Toxic fungi behind the ‘Pharaoh's curse' can kill cancer cells
Carnarvon's untimely death, five months later in April 1923, helped spawn the myth of the pharaoh's curse – that anyone who disturbs a mummy's tomb is doomed to misfortune.
Some scientists suspect the real killer, however, was infection by a toxic fungus that lay dormant in the tomb like a booby trap: Aspergillus flavus. Now the fungus is again at the centre of intrigue after researchers in the US crafted the deadly spores into a compound that can kill cancer cells.
In the search for new drugs, scientists have been studying a group of natural molecules called RiPPs (ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides).
Many of these tiny proteins have proved toxic to infectious microbes and cancer cells, which is why researchers are on the hunt for new types of RiPPs to test their medical potential.
'We often think of fungi as causing disease or food spoilage, but this is an example of them holding the key to treating diseases.'
Dr Justin Beardsley, University of Sydney
Thousands of these molecules have been found in bacteria but only a few from fungi, which is why researchers from the University of Pennsylvania went looking in Aspergillus.
They found new types of RiPPs with a structure of interlocking rings and tested them against human leukemia cells. Some of the molecules blocked the growth of the cancerous cells.
Scientists then added a fat molecule present in the royal jelly that bees feed their larvae. The fat molecule or 'lipid' helped the cancer-busting RiPPs to infiltrate leukemia cells, and together the experimental combination performed as effectively as two existing leukemia drugs.
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ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
Here's what nutrition and diet experts say about green powders
If you believe the ads and social media posts, starting your day with a green powder or greens supplement will help your health and wellbeing. Often shown as part of a picture-perfect morning routine, they might seem like the answer to lacklustre veggie consumption. But, are they actually worth taking? And are there any downsides to them? Here's what a dietician and a nutritionist say. There is a huge variety of green powders available — and a big variation in prices. 100 grams of green powder can cost $12 at the supermarket or about $45 at a beauty and skincare store. Some products spruik that they help you meet your daily intake of healthy greens, that they're a fibre source to help keep you regular, and terms like superfood and super greens also come up. Food and nutrition scientist Emma Beckett, based in Newcastle/Awabakal, says these types of products have become more prominent and there's a lot of variation between products and the way they're marketed. Dr Beckett thinks convenience is part of what makes green powders attractive. There's also a marketing element, she says, with labels spruiking health claims and benefits. "You can't do that with fresh wholefoods, there's nowhere to put a label on an actual bunch of broccoli or a cup of brussels sprouts." Green powders aren't necessary, according to Stephanie Partridge, an accredited practising dietician and associate professor at the University of Sydney, on Gadigal land. "My first impression when I see these kind of products is thinking this is just another thing that we don't need," she says. Dr Partridge says green powders usually contain some vitamins and minerals and a little fibre, "but it doesn't replace a healthy balanced diet". "If you can have a healthy meal, you'll likely get all of the vitamins and minerals that you would from a powder, and then if you repeat that across the day and you'll also be satiated for longer." Green powders are generally made with freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, but Dr Patridge says when they are processed and broken down, some of their benefits are lost. While a green powder may offer a couple of grams of fibre per serving, she says an apple or pear instead could make up 6 grams (the recommended daily intake for adults is 25 to 30 grams). Because these powders are "refined and processed plant matter", Dr Beckett says it's hard to say whether they count towards the five serves of veggies a day target. "People are probably buying these thinking a scoop is equivalent to a veggie and it definitely is not." But, she says they are also "a tool that's better than no vegetables' and our diets don't have to be perfect. Dr Beckett suggests it's helpful to think of these supplements as an addition rather than a replacement for anything. She says they could be useful for people with a low appetite, a very restrictive diet or for those who are travelling. For those not eating vegetables to start with, Dr Beckett says adding a powder could be beneficial. If choosing between products, Dr Beckett says to "look for the majority ingredient being actual vegetable powder, with actual recognisable vegetables listed". Green powders can also "have quite strong flavours", so if you are trying to "hide" veggies in food using these supplements could change the flavour, Dr Beckett says. Dr Partridge says green powders could help people incorporate or improve their intake of vitamins and minerals, but they're "ideally used under professional guidance". Some vitamins and minerals can interact with medications, "particularly fat-soluble vitamins that can be stored in our liver might have interactions with some medications."She also recommends consulting a GP or healthcare professional if you're planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding and considering introducing a greens powder — or giving it to your child. Dr Beckett says "allergens are another reason to look at the labels" especially if you have allergies. She says potential risks include soy, gluten, fish and shellfish. Dr Partridge says green powders sold and purchased in Australia reputably are regulated by Therapeutic Goods Administration as either food or medicine. "That said, there is always some potential risk of contamination, especially for products purchased online from unverified sources or from overseas." Dr Beckett says while these powders are convenient and have some benefits, they're not going to help you feel full and satisfied like a vegetable. "Try eating vegetables in the way that you'd like them rather than eating them in the perfect form," she recommends. She also suggests pureeing or mashing vegetables and incorporating them into a dish that way if you're trying to "hide" them. Dr Beckett's favourite tip is adding extra veggies to something you already cook and enjoy. "Take the bolognese you're already making and add some carrot, or take the tacos you're already making and grate in some mushrooms." Dr Partridge says if you're time poor and need something you can consume quickly, a smoothie could be a good alternative. "You can easily add a good handful of spinach", along with other fruits and vegetables you might prefer the taste of, she says. This is general information only. For personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
So it turns out taking 10,000 steps a day to keep you healthy is a myth
If you pace the living room or work corridors to get your daily step count to 10,000, it might be time to put up your feet and relax. A new study reveals people need to take far fewer steps for roughly the same health benefits. Just 7000 steps a day will likely do the job, the University of Sydney-led research published in The Lancet Public Health journal has found. The scholars analysed 57 studies into daily steps recorded by devices like smart watches and fitness trackers published over the decade to 2025. They discovered taking 7000 steps a day lowered the risk of early death by up to 47 per cent compared to taking only 2000 per day. Step counts were weighed against various mortality factors, such as heart disease, cancer, falls, diabetes and depression. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the study authors concluded. While there were still benefits to walking more, these were small. "But 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active," the researchers concluded in their article, "Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis". They also pointed out lower step counts were still useful for staying healthy for longer. "For example, 4000 steps per day compared with 2000 steps per day was associated with substantial risk reduction, such as a 36 per cent lower risk in all-cause mortality," they wrote. It is hoped the study, which Sydney university described as "the largest and most comprehensive review" of available data to date, will help contribute to Australian public health guidelines for healthy living and exercise. "We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes - including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and depressive symptoms," Professor Melody Ding from the university's School of Public Health said. The researchers said future studies should look at step count guides for different age groups, health and regions. The study was published on July 24. If you pace the living room or work corridors to get your daily step count to 10,000, it might be time to put up your feet and relax. A new study reveals people need to take far fewer steps for roughly the same health benefits. Just 7000 steps a day will likely do the job, the University of Sydney-led research published in The Lancet Public Health journal has found. The scholars analysed 57 studies into daily steps recorded by devices like smart watches and fitness trackers published over the decade to 2025. They discovered taking 7000 steps a day lowered the risk of early death by up to 47 per cent compared to taking only 2000 per day. Step counts were weighed against various mortality factors, such as heart disease, cancer, falls, diabetes and depression. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the study authors concluded. While there were still benefits to walking more, these were small. "But 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active," the researchers concluded in their article, "Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis". They also pointed out lower step counts were still useful for staying healthy for longer. "For example, 4000 steps per day compared with 2000 steps per day was associated with substantial risk reduction, such as a 36 per cent lower risk in all-cause mortality," they wrote. It is hoped the study, which Sydney university described as "the largest and most comprehensive review" of available data to date, will help contribute to Australian public health guidelines for healthy living and exercise. "We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes - including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and depressive symptoms," Professor Melody Ding from the university's School of Public Health said. The researchers said future studies should look at step count guides for different age groups, health and regions. The study was published on July 24. If you pace the living room or work corridors to get your daily step count to 10,000, it might be time to put up your feet and relax. A new study reveals people need to take far fewer steps for roughly the same health benefits. Just 7000 steps a day will likely do the job, the University of Sydney-led research published in The Lancet Public Health journal has found. The scholars analysed 57 studies into daily steps recorded by devices like smart watches and fitness trackers published over the decade to 2025. They discovered taking 7000 steps a day lowered the risk of early death by up to 47 per cent compared to taking only 2000 per day. Step counts were weighed against various mortality factors, such as heart disease, cancer, falls, diabetes and depression. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the study authors concluded. While there were still benefits to walking more, these were small. "But 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active," the researchers concluded in their article, "Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis". They also pointed out lower step counts were still useful for staying healthy for longer. "For example, 4000 steps per day compared with 2000 steps per day was associated with substantial risk reduction, such as a 36 per cent lower risk in all-cause mortality," they wrote. It is hoped the study, which Sydney university described as "the largest and most comprehensive review" of available data to date, will help contribute to Australian public health guidelines for healthy living and exercise. "We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes - including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and depressive symptoms," Professor Melody Ding from the university's School of Public Health said. The researchers said future studies should look at step count guides for different age groups, health and regions. The study was published on July 24. If you pace the living room or work corridors to get your daily step count to 10,000, it might be time to put up your feet and relax. A new study reveals people need to take far fewer steps for roughly the same health benefits. Just 7000 steps a day will likely do the job, the University of Sydney-led research published in The Lancet Public Health journal has found. The scholars analysed 57 studies into daily steps recorded by devices like smart watches and fitness trackers published over the decade to 2025. They discovered taking 7000 steps a day lowered the risk of early death by up to 47 per cent compared to taking only 2000 per day. Step counts were weighed against various mortality factors, such as heart disease, cancer, falls, diabetes and depression. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the study authors concluded. While there were still benefits to walking more, these were small. "But 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active," the researchers concluded in their article, "Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis". They also pointed out lower step counts were still useful for staying healthy for longer. "For example, 4000 steps per day compared with 2000 steps per day was associated with substantial risk reduction, such as a 36 per cent lower risk in all-cause mortality," they wrote. It is hoped the study, which Sydney university described as "the largest and most comprehensive review" of available data to date, will help contribute to Australian public health guidelines for healthy living and exercise. "We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes - including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and depressive symptoms," Professor Melody Ding from the university's School of Public Health said. The researchers said future studies should look at step count guides for different age groups, health and regions. The study was published on July 24.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Could cannabis and psychedelics help treat eating disorders?
An international survey into non-prescribed drug use has made a surprising link between cannabis, psychedelics and treating eating disorders. The Australian-led survey of 7600 self-selected respondents across 83 countries has revealed that cannabis and some psychedelic drugs, including 'magic mushrooms' and LSD, were the most effective among self-medicated, non-prescription drugs for alleviating symptoms associated with illnesses including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating. Published in JAMA Network Open this week, the research has been led by PhD student Sarah-Catherine Rodan at the University of Sydney's Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. Professor Iain McGregor, academic director of the Lambert Initiative, is senior author on the paper. About 1 million Australians live with an eating disorder, and almost one-third of adolescents in this country engage in disordered eating in any given year, according to National Eating Disorders Collaboration. They are notoriously difficult to treat and, according to the Butterfly Foundation, have the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric disorders. Rodan says the study found that beyond cannabis's reputation for stimulating appetite, it offered a variety of potential benefits to users suffering from illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Loading 'Cannabis has mood-elevating, anxiety-reducing gastroprotective and anti-nausea properties,' she says. 'Patients with avoidant/restrictive feeding intake disorder and anorexia nervosa report symptoms of anxiety and related abdominal pain and nausea, which can reduce appetite and exacerbate disordered eating. 'Cannabis also has anxiolytic properties and may reduce food-related anxiety and guilt.' The survey also investigated ways participants were ingesting drugs, which affected the positive or negative outcomes.
