Roche Suffers Setback as Lung Drug Gets Mixed Result in Trial
The late-stage trials for astegolimab — the medicine being developed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD — offered contrasting results, according to a statement on Monday.
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Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Overdosing tourists in vacation hotspot are straining local health system
The popular Spanish island of Ibiza has had a longstanding reputation as a party hotspot for tourists — but those partying too hard are straining local health resources. A quarter of the ambulance emergencies are linked to large leisure centers, Spanish publication reported. The Works Council of the Union of Healthcare Technicians (WCUHT) told the outlet most of the calls are due to drugs or alcohol incidents at clubs involving foreign tourists — leaving ambulance technicians strained. "The situation is entrenched because the population increases, leisure centers increase, and instead of moving forward we go backward," said union president José Manuel Maroto. In 2024, about 3.28 million people visited Ibiza, while there were 3.38 visitors the year prior, according to the Ibiza Preservation. "Serving tourists from nightclubs saturates the service and harms other emergencies on the island, which have to endure delays in ambulances," said Maroto. A European Psychiatry study published by Cambridge University Press analyzed drug-related fatalities in Ibiza from 2010 to 2016. The study found that MDMA and cocaine were the most commonly used substances, with the number of fatalities per year "steadily increasing." Party promoter Wayne Anthony told Sky News last year he does not think the drug problem in Ibiza will be stopped. "When you have these movements that are driven by music, that are driven by art, that are driven by fashion and drugs are a part of it, whatever you put up, whatever boundaries, whatever laws, I don't think you're going to be able to stop it," said Wayne. He arrived on the island in 1988, noting that "what Ibiza represented was this beautiful, hot island, which was visually stunning and we knew you could party there quite legally." The Center for Public Health researchers at Liverpool John Moores University published a 2014 study on the behavior of young British tourists between the ages of 16 and 35. Of those surveyed, 85.3% reported using illicit drugs — while 54.1% smoked tobacco. The WCUHT is calling for clubs to work with their own private ambulance services. "Clubs are obliged to have a health service with nurses and even emergency technicians, but they are not forced to hire an ambulance service, and this ends up becoming a public system," said Maroto. He added, "We all pay for ambulances to these companies that make billions. It is unaffordable."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
How to get the anti-ageing benefits of fasting without having to give up eating
Humans have been practising fasts for millennia. Our bodies are built to fast: 'It is literally the reason we carry body fat,' explains Dr Jason Fung, a nephrologist, fasting expert and the author of The Obesity Code. When the body goes into fasting mode it supports cellular rejuvenation and longevity. However, most of us cannot stick to an extended fast, drinking nothing but water, and still live a normal life. Cue a little known molecule called spermidine, found in everything from blue cheese and mushrooms to wheat germ and soybeans, that is rapidly becoming one of most talked-about topics in longevity research. Some scientists even believe it may be one of the key reasons why some people live longer than others because it helps to rid the body of damaged cells linked to ageing. 'There is no other longevity compound on the market that packs as big a punch as spermidine. By activating the body's vital cell renewal and recycling process – called autophagy (which also occurs when you fast) – it targets ageing at the source. This looks like reduced inflammation, rejuvenated cells and enhanced hair growth, all a result of the cellular clean-up occurring within,' says Leslie Kenny, the founder of Oxford Healthspan and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project. 'I make a point of eating spermidine-rich food every day – such as lentils, beans, peas and mushrooms. I also add a food-derived spermidine supplement with the minimum effective daily dose (1mg) shown to improve memory in older adults with subjective cognitive decline,' she says. Recent research backs up what she says. And unlike some other longevity trends, spermidine isn't just for lab mice. Human studies, including a 13-year observational trial and several clinical studies in older adults, have linked higher spermidine intake with better memory, lower blood pressure and even a reduced risk of death. Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods, especially those from plant sources and fermented products. Plants, animals and microbes produce spermidine naturally during metabolism. So, any fresh or unprocessed food will contain it to some degree. What makes spermidine stand out is its ability to stimulate a process called autophagy, a kind of internal cellular spring-cleaning that clears out damaged cells and helps cells work more efficiently. As we age, this process slows down, contributing to the development of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. But spermidine appears to reactivate autophagy even in older cells, offering a drug-free method of slowing ageing. 'Think of it as a molecular amplifier for health,' says Nektarios Tavernarakis, the author of a study in Nature Cell Biology into the health effects of spermidine. 'It helps cells tidy themselves, boosting resilience, energy production and potentially warding off disease.' His research identified spermidine as essential to the longevity benefits of fasting. Fasting naturally increases autophagy, the body's cellular 'clean-up' process, and spermidine mimics and enhances this effect by promoting the same pathways. This cellular renewal helps reduce age-related damage and inflammation. Spermidine and brain health Cognitive decline is one of the most feared consequences of ageing, but spermidine could offer hope. A clinical trial published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that three months of spermidine supplementation improved memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The SmartAge trial, published in GeroScience, also found improvements in memory and reductions in inflammatory markers in participants aged 60 to 90. So, how does it work? 'Spermidine stimulates autophagy, which breaks down faulty proteins that otherwise accumulate in the brain and are linked to Alzheimer's disease,' explains Tavernarakis. This 'cellular housekeeping' clears the way for neurons to function better. Andrew Steele, who worked at the Francis Crick Institute decoding DNA and author of Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old, is cautiously optimistic: 'It's likely spermidine provides a general slowing of biological ageing. That may benefit the brain just as much as the heart or gut.' He adds: 'In animal studies, it's helped restore cognitive and motor function. And in humans, we've seen memory improvements.' 'Evidence suggests those consuming more spermidine, mostly in a Mediterranean diet, have better brain (function) and higher life expectancy,' says Dr Stefan Kiechl, a professor of neurology at Innsbruck University, Austria, and one of the world's leading researchers into the health effects of spermidine. How spermidine improves heart health Heart disease remains the world's leading cause of death. New research suggests spermidine could also protect your heart. In aged mice, spermidine supplementation has been shown to enhance heart elasticity, reduce fibrosis (stiffening) and improve mitochondrial function, which supports energy production within cells. 'It mimics some of the benefits of exercise and caloric restriction,' says Tavernarakis, who has studied spermidine's effects on cardiometabolic health. 'People with high spermidine intake tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,' he says. A study from Nutrients (2024), using UK Biobank data, reported not only fewer heart attacks but a significant reduction in all-cause mortality for those with high dietary spermidine. 'In our population studies, individuals with higher spermidine consumption, primarily from Mediterranean diets, had better heart health,' notes Kiechl. 'And the anti-inflammatory effects may also play a key role.' Other studies support his claim and a 2024 UK Biobank study also linked higher polyamine intake with fewer heart problems and an 18 per cent reduction in early death. Spermidine and cancer Emerging research highlights spermidine's potential in cancer prevention through several mechanisms. By triggering autophagy, spermidine can lower the chance of cells turning cancerous. A 2018 review in Nature Reviews Cancer found how autophagy can prevent the initiation of tumours by maintaining healthy cells in the body. Spermidine also supports immune function, particularly by rejuvenating T cells, which are crucial for identifying and eliminating cancer cells. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that spermidine supplementation restored T cell function in aged mice, improving immune surveillance against tumours. Spermidine and gut health Another area where spermidine shows promise is the gut, particularly through its influence on the gut microbiome. The gut plays a dual role when it comes to spermidine. It is where spermidine from food gets absorbed into the body. But also many of the beneficial microbes in your digestive system, especially in the colon, naturally produce spermidine as part of their normal activity. 'Because it boosts autophagy, spermidine supports the gut barrier and helps maintain healthy microbial balance,' says Steele. 'This could be important for preventing chronic gut inflammation and related disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic syndrome.' Although research is still in the early stages, some studies suggest that spermidine may help keep the lining of the gut strong and intact, preventing harmful substances, like toxins, bacteria and partially digested food particles, from leaking into the body and triggering inflammation. There is also evidence that it helps gut-residing immune cells function better, which could be especially beneficial as we age. Adding spermidine to your diet One of the easiest and safest ways to get more spermidine is through your diet. Aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, whole grains and legumes are all good sources. Wheat germ is especially high in spermidine, which you can sprinkle on your yogurt or cereal at breakfast. A tablespoon of wheat germ provides around 1.2 milligrams of spermidine, and 100g of mushrooms or cheddar can offer up to 10mg. Studies suggest that a daily intake of 5mg to 10mg may support health benefits, which can be achieved through a balanced mix of these foods consumed regularly throughout the week.A large US study found that people with the highest spermidine intake from foods like cereals, vegetables, legumes and cheese had significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Kiechl advises a measured approach for now. 'Evidence is strong but there are no 'gold standard' large-scale intervention trials which are necessary for standard medical recommendations,' he says. As spermidine is naturally found in a wide range of everyday foods, it should be easy to boost intake if you don't want to use supplements. That said, for those who prefer a more targeted approach, there are now a number of spermidine supplements on the market that are specifically tested for purity, safety and consistency. These supplement options provide a potential alternative for those who want to explore spermidine's health benefits in a measured, evidence-aware way, while science continues to catch up. Kenny says spermidine has had a dramatic impact on her health, after she was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in her late 30s. 'The biggest area has been in my hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a biomarker of systemic inflammation in the body. Mine is 0.3 – the same as a healthy teenager. In addition, my biological age, as measured by the GlycanAge test, which measures many other inflammatory markers, shows my biological age as 21. This matters because at 39, I was told inflammation in my body was so out of control, I had only five years left to live. 'Other places I notice are my hair quality and colour – I am 60 and don't dye my hair, or need any hair treatments, because my hair, lashes and brows are all healthy and growing as they would when I was younger. I also get consistently strong deep-sleep scores (60-plus minutes) on my Oura Ring when I take it before bed. This is important because it's only during deep sleep that the glymphatic system, the brain's 'washing machine', gets to work to remove the rubbish that piles up during the day that is associated with dementia.' Spermidine supplements Primeadine Original spermidine, from Oxford Healthspan, co-founded by Leslie Kenny, is developed in Japan from non-GMO wheat germ and is third-party laboratory tested. Longevity Box offers a plant-based spermidine supplement aimed at supporting cellular renewal and healthy ageing. UK-based Youth & Earth also offers a well-regarded spermidine supplement made from high-grade wheat germ extract. 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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
From ‘MMS' to ‘aerobic oxygen', why drinking bleach has become a dangerous wellness trend
If something online promises to cure everything, it's probably too good to be true. One of the most dangerous examples? Chlorine dioxide is often marketed under names like 'Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)' or 'aerobic oxygen', buzzwords that hint at health and vitality. But in reality, these products can make you violently ill within hours – and in some cases, they can be fatal. Despite what the name suggests, MMS is not just bleach. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, whereas MMS contains sodium chlorite – a different but equally toxic chemical. When ingested, sodium chlorite can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition where red blood cells lose their ability to carry oxygen. It can also trigger haemolysis (the rupture of red blood cells), followed by kidney failure and death. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. When sodium chlorite mixes with acid (such as stomach acid), it converts into chlorine dioxide, a bleaching agent. This compound has strong antimicrobial properties: it can kill bacteria, fungi and even viruses like SARS-CoV-2. For that reason, it's commonly used in sanitising dental equipment and hospital tools like endoscopes. Its effectiveness at killing over 400 bacterial species makes it useful in cleaning – but not in humans. While the mouth and oesophagus are lined with multiple cell layers, offering some protection, the stomach and intestines are far more vulnerable. These organs have a single-cell lining to absorb nutrients efficiently – but this also means they're highly sensitive to damage. That's why ingesting chlorine dioxide often leads to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In extreme cases, the chemical can burn through the gut lining, leading to bowel perforation – a medical emergency with a high risk of death. Using MMS as an enema is equally dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can trigger an overproduction of reactive oxygen species – unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to chronic gut conditions. This cellular stress may explain both the immediate symptoms and the long-term injuries seen in reported cases. It doesn't make a good mouthwash, either Some sellers claim MMS can be used safely in the mouth because it's found in dental cleaners. But clinical trials show it's no more effective than other mouthwashes, and its oxidising power doesn't distinguish between harmful microbes and healthy cells. Yes, it may temporarily reduce bad breath, but it also disrupts protein synthesis, damages cell membranes, and harms the gut microbiome – the collection of helpful bacteria we rely on for digestion and immune health. Chlorine dioxide doesn't just attack the gut. It also affects the cardiovascular system. Documented risks include low blood pressure, fainting, and cardiac damage – including stroke and shock. In some cases, it causes a dangerous blood disorder called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This condition causes abnormal clotting, followed by severe bleeding and potential organ failure, stroke and death. Chlorine dioxide is also a respiratory irritant. Inhalation can inflame the nose, throat and lungs, and in severe cases, cause respiratory distress – particularly with repeated exposure in workplaces. Studies of factory workers show that even low doses can lead to nasal inflammation, coughing and breathing difficulties. And some patients who drank chlorine dioxide to 'treat' COVID-19 ended up with severe chemical lung injuries. Risks to the brain, hormones and skin Animal studies suggest chlorine dioxide can harm the nervous system, causing developmental delays, reduced movement, and slower brain growth. It also appears to affect the thyroid, potentially causing hormonal disruptions and delayed puberty. It doesn't stop there. Some people who consume chlorine dioxide also develop cerebral salt wasting syndrome, a condition where the kidneys lose too much sodium, leading to excessive urination, dehydration and dangerously low blood volume. Skin contact isn't safe either. Chlorine dioxide can irritate the skin, and lab studies show it can kill skin cells at high concentrations. People who've used it to treat fungal infections have ended up with chemical dermatitis instead. Chlorine dioxide can be useful for disinfecting hospital tools, dental equipment and water supplies. But that doesn't mean it belongs in your body. Many of its supposed 'benefits' come from lab studies or animal research – not from safe, approved human trials. There's no evidence that drinking it cures any disease. There's overwhelming evidence that it can harm or kill you. So, if you're tempted by a product that promises miracles with science-y language and zero regulation, take a step back. The risks are very real – and very dangerous. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Adam Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
