The festive season doesn’t have to derail your health goals. With mindful strategies like stress management, enjoying treats without guilt, staying active, and prioritising rest, you can maintain balance and vitality. Discover practical tips to navigate the holidays with ease and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Microplastics found in the brain and their impact on ageing
Researchers detected microplastics in human brain tissue using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, indicating potential bioaccumulation. This finding raises concerns about microplastics’ impact on neurological health and ageing.
Boosting longevity through dietary fibres: The role of β-glucan
β-glucan from plant-based fibres reduced fat, improved glucose tolerance, and boosted energy expenditure in high-fat diet mice, with positive shifts in gut microbiota and increased butyrate levels. Other fibres showed limited impact.
Microplastics detected in human seminal fluid: Potential health risks
Microplastics were detected in human seminal fluid, raising concerns about their impact on male reproductive health and potential long-term effects on fertility and ageing. This study used Raman spectroscopy to highlight the prevalence of microplastic contamination in a sample of the general male population.
Mitochondrial disposal in ageing heart tissues and its impact on longevity
When lysosomal function is impaired, cells release dysfunctional mitochondria through large extracellular vesicles instead of breaking them down. This process occurs independently of autophagy, helps preserve cellular health, and is observed in aged or diseased heart tissues, offering insights into ageing and cardiac disease.
Efficient DNA-protein crosslink repair enhances longevity
Endogenous aldehyde-induced DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) are efficiently resolved by transcription-coupled repair (TCR), protecting against metabolic genotoxins. This process explains the molecular pathogenesis of diseases like AMeDS and Cockayne syndrome. Effective aldehyde clearance and TCR are crucial for maintaining genomic integrity in transcribed regions.
The impact of genetics and lifestyle on brain ageing and longevity
Genetic and modifiable risk factors affect brain regions vulnerable to aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Key factors include diabetes, traffic-related air pollution, and alcohol intake. Modifying these risk factors could help protect these fragile brain regions, promoting healthier ageing.
Microplastics impact behaviour and inflammation in young and old mice
Short-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics in drinking water caused behavioural changes and increased inflammation in both young and old mice, with age-specific variations in effects. This highlights potential health risks from microplastic pollution across different age groups.
Long-term health risks of polystyrene microplastics in colorectal cancer cells
Polystyrene microplastics are taken up by colorectal cancer cells, increasing cell migration and potentially promoting metastasis. These particles persist in cells, accumulate in non-proliferating tumour areas, and transfer during cell division, highlighting their potential role in cancer progression and long-term health risks.
Targeting Fusobacterium nucleatum for better colorectal cancer outcomes
A specific clade of Fusobacterium nucleatum, known as Fna C2, is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumours. This clade has unique genetic factors that enhance its ability to colonise and promote tumours, making it a key target for cancer research and potential therapies.
