Latest news with #RossClark
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Drop-in sessions announced to see plans for new-look Larkhall Leisure Centre
There will be two opportunities to see the what the centre will look like. People will have an opportunity to see plans for the new-look Larkhall Leisure Centre which has been redesigned after pressure from community groups and councillors. Elected members including Larkhall councillors Ross Clark (SNP) and Tory counterpart Richard Nelson spearheaded a campaign on behalf of organisations including the Larkhall Pickleball Group following fears that the first plans for the new facility would not have space to accommodate them and they would have to travel across the area to play their favourite sport. In February, the council approved an additional £3.85 million towards the new project to increase the games hall provision within the new facility. This was in response to feedback received from the community regarding the lack of a games hall within the initial proposed plans. The design team have now re-developed the proposed plans, and these will be on display during two community 'drop-in' sessions within the current Larkhall Leisure Centre, on the following dates: Friday, June 13, from 10am- 2pm Wednesday, June 18, from 3pm- 7pm Council officers and the Holmes Miller architects will be on hand during these sessions to answer any questions anyone may have about the new state-of-the-art facility. Council Leader Joe Fagan has welcomed the change. He said: 'This additional commitment to the leisure centre shows we listen and react to what the local community tell us when we have the resources we need to meet the expectations of local people. 'The new Larkhall Leisure Centre will be the biggest investment in a stand-alone facility the council has built, outside of secondary schools. 'The current Larkhall Leisure Centre has held a special place in the heart of the Larkhall community for decades. 'The new facility will be a brand-new state-of the-art leisure centre which the community can be proud of, and which is fit for generations to come.' The total budget for the project now stands at £27.75 million. This includes council funding of £21.85 million, as well as City Deal, Shared Prosperity, Placed Based Investment and Regeneration Capital Grant funding. council's website. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Article continues below
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make disturbing discovery after analyzing stroke patients' arteries: 'We did not know that'
Plastic seems to end up in every nook and cranny known to humans, from the depths of the ocean to the stomachs of woodland creatures. As one surgeon discovered, there's a dangerous new addition to the list: our arteries. Ross Clark, a vascular surgeon and scientist at the University of New Mexico, led a study examining plaque buildups in the veins of people who had strokes. He found that samples from those individuals had over 50 times the amount of broken-down plastic particles in their carotid arteries than those of a non-stroke patient. Even people who had not suffered a stroke but had plaque were living with 16 times more plastic in their arteries, according to Down to Earth. Clark's findings suggest that microplastics and smaller nanoplastics can find their way into our bloodstreams and plaque blockages. Since the carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, anything that gets in the way can have life-changing and potentially fatal health impacts, such as strokes and heart attacks. The full findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions in April. The presence of microscopic bits of plastic flowing through our veins is alarming, to say the least. Karen L. Furie, chair of neurology at Brown University's medical school, was also surprised. "Up until this point, we have known that plaque components include elements of fat, calcium, fibrous tissue, inflammatory elements in the blood," she explained, per Down to Earth. "But we did not know that micronanoparticles of plastic might be associated with atheromas [plaques]." Beyond the normal dangers of plaque buildups, Clark and his team suspect the plastic particles may mess with the immune responses of certain anti-inflammatory genes. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The findings also showcase the extent of the world's plastic problem, which wreaks havoc on all kinds of ecosystems. Products cover the Earth that will degrade into particles less than one-hundredth the size of a human hair, Down to Earth explained. There are tons of ways to pitch in to reduce plastic pollution, from upgrading your personal belongings to supporting businesses that do the right thing when it comes to plastic. As for keeping our arteries safe, the researchers have their work cut out for them. Further studies will be needed to understand what's going on behind the scenes, from how plastic gets in our bodies to whether it is a cause of artery disease or just a related symptom. Clark and his team are already refining their process for sifting out other particles and identifying plastics. "Now that we are aware of the presence of these materials in atherosclerotic plaques, the next steps will be to investigate what exactly they are doing there (if anything)," he told Down to Earth. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Associated Press
23-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Micronanoplastics found in artery-clogging plaque in the neck
Research Highlights Embargoed until 6 p.m. ET, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - April 22, 2025 - BALTIMORE — People with plaque in the blood vessels of their neck have a higher amount of tiny plastic particles in those vessels compared to people with healthy arteries. This increase was significantly higher in people who had experienced a stroke, mini-stroke or temporary loss of vision due to clogged blood vessels, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions: From Genes to Medicine, April 22–25 in Baltimore. Micronanoplastics are tiny pieces of plastic created in industrial processes or from larger plastic objects as they degrade in the ocean or the soil. Micronanoplastics are not uniform in size and are a mixture of micro and nano plastic sizes. While microplastics are sometimes visible at less than 5 millimeters in size (5 millimeters is the size of a pencil's eraser), nanoplastics are microscopic (invisible to the naked eye), less than 1,000 nanometers across. This makes them more easily dispersed and able to penetrate cells and tissues in living organisms. Researchers suggest that terminology should gradually transition to nanoplastics because that is more precisely what is being studied. 'These types of plastics are commonly found in the environment, especially in ocean garbage patches. Over many years, these plastics break down, mix into the soil and water, and can build up in the food chain,' said lead study author Ross Clark, M.D., M.B.A., R.P.V.I., a vascular surgeon-scientist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. 'Many people think that micro and nanoplastics mainly come from using plastic utensils, cutting boards, packaging, water bottles and other plastic items. However, the main source is the food and water we eat and drink.' In 2024, researchers in Italy reported finding micronanoplastics in plaque from some people without symptoms who underwent surgery to remove carotid artery plaque. Symptoms caused by carotid plaque buildup may include stroke, mini-stroke or temporary blindness. Followed for almost three years after surgery, people with micronanoplastics in their carotid plaque were significantly more likely to die or to have a non-fatal heart attack or stroke. The current study, which included fewer than 50 participants, was built on the previous research conducted in Italy. Researchers compared the levels of micronanoplastics found in the carotid arteries of three groups: people with healthy arteries; those with plaque but no symptoms; and those experiencing symptoms due to plaque buildup. Researchers also compared plaques with low and high plastic levels to assess the effects of micronanoplastics on markers of inflammation, the gene activity of immune cells called macrophages and stem cells that help stabilize plaque. The analysis found that the concentration of micronanoplastics in carotid arteries was: Comparing high-plastic and low-plastic plaque levels, the analysis found: 'These findings indicate that the biological effects of micronanoplastics on fatty deposits are more complex and nuanced than simply causing sudden inflammation,' Clark said. In their next phase of work, they will focus on better understanding the immunological effects of micronanoplastics in clogged arteries. 'It's very important to study what these materials do to our bodies. However, we should be cautious about the early results of this study. We won't fully understand the biological effects for many years to come,' Clark said. The study has several limitations. It cannot prove that micronanoplastics in plaque were the cause of symptoms of carotid artery disease; micronanoplastics might be a sign of another health issue that caused these symptoms. Researchers did not have access to data detailing the sex or race/ethnicity of the tissue donors. Additionally, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, used to measure plastic in biological samples may have limitations. This technique allows measurements to include nanoplastics and larger microplastic particles and uses high temperatures to break down plastics into smaller organic molecules. However, parts of the biological samples may also break down into similar molecules. For instance, fatty acids found in artery-clogging plaque could break down into compounds appearing similar to polyethylene. 'We are constantly improving our method to reduce the amounts of lipids in the samples to lessen their impact on the results. Lipids have a very similar spectral signature on gas chromatography as some plastic polymers (in particular polyethylene). It can be challenging to distinguish between the lipids and the polyethylene in the results. That's why removing the lipids is so important. We believe our methods are currently the best way to address this specific criticism. However, new discoveries might change how we understand this data in the future,' Clark said. 'This is a very interesting and troubling study. To date, we have not considered exposure to plastic micronanoparticles a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Although it is important to understand the mechanism at play in the pathophysiology of symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis, this association presents a novel potential target for stroke prevention,' said Karen L. Furie, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer vice chair of the American Heart Association Stroke Brain Health Science Subcommittee and professor and chair of neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Furie was not involved in this study. Study details, background and design: The study author and co-authors' disclosures are listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: The American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions: From Genes to Medicine is the world's premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in new and emerging scientific research in the areas of arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, vascular biology, genomics, precision medicine, peripheral vascular disease and vascular surgery. The primary goal of the meeting is to provide a forum for the exchange of information about new and emerging scientific research in lipids and lipoproteins, arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, vascular biology, genomics and peripheral vascular disease. The meeting is of special interest to scientists and clinicians in cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular research, thrombosis research, clinical cardiology, molecular/cellular biology, vascular biology, vascular medicine, vascular surgery, endocrinology, genetics, functional genomics, hematology, immunology and physiology. Follow the conference on X at #VascularDiscovery25. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Karen Astle: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Micronanoplastics found in artery-clogging plaque in the neck
Research Highlights A small study found that fatty buildup in the blood vessels of the neck (carotid arteries) may contain 50 times or more micronanoplastics minuscule bits of plastic compared to arteries free of plaque buildup. Plaque, the fatty deposits that can narrow the carotid artery, may cause a stroke. People unknowingly eat and drink micronanoplastics from plastic waste broken down and collected in the soil and water supply. Researchers say there is currently no effective way to prevent exposure to micronanoplastics. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 6 p.m. ET, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (NewMediaWire) - April 22, 2025 - BALTIMORE People with plaque in the blood vessels of their neck have a higher amount of tiny plastic particles in those vessels compared to people with healthy arteries. This increase was significantly higher in people who had experienced a stroke, mini-stroke or temporary loss of vision due to clogged blood vessels, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions: From Genes to Medicine, April 2225 in Baltimore. Micronanoplastics are tiny pieces of plastic created in industrial processes or from larger plastic objects as they degrade in the ocean or the soil. Micronanoplastics are not uniform in size and are a mixture of micro and nano plastic sizes. While microplastics are sometimes visible at less than 5 millimeters in size (5 millimeters is the size of a pencil's eraser), nanoplastics are microscopic (invisible to the naked eye), less than 1,000 nanometers across. This makes them more easily dispersed and able to penetrate cells and tissues in living organisms. Researchers suggest that terminology should gradually transition to nanoplastics because that is more precisely what is being studied. "These types of plastics are commonly found in the environment, especially in ocean garbage patches. Over many years, these plastics break down, mix into the soil and water, and can build up in the food chain," said lead study author Ross Clark, M.D., M.B.A., R.P.V.I., a vascular surgeon-scientist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. "Many people think that micro and nanoplastics mainly come from using plastic utensils, cutting boards, packaging, water bottles and other plastic items. However, the main source is the food and water we eat and drink." In 2024, researchers in Italy reported finding micronanoplastics in plaque from some people without symptoms who underwent surgery to remove carotid artery plaque. Symptoms caused by carotid plaque buildup may include stroke, mini-stroke or temporary blindness. Followed for almost three years after surgery, people with micronanoplastics in their carotid plaque were significantly more likely to die or to have a non-fatal heart attack or stroke. The current study, which included fewer than 50 participants, was built on the previous research conducted in Italy. Researchers compared the levels of micronanoplastics found in the carotid arteries of three groups: people with healthy arteries; those with plaque but no symptoms; and those experiencing symptoms due to plaque buildup. Researchers also compared plaques with low and high plastic levels to assess the effects of micronanoplastics on markers of inflammation, the gene activity of immune cells called macrophages and stem cells that help stabilize plaque. The analysis found that the concentration of micronanoplastics in carotid arteries was: 16 times higher (895 micrograms/gram vs. 57 micrograms/gram) in plaque among people without symptoms compared to the levels found in artery walls of deceased tissue donors of similar age with no plaque; and 51 times higher (2,888 micrograms/gram vs. 57 micrograms/gram) in plaque from people who had experienced stroke, mini-stroke or temporary loss of vision due to blockage of blood flow to the retina, in comparison to samples from age-matched, deceased tissue donors. Comparing high-plastic and low-plastic plaque levels, the analysis found: no link between the amount of micronanoplastics and signs of sudden inflammation; and differences in gene activity in plaque-stabilizing cells and less activity in anti-inflammatory genes of plaque macrophage immune cells. "These findings indicate that the biological effects of micronanoplastics on fatty deposits are more complex and nuanced than simply causing sudden inflammation," Clark said. In their next phase of work, they will focus on better understanding the immunological effects of micronanoplastics in clogged arteries. "It's very important to study what these materials do to our bodies. However, we should be cautious about the early results of this study. We won't fully understand the biological effects for many years to come," Clark said. The study has several limitations. It cannot prove that micronanoplastics in plaque were the cause of symptoms of carotid artery disease; micronanoplastics might be a sign of another health issue that caused these symptoms. Researchers did not have access to data detailing the sex or race/ethnicity of the tissue donors. Additionally, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, used to measure plastic in biological samples may have limitations. This technique allows measurements to include nanoplastics and larger microplastic particles and uses high temperatures to break down plastics into smaller organic molecules. However, parts of the biological samples may also break down into similar molecules. For instance, fatty acids found in artery-clogging plaque could break down into compounds appearing similar to polyethylene. "We are constantly improving our method to reduce the amounts of lipids in the samples to lessen their impact on the results. Lipids have a very similar spectral signature on gas chromatography as some plastic polymers (in particular polyethylene). It can be challenging to distinguish between the lipids and the polyethylene in the results. That's why removing the lipids is so important. We believe our methods are currently the best way to address this specific criticism. However, new discoveries might change how we understand this data in the future," Clark said. "This is a very interesting and troubling study. To date, we have not considered exposure to plastic micronanoparticles a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Although it is important to understand the mechanism at play in the pathophysiology of symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis, this association presents a novel potential target for stroke prevention," said Karen L. Furie, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer vice chair of the American Heart Association Stroke Brain Health Science Subcommittee and professor and chair of neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Furie was not involved in this study. Study details, background and design: Researchers tested 48 samples of carotid arteries from 48 different adults collected in 2023-2024 at the University of New Mexico and the Office of the Medical Investigator (a state agency and part of the Department of Pathology at the University of New Mexico). About one-third of the samples were from people aged 60 to 90 who had surgery to remove plaque from their carotid arteries. These people had symptoms including stroke, mini-stroke or temporary blindness (called amaurosis fugax). About one-third of the samples came from people of similar age with no symptoms. They were having surgery to remove plaque buildup in their carotid arteries because a blockage was found during screening or a physical exam. The last one-third of the samples came from tissue donors. These age-matched donors had died of any cause and did not have carotid artery blockage. The researchers also compared plaques with low vs. high amounts of micronanoplastics on inflammation-related measures. All samples were analyzed to measure inflammation by looking at levels of inflammatory molecules TNF- and IL-6. The levels were compared to the amount of plastics to find any connections. For the RNA sequencing studies, researchers examined samples with the highest and lowest concentrations of plastics. The study author and co-authors' disclosures are listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: VIDEO: American Heart Association volunteer expert interview and additional multimedia is available on the right column of the news release link. AHA news release: Chronic exposure to lead, cadmium and arsenic increases risk of cardiovascular disease (June 2023) AHA news release: Forever chemicals linked to hypertension in middle-aged women (June 2022) Follow AHA/ASA news from the meeting on X @HeartNews, #VascularDiscovery25 The American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions: From Genes to Medicine is the world's premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in new and emerging scientific research in the areas of arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, vascular biology, genomics, precision medicine, peripheral vascular disease and vascular surgery. The primary goal of the meeting is to provide a forum for the exchange of information about new and emerging scientific research in lipids and lipoproteins, arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, vascular biology, genomics and peripheral vascular disease. The meeting is of special interest to scientists and clinicians in cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular research, thrombosis research, clinical cardiology, molecular/cellular biology, vascular biology, vascular medicine, vascular surgery, endocrinology, genetics, functional genomics, hematology, immunology and physiology. Follow the conference on X at #VascularDiscovery25. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Karen Astle: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and Sign in to access your portfolio
