Researchers raise red flags over cancer-causing threat lurking in crucial waterways: 'Could trigger a public health crisis'
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, reported by The New Indian Express, explores this further. It warns that "an increase in pollution in water bodies could trigger a public health crisis, with cancer being one of the long-term consequences."
The study links microplastic pollution in rivers, particularly the Ganges, to a rise in gallbladder cancer (GBC) in India.
Researchers from Kerala medical colleges found that microplastics may have carcinogenic effects. These tiny particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, immune system disruption, and gut microbiome changes, factors known to contribute to cancer development.
The study also highlights that India produces around 15 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 25% being recycled. The rest breaks down into micro- or nanoplastics, which enter the food chain through water and marine life.
As plastic pollution has increased, so have the cases of GBC. While rates in Kerala are still lower than in other areas, doctors there report a steady rise.
This research serves as a clear warning: Unchecked pollution can lead to serious long-term health consequences, including cancer. The connection between microplastics and cancer isn't just alarming; it's a call to action.
The impacts of microplastics go far beyond human health. They harm marine life, disrupt food webs, and damage biodiversity. On land, they affect soil quality and hinder plant growth, which can ultimately threaten our food supply.
The damage caused by microplastics touches every part of our ecosystem, and the consequences are mounting.
There are many ways to help combat plastic pollution. While individual efforts might seem small, collective action makes a difference. From reducing single-use plastics to participating in beach or park cleanups and recycling properly, every step counts.
Even small changes can create a lasting impact, especially when we all get involved.
How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Always
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
OCD's Origins Might Not Lie in The Brain Like We Thought
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 3 percent of people worldwide and remains one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat effectively. That makes any fresh insight into OCD's root causes especially valuable – like a new study pointing to a surprising suspect: the bacteria living in our gut. The research from China explored how the gut microbiota – the complex community of bacteria that live in the digestive system – may influence whether a person develops OCD, and identified six types of bacteria that appear to be linked with the condition. A steady stream of studies has shown close connections between the brain and the gut, but this is the first to provide compelling evidence that gut bacteria may actually help cause it. The researchers used genetic data to strengthen the case for causation. Related: "Previous studies have indicated a potential link between the gut microbiota and OCD," write the researchers from Chongqing Medical University in their published paper. "However, the exact causal relationship remains uncertain." "Our analysis suggested that specific gut microbiota might have a causal relationship with OCD, revealing potential intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disorder." To explore this link, the researchers used a genetic approach known as Mendelian randomization, which allows scientists to infer causality by analyzing genetic variants that influence both OCD and gut bacteria. They assessed links between genetic data and gut bacteria in a sample of 18,340 people, and the links between genetic data and OCD in a separate sample of 199,169 people. Although these were two discrete sets of data, the study used Mendelian randomization to essentially bridge the gap and connect gut bacteria patterns with OCD. Because our genes are fixed at birth and not shaped by environment or lifestyle, this method helps strengthen the case that gut bacteria might directly contribute to OCD, rather than just being an effect of it. However, more data and more controlled experiments will be needed to confirm a causal link. Three types of bacteria appeared to be protective against OCD: Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, and Bilophila. Another three seemed to increase the risk of OCD: Bacillales, Eubacterium, and Lachnospiraceae UCG001. Interestingly, many of these bacteria have been linked with the brain before. For example, previous studies have found a connection between low levels of Ruminococcaceae species and depression. These findings expand what we already know about the gut-brain axis and how one can affect the other. "Future research should employ longitudinal designs and diverse populations to validate and expand upon these findings, as well as a more in-depth classification of microbes and their metabolic products, to further understand the role of gut microbiota in OCD," write the researchers. Down the line – and it's still a way off – we may have a new way to treat or prevent OCD, by controlling gut bacteria mixtures. For people living with the condition – and the families, friends, and clinicians who support them – this could eventually offer new hope. "Despite the utilization of cognitive behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in OCD treatment, a notable 25–40 percent of patients experience suboptimal or no response to these interventions," write the researchers. "Moreover, the personal and societal toll of OCD is substantial." The research has been published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. The News Cycle Is a Stress Monster. But There's a Healthy Way to Stay Informed. Surprise Discovery About Sugar in The Brain Could Help Fight Alzheimer's Air Pollution 'Strongly Associated' With DNA Mutations Tied to Lung Cancer
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ascentage Pharma Appoints Dr. Veet Misra as Chief Financial Officer and Eric Huang as Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Finance
ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascentage Pharma Group International (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) ('Ascentage Pharma' or the 'Company'), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers, announced the appointments of Veet Misra, Ph.D., as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Eric Huang, as Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Finance. Both Dr. Misra and Mr. Huang will report directly to Dajun Yang, M.D., Ph.D., the Company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Yang said, 'I am excited to welcome Veet and Eric to our senior management team. As an innovative biopharmaceutical company dual listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, Ascentage Pharma is entering a phase of notable growth. The addition of these seasoned executives will help accelerate the implementation of our global strategy of becoming a leading, fully integrated global biopharmaceutical company.' Dr. Misra brings a rare combination of deep scientific background in biology and significant experience in U.S. capital markets in the biopharmaceutical sector. 'I am confident that Veet's unique blend of scientific acumen and capital markets expertise can help us garner stronger traction in the global capital markets and strengthen our operations,' added Dr. Yang. Mr. Huang brings rich expertise in the global pharmaceutical industry and a wealth of experience in corporate management. 'This makes Eric a great match for Ascentage Pharma's long-term growth needs. His experience will help drive excellence in Ascentage Pharma's corporate operations as the Company continues to make headway in expanding globally,' said Dr. Yang. Dr. Misra commented, 'I am thrilled to join Ascentage Pharma as its Chief Financial Officer. Ascentage Pharma is a global leader in apoptosis-targeted therapies. Its dual listing in Hong Kong and the U.S. reflects strong recognition of the Company in these two premier markets. I look forward to working with my colleagues to accelerate the global development of the Company's innovative pipeline and create sustained value for patients and shareholders.' Mr. Huang said, 'It is my great honor to join Ascentage Pharma, a company that has established growing global competitiveness in the field of hematologic malignancies. The strategic partnership with Takeda and the dual listing in Hong Kong and the U.S. have created a sound foundation for global expansion. I look forward to working closely with the Company's management team to further improve operations and efficiently integrate the Company's existing resources to accelerate the global development and commercialization of its core assets, ultimately bringing more novel therapeutics to patients in need.' Dr. Misra has more than 20 years of experience in investment banking. Prior to joining Ascentage Pharma, he was a Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking group at Cantor Fitzgerald where he covered the biopharmaceutical sector. Before that, he worked in the life sciences investment banking groups at Houlihan Lokey and RBC Capital Markets. Over the course of his banking career, Dr. Misra advised on deals spanning equity, equity-linked, debt, and debt restructuring, as well as buy-side/sell-side M&A and corporate strategy, primarily focusing on the biotechnology sector. Dr. Misra earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, with a focus on the oncology field, from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Finance & Strategy from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. Mr. Huang has served in various managerial positions at multinational companies for more than 20 years and possesses extensive experience in driving continuous financial performance improvement, business/operational excellence, and global operations. Prior to joining Ascentage Pharma, Mr. Huang served as the Chief Financial Officer for Greater China and Asia-Pacific at Beigene, where he also led Global Technical Operations Finance and Global Commercial Finance, and implemented comprehensive financial planning management and optimized globally-based resource allocation leading to sustained financial improvements. Before that, Mr. Huang was at Novartis, where he served as the head of finance for multiple countries and regions. Mr. Huang received an MBA in Finance from Dowling Business School. About Ascentage Pharma Ascentage Pharma (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers. The company has built a rich pipeline of innovative drug candidates that includes inhibitors targeting key proteins in the apoptotic pathway, such as Bcl-2 and MDM2-p53 and next-generation kinase inhibitors. The lead asset, olverembatinib, is the first novel third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of patients with CML in chronic phase (CML-CP) with T315I mutations, CML in accelerated phase (CML-AP) with T315I mutations, and CML-CP that is resistant or intolerant to first and second-generation TKIs. It is covered by the China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The Company is currently conducting an FDA-cleared, global registrational Phase III trial, or POLARIS-2, of olverembatinib for CML, as well as global registrational Phase III trials for patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL and SDH-deficient GIST patients. The second lead asset, lisaftoclax, is a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. The NDA for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory CLL and SLL was accepted with Priority Review designation by China's National Medical Products Administration. The Company is currently conducting 4 global registrational Phase III trials: the GLORA study of lisaftoclax in combination with BTK inhibitors in patients with CLL/SLL previously treated with BTK inhibitors for more than 12 months with suboptimal response; the GLORA-2 study in patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL; the GLORA-3 study in newly diagnosed, elderly and unfit patients with AML; and the GLORA-4 study in patients with newly diagnosed higher risk MDS. Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships and other relationships with numerous leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Takeda, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, and Innovent, in addition to research and development relationships with leading research institutions, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, including statements that express Ascentage Pharma's opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results of operations or financial condition. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as discussed in Ascentage Pharma's filings with the SEC, including those set forth in the sections titled 'Risk factors' and 'Special note regarding forward-looking statements and industry data' in its Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed with the SEC on January 21, 2025, and the Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 16, 2025, the sections headed 'Forward-looking Statements' and 'Risk Factors' in the prospectus of the Company for its Hong Kong initial public offering dated October 16, 2019, and other filings with the SEC and/or The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited we made or make from time to time that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation do not constitute profit forecast by the Company's management. As a result of these factors, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on Ascentage Pharma's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statements. Ascentage Pharma does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ContactsInvestor Relations:Hogan Wan, Head of IR and StrategyAscentage 512 85557777 Stephanie CarringtonICR (646) 277-1282 Media Relations:Sean LeousICR (646) 866-4012
Fast Company
4 hours ago
- Fast Company
AI could be science's strongest ally
Across the U.S. and parts of Europe, science funding is in crisis. In the U.S., a planned $18 billion worth of cuts to federal research have already halted trials, triggered mass layoffs, and shut down entire programs. Europe isn't immune either, with Horizon, Europe's flagship funding program for research and innovation, also facing rollbacks. These cuts are stretching researchers thin and slowing down innovation when we need it most. Breakthroughs in cancer, rare diseases, and drug development require time, space, and the freedom to explore. Instead, scientists are burning out and many are even walking away, with a recent Nature survey showing that 75% of U.S.-based researchers are considering relocation. With China ramping up investment in AI, the U.S. and Europe risk falling behind just as science enters its most exciting era. Agentic AI could ease the burden Scientific research is slow and expensive, not because of a lack of ideas, but because the tools haven't kept up. Knowledge is buried in siloed papers, scattered datasets, and disconnected systems, and pulling it all together takes time, money, and a lot of manual effort, slowing down even the most promising discoveries. This is where AI comes in as a true lab partner. Unlike the AI systems most of us are familiar with, agentic AI can plan and carry out tasks, all from a single prompt. Scientists can access a suite of agents that will handle the repetitive work that eats up their time, like writing reports, reviewing literature, or designing and running early-stage experiments in the lab. Tech companies and academic researchers are already starting to develop agentic AI to help achieve this. Owkin's K Navigator, Google's AI co-scientist, and Stanford's Biomni reflect a growing shift towards the adoption of agentic co-pilots that let scientists engage with their data as naturally as they would with a colleague. K Navigator is already showing that it can boost productivity by up to 20 times, giving researchers the freedom to focus on making breakthroughs. K Navigator exclusively accesses and analyses spatial multiomic data from MOSAIC Window, a subset of the largest spatial omics dataset in oncology. This allows researchers to better understand how different cells work together in the tumor micro-environment and advance vital cancer research. Agentic AI can help researchers shape hypotheses, work with complex data, and uncover insights, without needing a data science team to guide every step. This kind of acceleration will not only help researchers meet deadlines, but also open up scientific questions that might otherwise go unexplored. We hear this need from researchers every day. Many feel compelled to maintain the same high standards and deliver more data, more trials, and more publications, with fewer resources. In cancer centers and university labs alike, time is the scarcest resource. Agentic AI, embedded into real workflows, can effectively remove some of the friction that slows science down. More time on what matters AI agents won't replace critical thinking or peer review. But with the right safeguards and design (e.g. accurate source referencing and intuitive data visualization), they can help scientists spend less time on admin and more time on what really matters to advance treatments and diagnostics for patients. Because if we can't increase budgets, we need to increase impact. That means giving scientists the tools to do more with less, without burning them out or holding them back. Now is the moment to get this right, otherwise, the cost of underfunding science won't just be slower progress. It'll be lost cures, missed breakthroughs, and a generation of researchers who walk away.
