The Risky Truth Behind Erythritol

A recent study reveals that erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in products like Truvia and Splenda, may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by elevating platelet activity, which can lead to blood clot formation. The study compared erythritol with sugar and found that while sugar did not affect platelet activity, erythritol significantly did. Despite being classified as “generally recognized as safe” by the F.D.A., this research calls for further long-term studies to assess the cardiovascular risks of erythritol and similar sugar substitutes. This Popular Sugar Substitute May Put Your Heart at Risk, A New Study Reveals.

Rolling Towards Relief

The F.D.A. is nearing a decision on the approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating PTSD, a move that could revolutionize psychedelic medicine. This potential approval has sparked a bipartisan lobbying effort from veterans, lawmakers, and researchers, advocating for the drug’s benefits despite concerns over trial data. The therapy, combining MDMA with talk therapy, has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms, but challenges remain, including the stigma surrounding psychedelic drugs and the need for rigorous data. The F.D.A.’s decision could set a precedent for future treatments in the burgeoning field of psychedelic medicine.Veterans and Lawmakers Lobby for Approval of MDMA Therapy - The New York Times (gift article).

+despite the lobbying by some powerful groups, the F.D.A. did not approve MDMA: F.D.A. Officially Rejects MDMA-AT as PTSD Treatment | DoubleBlind Mag.

The Lingering Toll

A recent global study estimates that 400 million people have experienced long-term COVID-19, highlighting the ongoing and severe impact of the condition. With only 7-10% of patients recovering fully within two years, long Covid poses significant challenges for healthcare systems and economies, costing an estimated $1 trillion annually. The report stresses the need for more research into treatments and biological mechanisms while recommending policy changes to support affected individuals. The study underscores the far-reaching effects of long-term COVID-19 on individuals’ lives, work, and communities. About 400 Million People Worldwide Have Had Long Covid, Researchers Say - The New York Times (gift article).

Gender Prescription

Recent research suggests that patients under the care of female doctors have better outcomes than those treated by male doctors. This trend, observed across multiple countries, remains puzzling despite consistent data supporting it. Various factors, such as attentiveness to symptoms and quality of care, are posited as reasons, but the exact cause of this gender discrepancy is still unclear. While the findings provoke thought, they also underline the need to explore how gender influences medical care quality and patient survival rates. Do women make better doctors than men? (gift article).

Beyond the Scale

GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, known for their weight loss effects, reveal broader health benefits. Initially developed for diabetes, these drugs show promise in enhancing heart health, protecting kidneys, reducing sleep apnea, and even combating addiction and cognitive decline. Clinical trials highlight their potential to lower cardiovascular risks, reduce inflammation, and support brain health, suggesting these medications may act on multiple body systems beyond weight control. As research progresses, GLP-1 drugs could redefine their role in health promotion, not just weight loss.The Benefits of Ozempic Are Multiplying | WIRED.

Parasites as a Neurological Delivery System

Scientists are exploring using the parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a novel drug delivery system for brain diseases. The blood-brain barrier often prevents effective treatment of neurological conditions, but Toxoplasma naturally crosses this barrier. Researchers have engineered the parasite to deliver therapeutic proteins directly into neurons, potentially offering new treatments for disorders like Rett syndrome. However, the inherent risks of Toxoplasma infection, including its link to neurological issues, present significant challenges before this method can be used in clinical settings. Ick. How Do You Get Drugs to the Brain? Maybe Try a Parasite | WIRED.

Mind Games

Are You Psychic? Nudge, Nudge explores the concept of “population stereotypes,” a psychological phenomenon that explains how predictable human responses can create the illusion of telepathy. Through engaging examples, the author demonstrates how large groups of people consistently choose certain numbers and symbols, making it appear as though psychic abilities are at play. The article delves into the history of these demonstrations, including Uri Geller’s famous televised telepathy act, and uncovers how understanding these patterns can debunk claims of paranormal activity.

Preventing Cancer

# I’m an oncologist. Here’s what I do to reduce my own cancer risk (gift article) explores five practical steps to reduce cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of modifiable behaviors. Key strategies include vigilant sun protection to minimize U.V. exposure, limiting alcohol intake to reduce various cancer risks, abstaining from smoking to lower the likelihood of lung and other cancers significantly, incorporating daily exercise to lower risks of several cancers, and maintaining a balanced diet by avoiding sugary drinks, fast food, and processed meats. While some cancer risks are unavoidable, these proactive measures can play a significant role in prevention.

Diet Beats Drugs for I.B.S. Relief

Irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.) is a challenging condition with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. Traditional treatments often include medications like laxatives and antidepressants. However, a new study published in The Lancet highlights that dietary changes, specifically a low-FODMAP diet, may offer more effective symptom relief than medication. This approach, which involves avoiding certain carbohydrates that trigger symptoms, is gaining recognition as a powerful tool in managing I.B.S. for many sufferers. What’s the Best Way to Treat I.B.S.? - The New York Times (gift article).

More on the Impact of AI on Science

More on how AI is revolutionizing science in the Economist: How scientists are using artificial intelligence (gift article) and Could AI transform science itself? (gift article).

CRISPR and the Microbiome

CRISPR pioneer and Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna is focusing on the microbiome: Crispr Pioneer Jennifer Doudna Has the Guts to Take On the Microbiome | WIRED. I highly recommend Walter Isaacson's biography on Doudna: The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race.

Big Tobacco Stains the Food Industry

"In a broader and much less restricting sense," an executive wrote, "R.J. Reynolds is in the flavor business." Although Big Tobacco is no longer in the food business, they left a terrible legacy: Many junk foods today were made and marketed by Big Tobacco - The Washington Post. (gift article)

Is Junk Food Addictive?

Recent studies suggest highly processed foods may have addictive qualities akin to drugs. Rats opt for sugar over cocaine, even enduring electric shocks for the sweet treat. Humans display similar behavior, consuming processed foods to the point of vomiting and diarrhea post-bariatric surgery. Daily snacking on these foods can rewire our brain's reward circuits, mirroring the cravings induced by cocaine. "In 2022, scientists published an opinion piece in the journal Addiction arguing that highly processed foods should be classified as addictive based on a 1988 Surgeon General report on tobacco products." Food Can Be Literally Addictive, New Evidence Suggests - Scientific American.

Healthy Diet Lowers Dementia Risk

Wapo had an article on the importance of diet in staving off dementia. Recent studies suggest the benefits occur even when started later in life: Eating heart-healthy foods also helps lower your dementia risk - The Washington Post. (gift article)

PANDA-monium: Infections Unmask Childhood Psychiatric Illnesses

Many doctors remain unaware PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune-Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus and its counterpart, PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), or dismiss them as fictitious. This ignorance results in misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and even parental accusations. Recent research suggests these disorders stem from an autoimmune reaction post-infection. The changing perception may have broader implications for understanding infections' roles in psychiatric conditions (for both children and adults), offering hope for early intervention and effective treatment. How common infections can spark psychiatric illnesses in children. (gift article)

Plasma, Platelets, and PF4: Searching for the Brain's Fountain of Youth

Groundbreaking research in mice may have revealed a key to rejuvenating aging brains. Neuroscientists have uncovered that platelets, specifically a group of molecules called Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), play a vital role in the age-reversal process. Three interventions—transfusions of young blood, the hormone klotho, and physical exercise—all harness PF4 to deliver their benefits to the brain. When 22-month-old mice were injected with young blood plasma or PF4, their cognitive age reversed dramatically. These findings, independently discovered by three research teams, offer new hope for combating age-related cognitive decline and unlocking the secrets of brain rejuvenation. Scientists uncover how young blood rejuvenates aging brains | BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Animal Communication Unveils Surprising Parallels to Human Language

Researchers are uncovering fascinating connections between animal communication and human language. For years, the belief in an unbridgeable gap between human language and animal communication prevailed. However, recent studies challenge this notion, revealing that various species possess intricate vocal learning abilities, from mice to dolphins. These findings suggest that language-related capacities may exist on a continuum across the animal kingdom. Scientists are now delving deeper into deciphering the meanings and intricacies of animal communication, shedding light on the evolution of language and our shared cognitive landscapes with other creatures. The Animals Are Talking. What Does It Mean? - The New York Times. (gift article)

+How AI is being leveraged to decode animal communication: Can We Talk to Whales? | The New Yorker and ‎Unexplainable: Can we talk to animals? on Apple Podcasts.

When the CIA, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare Collide

Palantir's Reputation Stalks Its Bid for the UK's National Health Data | WIRED is an interesting article about how Peter Thiel's big data analytics company (and surveillance government contractor), Palantir, is courting Britain's National Health Service for access to their data. What possibly could go wrong?

Big Tech Knows Your Most Intimate Health Details

Your most intimate health details have become data points in the digital realm. Tech giants, often unbeknownst to users, accumulate a treasure trove of personal health information through online interactions, from therapy sessions to fitness apps. Recent cases, like BetterHelp's data-sharing debacle, have exposed the extent of this information harvesting, raising concerns about privacy violations and potential harm. While some believe federal laws like HIPAA shield health data, the truth is more complicated. A fragmented regulatory landscape, limited enforcement resources, and the rapid evolution of technology call for comprehensive data privacy legislation to keep pace with the digital age. What Big Tech Knows About Your Body - The Atlantic.

Build a Real Music Collection

This author cites why she owns her music collection and eschews streaming: Want to Enjoy Music More? Stop Streaming It. - The New York Times. (gift article)