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☆ A professional housekeeper swears by these 6 cleaning products—and they start at just $2
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Alexandra Hayes Robinson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you've ever found yourself down the social media rabbit hole of deep house cleaning, you've probably heard of Vanessa Amaro, TikTok's "Queen of Cleaning." Zote Soap BarPrice: Starts at $2 "As a child, my grandma would give me a Tupperware filled with water, my socks, and a bar of Zote soap," Amaro recalls. Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray SoapPrice: Starts at $4.99 Amaro loves Dawn's Powerwash spray soap because of its versatility. Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner With BleachPrice: Starts at $4.48 For a disinfectant, Amaro's brand of choice is Clorox's all purpose bleach spray cleaner. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees: Disinfecting can kill viruses and bacteria that remain on surfaces after cleaning.

☆ After baby formula problems, Abbott Laboratories under DOJ investigation
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( Laura Strickler | Laura Strickler Is A Senior Investigative Producer | Reporter For Nbc News. She Is Based In Washington. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, the company confirmed Friday, almost a year after it shut down a Michigan baby-formula plant after illnesses were reported. Abbott did not specify what aspect of the company is under Justice Department scrutiny. “DOJ has informed us of its investigation and we’re cooperating fully,” an Abbott spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News. The Abbott manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Mich., on May 13, 2022. Abbott voluntarily shut down production at its Sturgis infant formula manufacturing plant on Feb. 17, 2022, after infants who consumed formula made at the plant became sick.

☆ CDC is talking to airlines about wastewater testing in planes. New reports support that strategy.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Aria-Bendix-Byline-Jm.Jpg | Aria Bendix | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The U.S. has been monitoring for the coronavirus in wastewater since the CDC launched its National Wastewater Surveillance System in September 2020. But that testing mainly involves wastewater from households or buildings, not samples from airports or planes. Previous Covid-19 wastewater surveillance has shown to be a valuable tool, and airplane wastewater surveillance could potentially be an option," CDC press officer Scott Pauley told NBC News. Politico first reported that the agency is considering airplane wastewater testing. As of October, more than 1,250 sites were conducting wastewater testing across the U.S.

☆ Fact Check-Flu vaccine study unrelated to Group A Strep doesn't show increase of illness
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the name for bacteria that can cause infections like strep throat, scarlet fever and impetigo. However, the 2014 study examined different bacteria and found that while their numbers increased following the nasal flu vaccine, that did not lead to increased bacterial disease. A recent UK study has also found that while infections of influenza itself be linked to increased cases of Group A Strep, the nasal vaccine is associated with a reduction in bacterial infections. But it did not investigate group A strep bacteria; rather, the study investigated Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which Mina said in an email, are “very different” pathogens to group A strep. A 2014 study does not show the nasal spray flu vaccine causes Group A Strep.

☆ 8 best meal delivery services of 2023, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Mili Godio | Mili Godio Is An Associate Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +26 min

SKIP AHEAD The best meal kit delivery services | How to shop for a meal kit delivery serviceTo determine the best meal delivery service for you, we spoke to chefs, nutritionists and recipe developers about what to look for in a meal delivery service and highlighted their recommendations for the best ones to try this year. 8 best meal delivery services in 2023We talked to our experts about important features to consider when shopping for meal kit delivery services, including available options for certain dietary restrictions, how customizable the plans are and the quality of the ingredients. We separated them into two categories: meal kit services that send out individual ingredients and pre-made meal delivery services. Best meal kit delivery servicesThese expert-recommended meal delivery services all feature an option to send separate ingredients and allow shoppers to cook themselves. For those who don’t have as much time during the week, ready-to-eat meal delivery services are typically the best option.

☆ Everyday experiences of racism can impact your brain-gut microbiome, new study shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Aditi Shrikant | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

But it can also lead to diseases associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune inflammatory disease, according to a new study published in Biological Psychiatry. Gupta is also the co-director of the UCLA Microbiome Center and her research focuses on how the brain-gut microbiome system is influenced by adversity. Racial discrimination led to 'more inflammation in the body'The study included 154 adults who self-identified as Asian American, Black, Hispanic, or White. White participants didn't feel like their discrimination was race-based, but had more to do with their gender or age. White participants did not have inflammation.

☆ A Harvard brain expert eats these 10 grocery foods to stay 'sharp and focused'—at any age
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Dr. Uma Naidoo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

People who do are more tempted to buy unhealthy comfort snacks and packaged goods, rather than whole, nutritious and satisfying options. For plant-based sources of protein, organic tofu, tempeh, beans and lentils can be enhanced with spices for flavor. Nuts and seedsNuts and seeds have healthy omega fats and oils that will help sharpen your brain. Plant-based foods like chia seeds, Brussels sprouts, walnuts and flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3s. Remember that certain conditions, like ADHD, can be aggravated by dairy, so be aware of how it affects you.

☆ Alfalfa sprouts recalled in 3 states due to potential salmonella contamination
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Marlene Lenthang | Marlene Lenthang Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

A Nebraska company is recalling alfalfa sprouts sold in three states due to potential salmonella contamination as state health officials investigate a “cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses” caused by the bacteria. SunSprout Enterprises, based in Fremont, Nebraska, announced Thursday that it is voluntarily recalling four lots of raw alfalfa sprouts. SunSprout Enterprises alfalfa sprouts. "This voluntary recall is a result of a preliminary investigation by the State of Nebraska in connection with CDC of an outbreak of illness likely associated with alfalfa sprouts," the company said. State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue praised local and state health officials for quickly narrowing down the cause of the illnesses.

☆ Chatty AI and Protein-Predicting Algorithm Defined the Year in Emerging Tech
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Angus Loten | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

They also built supercomputers designed to handle the growing influx of data needed for evermore complex AI applications. Newsletter Sign-up WSJ | CIO Journal The Morning Download delivers daily insights and news on business technology from the CIO Journal team. Using an AI algorithm called AlphaFold, the London-based lab said it had expanded its database of predicted protein structures to 214 million, up from 1 million as of December 2021, representing all proteins known to science, including proteins found in animals, plants, bacteria and other organisms. Though researchers say the commercial application of nuclear fusion likely remains years and perhaps decades away, the technology might one day help fight climate change. In March, Sandbox AQ, a software startup developing quantum-computing and artificial-intelligence tools for commercial use, officially spun off from Alphabet’s Google to become a stand-alone company.

☆ Pandemic curbs linked to early start to Europe's winter flu season
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

This winter, health officials have warned of what has been dubbed a tripledemic of influenza, RSV and continued COVID-19 cases, adding to the pressure on over-burdened health services. In Wales, for instance, there were 111.6 confirmed RSV cases per 100,000 in children aged under five in the week ending Nov. 27. In the week ended Dec 18, European cases rose 7% over the week prior, according to ECDC figures. But scientists are concerned that social interaction during the festive season could lead to further increases in respiratory infections, especially as people meet vulnerable elderly relatives. As an added complication, viral respiratory infections can predispose patients to bacterial infections, just when some common antibiotics that can treat them are in short supply in Europe.

☆ A new cholera outbreak is killing hundreds in Haiti. Scientists think it's the same strain that was brought to the country by UN troops more than a decade ago.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Sarah Braner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The current strain may be descended from the 2010 strain that UN troops likely brought. The current outbreak was first reported on October 2, according to the WHO, after three years of no reported cholera cases. Before going to Haiti, there had been a cholera outbreak in Kathmandu, where the troops trained before deployment. Scientists don't yet know why this new cholera outbreak is occurringScientists aren't yet sure how cholera has reemerged in Haiti after three years of no reported cases. However, the authors say this third option is unlikely, partially because other countries in the region have not reported recent cholera cases.

☆ 11 retinol and retinoid products for acne, wrinkles and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Morgan Greenwald | Morgan Greenwald Is A Senior Editor For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +16 min

SKIP AHEAD Retinol and retinoid products | Retinol vs. retinoid | How to use retinol | What are the potential side effects of retinol? The serum contains time-released 1.5% retinol — which is on the higher side for retinol products — as well as vitamins C and E and squalane to moisturize the skin, according to the brand. Since retinoid products speeds up skin cell turnover, it can leave your skin feeling and looking dry, red and irritated. Greenwald has tried dozens of skin care products and brands over the years, including retinol products. Based on their guidance and recommendations, Greenwald reviewed the features and ingredients of highly rated retinoid products from brands like Neutrogena, Skinceuticals, Peter Thomas Roth, The Ordinary and more.

☆ Fact Check-No raw fish is considered safe during pregnancy
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pregnant people can eat certain types of cooked fish safely, but there is no raw fish considered safe to eat while pregnant because the risk to both mother and fetus from bacterial and parasitic infections is too great, according to guidelines. A spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pointed to the organization’s guide to pregnancy and childbirth, which also advises avoiding all raw fish, including sushi and sashimi (here) (here). Most obstetrician-gynecologists believe that eating raw fish during pregnancy is unsafe and that parasitic infections caused by eating raw fish are harder to treat in pregnant women because of the danger of fetal exposure to anti-parasitic medications, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (here). An article from theBUMP.com, updated in 2020, summarizes FDA guidelines in a chart listing the cooked fish and shellfish that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy (here). Eating raw fish is not considered safe for pregnant people or their fetuses because of the increased risk of parasitic and bacterial infections.

☆ I'm a health & wellness reporter. Here are 3 healthy habits I learned this year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"I'm a health and wellness reporter," I responded "So, you're a vegetarian, aren't you?" Just how many life changes have I made as a result of my health reporting? But I learned from Dr. Kelman that if you're not letting your toothbrush air-dry, you're actually increasing the likelihood of bacteria building up. I read on and learned that the warning was for the holiday lights that were built in to the tree. While researching, I discovered that most holiday lights have lead and phthalates on their wiring, which can be very harmful for young children and pregnant women.

☆ A nutritionist shares the best snacks to bring on a plane to boost your immune system
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of getting sick, say health specialists at Spain's SHA Wellness Clinic. Source: SHA Wellness ClinicEating a nutrient-dense diet is the top recommendation from Melanie Waxman, an integrative nutrition specialist and eating coach at SHA Wellness Clinic. Nori is alkaline and provides a good source of vitamin C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals." Nori is alkaline and provides a good source of vitamin C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals." Supplements, for someStudies indicate that certain supplements — such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, garlic, echinacea and green tea — may strengthen the body's immune response, Mera said.

☆ A mysterious set of bones was found in a bog in Europe, and they could indicate an ancient ritual
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-24 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The skeleton could be part of a collection of "bog bodies" found all over Northern Europe. Evidence also suggests that the "bog body" could have been there as part of a ritual. Researchers understood it to be a "bog body" which refers to the dozens of usually male bodies found in bogs in Europe. One of the most famous bog bodies, the Tollund Man, was also found in Denmark. This has been widely done throughout ancient times, and this is most likely a victim of such a ritual," Struve said in a press release.

☆ Silicon Valley is coming for your gut biome
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( David Ingram | David Ingram Covers Tech For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

SAN FRANCISCO — Cryptocurrency hasn’t worked out so well for tech investors. As a consumer product, supplements are associated more with the Kardashians or Joe Rogan than with Silicon Valley. Roelof Botha, the managing partner of Sequoia Capital, one of the largest venture capital firms in the world, is among those buying in. He said there’s a “societal reawakening” about the complex biome of the human gut where hundreds of species of bacteria live. She co-wrote a review of the science this year, and said future probiotic supplements have promise compared to supplements that have been available for decades.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday alerted the medical community to an increase in pediatric cases of invasive group A strep infections. The spike in invasive strep A was first detected in the U.S. in November, among children at a hospital in Colorado, the CDC said. NBC News reported last week that several children’s hospitals across the U.S. had detected increases in invasive group A strep infections. However, the overall number of invasive group A strep infections among children remains low and the condition is rare, according to the CDC. Generally, people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to invasive strep infections.

When it comes to persistent bad breath, the types of probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread and miso soup may help ease the offending odor, a new study suggests. A major cause of persistent bad breath is gaseous blends of sulfur and other elements, known as volatile sulfuric compounds, that are produced by mouth bacteria, the researchers note. To take a closer look at whether probiotic bacteria might help manage bad breath, the researchers scoured the medical literature for studies on the topic. Bad breath severity in the trials was assessed by measurements of the compounds detected in the mouth, along with a score that indicated how strong the bad breath odors were at various distances from the mouth. Nutritionist Perri Halperin said people with persistent bad breath should see a dentist for potential underlying health issues.

☆ 22 Unique Valentine’s Gifts for Men Who Have Everything
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +12 min

From the cocktail gadget that will level-up his drinks to the ultimate undershirts, these are presents you can purchase with confidence—no gift receipt required. This edition has a wood cabinet with metal plaques, die-cast metal houses and hotels, gold-foil stamping and money-holding drawers. Buy Side’s favorite automatic cocktail maker works with pre-measured pods and his favorite spirits to dispense cocktails at the push of a button. For more great gadget ideas, check out our roundup of the top gifts for your favorite techie. Even better, the jean material “came ready-to-wear with no awkward break-in period, plus a custom liner.”—Additional reporting by Leslie Yazel

☆ Hot-air hand dryers might actually spread germs, not remove them. Here's how to wash and dry your hands safely
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

You might want to think twice before reaching your hands under a hot-air dryer after using a public restroom. Because you could be covering your freshly cleaned hands — with more bacteria. A 2018 study conducted a test to determine if hand dryers in public bathrooms could be dispensing bacteria onto people's hands. To investigate this, researchers exposed petri dishes to the air in bathrooms in various conditions, and brought the dishes back to their lab to see if bacteria was growing on them. But, "petri dishes exposed to hot air from a bathroom hand dryer for 30 seconds grew up to 254 colonies of bacteria (though most had from 18 to 60 colonies of bacteria)."

☆ Aromatherapy spray that killed two people in a multistate outbreak also killed pet raccoon
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Mirna-Alsharif-Byline-Jm.Jpg | Mirna Alsharif | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A lavender and chamomile-scented aromatherapy spray contaminated with deadly bacteria that killed two people has also killed one of the victim's pet raccoon, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The spray was linked to a multistate outbreak that killed a 5-year-old boy in Georgia and a 53-year-old woman in Kansas. The aromatherapy spray was also the source of the illness of a 53-year-old man in Minnesota and a 4-year-old girl in Texas. According to the CDC, the Texas patient's previously healthy pet raccoon broke a bottle of the spray and walked through the liquid. The bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei are rarely found in the United States and are generally found in contaminated soil or water in parts of South and Southeast Asia.

☆ Strep A is surging in the UK and has already killed at least 19 children. Here's why it's taken so long to make a vaccine against this deadly pathogen.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Sarah Braner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Strep A is surging in the UK and has killed at least 19 kids, the UK Health Security Agency said. A vaccine would be better, but research groups have hit roadblocks during its development. Researchers have been trying to make a strep-A vaccine for decadesIf it's caught in time, strep A can be treated with antibiotics. There is no vaccine commercially available, but several research groups are working on developing one. A GSK spokesperson confirmed to Insider that it's also in the early stages of developing a strep-A vaccine but that it had not started human testing.

☆ U.S. hospitals report rise in severe strep A infections in kids after 15 deaths in U.K.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Aria Bendix | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

In the U.K., at least 15 children have died from invasive group A strep since mid-September. Anyone can get invasive strep A, including healthy adults, but people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible. Between 1,500 and 2,300 people die of the invasive infections every year. But children's hospitals in several other states — California, New York, Illinois and Minnesota — said they have not detected any increase in invasive group A strep. It is important for kids with strep to get care right away so they can start taking antibiotics like penicillin.

Children's hospitals in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Washington told NBC News they are seeing a higher-than-average number of cases this season compared to past years. In the U.K., at least 15 children have died from invasive group A strep since mid-September. Anyone can get invasive strep A, including healthy adults, but people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible. Between 1,500 and 2,300 people die of these invasive infections each year. It's important for kids with strep to get care right away so they can start taking antibiotics like penicillin.

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