Latest news with #Harvard-led
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Are your French fries really ‘cancer sticks in disguise'?
Are your French fries really 'cancer sticks in disguise'? A Harvard-led study finds eating French fries regularly is linked to higher diabetes risk, adding to years of research on obesity, mortality, and acrylamide. Experts say moderation matters, but the science shows why fries aren't just harmless comfort food
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
From fear to heart failure: Stalked women face 40% higher heart health risk
A 20-year Harvard-led study finds experiencing stalking and obtaining restraining orders linked to sharply higher heart disease and stroke risk in women New Delhi Stalking is not only a violation of safety and dignity, it may also pose a serious threat to women's long-term heart health, revealed a recent study. What did the study find? Published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, the study, titled 'Experiences of Stalking and Obtaining a Restraining Order Are Associated With Onset of Cardiovascular Events in Women: A Prospective Analysis in the Nurses' Health Study II', found that women who have been stalked face a 41 per cent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The study highlighted that for women who obtained a restraining order, often a marker of severe and sustained violence, the risk increased by 70 per cent. Led by US-based researchers, the study analysed 20 years of data from 66,270 women, average age 46, identifying stalking as a serious yet often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks and strokes. The risks stayed high even after accounting for factors like smoking, BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure, childhood abuse, and depression. Why would stalking affect the heart? The study reveals, stalking may not always involve physical harm, but it can cause chronic psychological distress such as fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance that disrupts the nervous system, damages blood vessel function, and triggers harmful stress responses. Over time, these biological and behavioural effects can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Restraining orders and higher health risks A restraining order is a legal document designed to keep a perpetrator away from the victim. According to the study, while it can help prevent further violence, obtaining one often means the person has already faced severe and sustained harassment or abuse, experiences that can leave long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. The study authors emphasised that stalking is often seen as less serious but can be chronic and damaging. According to them, experts urge women to seek both legal protection and medical care. If you have a history of stalking or severe harassment, it's important to monitor heart health regularly, manage stress, and get support from counselling or advocacy services. Prevention, early intervention, and raising awareness can help reduce both violence and its long-term health consequences. 'Overall, our findings highlight the urgent need to consider violence against women, a prevalent yet underexplored risk factor for CVD, in understanding women's health and orienting priorities for public health interventions,' the researchers said in the study. Why is the research important?
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study reveals the longevity diet that can add healthy years to your life, even if you start in your 40s
Harvard researchers tracked over 100,000 people for 30 years and found that midlife diet choices impact long-term wellness. Those prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes were more likely to avoid disease and stay mentally and physically fit into their 70s. The study reinforces the powerful role of diet in promoting longevity—even when started after age 40. A Harvard study published in Nature Medicine reveals that switching to a plant-based diet in midlife can significantly improve your chances of aging healthily. (Image: iStock) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The 70-Year-Olds With No Chronic Illness: What's Their Secret? The Diet That Makes the Difference Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads It's Never Too Late to Eat Right If you've spent your younger years indulging in processed snacks, sugary drinks, and the occasional red meat binge, don't despair just yet. A new Harvard-led study published in Nature Medicine reveals that switching to a healthier, plant-based diet — even in your 40s or 50s — can dramatically boost your chances of aging gracefully and living per a report from CNBC Make It, the study, which tracked the dietary habits and health outcomes of over 105,000 individuals between the ages of 39 and 69 for three decades, offers new hope for those seeking a late-life health revival. It shows that midlife dietary changes can still play a critical role in shaping not just how long we live, but how well we defined 'healthy agers' as individuals who, by age 70 or older, remained free of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and displayed strong cognitive, mental, and physical health. Participants who followed more wholesome, nutrient-rich eating habits were significantly more likely to join that elite to Harvard Health Publishing , those with the highest adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) — a scoring system developed by Harvard to measure diet quality — had an 86% greater likelihood of reaching age 70 in good health. Even more striking, their chances of aging well at 75 more than doubled compared to those with the lowest restrictive fad diets, the AHEI emphasizes a balanced and sustainable approach. The diet encourages generous consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, unsaturated fats, and low-fat dairy in moderation. On the flip side, it recommends limiting or avoiding sugary drinks, processed meats, trans fats, sodium, and red meats.'Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may enhance overall healthy aging , guiding future dietary guidelines,' the study makes this study especially encouraging is its timing. Many people in their 40s and 50s assume it's too late to make a difference — that their earlier choices have locked in their fate. But this research proves otherwise. Making a shift toward plant-forward meals now could mean more than just an extra few years — it could mean an older age free of disease, full of vitality, and rich in mental if you're contemplating that leafy green salad or finally adding quinoa to your pantry, take this as your cue. Your future self — still sharp, strong, and vibrant at 75 — just might thank you for it.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Harvard to court: Trump administration cut research grants over politics, urges judge to restore funding
Harvard alleges White House retaliation in $2.6 billion federal research grant cuts Harvard University on Monday asked a federal judge to grant summary judgment in its lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, arguing that the White House illegally and politically motivated the cancellation of billions of dollars in federal research grants. The University contends that the Trump administration's actions violate federal law and the First Amendment, and that the cuts were part of a broader campaign to punish the institution for resisting government demands. The legal filing, submitted ahead of a key September deadline, urges the court to act swiftly before the university permanently loses access to the frozen funds. Harvard stated that it must liquidate all financial obligations under the canceled grants by September 3, 2025. After that, the government is likely to argue that it cannot reinstate the funding, making a quick ruling essential. White House-directed cuts despite agency concerns According to a 62-page court filing reviewed by The Harvard Crimson, Harvard's attorneys argued that the cuts were imposed under White House direction, bypassing the objections of federal agencies. The university cited internal emails, agency memos, and sworn declarations that, for the first time publicly, revealed how termination letters were reviewed by the White House and how agencies were given strict deadlines to halt grant activity. Harvard's legal team claimed in the filing that agencies were forced to issue "boilerplate termination letters" under "arbitrary deadlines" despite internal warnings about national security and scientific damage. In one instance, the Department of Defense canceled a Harvard-led project focused on detecting biological threats, even after Pentagon staff warned it posed "grave and immediate harm to national security. " As reported by The Harvard Crimson, a Defense Department official described the canceled project as a "leap-ahead capability" and noted that Harvard's team was "top performing" in the field. The official's plea to preserve the research was ultimately overruled by the Secretary of Defense, according to Harvard's filing. Retaliation claim follows rejection of government demands The lawsuit stems from an April 21, 2025 action by Harvard, which came after the federal government imposed a $2.2 billion freeze in research grants. That freeze followed Harvard's public refusal to comply with a series of White House demands, including a crackdown on campus protests, dismantling diversity programming, and altering hiring and admissions policies. Since then, the Trump administration has canceled an additional $450 million in grants and disqualified the university from future federal funding. Harvard declined to seek a temporary injunction but instead requested a fast-track resolution. "The necessity of an injunction is demonstrated by the Government's continued attempt to punish Harvard during the pendency of this case by whatever mechanisms it can," Harvard's attorneys wrote, as reported by The Harvard Crimson. Antisemitism cited publicly, but Harvard points to reforms Federal officials have cited campus antisemitism and ideological bias as reasons for the funding cuts. However, Harvard countered that it had already taken disciplinary action, restricted protest activity, pledged a viewpoint diversity initiative, and released a 311-page task force report. According to The Harvard Crimson, Harvard has required each of its schools to submit an "action plan" by June 2025 to address the report's findings. In a parallel case, Harvard is also suing the Department of Homeland Security over efforts to revoke its ability to host international students—threatening the legal status of nearly 7,000 students. That lawsuit remains active following a court-ordered temporary block. President Trump appeared to reference the dispute directly, telling reporters on May 28, "Every time they fight, they lose another $250 million… Harvard wants to fight. They want to show how smart they are and they're getting their ass kicked," as quoted by The Harvard Crimson. Harvard cited the remark in its court filing as further evidence of retaliation. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
CNN
06-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
What you eat in midlife affects how healthy you are at age 70, according to a new study
Summary Harvard-led research tracked over 100,000 Americans for decades to study diet's impact on healthy aging. Higher adherence to healthy food consumption classified by the researchers as similar to eight healthy diets increased likelihood of reaching 70 without chronic diseases. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and unsaturated fats were linked with healthy aging outcomes. Trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages and processed meats were associated with poorer health outcomes. Researchers recommend focusing on whole, minimally processed foods regardless of specific diet pattern followed.(CNN) — What does it take to reach age 70 and not have any chronic diseases? A team of researchers led by scientists from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sought to answer this question by following over 100,000 Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s for up to three decades. The results, published March 24 in the journal Nature Medicine, found that healthy diets earlier in life were associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging, even after accounting for other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and smoking status. I wanted to better understand which diets could lead to higher odds of healthy aging. How might these study findings affect people's nutrition choices during midlife and other periods in their lives? To learn more, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: How long did researchers spend looking at people's eating habits? What did they learn? Dr. Leana Wen: This is a longitudinal observational study, meaning that researchers followed the same group over time and studied self-reported habits and health outcomes. Researchers asked study participants for their nutrition habits over up to three decades, until they reached age 70. Participants regularly and extensively documented their food consumption, reporting how often they ate more than 130 different foods. The study team then classified the food consumption by measuring how close the consumption pattern was to eight types of healthy diets and to the consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed food. At the end of the study period three decades later, researchers found that 9,771 out of 105,015 participants, or about 9.3%, achieved what they defined as healthy aging, which is living to 70 years of age free of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, and not having cognitive, physical or mental health impairments. The study team found that for each of the eight healthy diets, higher adherence was associated with greater likelihood of healthy aging. In addition, the researchers found that higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, unsaturated fats and low-fat dairy products was linked with greater odds of healthy aging. On the other hand, higher consumption of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, and red or processed meats was associated with lower odds of healthy aging. In my view, this was a sound study that demonstrates quite convincingly that following a healthy diet earlier in life is a key factor involved in healthy aging. This research is consistent with other studies that have found people can gain years in life expectancy by eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts and avoiding sugary drinks and processed food. CNN: What are the eight types of diets that were included in this study? Wen: The study participants did not self-identify that they were following a particular diet. They reported their food consumption, and researchers correlated their long-term adherence to dietary patterns that are considered to be healthy. The eight diets were the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Alternative Mediterranean Index (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), the healthful plant-based diet (hPDI), the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), the empirically inflammatory dietary pattern (EDIP), and the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH). These diet patterns share numerous commonalities. For instance, aMED and MIND are based on the Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins and healthy fats. PHDI and hPDI maximize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. There are some differences — for example, DASH emphasizes reduced sodium, EDIP uses an inflammatory index for foods, and EDIH scores food by anticipated insulin secretion. CNN: How could these results affect people's nutrition choices during midlife? Wen: These findings should prompt people to think about a nutritious diet as a key component of healthy aging. When making nutrition choices, everyone should aim for whole foods that are minimally processed, such as leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. This study and others consistently show the benefits of nuts as well as legumes, such as beans and lentils. Fish and lean meat can also be part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, highly processed meats, such as deli cold cuts and fried chicken, are associated with worse health outcomes. CNN: What about younger individuals? Do their diet habits matter? Wen: This study examined dietary habits of people through their 40s, 50s and 60s. It didn't look at nutrition habits earlier in life. But based on other studies, it's reasonable to recommend that everyone, no matter their age, should aim for a healthy diet, while also keeping in mind that it's never too late to start developing healthier habits. CNN: It may be obvious, but what did the study suggest we should not be eating? Wen: While much of the focus of the study is on types of diet and food that are positively associated with healthy aging, there are also items that are negatively associated. Notably, these include sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas and fruit drinks with added sugar, as well as ultraprocessed foods and items with high levels of sodium and trans fats. Everyone can make a conscious effort to reduce their consumption of sodas, fruit drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages. They can also try to cut their consumption of ultraprocessed food, which has been linked in numerous other studies to higher risk of mortality. Looking at the packaging label is always a good way to assess whether the food may be ultraprocessed. If it has a long list of ingredients with many additives, the item is probably ultraprocessed and is best replaced with a similar food that has minimal processing. Labels can also provide information on levels of sodium and trans fats. All this said, I think we must also acknowledge the role of policy in helping people to make nutrition choices. In many communities, ultraprocessed food is cheaper and more readily accessible than fresh fruits and vegetables. Studies like this one can help make the case that optimizing people's diets and helping them to access nutritious food can reduce chronic disease, which is essential to ensuring a healthy workforce and reducing health care costs down the line. Policymakers should look at the important role that food has in determining people's well-being and help make the food environment one that is most conducive to long-term health.
