Latest news with #NatureMedicine
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Research Links Microplastics to Brain Health — Echo's Whole Home Filter Provides Protection
Echo's Advanced Filtration System Tackles Microplastic Contamination at the Source SALT LAKE CITY, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As alarming new research reveals microplastics accumulating in the human brain—especially in individuals with dementia—Echo is offering a practical solution that starts at the tap: advanced filtration technology designed to reduce harmful contaminants, including microplastics. A recent study in Nature Medicine (2025) found significant levels of microplastics in the brain tissue of 52 deceased individuals. On average, each brain contained approximately 7 grams of plastic—roughly the weight of a plastic spoon. Individuals with dementia had up to three times more microplastics than those without cognitive decline. Most concerning, the study shows microplastic levels in brain tissue have increased by 50% since 2016, raising urgent questions about long-term effects on brain health and cognitive function. "Microplastics are no longer just an environmental concern—they're showing up in our bodies, likely contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, and possibly even neurological damage," said Dr. Tyler W. LeBaron, MSc., Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute. "While we can't control all environmental factors, improving water quality is one of the most immediate and effective steps we can take. Thanks to advances in filtration technology, we now can reduce exposure to these invisible contaminants and protect our health for the long term." Given the growing body of evidence surrounding microplastic exposure, Echo has developed solutions that go beyond just drinking water—protecting your entire household from these harmful contaminants. Echo Pure™ Whole Home Water Filter The Echo Pure Whole Home Water Filter is a state-of-the-art, five-stage filtration system designed to deliver clean, contaminant-free water to every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in your home. This advanced system combines KDF-55 and KDF-85 with catalytic carbon to remove a wide range of contaminants, including microplastics, chlorine, chloramine, bacteria, viruses, PFAS, lead, and fluoride. Its innovative reticulated foam design ensures consistent contact with the filtration media, preventing channeling and maintaining optimal purification. Built with a durable fiberglass tank, the Echo Pure™ system is engineered for long-term performance, capable of filtering up to 1 million gallons of water, and backed by a 10-year warranty—offering families peace of mind with every drop. "Many people focus on the water they drink, but they often overlook the water they bathe in, the steam they breathe, and what their skin absorbs every day," said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. "That's why whole-home filtration is so important—it's about protecting your health on all fronts. What's more, emerging research shows that hydrogen—already known for its health benefits—may also help the body to break down microplastics. It's exciting to see hydrogen technology contributing to solving one of the world's most pressing environmental issues." Echo is dedicated to providing clean, hydrogen-enriched water that promotes whole-body health. With over a decade of innovation and a focus on science-backed wellness, Echo is leading the way in functional water technology. To learn more about Echo's Whole Home Water Filter and the science behind cleaner, healthier water, visit About Echo Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people unlock and sustain peak performance by transforming water into a clean source of cellular support. From advanced home water systems to portable wellness solutions, Echo works with the body to promote internal balance, resilience, and consistent energy. Backed by peer-reviewed science, trusted by health experts, and engineered for everyday living, Echo makes hydrogen health accessible, effective, and transformative. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Alex KoritzKORITZ Communications801-450-8005alex.k@
Business Wire
12 hours ago
- Health
- Business Wire
New Research Links Microplastics to Brain Health — Echo's Whole Home Filter Provides Protection
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As alarming new research reveals microplastics accumulating in the human brain—especially in individuals with dementia— Echo is offering a practical solution that starts at the tap: advanced filtration technology designed to reduce harmful contaminants, including microplastics. A recent study in Nature Medicine (2025) found significant levels of microplastics in the brain tissue of 52 deceased individuals. On average, each brain contained approximately 7 grams of plastic—roughly the weight of a plastic spoon. Individuals with dementia had up to three times more microplastics than those without cognitive decline. Most concerning, the study shows microplastic levels in brain tissue have increased by 50% since 2016, raising urgent questions about long-term effects on brain health and cognitive function. 'Microplastics are no longer just an environmental concern—they're showing up in our bodies, likely contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, and possibly even neurological damage,' said Dr. Tyler W. LeBaron, MSc., Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute. 'While we can't control all environmental factors, improving water quality is one of the most immediate and effective steps we can take. Thanks to advances in filtration technology, we now can reduce exposure to these invisible contaminants and protect our health for the long term.' Given the growing body of evidence surrounding microplastic exposure, Echo has developed solutions that go beyond just drinking water—protecting your entire household from these harmful contaminants. Echo Pure™ Whole Home Water Filter The Echo Pure Whole Home Water Filter is a state-of-the-art, five-stage filtration system designed to deliver clean, contaminant-free water to every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in your home. This advanced system combines KDF-55 and KDF-85 with catalytic carbon to remove a wide range of contaminants, including microplastics, chlorine, chloramine, bacteria, viruses, PFAS, lead, and fluoride. Its innovative reticulated foam design ensures consistent contact with the filtration media, preventing channeling and maintaining optimal purification. Built with a durable fiberglass tank, the Echo Pure™ system is engineered for long-term performance, capable of filtering up to 1 million gallons of water, and backed by a 10-year warranty—offering families peace of mind with every drop. 'Many people focus on the water they drink, but they often overlook the water they bathe in, the steam they breathe, and what their skin absorbs every day,' said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. 'That's why whole-home filtration is so important—it's about protecting your health on all fronts. What's more, emerging research shows that hydrogen—already known for its health benefits—may also help the body to break down microplastics. It's exciting to see hydrogen technology contributing to solving one of the world's most pressing environmental issues.' Echo is dedicated to providing clean, hydrogen-enriched water that promotes whole-body health. With over a decade of innovation and a focus on science-backed wellness, Echo is leading the way in functional water technology. To learn more about Echo's Whole Home Water Filter and the science behind cleaner, healthier water, visit About Echo Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people unlock and sustain peak performance by transforming water into a clean source of cellular support. From advanced home water systems to portable wellness solutions, Echo works with the body to promote internal balance, resilience, and consistent energy. Backed by peer-reviewed science, trusted by health experts, and engineered for everyday living, Echo makes hydrogen health accessible, effective, and transformative. For more information, visit
Cision Canada
14 hours ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Geneseeq's Breakthrough Cancer Detection Blood Test Published in Nature Medicine
Large-Scale Study Confirms CanScan ® Test Accurately Detects Early-Stage Cancers From a Simple Blood Draw TORONTO, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Geneseeq is proud to announce the publication of results from its large-scale multi-cancer early detection (MCED) study in Nature Medicine, one of the world's leading peer-reviewed medical journals. The publication presents findings from the DECIPHE-Omnia Study (Detecting Early Cancer by Inspecting ctDNA Features), a landmark effort evaluating CanScan ®, Geneseeq's advanced blood-based test for early cancer detection. Innovation Behind CanScan ® CanScan ® is a non-invasive blood test powered by AI-driven whole-genome sequencing. It analyzes subtle cancer-specific changes in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using Geneseeq's proprietary MERCURY TM Technology. By integrating fragmentomics, genomic, and epigenomic features, the test identifies whether a cancer signal is present and accurately predicts the tissue of origin (TOO). In 2023, CanScan ® received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. FDA. A New Way to Catch Cancer Early Unlike traditional cancer screening tools that are limited to one type of cancer and often involve invasive procedures, CanScan ® offers a convenient, comprehensive solution: a single blood test that screens for more than a dozen cancers at once. In the study: CanScan ® detected early-stage cancers with high accuracy Identified cases missed by routine physical exams Produced a low false-positive rate, helping reduce unnecessary follow-ups "This study brings us closer to making routine multi-cancer screening a reality," said Dr. Yang Shao, CEO of Geneseeq. "Our vision is a future where a simple blood test can help save lives through earlier diagnosis." The Landmark DECIPHER-Omnia Study The DECIPHER-Omnia Study is a multi-phase clinical research program involving more than 8,000 participants to date across three stages: Test development and training using samples from cancer patients and healthy donors Independent clinical validation in a separate cohort A large-scale ongoing screening study in asymptomatic individuals aged 45–75 (the JINLING cohort) The newly published Nature Medicine paper presents interim findings from over 3,700 participants in the JINLING cohort. Key Interim Results: Specificity: 98.1% Sensitivity: 53.5% across all detected cancers; 62.1% for targeted cancer types Early-stage detection: 93% of confirmed cases were Stage 0, I, or II Positive Predictive Value (PPV): 25% — 10 times higher than standard screening (2.2%) Low false positives: Reduced unnecessary follow-up procedures Detection of missed cancers: CanScan ® identified 53.3% of cancers overlooked by standard screening Looking Ahead The JINLING cohort study has now successfully completed enrollment of its target 15,000 participants and is currently in the follow-up and data analysis phase. The complete dataset, along with ongoing monitoring, is expected to provide deeper insights into the real-world utility of CanScan ® for population-level cancer screening. Geneseeq Technology Inc. is a research-driven global leader in precision oncology, pioneering next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to transform cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Its portfolio includes comprehensive genomic profiling for all tumor types, cancer-specific panels, minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring, and multi-cancer early detection (MCED) solutions. Geneseeq has achieved several key regulatory milestones, including CE-IVD certification for its solid tumor and hematologic cancer panels, CE mark and FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its MCED test, CanScan ®, and NMPA approval for two NGS-based IVD kits in lung cancer, including tumor mutational burden (TMB) detection. With headquarters in Canada and China, Geneseeq operates CAP- and CLIA-certified laboratories and partners with hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide to advance precision medicine.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Shirley Ballas shares two-ingredient dinner she eats to stay slim
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has shared her thoughts on dieting while speaking on a podcast, revealing that she only eats once a day and follows a very simple meal plan Strictly Come Dancing's head honcho, Shirley Ballas, 64, has revealed her strict and much-debated diet plan to maintain her svelte figure. The 'Queen of Latin' dancer and TV star believes that after turning 60, it's 'impossible' to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, so she sticks to just one meal a day. During her chat with Grace Dent on the Comfort Eating podcast, Shirley explained her simple daily dinner: chicken flavoured with lemon. She mentioned that she usually forgoes any extra spices: "Just lemon chicken and then I cut it. But it's a hot chicken that has just been baked and that's what I have on Strictly. I have that every year, every week." On occasion, she'll add some rice to the mix. "I do intermittent fasting," she confessed. "I don't have anything in the morning and normally around lunch I'll have a juice, and then about 4 or 5pm my mother does a lovely meal.", reports Surrey Live. What is intermittent fasting? Popular amongst celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Carol Vorderman, intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern where you switch between eating and fasting periods. A study released this month indicates that fasting at specific times during the day for three months may be a solid approach for sustained weight management. Experts have discovered that overweight or obese individuals who limited their eating to an eight-hour "window" each day managed to lose weight and maintain the loss. The fresh research was unveiled at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga. The study's lead author, Dr Alba Camacho-Cardenosa from the University of Granada in Spain, stated: "Our study found that restricting the eating window to eight hours at any time of the day for three months can result in significant weight loss for at least a year. These benefits can be attributed to the 16-hour fasting window rather than the time of eating." A previous randomised controlled trial by the same team, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that limiting eating to eight hours per day reduced body weight and enhanced cardiometabolic health. Their most recent study examined the long-term effects over 12 months on 99 participants. They were divided into four groups for 12 weeks – eating within a 12-hour or longer window; limiting eating to an eight-hour window starting before 10am; limiting eating to an eight-hour window starting after 1pm; and allowing individuals to choose their own eight-hour window. All groups received advice on following a Mediterranean diet to promote healthier eating habits. The researchers recorded body weight, waist and hip measurements at the beginning of the trial, after the 12-week plan, and again 12 months later. The research discovered that while those consuming food over a 12-hour period or longer shed an average of 1.4kg, the groups with restricted eating times lost more, approximately 3kg to 4kg. Shirley's daily treat is quite simple, consisting of "one cup of coffee, in a china cup,' with 'a teaspoon of brandy, Coffee Mate and two brown sugars. That is the highlight of my day." She also occasionally enjoys a small slice of cake. As reported by the Daily Mail, Shirley has also dabbled with the controversial 'plant paradox' diet which limits certain vegetables. This diet advises against eating lectins – carbohydrate-binding proteins found in legumes like beans, lentils or chickpeas. However, detractors argue that restricting foods rich in lectin could lead to nutrient deficiencies, as these foods are packed with fibre, vitamins, and essential minerals. The Mayo Clinic emphasises that grains and legumes are 'a powerhouse of nutrients'. Both she and fellow Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse aim to get their five-a-day through juicing, with Shirley having two per day. She also takes part in an annual juice retreat, as revealed by the Daily Mail, named Juicy Oasis Portugal, where guests survive solely on juices for seven days. Since celebrating her 40th birthday, Shirley has been mindful of her diet, as reported by The Sun. Her rigorous approach to diet and exercise drew attention after she shed nearly 5kg in just one week in 2023. Additionally, she revealed to the Daily Mail that she commits to a yearly weight-loss regimen ahead of the show's premiere. Shirley has spoken candidly about the biting comments she's faced throughout her illustrious dancing career and their impact on her self-image: 'I've constantly had people tell me I needed to be thinner or that I had to look a certain way. Comments throughout my life have always stuck with me and in the past, they've made me feel conscious of how I look. Sadly I thought that validation from others was necessary. '. However, she has since learned to focus on self-validation. "I'm proud of myself and pleased with how I look. I feel good in my own skin. ".
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The ‘plastic spoon' of microplastics in your brain could stem from these foods that are wrecking your health, researchers say
Earlier this year, scientists discovered that there is about as much microplastics in the brain as a whole plastic spoon. The paper, published in Nature Medicine in February, revealed that the amount of microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—in the human brain appears to be increasing: Concentrations rose by about 50% between 2016 and 2024. Not only were there more microplastics in the brain than in liver or kidney tissue, but microplastic concentrations were higher in the brains of dementia patients than in those without it. Now, scientists are examining the effect on brain health of microplastics and one of the largest sources of microplastics: ultra-processed foods (UPFs). In a series of four papers published in the journal Brain Medicine, researchers synthesize mounting evidence that microplastics accumulating in the brain—especially those from UPFs—could be contributing to rising global rates of dementia, depression, and other mental health disorders. 'We're seeing converging evidence that should concern us all,' said co-author of one of the papers, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa, in the press release. 'Ultra-processed foods now comprise more than 50% of energy intake in countries like the United States, and these foods contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods,' Fabiano said. 'Recent findings show these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in alarming quantities.' The researchers consolidate the science linking UPF consumption with adverse mental health, and how that overlaps with microplastic accumulation in the brain. For instance, they cite a 2024 umbrella review published in the British Medical Journal which found that people who consumed ultra-processed foods had a 22% higher risk of depression, 48% higher risk of anxiety, and 41% higher risk of poor sleep. In the papers, the researchers hypothesize that microplastics could be the missing link in UPFs' impact on brain health, by connecting it to data such as UPFs like chicken nuggets contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts—highlighting how processing could increase microplastic content. 'Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems. Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways,' said Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University's Food & Mood Center in Australia. Microplastics can increase inflammation in the brain as they cross the blood-brain barrier, as a 2023 study on mice found, which can put people at risk of neurological disease and degeneration, including Alzheimer's. 'What emerges from this work is not a warning. It is a reckoning,' wrote Dr. Ma-Li Wong, professor of neuroscience at Upstate Medical University in New York. 'The boundary between internal and external has failed. If microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier, what else do we think remains sacred?' Researchers are now looking to understand to what extent ultra-processed foods are responsible for adverse brain health outcomes, and what to do about it. The authors propose the development of a Dietary Microplastic Index, which would quantify people's exposure through food consumption. 'While we need to reduce our exposure to microplastics through better food choices and packaging alternatives, we also need research into how to remove these particles from the human body,' noted Dr. Stefan Bornstein in his paper. One of those potential methods, Bornstein proposes, is apheresis, a process of removing blood from the body and filtering out the microplastics—but he points out that more research is still needed. 'As the levels of ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and adverse mental health outcomes simultaneously rise, it is imperative that we further investigate this potential association,' said Fabiano. 'After all, you are what you eat.' For more on microplastics: Microplastics are everywhere. Here are 5 ways to reduce your exposure Chewing gum is shedding harmful microplastics into your saliva, study finds Tea bags and these 11 foods are likely exposing you to billions of microplastics This story was originally featured on
