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India.com
27-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
What is Aspergillus? The deadly fungus spreading rapidly and can eat humans 'inside out'
An increase in global temperatures might result in the Aspergillus fungus that causes many annual deaths affecting greater areas, the new research reveals. Many types of Aspergillus spread in the world and can infect people, pets and plants, as scientists at Manchester University explain. According to both The Lancet and CNN, the study is being reviewed at present by a group of international experts. What is Aspergillus? In many parts of the globe, Aspergillus is recognised as a common group of fungi. It causes aspergillosis, which can be fatal, and primarily affect the lungs. Researchers used several types of modelling and forecasting techniques to track where Aspergillus would spread in the future. As part of the research, scientists found that there were specific Aspergillus species that will expand in the future as the climate crisis intensifies. These species will expand into new parts of Canada, the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia. In comparison, viruses and parasites have received more attention from researchers than fungi, says Norman Van Rijn, one of the authors of the study. He predicts these are expected to impact the major areas of the world. Why is this infection so deadly and who is at risk? An estimated figure is that fungal infections every year claim the lives of more than 2.5 million individuals. It's possible the number is even higher since not all data is available. As with many fungi, Aspergillus appears in soils as tiny filamentous structures. Subsequently, they create many spores that travel with the air. Every day, humans take in these air pollutants. Usually, most people do not have any issues with their health because their immune system can deal with most threats. That's different for individuals suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis or COPD. Patients who have had cancer or organ transplants are high at risk due to weakened immune system. According to Van Rijn, if your immune system can't get rid of the spores, the fungus begins to grow. 'The fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,' van Rijn said. Aspergillus flavus, which favours hot and tropical places, could see its range grow by 16% if we keep relying on fossil fuels, according to the study. Candida species can cause really serious infections and are still resistant to some drugs. For this reason, the infection can spread among a wide range of food crops, making it a serious problem for food security too.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Aspergillus, the fungus that can eat you from the inside out, is spreading—here's why
A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester highlights how climate change is driving the expansion of harmful fungi across the globe, raising concerns for both public health and food security. Fungi are a vast kingdom of organisms, from mold to mushrooms, found in environments like soil, compost, and water. They play important roles in ecosystems but can also impact human health: fungal infections are estimated to kill 2.5 million people annually, though the actual number may be even higher due to data gaps. Despite their impact, fungi remain under-researched, and scientists are only beginning to understand how these highly adaptable organisms will respond to a warming climate. A team from Manchester University used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the potential future spread of Aspergillus, a common fungal group found worldwide that can cause aspergillosis, a disease that mainly affects the lungs. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, predicts that certain Aspergillus species will expand their range as temperatures rise, moving into parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Growing awareness of fungal infections 'Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,' said Norman van Rijn, one of the study's authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester. Public interest in fungal infections has grown recently thanks to the HBO television drama 'The Last of Us,' which imagines a world overrun by a mutant fungus. 'It's fiction,' van Rijn said, 'but he hopes it will raise the profile of fungal infections that are killing millions in reality.' The study found that two species—Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus—are expected to find new habitats in parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and northern Asia by 2100. Conversely, some regions in South America, Africa, and Australia could become too hot to support these fungi, highlighting the complex effects of climate change. Risks to people with weakened immune systems Aspergillus fungi grow like small filaments in soil and release large numbers of tiny spores into the air. While most people inhale these spores without issue, those with lung conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems due to cancer, organ transplants, or severe flu or COVID-19, are more vulnerable. If the immune system cannot clear the spores, the fungus can grow inside the body. 'The fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,' van Rijn said. Aspergillosis has high mortality rates—around 20% to 40%—and is difficult to diagnose. Patients often show symptoms like fever and cough, which can be mistaken for other illnesses. Fungal pathogens are also becoming increasingly resistant to treatment, van Rijn added, noting that there are only four classes of antifungal medicines available. How is climate change responsible? This poses challenges as Aspergillus spreads into new regions. The study found that Aspergillus flavus, which thrives in hotter climates, could expand its reach by 16% if fossil fuel consumption continues at high levels. This species is also resistant to many antifungal medications and can infect crops, creating potential threats to food security. The World Health Organization added Aspergillus flavus to its critical group of fungal pathogens in 2022 because of its public health impact and antifungal resistance risk. Meanwhile, Aspergillus fumigatus, which prefers more temperate climates, is predicted to spread northwards as global temperatures rise, potentially increasing by 77.5% by 2100 and exposing 9 million people in Europe. In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, temperatures may become too hot for Aspergillus to thrive, which could affect ecosystem health because fungi contribute to soil stability. A warming world could help fungi adapt As the planet warms, fungi may also adapt by developing greater temperature tolerance, making them more capable of surviving inside human bodies. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, can also help fungi spread their spores over long distances. Despite the serious nature of aspergillosis, data on where Aspergillus is in the environment and how many people are infected remain limited. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thousands tackle diabetes risk using NHS scheme of exercise and healthy eating
Thousands of people in England last year took action to avoid developing type 2 diabetes thanks to an NHS initiative, data suggests. The NHS Healthier You Programme is a nine-month scheme that aims to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by giving people personalised support on healthy eating and keeping active. Completing the initiative could slash the risk of developing the condition by 37%, according to researchers at Manchester University. Last year, a record 166,360 adults in England starting using the programme, NHS England said. The latest figures mean more than 900,000 adults with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes have used the scheme for support since its launch in 2016. Type 2 diabetes happens when a person does not make enough of the hormone insulin, or it does not work properly, leading to high blood sugar which can cause complications if left untreated. Ethnic background, activity levels and family history can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, although obesity poses the greatest risk. Symptoms include feeling very tired, thirst, and urinating more than usual. The health minister, Ashley Dalton, said: 'We know that prevention is better than treatment, and that tackling the root causes of type 2 diabetes, such as obesity and inactivity, is one of the keys to tackling cardiovascular-related illness. 'It is great to see so many people engaging in this successful programme, which is making a real difference in reducing an individual's type 2 diabetes risk through small, everyday, lifestyle changes.' It is estimated that about 4.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. The condition costs the health service about £10.7 billion a year. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, said: 'Millions of people in the UK are living with prediabetes, which means they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 'Ensuring those at risk get the care and treatment they need is absolutely critical, as it will lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and its devastating complications. 'The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme has a vitally important part to play in stemming the rise in type 2 diabetes and it's encouraging to see more people accessing this life-changing support.' Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said: 'Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing type 2 diabetes – and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives. 'Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable, but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The 'know you risk' online tool is a quick and easy way of calculating your chance of getting type 2 diabetes or you can always speak with your GP.'
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Thousands tackle diabetes risk using NHS scheme of exercise and healthy eating
The NHS Healthier You Programme is a nine-month scheme that aims to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by giving people personalised support on healthy eating and keeping active. Completing the initiative could slash the risk of developing the condition by 37%, according to researchers at Manchester University. Last year, a record 166,360 adults in England starting using the programme, NHS England said. The latest figures mean more than 900,000 adults with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes have used the scheme for support since its launch in 2016. Type 2 diabetes happens when a person does not make enough of the hormone insulin, or it does not work properly, leading to high blood sugar which can cause complications if left untreated. Ethnic background, activity levels and family history can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, although obesity poses the greatest risk. Symptoms include feeling very tired, thirst, and urinating more than usual. The health minister, Ashley Dalton, said: 'We know that prevention is better than treatment, and that tackling the root causes of type 2 diabetes, such as obesity and inactivity, is one of the keys to tackling cardiovascular-related illness. 'It is great to see so many people engaging in this successful programme, which is making a real difference in reducing an individual's type 2 diabetes risk through small, everyday, lifestyle changes.' It is estimated that about 4.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. The condition costs the health service about £10.7 billion a year. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, said: 'Millions of people in the UK are living with prediabetes, which means they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 'Ensuring those at risk get the care and treatment they need is absolutely critical, as it will lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and its devastating complications. 'The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme has a vitally important part to play in stemming the rise in type 2 diabetes and it's encouraging to see more people accessing this life-changing support.' Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said: 'Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing type 2 diabetes – and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives. 'Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable, but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The 'know you risk' online tool is a quick and easy way of calculating your chance of getting type 2 diabetes or you can always speak with your GP.'
Rhyl Journal
27-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Thousands tackle diabetes risk using NHS scheme of exercise and healthy eating
The NHS Healthier You Programme is a nine-month scheme that aims to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by giving people personalised support on healthy eating and keeping active. Completing the initiative could slash the risk of developing the condition by 37%, according to researchers at Manchester University. Last year, a record 166,360 adults in England starting using the programme, NHS England said. The latest figures mean more than 900,000 adults with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes have used the scheme for support since its launch in 2016. Type 2 diabetes happens when a person does not make enough of the hormone insulin, or it does not work properly, leading to high blood sugar which can cause complications if left untreated. Ethnic background, activity levels and family history can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, although obesity poses the greatest risk. Symptoms include feeling very tired, thirst, and urinating more than usual. The health minister, Ashley Dalton, said: 'We know that prevention is better than treatment, and that tackling the root causes of type 2 diabetes, such as obesity and inactivity, is one of the keys to tackling cardiovascular-related illness. 'It is great to see so many people engaging in this successful programme, which is making a real difference in reducing an individual's type 2 diabetes risk through small, everyday, lifestyle changes.' It is estimated that about 4.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. The condition costs the health service about £10.7 billion a year. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, said: 'Millions of people in the UK are living with prediabetes, which means they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 'Ensuring those at risk get the care and treatment they need is absolutely critical, as it will lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and its devastating complications. 'The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme has a vitally important part to play in stemming the rise in type 2 diabetes and it's encouraging to see more people accessing this life-changing support.' Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said: 'Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing type 2 diabetes – and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives. 'Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable, but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The 'know you risk' online tool is a quick and easy way of calculating your chance of getting type 2 diabetes or you can always speak with your GP.'
