In Today’s Note:

• Whatever You Do, Do Not Microwave Plastics♻

• Ticks Spread Allergy to Red Meat to 450,000 Americans 🥩

• Fatigue Can Shatter A Person💤

• New Cancer-Killing Pill Named “The Holy Grail”💊

"Sleep is the best meditation." - Dalai Lama

Whatever You Do, Do Not Microwave Plastics♻

1/The Hazards of Microwaving Plastic Baby Food Containers

Kazi Albab Hussain, a PhD student studying environmental nanotechnology, became concerned about the release of microplastics and Nano plastics from plastic baby food containers. In a study published in Environmental Science & Technology, he and his colleagues found that when microwaved, these containers released millions of plastic particles. These particles, especially the Nano plastics, can be harmful to human health. The chemicals used in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause a range of health issues, and babies are particularly vulnerable to these contaminants. The study calls for more proactive measures from regulatory agencies like the FDA to ensure the safety of plastic food containers.

2/Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Cells

The study by Kazi Albab Hussain's team not only revealed the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic baby food containers but also tested their toxicity on human embryonic kidney cells. After two days of exposure, about 75 percent of the kidney cells died when exposed to concentrated microplastics and nanoplastics. While the concentration used in the experiment was higher than what a baby would typically be exposed to, the long-term effects of continuous exposure to plastic particles in food and the environment are still unknown. This emphasizes the need for further research on the health effects of high levels of plastic exposure.

3/The Need for Government Action and Corporate Responsibility

The study's findings have raised concerns about the safety of plastic food containers and the need for stronger regulations and oversight from government agencies like the FDA. Currently, manufacturers submit limited self-reported data to get plastic products approved for food contact, but there is a lack of comprehensive safety testing. While polypropylene is considered safe for food contact by the FDA, experts and independent studies disagree. The solution may involve creating third-party certification programs that connect food companies with independent scientists to test their products and report results to regulatory authorities. On an individual level, consumers can opt for reusable glass and stainless steel containers and avoid microwaving plastic altogether to reduce exposure to harmful plastic particles.

Ticks Spread Allergy to Red Meat🥩

1/Alpha-Gal Syndrome

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a significant increase in cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a condition spread by tick bites that causes allergic reactions to red meat. Since its first reported cases in Virginia in 2008, the number of affected individuals has soared, with up to 450,000 people in the US potentially impacted since 2010. The allergy, triggered by a sugar molecule found in mammalian foods like beef and pork, is primarily linked to the lone star tick found in southern and eastern states but has also appeared in areas where the tick is not known to inhabit. Awareness among healthcare providers remains concerning, leading to potential underdiagnoses and hampered knowledge of the condition's prevalence.

2/Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Understanding the Tick-Borne Red Meat Allergy and Implications for Public Health

Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites, is on the rise in the US, with up to 450,000 individuals potentially affected since 2010. The condition is triggered by a sugar molecule found in mammalian foods like beef and pork and can lead to mild to life-threatening allergic reactions. While the lone star tick is the main risk factor, cases have been reported in areas where the tick is not known to be present, warranting further investigation. Healthcare provider knowledge of the syndrome remains limited, potentially leading to underdiagnosis and hindered prevalence data. To prevent the allergy and other tick-borne illnesses, the CDC advises taking precautions to avoid tick bites, especially during warmer months.

Fatigue Can Shatter A Person💤

1/The Grief of Chronic Illness and Societal Misunderstanding

Living with chronic illness can be a profoundly challenging experience, marked by grief for the body one once had and the limitations imposed by the condition. Unfortunately, American society often equates productivity with worth, leading to a dismissive attitude towards those who cannot be as active due to their illness. Many doctors and loved ones may struggle to understand and believe the severity of conditions like long COVID or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) that result in debilitating fatigue, leaving patients feeling misunderstood and unsupported.

2/The Multifaceted and Persistent Nature of Fatigue in Chronic Illness

Fatigue experienced in chronic illnesses like long COVID and ME/CFS is not the same as everyday weariness; it has various facets that can significantly impact a person's life. The fatigue can weigh the body down, making simple tasks feel like a burden, or rev the body up, leaving individuals feeling wired and exhausted simultaneously. Additionally, cognitive fatigue can affect mental clarity and coherence, making even basic cognitive functions difficult. Rest often fails to cure this fatigue, and patients may find that daily activities become an agonizing cost-benefit analysis, as they need to carefully manage their limited energy.

“The Holy Grail”💊

1/A Promising Pill to Halt Cancer Growth in Animal Models and Human Trials

Researchers have developed a potentially groundbreaking cancer-stopping pill named AOH1996 after 20 years of research and development. The drug targets a mutated form of PCNA, a protein essential for cell division that helps cancer tumors grow. In preclinical research, the pill has shown effectiveness in treating various cancer types, and a Phase 1 clinical trial in humans is underway at City of Hope.

2/Targeting an "Undruggable" Protein for Personalized Cancer Medicines

The cancer-killing pill, AOH1996, targets PCNA, a protein considered "undruggable" until now. By disrupting the normal cell reproductive cycle, the pill selectively kills cancer cells while leaving healthy stem cells unaffected. The research has shown promising results, and the drug has potential for combination therapies and new chemotherapeutics. The researchers are continuing their investigation to better understand the mechanism of action and improve the ongoing clinical trial in humans.

Disclaimer: This health newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Any information presented should be carefully evaluated and discussed with a healthcare provider before making any changes to medical or lifestyle choices.