There will be no newsletter next week as I gather with family and friends to celebrate my son's wedding. The newsletter will resume on Sunday, October 6.

Forever in Your Food

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are increasingly found in food, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. These synthetic substances, used in products like nonstick cookware and food packaging, resist breakdown, contaminating farmland through sewage sludge fertilizer. Linked to cancer, liver disease, and developmental issues, PFAS can accumulate in food, particularly in items like milk, eggs, and seafood. While the FDA's tests show low levels in most foods, the full extent of contamination remains to be seen, and regulatory gaps leave questions about how safe our food supply truly is. How Dangerous Is PFAS in Food? - The New York Times (gift article).

Leaky Gut Instinct

Emerging research suggests long-term COVID-19 in children might be linked to gut permeability, or "leaky gut." Dr. Lael Yonker, a pediatric pulmonologist, has launched the first clinical trial testing larazotide, a drug to tighten intestinal walls. This trial seeks to address symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal pain, and attention issues in children with long-term COVID-19. While long Covid research has primarily focused on adults, Yonker's trial could provide an essential treatment option for young patients, possibly offering a breakthrough in combating this debilitating condition. The Gut Might Hold the Key to Treating Long Covid in Kids | WIRED.

Plastic Fantasy

In a lawsuit backed by ProPublica's reporting, California accuses ExxonMobil of deceptive marketing regarding its chemical recycling process, pyrolysis. The oil giant claims the technology transforms plastic waste into reusable products, such as fruit cups, but evidence shows less than 0.1% of the recycled content ends up in new products. Despite this, ExxonMobil advertises 30% recycled content using controversial accounting methods. The lawsuit likens this practice to past tobacco industry deceptions, calling for billions in penalties to fund public education and sustainability efforts. ExxonMobil Accused of Deceptive Marketing of Plastics Recycling Process — ProPublica.

Genes on Sale

Remember That DNA You Gave 23andMe? - The Atlantic explores the potential sale of 23andMe and its genetic data, raising concerns about DNA privacy. As the company struggles financially, with stock declines and leadership upheavals, its most valuable asset—customers' genetic information—may be sold. This creates uncertainties about how future owners might use sensitive data, with risks extending beyond current privacy policies. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and other third parties could exploit the DNA data for profit or surveillance. The article underscores that once DNA is shared, it cannot be fully controlled, posing long-term consumer risks.

AI Doctor's Notes

As physicians face overwhelming patient messages, AI tools like MyChart's "In Basket Art" are stepping in to draft responses. These tools use AI models to mimic doctors' voices, providing medical advice or administrative replies. Though many hospitals embrace efficiency, concerns over transparency and potential errors in AI-generated responses grow. Experts worry about automation bias, where physicians may rely too much on AI, risking patient safety. As AI edges into clinical decision-making, ethical questions arise about the role of technology in personal doctor-patient communication. That Message From Your Doctor? It May Have Been Drafted by AI - The New York Times (gift article).

The Rapamycin Gamble

Rapamycin, a drug traditionally used as an immunosuppressant, has gained attention in the longevity community for its potential anti-aging benefits. Early studies in animals, including mice, show promise, suggesting the drug can extend lifespan by inhibiting the mTOR complex, which is linked to cellular health. However, human studies remain inconclusive, with mixed results and limited long-term data. While some users report improvements in energy, reduced inflammation, and other minor health benefits, skeptics caution about the drug's potential risks, such as immune suppression. The quest for a longer, healthier life continues—cautiously. Rapamycin and Anti-Aging: What to Know - The New York Times (gift article).

A Recipe for Health

How UTSW's Food as Medicine Program Is Revolutionizing Physician Education - D Magazine explores the Food as Medicine program at UT Southwestern (UTSW) and how it is transforming physician education by incorporating culinary medicine into medical training. Spearheaded by Dr. Jaclyn Albin and Program Director Milette Siler, the initiative teaches medical students and residents how to use food to combat chronic illness. With cooking classes and real-world nutrition lessons, physicians learn to help patients manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease through diet. The program partners with local communities and aims to make healthy eating accessible and culturally sensitive, tackling health outcomes and social isolation. I am currently enrolled in a similar class offered online: Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) Coaching—The Basics-Overview | Continuing Education Catalog. (thanks, Amy!).

Flowing Through Jazz

In a study of jazz musicians, researchers used EEG scans to explore the brain activity behind entering a "flow state," a heightened, effortless creative focus. Jazz guitarists of varying experience levels improvised while their brain activity was recorded, revealing that more experienced musicians frequently entered flow. Brain scans showed reduced activity in areas associated with cognitive control, suggesting that expertise enables performers to "let go" mentally, allowing creativity to flourish. This research sheds light on how mastery and relaxed focus foster spontaneous innovation. Brain Scans of Jazz Musicians Reveal How to Reach a Creative 'Flow State' | Scientific American.

Empathy: A Team Sport?

Empathy isn't just an individual endeavor—it's socially driven. Research shows that empathy flourishes when it's a group norm, not just a personal skill. Programs like "empathy cafes" and classroom workshops reveal that structured dialogues and reflective listening can foster understanding, even across deep divides. Neuroscience supports this: empathetic behavior lights up specific brain regions, and witnessing empathy in others boosts our empathetic response. The key takeaway? Empathy thrives when nurtured in communities, showing that togetherness can make the cognitive challenge of empathy more manageable and rewarding. Being Empathetic Is Easier when Everyone's Doing It | Scientific American.