The world’s plastic pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, threatening both planetary and human health. Recycling is often touted as a solution, but a new study reveals a disturbing truth: a single pellet of recycled plastic can contain over 80 different chemicals. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Leipzig have shown that these hazardous substances can leach into water, causing impacts on hormone systems and lipid metabolism in zebrafish larvae.

The study, which soaked plastic pellets in water for 48 hours before exposing zebrafish larvae to the resulting mixture, found increases in gene expression related to lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and endocrine regulation. The researchers emphasized that these short leaching times and exposure periods are yet another indicator of the risks posed by chemicals in plastics.

Previous research has shown similar effects on humans, including threats to reproductive health and obesity from exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics. Some chemicals used as additives in plastics and substances that contaminate plastics can disturb hormones, with potential impacts on fertility, child development, links to certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.

“This is the main obstacle with the idea of recycling plastic,” said Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth. “We never have full knowledge of what chemicals will end up in an item made of recycled plastic. And there is also a significant risk of chemical mixing events occurring, which render the recycled plastic toxic.”

The researchers analyzed the chemicals leaching from the plastic pellets and found common plastics chemicals, including UV-stabilizers and plasticizers, as well as chemicals not used as additives, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and biocides. These may have contaminated the plastics during their first use phase prior to becoming waste and being recycled.

The study’s findings have significant implications for a Global Plastics Treaty currently being negotiated under the United Nations Environmental Program. The authors stress that negotiators and decision-makers must include provisions to ban or reduce hazardous chemicals in plastics, and to increase transparency and reporting along plastics value chains.

“This work clearly demonstrates the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics materials and products across their life cycle,” said Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth. “We cannot safely produce and use recycled plastics if we cannot trace chemicals throughout production, use, and waste phases.”

The FDA has faced criticism over its handling of the approval process for AstraZeneca’s ticagrelor, a multibillion-dollar medication used to treat acute coronary syndrome. The concerns were raised by an investigation conducted by The BMJ, which found serious issues with key platelet studies that supported the drug’s approval.

For over a decade, ticagrelor has been recommended for patients suffering from sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. However, in December last year, The BMJ uncovered data integrity problems in the landmark clinical trial (PLATO) used to gain worldwide approval for the medication. This led to questions about the drug’s advantage over cheaper rivals.

The latest investigation by The BMJ delves deeper into two crucial platelet studies that AstraZeneca claimed explained ticagrelor’s effectiveness in treating acute coronary syndrome. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that the primary endpoint results for both trials were inaccurately reported in the leading cardiology journal, Circulation.

What’s more, an analysis of data from platelet machines used in these trials revealed that over 60 out of 282 readings were missing from FDA datasets. This raises serious concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the research conducted on ticagrelor.

Victor Serebruany, an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and a prominent critic of ticagrelor, expressed his shock and disappointment in an interview with The BMJ. He stated that “there are episodes of skyrocketing rebound and profound platelet inhibition after ticagrelor making patients prone to thrombosis or bleeding.” If doctors had known about these issues during the trials, they would have never started using ticagrelor.

The lack of transparency in AstraZeneca’s research is concerning, especially when coupled with the FDA’s failure to address the problems. The need for accurate and reliable data in healthcare cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts patient care and treatment outcomes. As Serebruany aptly put it, “It’s been obvious for years that there is something wrong with the data. That the FDA’s leadership could look past all these problems…is unconscionable.”

A recent survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC — James) has shed light on the alarming fact that many Americans are unaware of the prevalence of testicular cancer among young men. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 10,000 adults in the United States are affected by this disease each year.

The survey found that only 13% of U.S. adults correctly identified testicular cancer as most commonly affecting men under 40. This is a concerning statistic, given that the disease is most prevalent among men between the ages of 20 and 40. Moreover, two-thirds (65%) of respondents believed that an evaluation should be part of an annual exam after age 40, which is not necessarily true.

Cancer experts stress that self-exams are most relevant between the ages of 20 and 40. Shawn Dason, MD, a urologic oncologist at the OSUCCC — James, noted that “a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men.” He emphasized the importance of routine self-exams to detect any lumps or changes in the testicles.

The survey also revealed that younger Americans, aged 18-29 and 30-49, were more likely to say that testicular cancer affects fertility (68% and 61%, respectively). However, they were also more likely to incorrectly agree with the statement that testicular cancer symptoms are always painful (18%).

To educate yourself on this important topic, here are some key takeaways:

* Testicular cancer is most common among men under 40.
* Self-exams should be conducted monthly between the ages of 20 and 40.
* If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor.
* Early detection can lead to successful treatment.

Remember, taking just one minute each month to check yourself could save your life. Don’t ignore any unusual symptoms – seek medical attention immediately.