people, showed that taking NAD+ precursor supplements could cause BMI to drop by 0.19 kg/m². This is about half a kilo for someone who is 5 ft 7. While it's not a lot, the study says that the weight loss is unlikely due to chance. Those people supplementing also had a slight increase in adiponectin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, according to the findings published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. 'Scientists propose that returning our levels of NAD+ to normal could help with healthy metabolism, including insulin sensitivity and fat burning,' says Dr Ruxton. FIRED UP 7 Feeling tired and fatigued? Who doesn't! It's one of the joys of ageing as our body slows down. But NAD+ could help thanks to its role in turning the food we eat into the energy we need. Emily says: 'NAD+ is essential for turning food into cellular energy, so without enough NAD+, your cells run low on fuel, leading to fatigue and sluggishness.' One of NAD's precursors - vitamin B3 - also helps to release energy from the food we eat, supports normal nervous system function and fights fatigue. BEAUTY SLEEP Sleep is vital for the smooth-running of various processes, from appetite to emotion regulation, memory storing and physical activity. It's called beauty sleep for a reason, too; the body repairs and regenerates cells, including skin cells, as we sleep. Plus, consistently bad sleep can increase the risk of certain health problems related to ageing, including dementia, according to the Sleep Foundation. A decline in NAD+ can make sleep even worse. Emily says: 'Research highlights that age-related NAD+ decline likely impairs sirtuin activity, affecting metabolism, genomic stability and our circadian regulation. 'So to simplify, this natural decline of NAD+ can lead to our body clock being thrown off, and thus affecting sleep and energy cycles.' Research done on mice experiencing chronic sleep restriction was published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology. It found that NAD+ supplementation protected their brain from the damaging effects of sleep deprivation by preserving their memory and cognitive function and protecting the mitochondria from stress and inflammation. RADIANCE 7 Let's face it, when we are talking about ageing, most of us are concerned with the visible signs - wrinkles, sagging and drooping. Botox, fillers and retinol-based creams are all popular ways to look youthful and reverse the signs of ageing. But NAD+ might be your new anti-ageing wingman. Research in the journal Cells has found that supplementing with NAD+ could offer protective effects against both extrinsic ageing, such as that induced by UV exposure from the sun, as well as natural, intrinsic ageing. 'NAD+ might support the skin's repair mechanisms in the face of UV radiation and DNA damage,' says Dr Ruxton. But she warns: 'Before everyone gets too excited, good quality intervention studies are lacking so I would say this area of research is 'promising' rather than ready to act on.' HEART OF IT To stay alive, your heart has to keep on beating blood around your body. But heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK, and it can be triggered by some of the most common habits, including drinking alcohol, smoking and a fatty diet. Heart disease is often caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, making them stiff and reducing blood flow. Research in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, however, has found that nicotinamide riboside, a form of the precursor vitamin B3, may help raise levels of NAD+ levels, which could reduce the chance of high blood pressure by reducing the stiffness of blood vessels. Plus, research in the Journal of Clinical Investigation revealed that boosting levels of NAD+ could help to reduce inflammation in patients with heart failure. MIND MATTERS It's not uncommon to fear an ageing brain - after all, dementia is the top cause of death in the UK and diagnoses can occur younger than 65. The natural decline of NAD+ with ageing has been linked to brain ageing and diseases such as Alzheimer's. 'We need NAD+ to power the mitochondria (cellular batteries) in our nerve cells,' says Dr Ruxton. The mitochondria are essentially like the energy powerhouse of cells. 'Research in the Journal of Neuroinflammation has found NAD+ helps reverse cognitive decline and block inflammation in the brain by protecting the mitochondria and reducing excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can harm body cells when levels get too high,' says Dr Ruxton. Inflammation has been linked to brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. 'NAD+ could also activate longevity genes known as sirtuins which have been found to delay brain ageing,' says Dr Ruxton. 'But this knowledge is only at a theoretical level and needs to be properly tested.' Other ways to defy ageing... TO slow down the ageing process, focus on a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management. Additionally, protecting your skin from the sun, practising good hygiene, and maintaining social connections can also contribute to a longer, healthier life Exercise Engage in regular physical activity, including both aerobic and strength training, to maintain muscle mass, improve circulation, and boost your metabolism. Diet Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive alcohol. Sleep Prioritise getting enough sleep, as it's crucial for cellular repair and overall health. Stress management Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Sun protection Protect your skin from sun damage by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Social connections Maintain strong social networks and engage in activities that foster a sense of purpose and connection. Mental stimulation Keep your mind active through hobbies, puzzles, or learning new skills. Regular medical check ups Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your health and address any potential issues early on.
