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Unlock the Secret to Better Kimchi with Ancient Techniques

Fermented foods like kimchi have been integral to Korean cuisine for thousands of years. Since ancient times, Korean chefs have used onggi — traditional handmade clay jars — to ferment kimchi. Today, most kimchi is made through mass fermentation in glass, steel, or plastic containers, but it has long been claimed that the highest quality kimchi is fermented in onggi. Kimchi purists now have scientific validation, thanks to recent research from David Hu, professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, and Soohwan Kim, a second-year PhD student in Hu’s lab.

In a combined experimental and theoretical study, Hu and Kim measured carbon dioxide levels in onggi during kimchi fermentation. They developed a mathematical model to show how the gas was generated and moved through the onggi’s porous walls. By bringing the study of fluid mechanics to bear on an ancient technology, their research highlights the work of artisans. It provides the missing link for how traditional earthenware allows for high-quality kimchi. Their study was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. “We wanted to find the ‘secret sauce’ for how onggi makes kimchi taste so good,” Hu said. “So, we measured how the gases evolved while kimchi fermented inside the onggi — something no one had done before.”

The porous structure of these earthenware vessels mimics the loose soil where lactic acid bacteria — known for their healthy probiotic nature — are found. While previous studies have shown that kimchi fermented in onggi has more lactic acid bacteria, no one knows exactly how the phenomenon is connected to the unique material properties of the container. First, Kim obtained a traditional, handmade onggi jar from an artisan in his hometown of Jeju, South Korea, a region famous for onggi. Back at Georgia Tech, Hu and Kim first tested the permeability of the onggi by observing how water evaporated through the container over time.

Next, they installed carbon dioxide and pressure sensors into the onggi and a typical, hermetically sealed glass jar. They prepared their own salted cabbage and placed it in both containers. They then used the sensors to measure and compare the change in carbon dioxide — a signature of fermentation. Hu and Kim also developed a mathematical model based on the porosity of the onggi. The model allowed them to infer the generation rate of carbon dioxide since the onggi lets carbon dioxide out gradually. They concluded that the onggi’s porous walls permitted the carbon dioxide to escape the container, accelerating the fermentation speed.

The onggi’s porosity also functioned as a “safety valve,” resulting in a slower increase in carbon dioxide levels than the glass jar while blocking the entry of external particles. Their data revealed that the carbon dioxide level in onggi was less than half of that in glass containers. They also found that the beneficial bacteria in the onggi-made kimchi increased 26% more than in the glass counterpart. In the glass jar, the lactic acid bacteria became suffocated by their carbon dioxide in the closed glass container. It turns out that because the onggi releases carbon dioxide at a small rate, the lactic acid bacteria are happier and reproduce more.

“Onggi were designed without modern knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, or fluid mechanics, but they work remarkably well,” Kim said. “It’s very interesting to get these new insights into ancient technology through the lens of fluid dynamics.” Onggi’s semi-porous nature is unique compared to other forms of earthenware. A clay container that leaks, but only slightly, is not easy to make. Terra cotta containers, for example, quickly leak water. “It’s amazing that, for thousands of years, people have been building these special containers out of dirt, but in many ways, they are very high-tech,” Hu said. “We discovered that the right amount of porosity enables kimchi to ferment faster, and these onggi provide that.”

While the use of onggi by artisans is dwindling, the research by Hu and Kim serves as a reminder of the value of these traditional methods. The study’s findings not only validate the artisan work but also inspire the development of energy-efficient methods for fermenting and storing foods. Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of onggi adds to their allure, making them a unique and beautiful addition to any kitchen.

More information: Soohwan Kim et al, Onggi’s permeability to carbon dioxide accelerates kimchi fermentation, Journal of The Royal Society Interface. DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0034

Journal information: Journal of The Royal Society Interface Provided by Georgia Institute of Technology

Impact of Extreme Temperatures on Stroke Mortality in Low-Income Countries

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A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has identified a significant association between extreme temperatures and increased risks of death from both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Scheduled for publication on May 22, 2024, in Stroke, the research underscores that this relationship is particularly pronounced in low-income countries compared to their high-income counterparts.

Lead author Barrak Alahmad, a research fellow in the Department of Environmental Health, highlighted the study’s implications for understanding climate change’s impact on stroke mortality. He emphasised that as temperatures become more extreme, fatal strokes are anticipated to rise, potentially exacerbating the disparity in stroke mortality between high- and low-income countries, with the latter likely bearing a disproportionate burden of climate-related health impacts.

Prior investigations into the correlation between extreme temperatures and stroke mortality have yielded inconsistent findings. Many studies have been confined to single cities or countries, predominantly in high-income regions, and few have differentiated between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes. To address these gaps, the researchers leveraged the Multi-Country Multi-City Network, a global consortium in environmental health, to compile a comprehensive database spanning 522 cities across 25 countries. This dataset encompassed over 3.4 million ischemic stroke deaths and 2.4 million hemorrhagic stroke deaths reported between 1979 and 2019.

The study reveals that extreme cold and hot days contributed significantly to stroke mortality. Specifically, for every 1,000 deaths from ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, approximately 11 were attributable to extreme temperatures. The coldest and hottest 2.5% of days were associated with 9.1 and 2.2 excess deaths from ischemic stroke, respectively, and 11.2 and 0.7 excess deaths from hemorrhagic stroke, respectively. Notably, low-income countries experienced a higher burden of heat-related hemorrhagic stroke mortality compared to high-income countries. However, evidence linking cold temperatures to hemorrhagic stroke mortality in low-income countries was suggestive rather than conclusive. Interestingly, the study did not find a clear relationship between a country’s GDP and the risk of temperature-related ischemic stroke mortality.

The researchers hypothesised that factors such as better indoor temperature regulation and lower rates of outdoor work in high-income countries, coupled with poorer-quality healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries, may contribute to these disparities. They stressed the need for further investigation to elucidate the underlying drivers behind the heightened vulnerability of low-income countries to temperature-related hemorrhagic stroke mortality and to identify effective interventions.

The study’s limitations include its geographical focus, with rural areas and regions in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East being underrepresented. Additionally, the study did not collect or analyse individual-level demographic data. Furthermore, the focus solely on stroke deaths underscores the necessity for additional research into the incidence of non-fatal strokes to comprehensively assess the overall burden of temperature-related stroke impacts.

Alahmad urged professional stroke societies to invest more in such research, particularly as climate change escalates, and to spotlight emerging environmental risk factors that could exacerbate strokes, already a significant contributor to global mortality rates. He emphasised the importance of expanding this research to inform better public health policies to mitigate the adverse health effects of climate change.

This study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health underscores the critical link between extreme temperatures and stroke mortality, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions, especially in low-income countries most vulnerable to climate change’s health impacts. As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding and addressing these risks will be essential in mitigating the future burden of stroke morbidity and mortality worldwide.

More information: Barrak Alahmad et al, Extreme Temperatures and Stroke Mortality: Evidence From a Multi-Country Analysis, Stroke. DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.045751

Journal information: Stroke Provided by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Higher Costs of Nature’s Decline Revealed

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Researchers advocate for governments to adopt a novel approach to calculating the benefits of conserving biodiversity and nature for future generations. This method, proposed in the journal Science, aims to integrate the monetary value of ecosystem services, such as air and water filtration, crop pollination, and recreational value, into cost-benefit analyses for public infrastructure projects. The objective is to enhance the visibility of biodiversity loss and the benefits of nature conservation in political decision-making processes.

Current methodologies for valuing ecosystem services are criticised for their limitations in capturing how these values evolve. In contrast, the new approach considers the projected increase in monetary value as human incomes rise and the expected decline in biodiversity, treating nature as a progressively scarce resource. This economic principle acknowledges that people are willing to invest more in conserving nature as incomes grow. Additionally, it recognises that as ecosystem services become scarcer, their monetary value increases, a phenomenon fundamental to economics.

Professor Moritz Drupp, leading the study on sustainability economics at the University of Hamburg, emphasises that their formula provides governments with a tool to estimate future values of essential ecosystem services crucial for decision-making. The research underscores two critical factors influencing these adjustments: the annual rise in global income adjusted for inflation and the diminishing availability of biodiversity resources. These considerations argue for setting significantly higher present values of ecosystem services in contemporary cost-benefit analyses, potentially exceeding 130 per cent when accounting solely for income growth and over 180 per cent when also factoring in the impact on endangered species listed in the Red List Index.

The research team includes notable UK-based academics like Professor Mark Freeman from the University of York, Dr Frank Venmans from the LSE, and Professor Ben Groom from the University of Exeter. They highlight that current environmental valuation methods often undervalue nature over time compared to other goods and services. Their proposed uplift in ecosystem values aims to rectify this oversight and suggests its incorporation into future Treasury analyses supporting budgetary decisions.

Dr Venmans provides a specific example with coral reefs, predicting their decline due to climate change and emphasising the increased value of remaining reefs amidst rising household incomes. This scenario underscores the urgency for governments to reassess the long-term benefits of preserving ecosystems with enduring impacts. Professor Freeman underscores the urgency for governments to align the appraisal of ecosystem protection with other significant public investments, ensuring consistency across projects like HS2 and broader infrastructure spending.

The researchers stress that political decisions can mitigate biodiversity loss, underscoring the necessity for governments to comprehensively evaluate the ramifications of their policies today and in the future. Their work seeks to equip policymakers with robust tools to integrate the economic value of ecosystem services into decision-making frameworks, fostering sustainable development practices that safeguard natural resources for future generations. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial for making informed and responsible decisions.

More information: Moritz Drupp et al, Accounting for the increasing benefits from scarce ecosystems, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adk2086

Journal information: Science Provided by University of Exeter

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Declining Breast Cancer Screenings Among Older and Racial Minority Women

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Breast cancer stands as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, highlighting the critical importance of early detection through regular screening. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted these efforts, leading to temporary suspensions of many screening programmes due to concerns over viral exposure and strain on healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on breast cancer screening utilisation across the U.S. using real-world electronic health records (EHR), focusing on changes in screening rates and follow-up behaviours.

Using the TriNetX Research Network, the study analysed data from 1,186,669 women eligible for breast cancer screening between January 2017 and February 2022. Researchers examined monthly screening frequencies, noting significant drops during the early pandemic months from February to April 2020, where volumes plummeted by 80.57%. Despite a gradual recovery towards pre-pandemic levels after June 2020, follow-up screening rates continued to decline. On average, the COVID-19 period saw a 2.47% reduction in follow-up screenings, indicating substantial missed opportunities for early detection.

The study also uncovered disparities in screening adherence, with older women over 65 and racial minority groups (excluding Hispanics) showing lower rates of returning for follow-up screenings during the pandemic. These findings suggest a heightened risk of late-stage diagnoses and poorer health outcomes among these demographics. The implications are profound, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to screening services and mitigate health disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

The decrease in follow-up screening rates underscores missed opportunities for timely diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, potentially leading to more advanced stages at diagnosis and poorer prognoses. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches such as telehealth for consultations and reminders, which could help bridge gaps in access to healthcare services, especially for vulnerable populations. Community-based interventions and culturally tailored outreach programmes ensure that all women receive the necessary support and information to adhere to screening guidelines.

Understanding the impact of medical comorbidities and social determinants on screening adherence during crises like COVID-19 is crucial for healthcare providers and systems. This knowledge enables them to tailor strategies effectively and deliver optimal care to diverse patient populations. By addressing disparities in screening participation and enhancing access to preventive services, healthcare providers can mitigate the long-term effects of disrupted healthcare delivery and improve public health resilience.

While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer screening efforts in the U.S., it also underscores the need for resilient healthcare systems and targeted interventions to mitigate disparities and ensure continuous access to critical preventive services. By learning from these challenges, healthcare providers can enhance early detection, improve treatment outcomes, and bolster public health preparedness for future health crises.

More information: Andrew Chung et al, Breast Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Results From Real-World Health Records Data, The Annals of Family Medicine. DOI: 10.1370/afm.3098

Journal information: The Annals of Family Medicine Provided by American Academy of Family Physicians

Exploring Early Career Work Patterns and Their Long-Term Health Impacts: Beyond the Traditional 9-5

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Research led by Wen-Jui Han from New York University, USA, published on April 3, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, explores the enduring health impacts of early career work patterns. The study investigates how the hours worked during young adulthood can shape health outcomes decades later. It adopts a life-course perspective to examine the link between employment patterns and health in middle age. It uses data from The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 (NLSY79), which covers over 30 years and includes more than 7,000 individuals in the US.

The study reveals that a significant proportion of participants (26%) consistently adhered to stable standard work hours throughout their careers, while another third (35%) predominantly maintained traditional daytime schedules. In contrast, 17% started with standard hours in their 20s but later shifted to volatile work patterns involving evening, night, and variable hours. Additionally, 12% began with standard hours but transitioned to variable schedules later, and a final 10% experienced primary unemployment during this period.

Compared to those who predominantly worked traditional daytime hours throughout their careers, individuals with more volatile work schedules reported poorer sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and a higher incidence of depressive symptoms by age 50. Particularly notable were the findings concerning individuals who maintained stable work hours in their 20s but transitioned to volatile schedules in their 30s, significantly impacting health outcomes similar to those observed in individuals with lower educational attainment.

Han’s research also highlights significant racial and gender disparities in work schedules and subsequent health outcomes. For instance, Black Americans were more likely to have volatile work schedules associated with poorer health outcomes, underscoring how certain demographic groups may disproportionately bear the negative consequences of such employment patterns.

The study suggests that volatile work schedules contribute to poor sleep quality, physical fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, rendering individuals more susceptible to an unhealthy lifestyle. Moreover, it indicates that the health effects of work schedules can accumulate over a lifetime, exacerbating societal health inequities.

Han emphasises that work, traditionally viewed as a means to secure resources for a decent life, has now become a health vulnerability due to increasing precariousness in work arrangements in an increasingly unequal society. Vulnerable social groups, such as women, Black individuals, and those with lower educational attainment, disproportionately experience the adverse health consequences associated with volatile work schedules.

More information: Wen-Jui Han et al, How our longitudinal employment patterns might shape our health as we approach middle adulthood—US NLSY79 cohort, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300245

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Possibility of Symptomless Progression and Its Implications

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Everyone undergoes the ageing process uniquely, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Some individuals achieve exceptional longevity, reaching their 90s or even 100s in robust health without needing medications or suffering from brain diseases. But what mechanisms enable these individuals to maintain their health as they age?

Luuk de Vries, along with colleagues Dick Swaab and Inge Huitinga from Joost Verhaagen’s group, delved into brains donated to the Netherlands Brain Bank for insights. This institution houses brain tissue from over 5,000 deceased donors with a diverse array of brain diseases, making it uniquely valuable due to its comprehensive medical histories and detailed disease courses documented alongside precise neuropathological diagnoses.

Within this repository, the researchers identified a remarkable subgroup: individuals who harboured Alzheimer’s disease pathology in their brains but exhibited no clinical symptoms during their lifetime—a cohort dubbed the ‘resilient’ group. The existence of such individuals raises profound questions about the underlying mechanisms that shield them from cognitive decline when others succumb.

Luuk de Vries explains, “The molecular and cellular processes at play in these resilient individuals remain unclear. We specifically sought donors with brain abnormalities indicative of Alzheimer’s yet who did not manifest cognitive decline. We identified 12 such donors, underscoring the rarity of this phenomenon. While we suspect genetics and lifestyle play pivotal roles in resilience, the precise mechanisms elude us.”

The findings suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle, engaging in cognitive challenges, and fostering robust social connections may help delay Alzheimer’s onset. Recent research also indicates that individuals involved in cognitively demanding tasks, such as complex jobs, may accumulate more Alzheimer’s pathology before symptoms emerge. Unravelling the molecular basis of resilience could unlock new avenues for developing medications that activate processes associated with resilience in Alzheimer’s patients.

Comparing the Alzheimer’s patients with the resilient group, the researchers observed distinct gene expression patterns. Notably, astrocytes—crucial brain cells with roles akin to garbage collectors and protective shields—appeared to produce higher levels of the antioxidant metallothionein in resilient individuals. Additionally, a microglia pathway commonly implicated in Alzheimer’s pathology seemed less active in the resilient group, potentially mitigating inflammation. Furthermore, the ‘unfolded protein response’, vital for clearing toxic misfolded proteins in brain cells, showed abnormalities in Alzheimer’s patients but remained relatively normal in resilient individuals. Moreover, there were indications of increased mitochondrial density in brain cells of resilient individuals, suggesting enhanced energy production capabilities.

However, the significance of these observed differences in cellular processes remains unclear—whether they represent causes or effects of resilience against Alzheimer’s disease. As Luuk de Vries notes, “Determining which processes initiate the disease progression is challenging with human data alone. Experimental manipulations in cellular or animal models are necessary to establish causality.” This critical step is now at the forefront of their research agenda.

Understanding why some individuals evade Alzheimer’s symptoms despite possessing brain pathology holds profound implications for future therapeutic strategies. By deciphering the mechanisms underpinning resilience, researchers aim to pave the way for novel treatments that could potentially activate resilience-promoting processes in Alzheimer’s patients, offering hope for mitigating the devastating effects of this neurodegenerative disease.

More information: Luuk E. de Vries et al, Gene-expression profiling of individuals resilient to Alzheimer’s disease reveals higher expression of genes related to metallothionein and mitochondrial processes and no changes in the unfolded protein response, Acta Neuropathologica Communications. DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01760-9

Journal information: Acta Neuropathologica Communications Provided by Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

Decline in Medicare Outpatient Procedures Reported by Family Physicians Amidst Aging Population Trends

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Family physicians, operating primarily in their offices, are responsible for a wide range of procedures, from simple surgeries to joint injections. However, the training they receive can vary significantly. To address this, the Council of Academic Family Medicine (CAFM) issued crucial recommendations on the essential procedures that family physicians should be proficient in upon completing their residency training. This study, therefore, holds significant weight as it assesses how often family physicians perform these CAFM-recommended procedures under Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services. By examining these clinical activities, the researchers sought to gain profound insights into the role of family physicians in U.S. primary care.

Researchers analysed a publicly available dataset containing information on Medicare activities, including usage, payments, and charges. They matched Medicare patient encounter codes with CAFM-recommended procedures to determine the frequency with which family physicians reported performing these procedures in outpatient settings from 2014 to 2021. The methods were categorised according to the organ systems they targeted.

In 2021, a total of 9,410 family physicians submitted 904,278 claims for CAFM-recommended procedures, which covered 444,309 patients. However, the data reveals a concerning trend. Nearly all (99.92%) of these procedures fell into five main clusters: skin procedures accounted for 51%, musculoskeletal procedures for 36%, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (EENT) procedures for 9%, pulmonary procedures for 2%, and anesthesia procedures for 2%. Despite a slight increase (from 2% to 6%) in skin, musculoskeletal, and anesthesia procedures between 2018 and 2019, there was an overall 33% decrease in outpatient procedure claims and a 36% decrease in the number of family physicians filing these claims between 2014 and 2021. Only 12% of family physicians reported CAFM outpatient procedure claims in 2021, which represented less than 1% of all patient encounter codes submitted that year.

The findings highlight a concerning trend where fewer family physicians are billing for CAFM-recommended procedures over time despite an ageing U.S. population that typically requires more healthcare services. While procedures may increasingly be handled by physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or specialists following referrals, this decline among family physicians could reduce patient access to care and convenience while increasing healthcare costs. This trend underscores the importance of ensuring that primary care providers remain equipped and incentivised to perform essential procedures, thereby maintaining comprehensive patient care across different healthcare settings.

More information: Robert McKenna et al, Family Physicians as Proceduralists for Medicare Recipients, The Annals of Family Medicine. DOI: 10.1370/afm.3096

Journal information: The Annals of Family Medicine Provided by American Academy of Family Physicians

Study Finds Climbing the Social Ladder Slows Progression of Dementia in Japan

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A newly published study led by researchers from Osaka University and featured in JAMA Network Open reveals compelling evidence that upward social mobility correlates with a reduced risk of dementia. Dementia, a group of conditions characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and profoundly affects the quality of life for patients and their families. Previous research has established links between socioeconomic status (SES) — encompassing factors like parental assets, education level, income, and occupational status — and susceptibility to dementia. However, the impact of SES changes over a person’s lifetime, known as social mobility, on dementia risk has been less clear.

Drawing from a robust dataset from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, which tracked 9,186 participants aged 65 and older from 2010 to 2016, the study employed sophisticated clustering analysis to examine participants’ SES trajectories. Researchers identified six distinct patterns of SES transitions and analysed their association with dementia incidence using national long-term care service registries.

The findings underscore a significant relationship between upward social mobility and a decreased risk of dementia. Specifically, individuals experiencing upward SES transitions throughout their lives were associated with extended periods of dementia-free ageing compared to those with stable high SES since childhood. In contrast, downward transitions in SES were linked with heightened dementia risk, indicating the critical influence of socioeconomic conditions on cognitive health across the lifespan.

Lead author Ryoto Sakaniwa underscores the profound implications of the study’s findings for dementia prevention: “Our findings not only underscore the importance of socioeconomic mobility in promoting healthy longevity by reducing dementia risk, but they also provide a clear path for future research and intervention strategies. Improving socioeconomic conditions could potentially serve as a pivotal strategy in dementia prevention efforts, a fact that should not be overlooked.”

The study also explored potential mediators of this relationship, including lifestyle behaviours, comorbidities, and social factors. It found that lifestyle choices and physical health characteristics significantly mitigate dementia risk among individuals experiencing upward social mobility. Conversely, social factors appeared to exacerbate dementia risk in cases of downward mobility, underscoring the complex interplay between socioeconomic status and cognitive health.

Senior author Hiroyasu Iso highlights the potential for future research to build on the study’s findings, suggesting that targeted interventions addressing socioeconomic disparities could hold promise in mitigating cognitive decline and promoting healthier ageing. This potential for future research should inspire us to continue our efforts in understanding and preventing dementia.

The study’s findings provide compelling evidence that climbing the social ladder may contribute to prolonged cognitive health and reduced dementia risk. These findings not only underscore the importance of socioeconomic factors in shaping health outcomes across the lifespan, but they also highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. This should prompt further investigation into strategies for enhancing socioeconomic conditions as a means of preventing dementia and promoting overall well-being.

More information: Ryoto Sakaniwa et al, Socioeconomic Status Transition Throughout Life and Risk of Dementia, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12303

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Osaka University

Research Uncovers Potential Heart Health Impacts of ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Older Women

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New research conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has unveiled significant connections between various types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study, led by Alicia Arredondo Eve, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, delves into how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways in older women, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying this heightened risk.

Previous studies had hinted at a possible link between PFAS exposure and cardiovascular disease during menopause, but the biological mechanisms remained poorly understood. Arredondo Eve explains that their focus was on specific PFAS chemicals and their impact on the cardiovascular health of older women, a demographic particularly vulnerable to such diseases.

PFAS, ubiquitous in daily life due to their use in products like nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and even in water supplies, pose a persistent health challenge. These chemicals accumulate in human tissues over time, with some variants capable of remaining in the environment for centuries. Premenopausal women generally have lower PFAS burdens due to mechanisms such as childbirth and breastfeeding, which help expel these chemicals. However, after menopause, PFAS levels tend to rise as these natural elimination pathways diminish.

The study analysed data and samples from 70 postmenopausal women in Turkey, a third of whom had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, another third with coronary microvascular disease, and the remainder without any signs of heart disease. The researchers specifically examined two long-chain legacy PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, along with a newer short-chain variant, PFBS, using advanced machine-learning techniques to explore their relationships with blood metabolites and proteins.

Their findings highlighted distinct associations between PFOS and PFOA and different cardiovascular conditions: PFOS correlated closely with coronary artery disease, whereas PFOA was more predictive of coronary microvascular disease. Notably, both chemicals were found to interact with inflammatory pathways, known risk factors for these diseases, albeit somewhat unexpectedly. For instance, PFOA showed links to higher levels of specific amino acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In comparison, PFOS exhibited associations with lower levels of specific amino acids and different pro-inflammatory proteins.

Arredondo Eve and co-author Zeynep Madak-Erdogan underscored the complexity of PFAS’s effects, noting that despite similar chemical structures, different variants can impact the body uniquely. This underscores the need for nuanced approaches in research and regulatory efforts concerning PFAS exposure.

Despite the study’s significant findings, it underscores the challenge of eliminating PFAS once they enter the body, with limited options for removal. Instead, the researchers advocate for preventive measures, urging women to choose PFAS-free products like clothing and cookware to reduce exposure. They also stress the importance of broader public education and regulatory actions to mitigate environmental PFAS contamination.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to expand their investigations into PFAS’s broader impacts on women’s health, aiming to unravel more of the complex biological mechanisms underlying these associations. Their work adds to the growing body of evidence linking PFAS exposure to cardiovascular risks in postmenopausal women. It underscores the urgent need for informed policies and practices to protect public health from these persistent environmental pollutants.

More information: Alicia Arredondo Eve et al, PFAS and their association with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, Toxicological Sciences. DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae065

Journal information: Toxicological Sciences Provided by University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Beans and Chickpeas Enhance Diet Quality Among American Adults, Study Finds

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This study fills a crucial gap in our understanding, providing comprehensive data on how increasing bean consumption affects nutrient intake and overall diet quality within the typical American diet. The findings of this research are significant, shedding light on the impact of incorporating more beans into this dietary pattern on the intake of essential nutrients and overall diet quality.

With a robust data source from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning from 2001 to 2018, this analysis focused on the effects of adding one or two servings of canned and dried beans to the diets of adults aged 19 years and older, categorised into younger adults (19-50 years) and older adults (51 years and older). The beans studied included kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans.

When beans were integrated into the typical American diet, there were notable increases in the intake of several critical nutrients such as dietary fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and choline. Specifically, incorporating one serving of beans and two servings daily significantly improved overall diet quality across all adult age groups. This improvement in diet quality, as assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores, was approximately 15-16% higher with one additional serving of beans and 19-20% higher with two servings compared to the typical American diet pattern.

Dietary patterns that include a substantial amount of beans are associated with significantly better diet quality scores and increased consumption of nutrients essential for public health. This study suggests that promoting higher consumption of canned and dry beans in dietary guidelines could lead to significant health benefits for younger adults and older age groups.

More information: Yanni Papanikolaou et al, Adding more beans to the US typical dietary pattern can lead to greater intake of shortfall nutrients and a higher diet quality in younger and older adults, Maturitas. DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108012

Journal information: Maturitas Provided by The Ginger Network

Scientists Introduce Groundbreaking Method to Address Age-Related Vision Decline

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Cirrus Therapeutics, University of Bristol, and London’s Global University Institute of Ophthalmology Unveil Groundbreaking Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In a landmark study featured on the cover of Science Translational Medicine, researchers have identified a revolutionary treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults worldwide.

AMD can profoundly impact vision, initially causing blurred vision or a central black spot that can progress to complete central vision loss. Currently affecting approximately 200 million people globally, this number is expected to reach 288 million by 2040 due to ageing populations and environmental factors. The exact causes of AMD are complex, involving a combination of ageing, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

The team’s breakthrough involves boosting levels of a specific protein, IRAK-M, in retinal cells, which has shown significant promise in protecting against retinal degeneration associated with AMD. Dr Andrew Dick, Head of the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology at the University of Bristol and Director of UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, as well as co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Cirrus Therapeutics, described this discovery as a pathway-agnostic approach to AMD treatment, offering a comprehensive therapeutic option for millions suffering from this debilitating condition.

Dr Jian Liu, lead author and senior research scientist at the University of Bristol’s Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, highlighted the age-related decline of IRAK-M levels as a critical marker in AMD progression, signalling a potential avenue for early diagnosis and intervention.

This innovative approach marks a departure from traditional treatments that target single pathways in AMD pathophysiology. Dr Ying Kai Chan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Therapeutics emphasised that their novel method addresses multiple AMD pathways and represents the most compelling and evidence-based strategy available today.

Cirrus Therapeutics, which emerged from the University of Bristol to focus on therapies stemming from this discovery, is poised to advance treatments for AMD.

More information: Jian Liu et al, Replenishing IRAK-M expression in retinal pigment epithelium attenuates outer retinal degeneration, Science Translational Medicine. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi4125

Journal information: Science Translational Medicine Provided by Thinkubator Media

UBC’s New Oral Insulin Drops Provide Relief for Diabetes Patients

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Diabetes prevalence continues to rise, affecting approximately 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or at risk of developing it. At the University of British Columbia (UBC), researchers have pioneered a groundbreaking method of drug delivery aimed at transforming how diabetes patients manage their condition and maintain overall health.

Led by Dr. Shyh-Dar Li at the Li Lab, the team has developed oral insulin drops as a pain-free alternative to conventional insulin injections. Administered under the tongue, these drops are designed for rapid and efficient absorption into the body. This innovation holds significant promise in alleviating the burden of frequent injections for diabetes patients.

A formulation combining insulin with a novel cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) derived from fish byproducts is central to this advancement. This peptide plays a crucial role in facilitating the transport of insulin across biological barriers and into the bloodstream intact. Unlike oral insulin in pill form, which can be degraded in the stomach, the peptide-guided delivery system ensures insulin’s swift availability in the bloodstream.

Dr. Li, a professor in UBC’s faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, explains the importance of the CPP: “Insulin is a complex molecule that faces challenges in oral delivery due to its vulnerability and size. The CPP acts as a guide, creating pathways that allow insulin to navigate through barriers and reach its target effectively.” Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that insulin combined with the CPP achieves efficient bloodstream delivery, compared to insulin alone, which remains localised in the oral cavity.

Recent publications in the Journal of Controlled Release highlight two versions of the CPP, marking significant progress towards commercialisation. In collaboration with various partners, the UBC team is actively seeking more partnerships to license this technology, aiming to bring this needle-free insulin delivery method to market.

For individuals without diabetes, insulin is naturally secreted by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels after meals. In contrast, diabetes patients lack sufficient insulin production and must supplement it externally. Failure to control glucose levels can lead to severe complications such as eye, kidney, and nerve damage, underscoring the critical need for effective insulin delivery methods.

Traditional insulin administration via injections remains the fastest way to introduce insulin into the bloodstream. However, this necessitates multiple injections daily, posing challenges to patients’ quality of life and adherence to treatment regimens. Over time, inconsistent insulin administration can lead to debilitating consequences, including limb amputations.

Reflecting on the team’s journey towards needle-free alternatives over the past three years, Dr Li notes: “We explored nasal sprays before settling on oral drops for their simplicity and convenience. Our goal is to offer diabetes patients a new option that enhances medication adherence and helps regulate blood glucose levels for long-term health.”

While an inhalable insulin product, Exubera, briefly entered the market in 2006 before withdrawal, Dr. Li aims to achieve rapid, pain-free insulin delivery without significant side effects. This needle-free technology reduces the risk of cross-contamination and needle-related infections and addresses concerns surrounding the safe disposal of contaminated needles.

UBC’s development of oral insulin drops represents a significant advancement in diabetes care, offering hope for improved management and enhanced quality of life for millions of patients globally. As research continues and partnerships evolve, the prospect of bringing this innovation to fruition not only underscores its potential to redefine diabetes treatment paradigms but also ignites a sense of excitement about the future of diabetes care, making it easier and safer for patients to manage their health effectively.

More information: Jiamin Wu et al, Systemic delivery of proteins using novel peptides via the sublingual route, Journal of Controlled Release. DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.042

Journal information: Journal of Controlled Release Provided by The University of British Columbia