health disaster Archives - Page 2 of 3

Dec102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

H5N1 Bird Flu Scientists Warn of Potential Human Transmission Risk

The H5N1 bird flu virus, a highly deadly strain responsible for devastating animal populations, is raising alarms in the United States as scientists closely monitor its spread and mutation patterns. New research indicates that the virus may require only one genetic mutation to become capable of human-to-human transmission, prompting heightened vigilance among public health experts. H5N1 is notorious for its lethality, with a fatality rate of 50% among infected humans. So far, human cases have been rare, typically linked to direct contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or other animals such as poultry and dairy cows. However, the findings published in Science on December 5, 2024, by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California, suggest that the virus could...

Nov222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Microplastics Found in Clogged Arteries Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments that infiltrate human tissues, have been detected in arterial plaques, raising significant concerns about cardiovascular health. A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine explores the association between microplastics in fat-clogged arteries and increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death. Led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania, Naples, the study analyzed fatty deposits removed from 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to reduce stroke risk. Key findings include: Microplastics Presence: Nearly 60% of the plaques contained polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and bottles. Additionally, 12% contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring,...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

The Hidden Danger of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check, Learning & Developments

Asbestos widely used for its heat resistance and durability, has a dark legacy as a carcinogen responsible for mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable cancer. Its use spanned diverse applications, from construction materials to the fake snow in classic films like The Wizard of Oz and White Christmas. Despite its hazards, asbestos wasn't banned in the UK until 1999, decades after its dangers were established. Today, concerns about asbestos persist not in construction but in cosmetics. Investigations have revealed traces of asbestos in some talc-based products, raising fresh alarms about its hidden risks in everyday items. How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos), that can fr...

Sep142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Groundbreaking mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Promising Results in Early Trials

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

A revolutionary new cancer vaccine developed by Moderna Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated encouraging early results in its first clinical trials, offering new hope for patients battling advanced cancer. The vaccine, known as mRNA-4359, leverages the same mRNA technology behind the widely successful Covid-19 vaccines to stimulate the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. mRNA Technology: A New Frontier in Cancer Treatment The vaccine, mRNA-4359, is designed to activate the immune system by teaching it to differentiate between healthy cells and tumor cells. This is the same concept used in Covid-19 vaccines, where mRNA instructions train the body to recognize and attack the virus. In cancer, the vaccine instructs the immune system to target cancerous cells, potentia...

Jun292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

FDA Approves First Non-Tobacco Flavored E-Cigarettes, Raises Concerns for Youth

Breaking News, Environment

US Food and Drug Administration authorized the first non-tobacco flavored electronic cigarettes to be sold in the US. Two of the four newly licensed products are sealed, pre-filled containers of menthol-flavored nicotine liquid that can be used in various types of e-cigarettes. The other two are disposable nicotine e-cigarettes meaning the device cannot be reused after the pre-filled menthol liquid has been used. In an interview, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, a smoking and e-cigarette health policy expert, was asked to explain the downsides of FDA licensing and what it means for vulnerable populations. What does the new announcement from the FDA mean? An electronic cigarette, also known as a vape, is a hand-operated, battery-powered device that heats a liquid to create a vapor that can be...

Jun202024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate Change Poses Growing Threat to Maternal and Infant Health, New Research Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

Climate change, one of the most pressing health threats facing humanity, is now being linked to long-term adverse health and socioeconomic effects on children born during periods of extreme heat. A systematic review of existing research has revealed alarming connections between rising temperatures and poor health outcomes for both mothers and their babies, prompting urgent calls for action. Rising Temperatures and Health Risks The new study highlights that global warming, an integral aspect of climate change, is exacerbating health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Previous research has already established that heat exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, gestational hypert...

Jun82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Understanding on How Climate Change Impacting Human Health

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Idea & Innovations

Climate change is not just about melting ice caps and rising sea levels; it poses a significant threat to human health worldwide. From extreme weather events to changes in air and water quality, the effects of climate change ripple through various aspects of our lives, impacting physical, mental, and community health. Here’s a comprehensive look at how climate change affects human health and what can be done to mitigate these risks. Temperature-Related Impacts As global temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with extreme heat. Heatwaves become more frequent and intense, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular/respiratory problems. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those w...

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Orange Peels: A Potential Heart Health Boost Hiding in Your Kitchen

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations

Orange peels, often discarded as waste, might hold significant health benefits, according to a recent study by scientists at the University of Florida and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The study has discovered a novel bioactive compound in orange peels, called feruloylputrescine (FP), which shows promise in promoting heart health. Feruloylputrescine, previously found in grapefruit leaves and juice, has now been identified in orange peels. This compound does not appear in other citrus fruits like limes, lemons, tangerines, or mandarins. FP has garnered attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to cardiovascular health. Research Findings In a six-week experiment, mice were fed a nutritious orange peel extract rich in FP. The resu...

May182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate Change Worsens Symptoms of Brain Conditions, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

Climate change is exacerbating the symptoms of various brain conditions, according to a new review. Conditions such as stroke, migraines, meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and humidity levels. Our brains are designed to manage environmental challenges, including temperature and humidity changes. Neurons in the brain, which function like learning, adapting computers, are sensitive to temperature variations and operate optimally within a narrow temperature range. However, climate change is pushing environmental conditions beyond these ranges, causing the brain's temperature regulation mechanisms to falter. Human bodies are generally comfortable between 20˚C to 26˚C wit...

May162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The transmission of the highly pathogenic bird flu A(H5N1) from a cow to a dairy farmer in the US marks a significant development in our understanding of the virus's behavior and potential risks to public health. This event, the first confirmed cow-to-human transmission of the virus, sheds light on its ability to jump from birds to mammals and underscores the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of infection. The case, which manifested as inflammation in the eye rather than respiratory symptoms, was swiftly identified and reported. This prompt response, coupled with the unique presentation of the virus in humans, provides valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential impact on human health. The identification of a specific genetic change in the virus associat...