3 best air purifying flowers to help clean indoor air — and they're NASA-approved
Be it seasonal allergies, dust, bacteria or even mold issues, there are a number of things that can affect the overall quality of indoor air.
And if you haven't yet invested in one of the best air purifiers to filter and clean your air, you might want to consider a more natural (and cheaper) alternative.
While we often assume fresh blooms are the culprits to our sniffles or sneezing fits during summer, you'll be surprised to learn that there are certain flowers that are known to improve air quality in your home without a purifier.
In fact, a 1989 NASA study found that certain flowers and plants can absorb toxins and pollutants such as formaldehyde and ammonia — commonly found in household products and cleaners.
Similar to houseplants that reduce indoor air pollution, varieties can also help to release oxygen and increase humidity levels, since flowers release moisture into the air.
What's more, you'll always have a fresh-smelling home, without spraying strong, artificial fragrances (and further pollute the air).
So before you head out to your nearest florist, find out which popular flowers are known to improve the air.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Plus, these are the 7 indoor plants to avoid if you have allergies.
One popular and well-known NASA-approved flower is the pretty peace lily.
Peace lilies can either fall into the category of both plant or flower, and with its large white flowers and lush foliage, makes a beautiful addition to any space.
'The elegant peace lily is a natural air purifier, capable of removing a wide range of airborne pollutants, including benzene and trichloroethylene,' says Daniel Ufland, co-founder of interior design platform Flitch.
'Its stunning white blooms not only add a touch of elegance to any room but also help to improve indoor air quality. By incorporating a peace lily into your living space, you can enjoy a more serene and rejuvenating atmosphere.'
In addition, peace lilies are pretty low maintenance plants, and can cope well in different light exposures – including very little light. All they'll really need is adequate indirect daylight, and watering every few days.
If you really want to make the most of your beautiful flower, you could place a few around the home, such as a bedroom or home office.
"One flower won't do it for purifying the air in your home,' adds Chastain. 'This is one situation where more is better. Just make sure to provide the lighting and care each flower needs and keep them dust free so they can do their jobs.'
If you want to know more about the benefits of peace lilies, check out these 9 reasons why every home needs a peace lily.
Chrysanthemums are known for their bold and colorful blooms. But these florals can do so much more than add a touch of vibrant color to any room.
In fact, these are one of the best air-purifying flowers, particularly for removing benzenes and ammonia — both of which are extremely harmful chemicals. These chemicals are usually found in glue, plastics, and detergents.
'Chrysanthemums are also a great choice with lots of color options,' adds Lindsey Chastain, founder and CEO of The Waddle and Cluck.
'They remove ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. They are a little more challenging to get them to rebloom so they may need to be replaced each season.'
Generally, chrysanthemums need to be planted in well-drained soil, and watered once a week for impressive blooms. Bear in mind they require at least six to eight hours of full sunlight a day, so best placed on or near a sunny windowsill.
Orchids are a popular indoor flower that comes in different species and vibrant colors. And while these make a beautiful feature to our home décor, they can also do a good job removing certain air pollutants.
'Orchids are another great choice, but do require more advanced care,' adds Chastain.
'They aren't as potent as the other two, but can thrive indoors. They can remove xylene and toluene (chemicals). '
Luckily, with the proper care and attention, learning how to care for an orchid is not as tricky as it seems. Generally, orchids love bright, but indirect light, so place them near a south- or east-facing window to ensure they get at least six hours of indirect sunlight.
In addition, orchids don't need a lot of water so avoid overwatering, as this will lead to root rot. A top tip is to spray an orchid regularly with a fine mist spray bottle up to two times a day.
Check out these 5 top tips for growing orchids from expert florists, as long as you avoid these mistakes when growing orchids.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kratom is a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, and it has been around for hundreds of years. Its leaves are sold throughout the United States and can treat things like pain, coughing, anxiety, depression, and even opioid use disorder and withdrawal. 'It is sold in Kentucky. Usually, it will come in either an herbal powder form or in a pill form,' said Program Director for Voices of Hope Lexington, Jimmy Chadwell. Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom Kentucky judge tells lawmakers child removal process doesn't move quick enough in abuse investigations 1 charged, shelter-in-place ended in Saunders Lane after Boone County shooting investigation In early June, the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy put out a health alert advising the public not to consume kratom products and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, better known as 7-OH. It is a chemical compound found in kratom. The health agencies warned that when 7-OH is concentrated or synthetically made, it can increase the risk of overdose, severe health issues, and death. Chadwell urges those using pure kratom products for their harm-reduction benefits to do so wisely. Kentuckians spend the 3rd highest share of their income on fast food Bill could make federal minimum wage $15: Kentucky among states paying less than that Kentucky sitting near bottom of rankings in environmental protection: Study 'Exercise caution. Moderate the amount you use. Never use it alone. Always have Narcan available. Okay? Because of these kratom and the 7-OH, they work on the opioid receptors. So having Narcan available is really going to save somebody's life,' he told FOX 56. Kratom is not FDA-approved and is illegal in six states. But Chadwell said that Voices of Hope, an organization for people recovering from substance abuse disorders, believes the answer is not more laws; it is more conversation. 'We believe that creating more laws surrounding drugs and drug users will not help the community. Instead, we feel that supporting increases in the availability of education and encouraging harm reduction initiatives when using any substance are the best route to go,' he said. Read more of the latest health and wellness news Health officials also said there are no guarantees that kratom products contain the ingredients the packages claim, have the correct concentrations, or are free from contaminants or other drugs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
15 hours ago
- Business Wire
U.S. FDA Approves UroGen's ZUSDURI™ (mitomycin) for Intravesical Solution as the First and Only Medication for Recurrent Low-Grade Intermediate-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC)
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ZUSDURI, the first and only FDA-approved medication for adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. ZUSDURI consists of mitomycin and sterile hydrogel, using UroGen's proprietary sustained release RTGel ® technology. ZUSDURI has been designed for potent tumor ablation. This landmark approval is based on the positive results from the Phase 3 ENVISION trial that demonstrated ZUSDURI delivers 78% complete response (CR) for patients at 3 months, and of those patients 79% remained event-free 12 months later. 'The approval of ZUSDURI represents a significant step forward for our company and for the treatment of recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC," said Liz Barrett, President and CEO of UroGen. "For the first time, the estimated 59,000 U.S. patients facing recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC each year have access to an FDA-approved medicine. This historic achievement is a bold leap forward in our mission to redefine uro-oncology and bring innovation to patients who need it most. We are deeply grateful to the FDA for their collaboration and to the investigators, patients, and caregivers whose commitment made this milestone possible. Their contributions have been essential in bringing meaningful innovation to the bladder cancer community.' The existing standard of care for LG-IR-NMIBC is a surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Due to high recurrence rates of LG-IR-NMIBC, repeat TURBTs may be necessary. "ZUSDURI marks a breakthrough in uro-oncology, offering a new alternative for recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC patients who can live for many years with the disease but often endure multiple resections, under general anesthesia,' said Dr. Sandip Prasad, MD, Director of Genitourinary Surgical Oncology at Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, NJ, and principal investigator of the ENVISION trial. 'For decades, TURBT has been the standard approach for bladder cancer treatment. That's why innovative treatments like ZUSDURI are essential, especially for those adult patients with recurrent low-grade, intermediate-risk NMIBC.' The most common (≥ 10%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, that occurred in patients were increased creatinine, increased potassium, dysuria, decreased hemoglobin, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased eosinophils, decreased lymphocytes, urinary tract infection, decreased neutrophils, and hematuria. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 12% of patients who received ZUSDURI, including, urinary retention (0.8%) and urethral stenosis (0.4%). Product Availability ZUSDURI is expected to be available in the U.S. on or around July 1, 2025, for the treatment of adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. In the interim, patients can visit (available soon). UroGen Patient Support UroGen is committed to helping patients access ZUSDURI. UroGen Support may help identify appropriate financial assistance programs for eligible patients with commercial, Medicare or Medicaid coverage, as well as those with no insurance coverage. These programs are for eligible patients who have been prescribed ZUSDURI and who need help managing the cost of treatment. The appropriate program will depend on the patient's insurance coverage. Visit (available soon) or contact UroGen Support at 1-833-UROGEN-1 (1-833-876-4361) for additional information. Post-Marketing Commitment As a post-marketing commitment, UroGen has agreed with the FDA to complete the ongoing ENVISION trial to further characterize the clinical benefit of ZUSDURI for the treatment of patients with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. In addition, UroGen committed to provide the FDA annual updates on duration of response (DOR) for all patients with ongoing complete responses. The annual updates will continue until all ongoing patients experience a recurrence of LG-IR-NMIBC; progression; death; loss to follow-up; or reach 63 months after the first instillation as planned in the protocol, whichever occurs first. Conference Call & Webcast Information Members of UroGen's management team will host a live conference call and webcast on June 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time to review ZUSDURI approval details and commercialization plans. The live webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the Company's website at Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the live webcast to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be needed to access the webcast. An archive of the webcast will be available on the Company's website. About ZUSDURI ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is an innovative drug formulation of mitomycin, approved for the treatment of adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Utilizing UroGen's proprietary RTGel ® technology, a sustained release, hydrogel-based formulation, ZUSDURI is delivered directly into the bladder in an out-patient procedure by a trained healthcare professional using a urinary catheter to enable the treatment of tumors by non-surgical means. About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) LG-IR-NMIBC affects around 82,000 people in the U.S. every year and of those, an estimated 59,000 are recurrent. Bladder cancer primarily affects older populations with increased risk of comorbidities, with the median age of diagnosis being 73 years. Guideline recommendations for the management of NMIBC include TURBT as the standard of care. Up to 70 percent of NMIBC patients experience at least one recurrence, and LG-IR-NMIBC patients are even more likely to recur and face repeated TURBT procedures. Learn more about non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at About UroGen Pharma Ltd. UroGen is a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers because patients deserve better options. UroGen has developed RTGel reverse-thermal hydrogel, a proprietary sustained-release, hydrogel-based platform technology that has the potential to improve the therapeutic profiles of existing drugs. UroGen's sustained release technology is designed to enable longer exposure of the urinary tract tissue to medications, making local therapy a potentially more effective treatment option. Our first product to treat low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer and ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution, UroGen's first product to treat recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC are both designed to ablate tumors by non-surgical means. UroGen is headquartered in Princeton, NJ with operations in Israel. Visit to learn more or follow us on X, @UroGenPharma. APPROVED USE FOR ZUSDURI ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the bladder called low-grade intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC) after previously receiving bladder surgery to remove tumor that did not work or is no longer working. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION You should not receive ZUSDURI if you have a hole or tear (perforation) of your bladder or if you have had an allergic reaction to mitomycin or to any of the ingredients in ZUSDURI. Before receiving ZUSDURI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have kidney problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZUSDURI can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with ZUSDURI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with ZUSDURI. Females who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 6 months after the last dose. Males being treated with ZUSDURI: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 3 months after the last dose. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZUSDURI passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 1 week after the last dose. How will I receive ZUSDURI? You will receive your ZUSDURI dose from your healthcare provider 1 time a week for 6 weeks into your bladder through a tube called a urinary catheter. It is important that you receive all 6 doses of ZUSDURI according to your healthcare provider's instructions. If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. During treatment with ZUSDURI, your healthcare provider may tell you to take additional medicines or change how you take your current medicines. After receiving ZUSDURI: ZUSDURI may cause your urine color to change to a violet to blue color. Avoid contact between your skin and urine for at least 24 hours. To urinate, males and females should sit on a toilet and flush the toilet several times after you use it. After going to the bathroom, wash your hands, your inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water. Clothing that comes in contact with urine should be washed right away and washed separately from other clothing. The most common side effects of ZUSDURI include: increased blood creatinine levels, increased blood potassium levels, trouble with urination, decreased red blood cell counts, increase in certain blood liver tests, increased or decreased white blood cell counts, urinary tract infection, and blood in your urine. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to UroGen Pharma at 1-855-987-6436. Please see ZUSDURI Full Prescribing Information, including the Patient Information, for additional information. ZUSDURI ™ is a trademark and UroGen ® is a registered trademark of UroGen Pharma, Ltd. Copyright©2025 UroGen Pharma, Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the estimated annual U.S. patient population and demographics for LG-IR-NMIBC; the potential benefits to patients and opportunities for ZUSDURI; the potential of UroGen's proprietary RTGel technology to improve therapeutic profiles of existing drugs other than mitomycin; and UroGen's sustained release technology making local delivery potentially more effective as compared to other treatment options. Words such as 'can,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'target,' 'will' or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the ability to maintain regulatory approval; complications associated with commercialization activities; labeling limitations; competition in UroGen's industry; the scope, progress and expansion of developing and commercializing UroGen's products and product candidates; the size and growth of the market(s) therefor and the rate and degree of market acceptance thereof vis-à-vis alternative therapies or procedures, such as surgery; UroGen's ability to attract or retain key management, members of the board of directors and other personnel; UroGen's RTGel technology and ZUSDURI may not perform as expected; new data relating to ZUSDURI, including from spontaneous adverse event reports and from the ongoing ENVISION trial, may result in changes to the product label and may adversely affect sales, or result in withdrawal of ZUSDURI from the market; the potential for payors to delay, limit or deny coverage for ZUSDURI; and UroGen may not successfully develop and receive regulatory approval of any other product that incorporates RTGel technology. In light of these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of UroGen's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2025. The events and circumstances discussed in such forward-looking statements may not occur, and UroGen's actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied thereby. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to UroGen as of the date of this release.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Spark Biomedical Completes Enrollment in a Neurostimulation Pivotal Trial for Opioid Use Disorder
Final enrollment concludes for Spark Biomedical's pivotal study investigating a non-invasive, drug-free neurostimulation therapy aimed at improving treatment retention for adults with opioid use disorder. Dallas, TX, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spark Biomedical, a leader in wearable neurostimulation technology, has completed enrollment for its pivotal clinical trial, which aims to improve treatment retention for adults with opioid use disorder. Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the HEAL Initiative, the trial was conducted in partnership with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Gaudenzia. With relapse rates exceeding 70% among individuals with opioid use disorder and synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving overdose deaths to record highs, the need for innovative interventions has never been greater. Spark Biomedical's study investigated the use of wearable transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN® therapy) as a novel method to improve acute and long-term recovery. Additionally, the study examined the potential synergistic effects of tAN and two other approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), lofexidine and XR-naltrexone. By helping individuals stay engaged in treatment longer, the trial seeks to support lasting recovery without additional opioid-based medications. Spark Biomedical's Co-founder & Chief Science Officer, Dr. Navid Khodaparast, Ph.D., shared, 'Completing enrollment marks a critical milestone in advancing transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation as a non-invasive, drug-free therapy for opioid use disorder. This study not only evaluates the standalone efficacy of wearable neurostimulation in enhancing treatment retention but also explores its potential to synergize with established pharmacotherapies.' Leaders from both partner institutions emphasized the importance of the study's potential: 'At Hazelden Betty Ford, we are committed to advancing science-based, compassionate care for those affected by opioid use disorder,' said Alta DeRoo, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. 'This pivotal trial represents non-pharmaceutical options to treat opioid withdrawal. In addition to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, this non-pharmaceutical option will empower patients in their treatment options. This provides us with more weapons and a hopeful step forward in combatting one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.' "This trial represents more than a data point—it's a breakthrough in how we think about sustaining engagement in treatment for opioid use disorder,' said Dr. Bhavani Raghavan Lobo, Psy.D., Chief Research Officer, Gaudenzia. 'We were honored to lead enrollment and completion efforts, and we're incredibly proud that so many participants entrusted us with their care. These results are a testament to our team's clinical excellence and compassion, and they reinforce the importance of investing in non-invasive, science-driven solutions to address the nation's overdose crisis.' Results from this research will contribute to an anticipated FDA submission and mark a significant milestone in the advancement of drug-free solutions for opioid use disorder. About Gaudenzia Gaudenzia, Inc. is one of the largest nonprofit providers of treatment for people with substance use and co-occurring disorders in the United States, with 51 facilities operating in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. The agency serves about 15,000 individuals annually and operates 120 programs providing a full continuum of care. Since 1968, Gaudenzia has provided specialized services and programs for all demographics, including pregnant and parenting women, adolescents, people with substance use and co-occurring disorders, and more. Those seeking help can call Gaudenzia's Treatment and Referral HelpLine at 833-976-HELP (4357). For more information, visit About the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Harnessing science, love and the wisdom of lived experience, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use and mental health conditions. As the nation's foremost nonprofit provider of comprehensive behavioral health care, the Foundation leads the way in helping society rise above stigma and overcome addiction. With a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center, the Foundation now has treatment centers and telehealth services nationwide as well as a network of collaborators throughout health care. Charitable support and a commitment to innovation drive ongoing advances in care, research, programs and services to impact more lives. In addition to clinical care, Hazelden Betty Ford encompasses a graduate school, a publishing division, a research center, thought leadership and advocacy, professional and medical education programs, school-based prevention resources and a specialized program for children—with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its endeavors. Learn more at About Spark Biomedical Spark Biomedical, Inc. Is a leading U.S.-based medical device developer, committed to unlocking the potential of bioelectronic medicine and bringing to market novel wearable neurostimulation treatment options in behavioral health, women's health, hemostasis, pediatrics, and chronic pain. Spark leverages its neuroscience and engineering expertise to empower healthcare providers and researchers with innovative, evidence-based tools designed to address complex care situations which exceed the capabilities of existing treatment options. Spark has received funding from federal institutions, such as the NIH and DoD, and continues to partner with private and academic institutions. Spark Biomedical is empowering a better way forward for the future of patient care and medical technology. For more information, visit For more information, please contact Udim Obot at ### CONTACT: Udim Obot Spark Biomedical 844-654-7775
