Eating ultra-processed foods like cold breakfast cereal, cookies, and hot dogs may speed up early signs of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study published in Neurology. The research found that people who consumed more of these processed foods were more likely to experience early symptoms of the disease compared to those who ate very few.

The study analyzed data from over 42,000 participants with an average age of 48, who did not have Parkinson’s disease at the start of the study. They were followed up to 26 years and completed regular medical exams and health questionnaires. Researchers also reviewed food diaries that listed what participants ate and how often.

The team looked at several types of ultra-processed foods, including sauces, spreads, or condiments; packaged sweets; snacks or desserts; artificially or sugar-sweetened beverages; animal-based products; yogurt or dairy-based desserts; and packaged savory snacks. One serving was equivalent to a single can of soda, one ounce of potato chips, one slice of packaged cake, a single hot dog, or one tablespoon of ketchup.

Researchers divided participants into five groups based on how many ultra-processed foods they ate per day on average. The highest group consumed 11 or more servings daily, while the lowest group averaged fewer than three servings daily.

After adjusting for factors like age, physical activity, and smoking, researchers found that participants who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed food per day had a 2.5-fold higher likelihood of having three or more early signs of Parkinson’s disease compared to those consuming fewer than three servings per day.

When looking at individual symptoms, eating more ultra-processed foods was tied to an increased risk for nearly all symptoms except constipation. The study’s author, Xiang Gao, emphasized the importance of choosing whole, nutritious foods over processed ones to maintain brain health.

While the study suggests a link between ultra-processed food consumption and early signs of Parkinson’s disease, it does not prove causation. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the complex relationships between diet, lifestyle, and neurodegenerative diseases.

In the meantime, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to ultra-processed foods by:

* Reading labels carefully
* Choosing whole grains over refined ones
* Limiting sugary drinks and snacks
* Opting for fresh fruits and vegetables instead of packaged options
* Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients

By making informed food choices, individuals can contribute to a healthier brain and potentially reduce their risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

A groundbreaking technique has been developed by researchers from UCL and Edinburgh Napier University to extract tiny cellulose strands from cow manure and turn them into manufacturing-grade cellulose. This innovation, published in The Journal of Cleaner Production, has the potential to create cellulose materials more cheaply and cleanly than some current manufacturing methods.

The advance is a prime example of circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and pollution by reusing and repurposing resources wherever possible. Cellulose is one of the world’s most commonly used manufacturing materials, found naturally in plant cell walls. It was first used to create synthetic materials in the mid-19th century, including photographic film.

Today, cellulose can be found in everything from cling film to surgical masks, paper products, textiles, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Although it can be extracted organically, it is often produced synthetically using toxic chemicals. The new technique, called horizontal nozzle-pressurized spinning, is an energy-efficient process that doesn’t require high voltages like other fiber production techniques.

The researchers say implementing this technology would be a win-win situation for manufacturers, dairy farmers, and the environment. Dairy farm waste, such as cow manure, is a threat to the environment and humans, especially through waterway pollution, greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes, and the spread of pathogens. By putting this problematic waste product to good use, the technology could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry.

The research team is currently seeking opportunities to work with dairy farmers to take advantage of the technology and scale it up. With existing pressurized spinning machines adaptable to the new process, adapting to the logistics of sourcing and transporting cow dung might be the greater challenge.

However, the environmental and commercial benefits would be significant. As animal waste becomes a growing problem globally, this innovation offers a beacon of hope for sustainable resource management. The team is excited about the potential impact on ecosystems and human health, making it a groundbreaking achievement in “dung-gineering.”

The Dark Side of Cannabis Use in Pregnancy

A recent systematic review has raised significant concerns about the risks associated with consuming cannabis while pregnant. The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, analyzed 51 observational studies involving over 21 million people to examine the potential adverse effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.

The findings are alarming: consuming cannabis appears to increase the odds of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death. These results are consistent with definitive evidence in nonhuman primate models exposed to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

The placenta, a vital organ responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, is particularly affected by cannabis use during pregnancy. Research has shown that cannabis can lead to decreased blood flow and reduced availability of oxygen in the placenta, ultimately affecting fetal development and growth.

While many pregnant women may view cannabis as a harmless substance due to its increasingly widespread legalization, the reality is far more concerning. Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance under federal law, and its use during pregnancy is not recommended by medical professionals.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Jamie Lo, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing fetal health over any perceived benefits of cannabis use during pregnancy. “Abstinence is ideal,” she notes, “but it’s not realistic for many patients.” In such cases, a harm-reduction approach can be recommended, advising pregnant women to reduce their cannabis consumption and frequency to minimize potential risks.

The research, part of the Systematically Testing the Evidence on Marijuana (STEM) project, highlights the need for more comprehensive studies on the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy. By understanding these risks, healthcare providers can better counsel expectant mothers and promote healthier outcomes for both mother and child.

Sources:

* The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
* Funding for this research was provided by the Office of Rural Health in the Veterans Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Key Takeaways:

* Consuming cannabis during pregnancy appears to increase the odds of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death.
* The placenta is particularly affected by cannabis use during pregnancy, leading to decreased blood flow and reduced availability of oxygen.
* A harm-reduction approach can be recommended for pregnant women who cannot abstain from cannabis use.
* More comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.