Latest news with #University of South Florida
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ultra-processed foods that fuel colon cancer — and healthy alternatives that may offset the damage
Growing evidence has linked the rise in colon cancer cases to ultra-processed foods that fill our diets. Researchers found tumors are fueled by Inflammatory compounds and a lack of compounds linked to healing. Foods such as leafy greens and fish may help pinpoint disease-fighting molecules to stave off cancer. As colon cancer diagnoses are on the rise in younger people, researchers are discovering that certain foods may help or hurt our odds of developing the disease. A team of scientists from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute may have found clues in compounds called bioactive lipids, molecules that can increase or decrease inflammation in the body. In a study published late last year, the researchers analyzed more than 100 tumor samples from patients and found that they contained a higher proportion of these inflammation-causing compounds compared with healthy tissue. Previous evidence has linked increased inflammation to diets high in ultra-processed food, such as chips, sausages, packaged desserts, and refined carbs. As processed food takes up a growing share of the American diet (more than half, recent CDC data shows), a growing number of younger people are being diagnosed with colon cancer. It's now the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. But inflammation isn't just a red flag that the body is under stress: tracking it can help doctors and scientists find ways to bolster the immune system against disease, slowing or stopping tumor growth by cutting back on inflammatory compounds and boosting healthy ones. For instance, the research team found that the tumors were lacking in molecules associated with healing and lowering inflammation. One source of these molecules is our diet, which includes foods such as leafy greens and seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating more of these gut-friendly foods and fewer packaged meals may help keep inflammation at bay for better health. "If the molecules are coming from processed food products, they directly imbalance the immune system and drive chronic inflammation," Ganesh Halade, a professor at the University of South Florida Health Heart Institute who coauthored the study, said in a press release. "Our bodies are designed to actively resolve inflammation through bioactive lipid compounds derived from the healthy fats, like avocados, that we consume." While people who follow a "clean" diet can still get cancer, understanding the role of food could give us more tools to fight cancer. Fighting cancer with fish oil Cancer is like a "chronic wound that won't heal," Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida who's the senior author of the tumor study, said in the release. A daily diet of ultra-processed foods can make it harder for the body to fight off tumors because of the increased inflammation, he said in a press release. In particular, foods that cancer doctors avoid include processed meats and sugary treats, both of which are linked to higher odds of illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. While it's not news that spinach and seafood are better for you than bacon and doughnuts, zeroing in on the link between food and inflammation unlocks more effective strategies to stave off disease in the future. For example, the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute has conducted early trials of a modified form of fish oil with promising results for reducing inflammation. "This has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, moving beyond drugs to harness natural healing processes," Yeatman said. "It's a vital step toward addressing chronic inflammation and preventing diseases before they start." For now, one of the best ways to prevent cancer is to catch it early with routine testing. As far as eating your way to better health, evidence suggests your best bet is sticking to mostly whole, unprocessed foods such as veggies, fruits, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains for a longer, healthier life."This has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, moving beyond drugs to harness natural healing processes," Yeatman said. "It's a vital step toward addressing chronic inflammation and preventing diseases before they start." In the meantime, there's evidence that your best bet for a longer, healthier life is sticking to a diet of mostly whole, unprocessed foods such as veggies, fruits, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
Florida records more than 700,000 people as victims of human trafficking in 2024
More than 700,000 people fell victim to human trafficking in Florida last year, an alarming new study has revealed. Of that number, about 100,000 were children targeted for sex trafficking. The report, compiled by researchers at the University of South Florida, uses data from a variety of sources, including the Florida department of children and families, to paint a bleak picture of the extent of such crime in the nation's third most populous state. 'Human trafficking is considered a hidden crime and its victims are often invisible,' Joan Reid, director of the university's Trafficking in Persons (Tip) Risk to Resilience Research Lab, said. 'The key objective of this report is to make the hidden and invisible visible to those who have the responsibility to act toward disrupting human trafficking in our communities, counties and state.' Reid and her team analyzed anonymous data from 30 agencies, non-profit partners and public surveys to come up with the 2024 figures, which estimates 500,000 people were victims of labor trafficking. A significant number are believed to be undocumented migrants, who lack many of the legal protections of authorized workers and are considered especially vulnerable to exploitation. The Florida Policy Institute estimates there are almost 400,000 undocumented workers in key industries including tourism, agriculture and construction. Another 200,000 people were victims of sex trafficking, about half of whom were minors, the study reveals. Florida is particularly susceptible for several reasons, the authors say, notably its large population, surfeit of major cities hosting national and international events, a prevalence of airports and ports, and industries where low pay and poor conditions are commonplace. 'Disrupting human trafficking is among the most pressing challenges currently facing Florida's law enforcement agencies, policymakers, victim service providers, child welfare workers and our concerned public,' Reid said. She noted a successful undercover operation in May when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) partnered with state law enforcement to arrest 255 people for offenses including prostitution and child exploitation, but said 'many questions remain regarding progress and best practices within the focal areas of prevention, protection, prosecution, policy and partnership'. The study was commissioned by the state under a 2023 law that designated the Tip lab as the official repository for anonymous human-trafficking data, and required it to produce annual reports to better understand trends and the magnitude of criminal activity across the state and over time, and the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives to combat trafficking. 'This report will make a substantial impact on anti-trafficking efforts, resulting in many adults and children being spared from the devastating consequences of human trafficking, and many survivors receiving safe and effective assistance,' Darryl Rouson, a Democratic state senator who sponsored the bill, said. Reid said collating the report was a painstaking effort, but that it would have profound effects on how the state envisions and enacts anti-trafficking policies. 'A report like this had not been done in the past because it seemed impossible to gather all these strands of data located with so many different organizations,' she said.
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
Florida records more than 700,000 people as victims of human trafficking in 2024
More than 700,000 people fell victim to human trafficking in Florida last year, an alarming new study has revealed. Of that number, about 100,000 were children targeted for sex trafficking. The report, compiled by researchers at the University of South Florida, uses data from a variety of sources, including the Florida department of children and families, to paint a bleak picture of the extent of such crime in the nation's third most populous state. 'Human trafficking is considered a hidden crime and its victims are often invisible,' Joan Reid, director of the university's Trafficking in Persons (Tip) Risk to Resilience Research Lab, said. 'The key objective of this report is to make the hidden and invisible visible to those who have the responsibility to act toward disrupting human trafficking in our communities, counties and state.' Reid and her team analyzed anonymous data from 30 agencies, non-profit partners and public surveys to come up with the 2024 figures, which estimates 500,000 people were victims of labor trafficking. A significant number are believed to be undocumented migrants, who lack many of the legal protections of authorized workers and are considered especially vulnerable to exploitation. The Florida Policy Institute estimates there are almost 400,000 undocumented workers in key industries including tourism, agriculture and construction. Another 200,000 people were victims of sex trafficking, about half of whom were minors, the study reveals. Florida is particularly susceptible for several reasons, the authors say, notably its large population, surfeit of major cities hosting national and international events, a prevalence of airports and ports, and industries where low pay and poor conditions are commonplace. 'Disrupting human trafficking is among the most pressing challenges currently facing Florida's law enforcement agencies, policymakers, victim service providers, child welfare workers and our concerned public,' Reid said. She noted a successful undercover operation in May when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) partnered with state law enforcement to arrest 255 people for offenses including prostitution and child exploitation, but said 'many questions remain regarding progress and best practices within the focal areas of prevention, protection, prosecution, policy and partnership'. The study was commissioned by the state under a 2023 law that designated the Tip lab as the official repository for anonymous human-trafficking data, and required it to produce annual reports to better understand trends and the magnitude of criminal activity across the state and over time, and the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives to combat trafficking. 'This report will make a substantial impact on anti-trafficking efforts, resulting in many adults and children being spared from the devastating consequences of human trafficking, and many survivors receiving safe and effective assistance,' Darryl Rouson, a Democratic state senator who sponsored the bill, said. Reid said collating the report was a painstaking effort, but that it would have profound effects on how the state envisions and enacts anti-trafficking policies. 'A report like this had not been done in the past because it seemed impossible to gather all these strands of data located with so many different organizations,' she said.
