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☆ Biotech startup Seed Health is betting its profits on AI-powered medical science
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Natalie Rose Goldberg | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

On Thursday, Seed Health launched CODA, a computational biology platform funded by its consumer business profitability. Seed Health has been in the business of microbiome scientific breakthroughs since its founding in 2015, but its biggest success to-date may have been becoming profitable as a bioscience startup. Katz's co-founder and co-CEO at Seed Health, Raja Dhir, said CODA and the accompanying data set will help to standardize microbiome science methods, which has long been an issue in the field. CODA's first applications are in metabolic health, brain health, longevity, and menopause, research areas chosen because they have already been identified as areas of human health where early CODA data displayed the strongest evidence. Seed Health has been working on several efforts around pioneering microbiome science for human and planetary health, and many in the field believe the approach is destined to have wider applications.

Persons: Katz, Ara Katz, Eran Segal, Eric Topol, transcriptome, Katz's, Raja Dhir, Dhir, Arpana Gupta, Goodman, There's, Segal, Joseph Petrosino, Petrosino Organizations: Seed, Seed Health, CNBC, Weizmann Institute of Science, Scripps Research Institute, UCLA, Luskin Microbiome, Baylor College of Medicine, Center, Metagenomics, Microbiome Research

☆ 16,000 plastic chemicals exist, many of them hazardous and unregulated, report says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

And with new plastic chemicals entering the market all the time, it’s been difficult for regulators and policy makers to determine the scope of the problem. Now, for the first time, researchers have pulled together scientific and regulatory data to develop a database of all known chemicals used in plastic production. It’s a staggering number: 16,000 plastic chemicals, with at least 4,200 of those considered to be “highly hazardous” to human health and the environment, according to the authors. Although grouping would capture about 1,000 of the most toxic chemicals in plastics, Wagner said, that still leaves about 2,600 chemicals that still need to be regulated. Missing hazard dataIn addition to the massive number of toxic chemicals, the report found that detailed hazard information is missing for more than 10,000 of the 16,000 chemicals.

Persons: it’s, It’s, “, ”, Martin Wagner, Wagner, Philip Landrigan, Landrigan, Matt Seaholm, ” Kimberly Wise White, ” Wagner, ” Landrigan, Tasha Stoiber, Stoiber, Jane Houlihan Organizations: CNN, Norwegian University of Science, Technology, Program, Global Public Health, Global, Planetary Health, Boston College, – Monaco, Plastics, Human, Plastics Industry Association, American Chemistry Council, International, United Nations Environment, Global Plastics, Environmental, Healthy Locations: Trondheim, United States

☆ Opinion: I’m a climate scientist. If you knew what I know, you’d be terrified too
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Opinion Bill Mcguire | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Are you frightened by climate change? While those of us working in the climate science field know the true picture, and understand the implications for our world, most others do not. As a climate scientist, it is my duty to tell you about what is happening to our world, whether it engenders fear or not. Critically, the authors of the study observed that the reality of climate change has to be communicated without inducing a feeling of hopelessness — and this is the key. Climate change is no different.

Persons: Bill McGuire, Read, David Wallace, Wells, Sean Gallup, ” Organizations: University College London, CNN, University of Bath, American Psychological Association Locations: —, Disko, Greenland

☆ Nanoplastics linked to heart attack, stroke and early death, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“Should exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics be considered a cardiovascular risk factor? Nanoplastics have been found in human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and feces, mother’s milk, and the placenta. The examination found “visible, jagged-edged foreign particles” scattered in the plaque and external debris from the surgery, the study said. Presence of microplastics and nanoplastics, and subsequent inflammation, may act to increase one’s susceptibility to these chronic diseases,” Stapleton said in an email. However, calling the study results “a direct link to cardiovascular disease is a stretch for the findings,” she added.

Persons: ”, Raffaele Marfella, Marfella, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Philip Landrigan, ” Landrigan, nanoplastics, Landrigan, Mary Conlon, —, that’s, Andrew Freeman, Phoebe Stapleton, Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario, “, ” Stapleton, Leonardo Trasande, don’t, Trasande Organizations: CNN, New England, of Medicine, University of Campania, Boston College, Program, Global Public Health, Global, Planetary Health, International, Water Association, Surgeons, Jewish Health, Rutgers, Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Getty, American Academy of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, Invest Locations: Naples, Italy, Denver, Piscataway , New Jersey

☆ ‘Everywhere’ chemicals linked to rise in preterm births, study says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Now, researchers have found synthetic chemicals called phthalates used in clear food packaging and personal care products could be a culprit, according to a new study. “Studies show the largest association with preterm labor is due to a phthalate found in food packaging called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP,” Trasande said. “In our new study, we found DEHP and three similar chemicals could be responsible for 5% to 10% of all the preterm births in 2018. “This paper focused on the relationship between exposure to individual phthalates and preterm birth. “Every day, they’re often exposed to more than one phthalate from the products they use, so the risk of preterm birth may actually be greater,” said Friedman, who was not involved in the study.

Persons: phthalates, ”, Dr, Leonardo Trasande, ” Trasande, “, that’s, Alexa Friedman, Friedman, diisononyl, toxicologist Linda Birnbaum, ” Birnbaum, birthweight, DEHP, Trasande, ” Friedman, don’t, ” CNN’s Jen Christensen Organizations: CNN, NYU Langone Health, “, Environmental, American Chemistry Council, Product Safety, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology, National Institutes of Health’s, Child Health, Health, Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP Locations: United States, European

Tiny but bountiful, Antarctic krill make up one of the planet’s largest biomasses, nourishing everything from fish to marine mammals and seabirds. At Steinberg’s lab, researchers are examining how warming oceans — Antarctic krill need water colder than 4 degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit) to survive — are altering krill’s life cycle. However, a leading marine biologist the industry once relied on to burnish its environmental credentials has since denounced krill fishing. She accepted with the hope that she could help mitigate the effects of krill fishing on the Antarctic ecosystem. Today, she believes that krill fishing should be banned.

Persons: “ What’s, ”, Alistair Allan, Bob, it’s, Santa Cruz, Deborah Steinberg’s, ” Steinberg, Emma Cavan, Steinberg, Claire Christian, “ It’s, aren’t, Dirk Welsford, Matts Johansen, ” Johansen, Kjell Inge Røkke, Brett Glencross, “, Jesse Trushenski, Trushenski, Johansen, William Harris, he’s, Javier Arata, Helena Herr, CCAMLR, Ari Friedlaender, ” Friedlaender, Peter Hammarstedt, JoNel, Helen Wieffering, Fu Ting Organizations: Bob Brown Foundation, Soviet Union, Associated Press, Shepherd, Walton Family Foundation, AP, University of California, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, World Wildlife Fund, Imperial College London, Commission, Conservation, Antarctic Marine Living Resources, Antarctic, Southern Ocean Coalition, U.S, United Nations, Antarctic Provider, Aker BioMarine, Aker, Aker ASA, National Institutes of Health, University of South, Association, Pew, University of Hamburg, Foods, Amazon, Wildlife Fund, LCA, Sea Shepherd, Washington , D.C Locations: Antarctica, Chilean, Alaska, U.S, Soviet, Russia, China, South America, Orkney, Norwegian, Santa, Cavan, Tasmania, It’s, Washington, Moscow, Beijing, Texas, Australian, Montevideo, Uruguay, dwarfing, Norway, American, Europe, Canada, Australia, Houston, Aker, Oslo, Brussels, Boise , Idaho, University of South Dakota, Salt Lake City , Utah, Santa Cruz, Virginia, Peruvian, Ski, Los Angeles, Washington ,, Investigative@ap.org

☆ Strange ‘earthquake lights’ explained
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —I once felt the immense force unleashed by an earthquake in 1999 when I was living in Taipei, Taiwan. It was a feeling I was reminded of again this week when writing about a mysterious seismic phenomenon witnessed during Morocco’s recent devastating earthquake. Force of natureReports of multicolor “earthquake lights,” such as the ones seen in videos captured before Morocco’s 6.8 magnitude quake on September 8, go back centuries to ancient Greece. Researchers are beginning to understand the different forms the lights take and where they might appear. One 2014 study found the mystery lights could result from certain rocks when put under stress, but there is still no consensus on exactly what causes these outbursts.

Persons: CNN —, James Webb, Rhea Seddon, Anna Fisher, Judy Resnik, Shannon Lucid, Sally Ride, Kathy Sullivan, dryly, Arabella, Anita, Miss Baker, wasn’t, Jesse Rorabaugh, ”, Mattia Menchetti, Frank Rubio, Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt Organizations: CNN, NASA, United, of Evolutionary, CNN Space, Science Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Greece, Mexico City, Thailand, Africa, Guam, North America, United Nations, Europe, Italy, Spain

☆ Conditions on Earth may be moving outside the ‘safe operating space’ for humanity, according to dozens of scientists
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Laura Paddison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The scientists analyzed nine interlinked “planetary boundaries,” which they define as thresholds the world needs to stay within to ensure a stable, livable planet. A ‘stark warning’Crossing planetary boundaries does not mean the world has reached a disastrous tipping point. As humanity crosses planetary boundaries, our “bank balance” is going down, she said. The significance of the planetary boundaries model is that it doesn’t analyze climate and biodiversity in isolation, the report authors said. This report is the third update on the planetary boundaries framework.

Persons: ”, Katherine Richardson, Angelos Tzortzinis, Richardson, ” Richardson, Martin Mejia, Simon Lewis, we’ve, Andrew Fanning, Raymond Pierrehumbert, ” Lewis, Stuart Pimm, Doris Duke Organizations: CNN, University of Copenhagen, Cordillera, University College London, University of Leeds, Oxford University, Duke University Locations: Chasia, Athens, AFP

☆ Pig cooling pads and weather forecasts for cows are high-tech ways to make meat in a warming world
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

More intense summer heat resulting from emissions-driven climate change means animal heat stress that can result in billions of dollars in lost revenue for farmers and ranchers if not properly managed. But technology often insulates livestock in richer countries — another way global warming exacerbates the gap between wealthy and poor nations. Their cows are already showing signs of improved welfare, like chewing more cud, and there's more heat ahead this summer. "We're going to do what's best by our cows no matter what is or isn't going on with climate change," said Megan McAllister, a sixth-generation dairy farmer. As part of his work with Kansas State, Redmond gives presentations to producers and the general public, and he said that climate change has come up in conversations.

Persons: Farmer Ken Ries, Atul Jain, Mario Herrero, McAllister, Megan McAllister, Michelle Schack, they've, let's, Schack, Gerald Nelson, Nelson, Chip Redmond, Redmond, Jackie Boerman, Boerman Organizations: Livestock, The University of Illinois, Cornell University, University of Illinois, USDA, Kansas State University, Kansas State, Purdue University Locations: Ryan , Iowa, U.S, The University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign, United States, New Vienna , Iowa, Arizona, University of Illinois Urbana

☆ Plant-based and cow’s milk are not nutritionally equal, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The plant-based milk market is exploding, offering beverages made from seeds, nuts, legumes, grains and blends of those ingredients, often marketed as ready replacements for the traditional choice of cow’s milk. The study analyzed nutrition labels and ingredients for 233 plant-based milk products from 23 different manufacturers and found only 28 of the beverages had as much or more protein, vitamin D and calcium as cow’s milk. “Most of the plant milk products fall between the level of 1% and skim milk in terms of saturated fat,” Johnson said. “As a person who studies the microbiome, however, I wouldn’t recommend plant-based milk products for fiber yet. “About a third of the plant-based milk products have sugar or added sugar in quantities that’s more similar to a flavored milk like a strawberry or chocolate milk,” Johnson said.

Persons: ”, Abigail Johnson, “ I’m, Johnson, Christopher Gardner, Gardner, ” Gardner, Walter Willett, Harvard T.H, Willett, milks, ” Johnson, ” Willett, “, ” That’s Organizations: CNN, Nutrition, American Society for Nutrition, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Nutrition Coordinating, Stanford Prevention Research, Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Harvard, of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, University of Minnesota Locations: Boston, Minneapolis, California, Chan

☆ Ex-Tesla engineer builds Aigen robots to eliminate weeds without pesticides
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Aigen founders: Rich Wurden (CTO) and Kenny Lee (CEO) Courtesy: AigenThe Aigen Element looks like a drafting table on rugged tires. The company behind the robots, Aigen, was founded by Rich Wurden, an ex-Tesla engineer, along with former Proofpoint executive Kenny Lee in 2020. The Aigen Element uses computer vision to spot and eliminate weeds without pesticides. Typically, a fleet of the Element robots would pass over the field continuously, gathering data each time. Aigen's farm robots run on solar and wind power, with a lithium iron phosphate battery pack.

Persons: Rich Wurden, Kenny Lee, Glyphosate, Lee, Wurden, Hodgkins, he's Organizations: U.S . Environmental Protection Agency, Proofpoint, Farmers Locations: U.S, Minnesota, Seattle, cybersecurity

☆ Eat lower on the seafood chain for vital nutrients, says Harvard professor of nutrition: Here's what that means
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-25 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

More and more people are adding fish into their diets for the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But it may be time to skip the salmon and tuna, and reach for foods lower on the seafood chain like sardines and clams instead. "So, although they are underutilized, they're really good at delivering those sorts of nutrients." Bivalves, like mussels, are also a "really healthy choice," Golden notes, and they're great sources of zinc and calcium. Here's what Golden recommends adding to your diet to replace foods like red meat and farmed salmon.

Persons: Christopher Golden, they're Organizations: Harvard, of Public Health, CNBC Locations: Chan

☆ Temperaturile ucid 5 milioane de oameni pe an; Frigul a ucis mai mulți oameni decât căldura, dar situația se schimbă
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-08 | by ( ) www.jurnal.md time to read: +3 min

El a spus că în Europa s-a produs deja o creștere a ratei mortalității asociată cu temperaturile ridicate. "Populațiile au abilitatea de a se adapta la vremea locală", a spus Guo. Cea mai mare creștere a ratei mortalității din cauza căldurii a avut loc în Europa de Est, în timp ce Africa Sub-sahariană a înregistrat cea mai mare rată a mortalității legată de temperaturile scăzute. "Cei mai expuși riscului sunt oamenii care au o afecțiune cardiacă sau pulmonară preexistentă", a spus el. Populațiile sunt bine adaptate la climatul în care locuiesc, în ceea ce privește locuința, înbrăcămintea sau comportamentul, a spus Barnett.

Persons: Adrian Barnett, Barnett Organizations: Universitatea Locations: Monash, Australia, Europa, Europa de Est, Africa, Queensland

☆ STUDIU: Dacă poluarea aerului s-ar reduce, ar putea fi evitate 50.000 de decese premature pe an în Europa
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-20 | by ( Publika.Md - Aici Sunt Știrile | ) www.publika.md time to read: +2 min

Reducerea poluării aerului la nivelurile recomandate de OMS ar permite evitarea a peste 50.000 de decese pe an în Europa, potrivit unui studiu publicat miercuri, care solicită acţiuni rapide, informează AFP. Pragul recomandat de OMS pentru particulele fine PM2,5 este de 10 mg/m3 în medie pe an, iar pentru dioxidul de azot (NO2) de 40 mg/m3 în medie pe an. Respectarea recomandărilor OMS ar permite evitarea a 51.213 decese premature pe an, potrivit cercetătorilor. Studiul, publicat în revista Lancet Planetary Health, a calculat decesele premature legate de aceşti doi poluanţi în 1.000 de oraşe europene, scrie digi24.ro Respectarea recomandărilor OMS ar permite evitarea a 51.213 decese premature pe an, potrivit cercetătorilor. Studiul "arată că numeroase oraşe nu fac încă suficient pentru a combate poluarea aerului", a declarat Mark Nieuwenhuijsen de la Institutul pentru Sănătate Globală din Barcelona (ISGlobal).

Persons: Mark, Sasha Organizations: OMS Locations: Europa, Barcelona, Pad, Italia, Polonia, Republica Cehă, Reykjavik, oraşele, Norvegia, Umea, Suedia, Oulu, Finlanda

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